Method and system for verifying the operation of at least one vehicle's braking means and system for measuring friction forces

Abstract

A method for verifying the operation of the braking means of at least one vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, is described, comprising the following steps a) to e): a) applying a braking force (F) to at least one wheel (100, 200) of at least one axle of at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303); A ), b) towing at least one vehicle according to a non-zero constant forward speed; c) applying a braking force (F A At least one friction force (F B d) measuring at least one measured friction force (F B ) to a predetermined minimum force value (F Bmin e) comparing the friction force (F B ) is the minimum force value (F Bmin ) is malfunctioning. Also described are systems for measuring frictional forces and systems for verifying operation of at least one vehicle's braking means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of braking systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a system for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle, in particular at least one rail vehicle, as well as a system for measuring friction forces. The verification of operation, i.e., diagnosis, may be performed in real time. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art is described below with particular reference to the field of rail vehicles, although it may equally be applied, where possible, to other fields of vehicles running on rails.

[0003] After the start-up or before operation of a rail car or a rail car convoy containing several rail cars, for example as a daily operation, a procedure known to those skilled in the art as a "brake test" is performed, which is necessary to verify the correct operation of the braking system of the rail car or the rail car convoy as a whole.

[0004] The "brake test" is performed in different ways depending on the configuration of one or more railcar types and the configuration of the railcar platoon.

[0005] For the latest generation of rail vehicle fleets, known as fixed configurations, brake testing is generally automated: for example, pressure sensors connected to the braking cylinders of the braking system allow the braking control means (e.g., a computer) to verify that the pneumatic braking pressures controlled by them are actually present in the brake cylinders, within predetermined tolerances.

[0006] However, this type of automatic check cannot verify that the brake cylinders of the braking system apply a braking force (corresponding to the braking pressure) to the pad-disc or shoe-wheel clutch pair. A brake cylinder failure, for example, changes the nominal pressure / force ratio by locally reducing the braking force.

[0007] For example, in the case of a locomotive or freight convoy made up of multiple railcars, where there is no information means of communication between the locomotive and the coupled railcars, a "brake test" would include a procedure in which the operator is asked to verify, at least visually, that the shoe 103 is clear of the wheel or the pad is clear of the disc in the absence of pneumatic braking pressure. The operator should also verify that the shoe is in contact with the wheel or the pad is in contact with the disc in the presence of pneumatic braking pressure.

[0008] This procedure is very time-consuming and requires the operator to walk along each side of the railcar or platoon for visual verification. This procedure is performed when braking is applied and then repeated when the brakes are released. Furthermore, visual analysis does not guarantee that the pressure actually applied to the brake cylinders corresponds to the nominal one when the brakes are visually applied, and may hide unseen faults in one or more pneumatic components in the brake-generating chain.

[0009] The problems with "brake testing" have been discussed above with reference to pneumatic braking systems, however similar problems are found in electro-pneumatic or electro-mechanical braking systems as well as in the associated braking application means.

[0010] Recent technological developments suggest providing each railcar with a self-powered data acquisition system via an "energy harvesting" system connected to suitable pressure and force sensors with wireless communication means and capable of transmitting ground data related to the brake test during the "brake test" process.

[0011] To the extent that the proposed system works, it implies high costs, both in terms of hardware components and in terms of installation and upgrade costs for a complete fleet.

[0012] Furthermore, since the "brake test" is a procedure specific to safety during operation, it implies cumbersome costs for data collection, development and validation in accordance with valid safety standards (EN50126, EN50128, EN50129), especially with regard to transmission systems.

[0013] In the field of vehicles with rubber wheels, devices are available for periodically checking the braking system, in which the vehicle under test is first placed on rollers that impart rotation to the wheels, and then the brakes of the vehicle under test are activated. Finally, the braking torque applied to the rollers is measured. Based on this measurement, the efficiency of the braking system is evaluated. Obviously, this approach may not be applicable in the case of rail vehicles, such as rail cars and rail car platoons, at the start of each daily mission due to the complexity of applying it on each axle of each vehicle that makes up the train platoon and the time required to carry it out. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an effective solution that does not entail high costs, both in terms of possible and complete fleet hardware components and installation and upgrade costs.

[0015] A further object is to provide a solution that does not involve expensive development and certification costs in accordance with the safety standards in force at the filing date of the present invention (EN50126, EN50128, EN50129). [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] These and other objects and advantages are achieved according to aspects of the present invention by a method for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle having the features defined in claim 1, by a system for measuring the friction force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle having the features defined in claim 9 or 13, and by a system for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle having the features defined in claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of this description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The functional and structural features of some preferred embodiments of the method for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle, the system for measuring the frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle and the system for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a brake cylinder and a shoe of a braking means, which are arranged to act on a running wheel in contact with a rail. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a system for verifying the operation of the braking means of at least one vehicle according to the invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a system for verifying the operation of at least one vehicle braking means according to the invention. [Figure 4] The upper diagram of FIG. 4 shows an example relationship between brake pipe brake pressure and braking force, and the lower diagram shows an example relationship between vehicle weight value (tare value), full load value and braking force. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a system for measuring frictional forces generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Before describing several embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be made clear that the present invention is not limited in its application to the design details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention can contemplate other embodiments and can actually be implemented or constructed in different ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of "include" and "comprise" and variations thereof should be understood to encompass the elements described below and their equivalents, as well as additional elements and their equivalents.

