Particle Capture System

Abstract

The present application relates to a system (1) designed to capture particles (16) and intended to be mounted on a damping means (2), said system comprising at least one suction tube (5) for sucking up the particles (16), a collection chamber (8) into which the suction tube (5) opens, said collection chamber (8) being connected to the external environment (9) via at least a first filter (10) and at least a second filter (12), each capable of filtering the particles (16) coming from the suction tube (5) and opening into the chamber (8), and at least a first independent device (14) and at least a second independent device (15) for generating an air flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a particle collection system intended to be installed in a braking means. [Background technology]

[0002] US Pat. No. 5,699,949 discloses a particle collection system that is provided within a friction braking device.

[0003] A friction braking device comprises a disc rotating about a shaft and pads intended to clamp the disc and brake it by friction. During the braking phase, the wear of the pads causes particles to be released, which need to be filtered and collected.

[0004] To do this, the collection system comprises a suction pipe provided with a filter and a fan arranged downstream of the filter, said pipe being connected to a damping device, so that air and particles are sucked through the pipe and the air is filtered by the filter so that the particles are collected on the surface of the filter.

[0005] The collection system further includes a vibration generating means associated with the filter and a collection tray positioned below the filter.

[0006] In this way, by vibrating the filter, it is possible to remove the particle layer that has accumulated on the surface of the filter, and the particles that are detached from the filter are collected in the collection tray under the action of gravity.

[0007] This type of operation to unclog or clean the filter extends the life of the filter and increases the volume of air and particles that can be filtered again. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] French Patent Application Publication No. 3116001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, such vibration generating means are relatively expensive and complex to implement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a system for collecting particles, intended to be installed in a braking means, comprising at least one suction tube for sucking particles, a collection chamber into which said suction tube opens, said collection chamber being provided with at least a first filter and at least a second filter, each capable of filtering the particles coming from the suction tube and opening into the chamber, and at least a first device and at least a second device for generating an air flow, said devices being: - in a capture mode of operation, at least one air flow from the interior of the chamber to the exterior of the chamber through the first filter and / or the second filter, respectively; and / or - at least one air flow from outside the chamber to inside the chamber through the first filter or the second filter, respectively, in an unclog operation mode; The present invention proposes a system including at least a first device and at least a second device capable of generating a signal.

[0011] The system is configured so that each device for generating airflow is controlled independently of the others, thus allowing for more versatile use of the system, ensuring optimal suction at all times, and allowing each filter to be unclogged in an appropriate manner (e.g., without having to unclog another filter that may not need to be unclogged).

[0012] In the particle collection stage, an air flow can be generated from the chamber through the first filter and / or the second filter toward the outside of the chamber, whereby particles are collected on the first filter and / or the second filter.

[0013] To avoid a decrease in suction and collection performance, the collection system also allows for efficient unclog of each of the filters by generating an airflow through at least one of the filters from the exterior of the chamber towards the interior of the chamber so that particles accumulated on the surface of the filter are dislodged from the corresponding filter and returned into the chamber.

[0014] The first filter and the second filter may be formed by a single filtering section or filtering structure, in which case the first filter may be formed by a first section of the filtering structure and the second filter may be formed by a second section of the filtering structure.

[0015] The first and second devices for generating an air flow may be located downstream of the first and second filters, respectively, relative to the collection chamber.

[0016] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined relative to the direction of circulation of airflow in the collection mode of operation.

[0017] In other words, each device for generating an air flow may be arranged between the corresponding filter and the external environment.

[0018] At least one of the devices for generating an air flow may be a fan.

[0019] The first device and the second device for generating an air flow may each be a fan.

[0020] The control means may be capable of varying the speed of each fan independently, which may be gradual, for example continuously from zero rotational speed to maximum rotational speed.

[0021] The system may include a collection tray capable of collecting particles coming from the first filter and the second filter in an unclog mode of operation.

[0022] A collection tray may be placed below the collection chamber, which may thus include an opening at its bottom that opens into the collection tray, and sealing means may be provided between said opening of the chamber and the collection tray.