[0019] Additionally, throughout this disclosure and the claims, terms and expressions indicating position and orientation such as "longitudinal," "transverse," "vertical," or "horizontal" are relative to a general ground 205 longitudinal to the direction of travel of one or more vehicles.

[0020] With respect to the figures, a side view is used and what is shown and described of the wheels supported by their respective rails is to be understood as being replicated and applied to the pair of wheels constrained by the axles, and the two rails that make up the track, each rail being associated with a respective wheel.

[0021] For example, Fig. 1 shows a shoe-on-wheel type braking system. Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to a pad-on-disc type braking system as well. With reference to this figure, the following will explain in detail, by way of example, how the friction force generated by a wheel is generated and how it can be calculated.

[0022] A wheel 100 with angular velocity ω(t) rests on a rail 101 at contact point 102. The shoe exerts a uniform braking force F a can be applied to the wheel 100.

[0023] At the contact point 102 between the wheel 100 and the rail 101, a friction force F b is generated as a result.

[0024] The equation of balance of the forces acting on the circumference of a wheel 100 with radius r and moment of inertia J, excluding rolling friction which is not significant for the discussion of this invention, is expressed as follows for the wheel 100 with angular velocity ω(t) reported herein:

[0025] TIFF0007824299000001.tif9150

[0026] For certain non-zero values ​​of ω(t),

[0027] TIFF0007824299000002.tif9150

[0028] Therefore, under the condition of constant velocity ω(t), the following equation is obtained:

[0029] TIFF0007824299000003.tif6150

[0030] Therefore, under the condition of constant ω(t), the friction force F b Therefore, except for the forces related to rotational friction, e.g., forces related to bearings (which are considered to be negligible in any case for the purposes of this invention), the braking force F a The value of is obtained directly, regardless of the physical parameters of the wheel or axle.

[0031] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for verifying the operation of the braking means of at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303, in particular at least one railway vehicle.

[0032] At least one vehicle comprises at least one axle to which is coupled at least one wheel arranged to move on the rails 101, 201, 502, and braking means associated with said at least one wheel.

[0033] In a first embodiment, a method for verifying the operation of a braking means includes the following steps. a) applying a braking force F to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303 by a braking means; a providing a step of: b) moving at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303, so that the at least one vehicle moves at a constant non-zero forward speed; c) On the rails 101, 201, 502, the braking force F a The friction force F is a function of b and measuring the at least one friction force F b is generated by said at least one wheel 100, 200, 503 at a contact point 102, 202 between said rail and said at least one wheel; d) at least one measured friction force F b The predetermined minimum low friction force F bmin comparing the e) The measured friction force F b is the predetermined minimum friction force F bmin determining that a braking means associated with at least one wheel having a braking force less than

[0034] For example, the friction force F b may be measured by at least one force sensor means 208 , 209 or at least one strain gauge sensor means 501 .

[0035] Steps a) and b) are not bound to the order described above, for example steps a) and b) may be reversed provided that it is sufficient that the following conditions are met during the measurement of step c), regardless of the order in which they are obtained: - at least one vehicle moves according to a non-zero and constant forward speed, -Braking force F a is applied to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle.

[0036] In further embodiments, the braking means may preferably belong to or be associated with a pneumatic or electro-pneumatic braking system. Thus, in the following some embodiments are described which are applicable for example in the case of pneumatic and / or electro-pneumatic braking systems.

[0037] Preferably, at least one vehicle may include a brake pipe 220 arranged to provide a brake pressure Pf to a braking means associated with at least one wheel, in which case step a) above is as follows: - in said brake pipe 220, said braking means apply a braking pressure Pf to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303, generating a braking force Fa;

[0038] That is, the braking means applies a braking force Fa to each associated wheel by directly modifying the brake pipe brake pressure value Pf, where the generated braking force depends on the brake pipe brake pressure value Pf.

[0039] The pressure in the brake pipe 220 may be provided by pressure control means, for example, arranged to adjust the value of the brake pressure Pf.

[0040] Preferably, in a further embodiment, at least one vehicle may include braking control means associated with said braking means, in which case step a) is as follows: a') The braking control means activates the braking means to apply a braking force Fa to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of the at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303.

[0041] In this case, preferably, said at least one vehicle may include a main pipe arranged to apply a predetermined braking pressure to braking means associated with said at least one wheel, in which case step a') is as follows: - The braking control means adjusts the value of the predetermined braking pressure received by the main pipe provided to the braking means that activates the braking means so as to apply a braking force Fa to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303.

[0042] In other words, for example, the predetermined brake pressure value provided by the main line may be maintained at a predetermined level, for example 8 bar to 10 bar, but the brake control means may locally adjust the received brake pressure value so that the actual brake pressure value provided to the brake means applies a braking force Fa to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303. In this way, the braking force generated at each wheel can be adjusted independently.

[0043] Preferably, the braking means may comprise, for example, a brake cylinder to which a shoe or pad is coupled and which may be arranged to act on a wheel or a disc, respectively. The braking means may further comprise a distributor valve, an auxiliary tank, an air pressure metering device 223, a mechanical transmission system 225.

[0044] For example, the main and / or brake pipes may be included in or associated with a pneumatic or electro-pneumatic braking system, which may be controlled, for example, by a communication bus located along at least one vehicle in the case of a plurality of vehicles, or along the platoon, such that, for example, various braking controls may be provided to one or more braking control means.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the braking means may preferably belong to or be associated with a pneumatic or electromechanical braking system.

[0046] In this case, at least one vehicle may include an electric line arranged to supply electric energy to braking means associated with said at least one wheel, in which case step a) is as follows: - said braking means apply an electrical energy value to said electric wires such that it generates a braking force Fa on at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303;

[0047] Preferably, the braking means may comprise an electromechanical assembly to which, for example, a shoe or pad is coupled and which is arranged to act on the wheel or disc, respectively. For example, the electromechanical assembly may comprise an electric motor. The electric motor may, for example, use electrical energy to move a mechanical assembly, which movement may drive said shoe or pad.

[0048] For at least one vehicle movement, step b) preferably is as follows: - towing at least one vehicle 301, 302,..., 303, so that at least one vehicle moves at a non-zero and constant forward speed;

[0049] Traction can be performed, for example, by a traction means 300. The traction means can be, for example, a locomotive.

[0050] Preferably, at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303 may include multiple axles. Furthermore, at least two wheels may be coupled to each axle. In this case, the above steps c), d), and e) may be performed for each wheel of each axle of the at least one vehicle.

[0051] Preferably, the vehicle may be at least two vehicles 301, 302, ..., 303. Obviously, each vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303 may include multiple axles, with at least two wheels coupled to each axle. In this case, the above steps c), d) and e) may be performed for each wheel of each axle of each vehicle.

[0052] Therefore, summing up for all wheels, steps c), d) and e) can be done as follows: c) the friction force F exerted by the wheels 100, 200, 503 on the rails 101, 201, 502 at the respective contact points between the rails and the wheels b measuring the d) the measured friction force F b The minimum friction force F bmin and comparing the e) The measured friction force F b is the predetermined minimum friction force F bmin determining that the braking means associated with the wheel less than

[0053] For example, the friction force F b may be measured by at least one force sensor means 208, 209 or at least one strain gauge sensor means 501.

[0054] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for measuring the frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle, in particular at least one railway vehicle, said at least one vehicle comprising at least one axle to which is coupled at least one wheel arranged to move on a rail 101, 201, 502, and braking means associated with said at least one wheel are adapted to generate a braking force F on the at least one wheel 100, 200. a For example, as shown in FIG. a is applied to the at least one wheel, the at least one wheel 100, 200, 503 generates a friction force F at the contact point 102, 202 between the rail and the at least one wheel. b The friction force F generated by at least one wheel b The value of is the braking force F applied to at least one wheel. a is a function of

[0055] 2, in a first embodiment, a system 304 for measuring frictional force comprises a movable rail segment 201 arranged to allow contact transit of said at least one wheel 200 in the measurement process. The contact transit of the at least one wheel 200 is determined by the braking force F a The friction force F is a function ofb to the movable rail segment 201. The movable rail segment 201 transmits the friction force F generated by the at least one wheel. b , and is arranged to slide in accordance with the passing direction of the at least one wheel 200.

[0056] The system 304 for measuring frictional forces comprises at least a first force sensor means 208, e.g., a force transducer, arranged along a first end of the movable rail segment 201. The first force sensor means 208 is arranged relative to the movable rail segment 201 such that the movable rail segment 201 presses against the first force sensor means 208 when the movable rail segment 201 moves in the running direction of the at least one wheel, i.e., the travel direction. The first force sensor means 208 is configured to measure the force generated by the sliding of the movable rail segment 201 according to the running direction of the at least one wheel. The force generated by the horizontal sliding of the movable rail segment 201 and measured by the first force sensor means 208 is a friction force F generated by the at least one wheel. b corresponds substantially to

[0057] Preferably, the system 304 for measuring frictional forces may further comprise second force sensor means 209, e.g., a force transducer, arranged along a second end of the movable rail segment 201 opposite the first end. In this way, the system 304 for measuring frictional forces can measure the forces generated by the sliding of the movable rail segment 201 according to both possible passing directions of the at least one wheel.

[0058] Preferably, the movable rail segment 201 may be arranged to slide on a sliding means 203 arranged to rest on a support 204. The support 204 may be arranged to be restrained by a ground 205 below the movable rail segment 201.