[0023] The system may include means for estimating the pressure drop and / or clogging of the first filter and / or the second filter.

[0024] Such a measure allows for an accurate estimation of the need to unclog one and / or the other of the filters.

[0025] Alternatively, the unclog mode may be initiated after a certain period of operation.

[0026] The means for estimating pressure loss and / or clogging may include at least one upstream pressure sensor and at least one downstream pressure sensor for at least one of the filters.

[0027] As a variant, the upstream pressure sensor and the downstream pressure sensor may be replaced by at least one differential pressure sensor capable of measuring the pressure difference between at least one upstream side and downstream side of the filter.

[0028] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined with respect to the direction of circulation of the airflow during the collection or filtration stage. Thus, the upstream side of the filter faces towards the collection chamber, and the downstream side of the filter faces towards the external environment.

[0029] It is therefore possible to calculate the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the filter in order to estimate the degree of clogging of the filter: indeed, the more clogged the filter, the more pronounced the pressure difference.

[0030] A first discharge pipe opening into the chamber may extend downstream of the first filter, and a second discharge pipe opening into the chamber may extend downstream of the second filter.

[0031] The downstream end of the first discharge pipe and the downstream end of the second discharge pipe may be connected to each other.

[0032] The downstream end may be capable of opening into the external environment or being isolated from the external environment, for example by means of a solenoid valve.

[0033] The suction tube for aspirating particles may include at least one solenoid valve or check valve.

[0034] The solenoid valve can be closed during the unclog mode of operation and can be open during the collection mode of operation.

[0035] It is noted that such a solenoid valve is not required, and in the absence of a solenoid valve, the suction tube may be sized to create a more significant pressure drop than the filter.

[0036] Such particle collection systems may be intended to be provided in friction braking devices and may be provided in vehicles, for example road or rail vehicles, or in fixed rotor machines such as wind turbines or industrial machines.

[0037] The suction tube may include a first end connected to the friction damping device and a second end opening into the collection chamber.

[0038] The friction braking device may include at least one disc that can pivot about a shaft and braking means including at least one brake pad that can abut against the disc to brake its rotation by friction.

[0039] At least one filter may be a surface filter, i.e. a filter that clogs preferably or even exclusively in its outermost layer, in particular the outer layer located on the collection chamber side, said filter may comprise a surface layer of cellulose nanofibers or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0040] The present application also provides a method of operating a system for collecting particles according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: - at least one collection stage in which at least one air flow is generated by at least one of the devices for generating an air flow from the chamber towards the external environment through the first filter and / or the second filter; - at least one unclog stage in which, in an unclog operation mode, at least one air flow is generated by at least one of the devices for generating air flows from the external environment towards the chamber through the first filter or the second filter, respectively; This relates to a method, including:

[0041] and wherein there is at least a first fan located downstream of the first filter and at least a second fan located downstream of the second filter; In the collection stage, the first and second fans can be activated to expel the air coming from the collection chamber through the first and / or second filters towards the outside, where the particles are then captured by the corresponding filter or filters. In the unclog phase, only one of the fans, for example the first fan, can be started so that air is sucked through the second filter into the collection chamber in such a way that particles are detached from the second filter and fall under the influence of gravity into the bottom of the collection chamber. It is then possible to unclog the first filter, for example by starting only the second fan.

[0042] It is noted that it is possible to perform the unclog phase by starting both fans, for example, as long as one of the fans generates a greater negative pressure than the other.

[0043] In such a case, a negative pressure is created in the collection chamber during the unclog phase, so that the air containing the particles and present in the collection chamber does not risk being expelled through the suction tube.

[0044] The unclog phase may have a duration of, for example, 5 seconds to 1 minute for each filter.

[0045] The duration of the unclog phase may be reduced if a degree of clogging of the filter is reached.

[0046] The collection step can in particular be carried out in the case of braking of the braking device.

[0047] The unclog phase may be carried out in particular when the brake disc stops rotating.

[0048] When the vehicle is stationary, the pads clamp the disc and the air resistance of the suction pipe increases.

[0049] This is advantageous because the airflow drawn through the suction tube is reduced, while the airflow drawn through the unclogged filter is increased.