[0059] Preferably, the support 204 may be configured to transmit the vertex force exerted by gravity on it to at least one weight force sensor means 213, such as, but not limited to, a force transducer or load cell.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, a system for measuring a friction force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle, in particular at least one rail vehicle, comprises at least one first strain gauge sensor means 501 arranged to be constrained to one side of a rail 502. The first strain gauge sensor means 501 measures said friction force F according to a first passing direction of the at least one wheel 200 or a second passing direction of the at least one wheel 200 opposite to the first passing direction. b The device is oriented so as to measure the

[0061] Preferably, the system for measuring frictional forces may further comprise a second strain gauge sensor means arranged adjacent to the first strain gauge sensor means 501 and constrained to one side of the rail 502. The second strain gauge sensor means may therefore be oriented to measure gravitational forces acting on the rail.

[0062] The first and second strain gauge sensor means may each be a strain gauge sensor or a strain gauge.

[0063] In other words, the first and second strain gauge sensor means may functionally replace the first and second force sensor means 208, 209 and the at least one gravitational force sensor means 213, respectively.

[0064] Considering the low cost of the latter solution, several strain gauge sensor means may be installed along the rail 502 along the measurement area so as to be able to perform measurements on several wheels simultaneously and accelerate the measurement process.

[0065] With regard to the system for measuring the frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle described, the at least one vehicle may include the following elements: - applying a braking pressure P to the braking means associated with at least one wheel f A brake pipe 220 arranged to apply a brake pressure P f A braking force F is applied to at least one wheel 100, 200. a It is designed to generate - an electric line arranged to supply electric energy to braking means associated with at least one wheel, the value of the electric energy being such that said braking means generates a braking force F on at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, 303; a or at least one braking control means associated with at least one wheel, which applies a braking force F to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, 303; a and arranged to control the means to provide

[0066] If the vehicle includes at least one braking control means, the at least one vehicle may comprise a main pipe arranged to apply a predetermined braking pressure to a braking means associated with said at least one wheel, wherein the braking control means is capable of adjusting the value of the predetermined braking pressure received by said main pipe and applying it to said braking means, so as to apply a braking force F to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of said at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303. a Make sure to give them this.

[0067] Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for verifying the operation of the braking means of at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303, in particular at least one railway vehicle, wherein the at least one vehicle again comprises at least one axle to which is coupled at least one wheel arranged to move on a rail 101, 201, 502, and a braking force F applied to the at least one wheel 100, 200. a and braking means associated with said at least one wheel arranged to generate a friction force F b is the braking force F a is applied to the at least one wheel, a friction force F generated by the at least one wheel 100, 200, 503 at the contact point 102, 202 between the rail and the at least one wheel is b is the braking force F applied to at least one wheel a is a function of

[0068] In a first embodiment, the system for verifying the operation of braking means comprises a system for measuring friction forces according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

[0069] Furthermore, the system for verifying the operation of the braking means is based on the measured friction force F b is the predetermined associated minimum friction force F bmin and control means configured to determine that braking means associated with at least one wheel lower than

[0070] Preferably, the control means may be or include at least one of a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor, controller, PLC, FPGA, or the like.

[0071] Preferably, the control means controls the positive peak weight force value Fb The system may be configured to identify that the passage of the wheel 100, 200, 503 has occurred when the system detects

[0072] Preferably, the control means controls the maximum positive gravitational force value F p The system may be configured to identify that the passage of the wheel 100, 200, 503 has occurred when the system detects

[0073] Preferably, the control means determines whether the passage of the wheel 100, 200, 503 is affected by a friction force F b The wheel counting device 308 may be configured to identify the occurrence of the detected information by a wheel counting device 308 configured to be installed in the vicinity of the contact point between at least one wheel and the rail where the measurement is made. The wheel counting device 308 may be configured to continuously transmit the detected information to the control means by a wired or wireless communication means 314.

[0074] Preferably, the control means determines whether the passage of the wheel 100, 200, 503 is affected by a friction force F b The camera 310 may be configured to be installed near the contact point between at least one wheel and the rail where the measurement is taken, and may be configured to identify the occurrence by at least one image recognition algorithm.

[0075] Preferably, the control means may be configured to assign to each of the identified wheels 100, 200, 503 a unique position identifier along at least one vehicle.