[0050] Conversely, when the pad is unclamped from the disc, the air resistance of the suction tube decreases.

[0051] This tends to increase the air flow rate drawn through the suction tube, which allows the air tube to be cleaned by drawing out a greater thickness of dust that has accumulated on the surface of the tube.

[0052] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a particle collection system according to the present application, which is provided in a braking device, said diagram showing in detail the particle collection stage. [Figure 2] 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the unclogging stage of the first filter of the collection system; FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the unclogging stage of the second filter of the collection system; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing an alternative embodiment of the collection system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a particle collection system 1 intended to be installed in a braking device 2 .

[0055] The braking device 2 conventionally comprises a disc 3 that can rotate about a shaft 3a. The disc 3 is rotationally connected, for example, to a wheel of a vehicle or a rotor of a machine. The braking device 2 further comprises two brake pads 4 arranged on either side of the disc 3 and that can clamp and release the disc 3 in order to brake it and / or prevent it from rotating. Each pad 4 can comprise a sole and a lining.

[0056] In operation, during the braking phase of the disc 3, the wear of the lining of the pad 4 causes particles to be released which need to be filtered and collected.

[0057] To do this, the collection system 1 includes a suction tube 5 having a first end 6 connected to the braking device 2 and a second end 7 opening into a collection chamber 8.

[0058] The collection chamber 8 may be open at the bottom and may open into a collection tray (not shown as Figure 1 is shown in plan view). It is noted that in this figure the disc is shown diagrammatically from the side for easier viewing.

[0059] The collection chamber 8 may also be connected to the external environment 9 via a first filter 10 and a first outlet conduit 11, and via a second filter 12 and a second outlet conduit 13, respectively.

[0060] The first discharge pipe 11 may be provided with a first fan 14. The second discharge pipe 13 may be provided with a second fan 15.

[0061] The collection system 1 further comprises means for controlling the fans 14, 15, which are capable of independently controlling the start and stop and rotation speed of each of the fans 14, 15 and therefore the air flow rate and / or negative pressure in each of the first discharge pipe 11 and the second discharge pipe 13. The control means may be software and / or hardware (intensity variators, switches, programs, programmable automatic devices, etc.). They may be connected to the vehicle's central control unit. They are configured to control each fan independently.

[0062] Each filter 10, 12 may be a surface filter, i.e. a filter that clogs preferably or even exclusively in its outermost layer (the outer layer that is placed towards the centre or inner volume of the collection chamber into which the suction tube 5 opens). These are, for example, filters that comprise a surface layer of cellulose nanofibers or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0063] 1 shows the collection mode of operation of the system, in which at least one fan 14, 15, for example two fans 14, 15, are activated to generate a suction flow of air and particles 16 successively through the suction tube 5 and one or more discharge tubes 11, 13 of the collection chamber 8 in order to generate a negative pressure downstream of the filter or filters 10, 12 in question. During such a mode of operation, the particles 16 are retained by the corresponding filter or filters 10, 12 located on the collection chamber 8 side, i.e., opposite the tubes 11, 13, for example on the outer surface of said filter or filters 10, 12.

[0064] Such an operating mode can be used, for example, in the braking phase of the braking device 2.

[0065] 2 shows a mode for unclogging the first filter 10. In this mode of operation, the first fan 14 may be stopped while the second fan 15 creates negative pressure so that air circulates sequentially through the first tube 11, the first filter 10, the collection chamber 8, the second filter 12, and the second tube 13.

[0066] It is noted that the diameter of the suction tube 5 is relatively small so that the air resistance of the suction tube 5 is greater than the combined air resistance of the first filter 10, the stopped fan 14, and the first tube 11. Therefore, even though a small air flow rate may be sucked through the suction tube 5, air is preferably sucked into the chamber 8 through the first tube 11.

[0067] Air passing through the first filter 10 allows particles 16 to separate from the upstream outer surface of the first filter 10 so that they return into the chamber 8 and then into the collection tray.

[0068] The first filter 10 can thus be unclogged.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows the mode of unclogging the second filter 12.