[0076] Preferably, the control means comprises: - each measured friction force F corresponding to each wheel 100, 200, 503 of one or more vehicles b Receive; -Each measured friction force F b , with at least one predetermined minimum friction force value F bmin Compared to; - the associated measured friction force F bis the at least one predetermined minimum friction force value F bmin The braking means associated with each wheel that is smaller than

[0077] Preferably, the control means controls the friction force F measured in relation to each wheel 100, 200, 503. b , and a respective predetermined minimum friction force F associated with each wheel via said unique position identifier along one or more vehicles. bmin may be configured to compare the

[0078] Preferably, the control means controls each friction force F associated with each wheel 100, 200, 503. b , the predetermined minimum friction force F associated with each wheel 100, 200, 503. bmin As can be seen in FIG. 3, each minimum friction force F associated with each wheel bmin may be configured to be stored in an array addressed by a unique location identifier along one or more vehicles, the array may be included in a database 312 associated with the control means.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the control means may be configured as follows. -Friction force F b a camera 310 positioned to be installed near the contact point between each vehicle and the rail where the measurement is taken, and at least one image recognition algorithm to identify each vehicle with which each wheel 100, 200, 503 is associated; - each friction force F associated with each wheel 100, 200, 503 b , 303, respectively, by the respective predetermined minimum friction forces F bmin Compare with.

[0080] Each minimum friction force F associated with each vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303 bminmay be configured to be stored in a first array addressed by unique location identifiers along one or more vehicles, again, the array may be configured to be included in a database 312 associated with said control means.

[0081] In this case, preferably, the control unit may be configured as follows. - obtaining weighted braking parameters associated with one or more vehicles 301, 302, ..., 303, wherein the weighted braking parameters associated with one or more vehicles 301, 302, ..., 303 are configured to be stored in a second array addressed by a unique position identifier along the one or more vehicles; - the normalized braking force F associated with each wheel 100, 200, 503 a via the weighted damping parameters.

[0082] Preferably, as can be seen again in FIG. 3, the control means is included in a measurement control system 305 comprising a computer system, and the friction force F measured by the system for measuring the friction force is b The signal processing unit 100 may be configured to receive a value for each of the following:

[0083] With regard to the system for verifying the operation of braking means for at least one vehicle described, the at least one vehicle may further comprise the following elements: - applying a braking pressure P to the braking means associated with at least one wheel f A brake pipe 220 arranged to apply a brake pressure P f A braking force F is applied to at least one wheel 100, 200. a It is designed to generate - an electric line arranged to supply electric energy to braking means associated with at least one wheel, the value of the electric energy being such that said braking means generates a braking force F on at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, 303; a or at least one braking control means associated with said braking means, which is adapted to apply a braking force F to at least one wheel 100, 200 of at least one axle of at least one vehicle 301, 302, 303; a is arranged to operate the braking means to provide

[0084] When the vehicle includes at least one braking control means, the at least one vehicle may include a main pipe configured to apply a predetermined braking pressure to a braking means associated with said at least one wheel, wherein the braking control means is capable of adjusting the value of the predetermined braking pressure received by said main pipe and applying it to said braking means so as to apply a braking force Fa to at least one wheel 100, 200 of said at least one axle of said at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303.

[0085] In the following, various embodiments and examples of use of the present invention will be described to further clarify the operation of the present invention.

[0086] 2, a first embodiment of a system for verifying the operation of the braking means of at least one vehicle is explained in detail. A wheel 200 belongs to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle (not shown), and rests on a movable rail segment 201 at a contact point 202. The movable rail segment 201 is free to move along an axis X on sliding or rolling means 203 which rests on a support 204. In the example shown, the support 204 is considered to be integral with a mechanical ground reference 205. In this example, the support 204 can translate vertically along an axis Y and be measured on at least one force sensor 213.

[0087] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the horizontal movement of the movable rail segment 201 is limited in two directions along axis X by two rails 206 , 207 integral with a mechanical ground reference 205 .

[0088] Two force sensor means, namely first and second force sensor means 208, 209 (not limited to these two load cells), measure the forces generated in rail 206 (left side of the figure) and rail 207 (right side of the figure) respectively due to the possible horizontal movement of the movable rail segment 201 along axis X.

[0089] During the vehicle braking process, the braking means, including the brake cylinder 210 and the shoe 211, applies a braking force F to the wheel 100 at the equivalent point 112. a It has an effect.

[0090] Depending on the direction of the wheel 200, when ω(t)=0, one between the first force transducer 208 and the second force transducer 209 generates a braking force F a , i.e., the friction force F corresponding to the braking applied by the shoe 211 to the wheel 200 at the equivalence point 112 B Measure.

[0091] Generally, prior art braking systems for freight transport convoys are made up of brake pipes 220 whose pressure is controlled by the locomotive pulling one or more cars.

[0092] The brake line 220 feeds a device 221 known as a "distributor" valve and an auxiliary tank (not shown). The "distributor" valve 221 generates a brake pressure 225 as a function of the pressure present in the brake line 220 according to a transfer function known to those skilled in the art.

[0093] Pneumatic metering device 222 receives the brake pressure generated by "distributor" valve 221 and weight information 223. Weight information 223 may be, for example, but not limited to, a pressure indicative of the weight of the truck or vehicle to which wheel 200 belongs. Weight information 223 may be, for example, but not limited to, the position of a manually operated indicator indicative of the weight of the truck or vehicle to which wheel 200 belongs.

[0094] The pneumatic metering device 222 generates a weighted brake pressure 224 as a function of the brake pressure 225 and the weight information 223 .

[0095] Braking force F a is a function of the applied brake pressure 224, the dimensions of the brake cylinder 210, the mechanical transmission system 225, and the coefficient of friction between the shoe 211 and the wheel 200.

[0096] Therefore, by knowing the pressure in the brake pipe 220, the friction force F can be measured by one of the force sensor means 208, 209. b The measured value of indicates the condition of the brake chain consisting of the "distributor" valve 221, the air pressure metering device 222, the mechanical transmission system 225, the shoe 211 and the coefficient of friction between the shoe 211 and the wheel 200.

[0097] When the support 204 is free to slide vertically along the Cartesian axis Y and rests on at least one gravitational force sensor means 213, such as, but not limited to, a load cell, the gravitational force transducer detects the gravitational force F exerted on the movable rail segment 201 by the wheel 200. p Read.

[0098] weight forceF p By knowing the weight information 223 input to the pneumatic weighing device 222, it is possible to estimate the weight information 223.

[0099] FIG. 4a shows the brake pipe brake pressure P f and braking force F a =Frictional force F bThe relationship between the weight force and the braking force is shown as increasing in the direction of arrow 401, where Pb=5 bar nominal and Pr=3.5 bar nominal, and the weight braking force value F a (T) and full load braking force (F) a (FL) is a specific value for a particular vehicle model.

[0100] FIG. 4b shows the weight force acting on the vehicle body weight value F, as known to those skilled in the art. p (T) and total load value F p (FL) and a constant value of brake pressure in the brake pipe (for certain vehicle models, e.g., P f = 3.5 bar), the braking force F a =Frictional force F b , the relationship between the possibilities is illustrated.

[0101] Below, the parameter F a (T), F a (FL), F p (T), F p (FL) is defined as the "vehicle weighing braking parameters."

[0102] Therefore, the braking pressure P f , weight force F p , friction force F b =braking force F a By knowing the measurements, it is possible to have better accuracy in assessing the condition of the braking means (and also said brake chain), including the "distributor" valve 220, the pneumatic metering device 222, the mechanical transmission system 225, the shoe 211 and the coefficient of friction between the shoe 211 and the wheel 200.

[0103] A first embodiment of a method for verifying the operation of at least one vehicle braking means is also described below.

[0104] 3, a locomotive 300 may pull a convoy, particularly a railway convoy, made up of at least one vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303 at a constant speed to maintain zero angular acceleration of each wheel of the train as it passes over a system for measuring frictional forces. In this example, in addition to the locomotive, three other vehicles 301, 302, 303 are shown, each with four axles for a total of eight wheels per vehicle. Note that the zero angular acceleration of each wheel can be expressed as follows:

[0105] TIFF0007824299000004.tif15153

[0106] Furthermore, the locomotive 300 applies a braking force F to the braking means of at least one of the cars 301, 302, . . . , 303. a Applying a known constant pressure P f This allows the locomotive 300 to continue to pull the platoon at a constant speed.

[0107] Otherwise, the locomotive 300 will maintain a constant braking pressure P that ensures the measurement conditions described in the preceding paragraph. f can be controlled, the value of which further depends on the local instantaneous operating conditions, and this pressure value P f can be transmitted over a wireless channel to the measurement management system 305, the functionality of which will be described in more detail below.

[0108] The system 304 for measuring frictional forces measures the frictional forces F exerted by each wheel on the moving rail segment 201 which forms part of the system 304 for measuring frictional forces. b can be measured.

[0109] The system 304 for measuring frictional forces is configured to measure the frictional force values ​​F of the wheels of each of the at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303. b may be continuously transmitted to the measurement management system 305 via wired or wireless communication means 306.

[0110] When the support 204 is free to slide vertically along the Cartesian axis Y, the at least one gravitational force sensor means 213 detects the gravitational force F exerted by the wheel 200 on the movable rail segment 201. p and reading the measured gravitational force values ​​F corresponding to each wheel of at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303. p are continuously transmitted to a computer measurement management system 305 by wired or wireless communication means 307.

[0111] Such a measurement management system 305 may identify the passage of a wheel according to at least one of the following methods: - identifying a change in force along axis X from zero to non-zero and back to zero as measured by at least one of the first and second force sensor means 208, 209; - identifying a gravitational force change Fp along the axis Y from zero to non-zero and back to zero as measured by at least one gravitational force sensor means 213; - identification by a wheel counting device 308 connected to said measurement management system 305 by wired or wireless communication means 309; - A camera 310 transmits images of at least one vehicle 301, 302, 303 passing over the measurement system 304 to the measurement management system 305 by means of wired or wireless communication means 311, which allows the measurement management system 305 to identify the passage of wheels passing over the measurement system 304 by means of an image analysis algorithm and analyzes the images transmitted by the camera 310.

[0112] As each wheel passes, the measurement management system 305 associates a unique identifier consisting of an incremental numerical value with each wheel and maps it to the corresponding measured friction force value F b and possibly the corresponding measured gravitational force value F p , for example, in database 312.