[0070] As in the previous stage, in this mode of operation, the second fan 15 can be stopped while the first fan 14 generates negative pressure so that air circulates sequentially through the second tube 13, the second filter 12, the collection chamber 8, the first filter 10, and the first tube 11.

[0071] Here again, the air resistance of the suction tube 5 is greater than the combined air resistance of the second filter 12, the stopped fan, and the second tube 13. Therefore, even though a small air flow rate may be sucked through the suction tube 5, it is preferred that air be sucked into the suction chamber 8 through the second tube.

[0072] The air passing through the second filter 12 allows the particles 16 to be separated from the upstream outer surface of the second filter 12 so that the particles 16 are returned into the chamber 8 .

[0073] The second filter 12 can thus be unclogged.

[0074] 4 shows an alternative embodiment which differs from the previously described embodiment in that the downstream ends of the first and second tubes are connected to each other, and a solenoid valve allows the passage between said tubes and the external environment to be blocked or opened.

[0075] When the solenoid valve blocks discharge to the outside environment, the fan operates in a closed circuit, but the fan used can perform better by blowing air rather than by sucking it, thereby allowing the unclog pressure to be increased. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1. Particle collection system 2 Braking device, braking means 3 discs 3a (disc) shaft 4 brake pads 5 Suction tube 6 (of the suction tube) first end 7 Second end (of suction tube) 8 Collection Chamber 9 External environment 10 First Filter 11 First discharge pipe 12 Second Filter 13 Second discharge pipe 14 First fan, first device, first independent device 15 Second fan, second device, second independent device 16 particles

Claims

1. A system (1) for collecting particles (16), intended to be installed in a braking means (2), comprising: at least one suction tube (5) for sucking said particles (16), a collection chamber (8) into which the suction pipe (5) opens, the collection chamber (8) being provided with at least a first filter (10) and at least a second filter (12), each filter capable of filtering the particles (16) coming from the suction pipe (5) and opening into the chamber (8); - at least a first device (14) and at least a second device (15) for generating an air flow, said first device and said second device being configured to be controlled independently of each other; at least one air flow from the interior of the chamber (8) to the exterior of the chamber (8) through the first filter (10) and / or the second filter (12), respectively, in a collection mode of operation; and / or at least one air flow from the exterior of the chamber (8) to the interior of the chamber (8) through each of the first filter (10) or the second filter (12) in an unclog operation mode; At least a first device (14) and at least a second device (15) capable of generating A system (1) comprising:

2. 2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first device (14) and the second device (15) for generating an air flow are respectively positioned downstream of the first filter (10) and the second filter (12) with respect to the collection chamber (8).

3. 3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the devices for generating an air flow is a fan (14, 15).

4. 4. The system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a collection tray capable of collecting the particles (16) coming from the first filter (10) and the second filter (12) in the unclog operation mode.

5. 5. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means for estimating the pressure loss and / or the degree of clogging of the first filter (10) and / or the second filter (12).

6. 6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the means for estimating the pressure loss and / or the degree of clogging comprises at least one upstream pressure sensor and at least one downstream pressure sensor for at least one of the filters (10, 12).

7. 6. A system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a first discharge pipe (11) opening into the chamber (8) extends downstream of the first filter (10), and a second discharge pipe (13) opening into the chamber (8) extends downstream of the second filter (12), the downstream ends of the first discharge pipe (11) and the second discharge pipe (13) being connected to each other, and the downstream ends can open into an external environment (9) or be isolated from the external environment (9).

8. 8. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suction pipe (5) for sucking the particles (16) comprises at least one solenoid valve.

9. A method of operating a system (1) for collecting particles (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: at least one collection stage, in which at least one air flow is generated by at least one of the devices for generating air flows (14, 15) from the chamber (8) towards the external environment (9) through the first filter (10) and / or the second filter (12); at least one declogging stage in which, in a declogging mode of operation, at least one air flow is generated by at least one of the devices for generating air flows (14, 15) from the external environment (9) towards the chamber (8) through the first filter (10) or the second filter (12), respectively; A method comprising:

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