[0113] The database 312 can include the configuration of the platoon, i.e., the position of each vehicle within the platoon and the number of axles of each vehicle. In this way, the centralized measurement management system 305 can b can be associated with each wheel of each vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303.

[0114] During a first example of a brake test of a platoon, in particular a railway platoon, comprising at least one vehicle 301, 3012, . . . 303 pulled by a locomotive 300 at a constant speed, the locomotive 300 generates a brake pressure P f When adding, the following steps may be performed: - each friction force value F delivered by the system 304 for measuring friction forces b and associating it with each wheel identified by at least one of the aforementioned identification methods; - a predetermined minimum friction force value F associated with the formation under measurement bmin The friction force value F obtained at b comparing the pressure value in the brake pipe 220 with the pressure value in the brake pipe 220; said predetermined minimum friction force value F bmin Friction force value F smaller than b In the presence of the current friction force value F b and reporting the identified vehicle to an operator, for example, but not by way of limitation, via the human machine interface 313.

[0115] Otherwise, during a second example of a brake test of a platoon, in particular a railway platoon, comprising at least one vehicle 301, 302, ... 30 pulled by a locomotive 300 at a constant speed, the locomotive 300 generates a brake pressure P f When adding, the following steps may be performed: - each friction force value F delivered by the system 304 for measuring friction forces b and associating it with each wheel identified by at least one of the aforementioned identification methods; - the obtained friction force value F b The minimum friction force value Fbmin_1 , F bmin_2 , , F bmin_3 , each minimum friction value is compared with the values ​​contained in the vector of bmin_1 , F bmin_2 , , F bmin_3 is the predetermined braking pressure value P of the brake pipe 220. f , to the extent that it is associated with one of the vehicles 301, 302, ···, 303 included in the platoon, and said vector of predetermined values ​​is included in a database 312; said predetermined corresponding value F bmin_n Friction force value F smaller than b If exists, the current friction force value F b and reporting the identified vehicle to an operator, for example, but not by way of limitation, via the human machine interface 313.

[0116] In yet another method, during a third example of a brake test of a platoon, in particular a railway platoon, comprising at least one vehicle 301, 302, . . . 303 pulled by a locomotive 300 at a constant speed, the locomotive 300 applies a predetermined brake pressure P f When applying the following steps may be performed: - each friction force value F delivered by the system 304 for measuring friction forces b and the weight force value F p and obtain each friction force value F b and the weight force value F p with each wheel identified by at least one of the above identification methods; - each obtained force value F b , the obtained associated force-weight value F p , the braking pressure value P in the brake pipe f , and normalizing as a function of weighted braking parameters associated with the vehicle in question, the weighted braking parameters being contained in database 312; -Each normalized friction force value F b , the predetermined minimum friction force value F bmin_1 , Fbmin_2 , , F bmin_3 In the step of comparing these minimum friction force values ​​F with the normalized comparison values ​​contained in the vector bmin_1 , F bmin_2 , , F bmin_3 each of which is associated with one of said vehicles 301, 302, ..., 303 belonging to the platoon being measured; said predetermined corresponding minimum friction force value F bmin_n Friction force value F smaller than b In the presence of the current friction force value F b and reporting the vehicle to an operator, for example, but not by way of limitation, via the human machine interface 313.

[0117] Further embodiments of methods for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle, in particular at least one railway vehicle, are described below. [Example]

[0118] 1. A method for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one railway vehicle 301, 302, ..., 303, said at least one railway vehicle comprising: - at least one axle to which at least one wheel is coupled; applying a braking pressure P to the braking means associated with said at least one wheel f a damper pipe 220 arranged to provide; The method for verifying operation of the braking means comprises the following steps: a) applying a braking force F to the at least one wheel 100, 200 of the at least one axle of the at least one rail vehicle 301, 302, . . . , 303 in the brake pipe 220; a The braking pressure P f imparting a b) towing said at least one railcar 301, 302, ..., 303 so that said at least one railcar moves at a constant non-zero forward speed; c) On the rails 101, 201, 502, the braking force F a At least one friction force F that is a function of b measuring said at least one friction force F b is generated by said at least one wheel 100, 200, 503 at a contact point 102, 202 between said rail and said at least one wheel; d) at least one measured friction force F b The minimum friction force F bmin comparing the e) The measured friction force F b is the predetermined minimum friction force F bmin determining that a braking means associated with at least one wheel having a braking force less than

[0119] The advantage thus achieved is that of providing an effective solution without implying high costs, both in terms of hardware components and in terms of installation and upgrade costs for a complete fleet.

[0120] The at least one vehicle to which the present invention is applicable is not only applicable to the railway field but also to any vehicle that runs on rails.

[0121] A further advantage achieved is that it provides a solution that does not involve expensive development and certification costs according to valid safety standards (EN50126, EN50128, EN50129).

[0122] Several aspects and embodiments of the method for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle, the system for measuring the frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle, and the system for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle according to the present invention have been described. It is to be understood that each embodiment can be combined with any other embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but may be modified within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303), comprising: The at least one vehicle is At least one axle to which at least one wheel arranged to run on a rail (101, 201, 502) is coupled; braking means associated with said at least one wheel; Equipped with The method comprises: a) applying a braking force (F) to the at least one wheel (100, 200) of the at least one axle of the at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303) by the braking means; a ) and b) moving said at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303) so that said at least one vehicle moves at a constant non-zero forward speed; c) The braking force (F a ) and at least one friction force (F ) generated by said at least one wheel (100, 200, 503) at a contact point (102, 202) between said rail and said at least one wheel. b ) on the rail (101, 201, 502); d) at least one measured friction force (F b ) to a predetermined minimum friction force value (F bmin ) and comparing e) Measured friction force (F b ) is the predetermined minimum frictional force value (F bmin determining that the braking means associated with the at least one wheel smaller than A method comprising:

2. The at least one vehicle includes a brake pipe (220) arranged to apply a braking pressure (Pf) to the braking means associated with the at least one wheel; The step a) applying a braking pressure (Pf) in the brake pipe (220) to the braking means so as to generate a braking force (Fa) on the at least one wheel (100, 200) of the at least one axle of the at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303); The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The at least one vehicle includes an electric line arranged to supply electric energy to the braking means associated with the at least one wheel; The step a) providing an electric energy value to the electric line configured to cause the braking means to generate the braking force (Fa) on the at least one wheel (100, 200) of the at least one axle of the at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303); The method of claim 1 , comprising:

4. The at least one vehicle includes braking control means associated with the braking means; The step a) a') actuating, by said braking control means, said braking means to apply said braking force (Fa) to said at least one wheel (100, 200) of said at least one axle of said at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303); The method of claim 1 , comprising:

5. The at least one vehicle includes a main pipe arranged to provide a predetermined braking pressure to the braking means associated with the at least one wheel; The step a') adjusting, by the braking control means, the value of the predetermined braking pressure received by the main line and provided to the braking means for actuating the braking means, to apply the braking force (Fa) to the at least one wheel (100, 200) of the at least one axle of the at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303); The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. The step b) towing the at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303) so that the at least one vehicle moves at a constant non-zero forward speed; 6. The method of claim 1, comprising:

7. The at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303) includes a plurality of axles, each coupled to at least two wheels; 7. The method of claim 1, wherein steps c), d) and e) are performed for each wheel of each axle of the at least one vehicle.

8. There are at least two vehicles (301, 302, ..., 303), 8. The method of claim 1, wherein steps c), d) and e) are performed for each wheel of each axle of each vehicle.

9. 1. A system for measuring frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle, comprising: The at least one vehicle At least one axle to which at least one wheel arranged to run on a rail (101, 201, 502) is coupled; Associated with the at least one wheel, a braking force (F a a braking means arranged to generate a Equipped with The braking force (F a ) is applied to the at least one wheel, the at least one wheel (100, 200, 503) generates a friction force (F) at a contact point (102, 202) between the rail and the at least one wheel. b ) occurs, The friction force (F b ) is the value of the braking force (F a ) and the system comprises a movable rail segment (201) arranged to allow contact passage of the at least one wheel (200) during the measurement process; The contact passage of the at least one wheel (200) is a ) is a function of the friction force (F b ) to the movable rail segment (201), The movable rail segment (201) adjusts the friction force (F) generated by the at least one wheel (200) according to the passing direction of the at least one wheel. b ) and arranged so that it slides by The system is at least a first force sensor means (208) disposed on a side of the first end of the movable rail segment (201); the first force sensor means (208) is arranged relative to the movable rail segment (201) so that when the movable rail segment (201) moves in the passing direction of the at least one wheel, the movable rail segment (201) is pressed against the first force sensor means (208); the first force sensor means (208) is arranged to measure the force generated by the sliding of the movable rail segment (201) according to the passing direction of the at least one wheel; The force generated by the horizontal sliding of the movable rail segment (201) and measured by the first force sensor means (208) is the friction force (F b ) A system characterized by being compatible with the

10. A system as described in Claim 9, wherein the system (304) further comprises a second force sensor means (209) arranged on the side of a second end of the movable rail segment (201) opposite the first end, thereby enabling the system (304) to measure the force generated by the sliding of the movable rail segment (201) according to both possible passing directions of the at least one wheel.

11. The movable rail segment (201) is arranged to slide on a sliding means (203) arranged to rest on a support (204), 11. The system of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the support (204) is positioned below the movable rail segment (201) and is constrained to a ground (205).

12. The system described in claim 11, wherein the support (204) is configured to transmit a peak force acting on the support due to gravity to a force sensor means (213).

13. 1. A system for measuring frictional force generated by at least one wheel of at least one vehicle, comprising: The at least one vehicle At least one axle to which at least one wheel arranged to run on a rail (101, 201, 502) is coupled; A braking force (F) is applied to the at least one wheel (100, 200) in association with the at least one wheel. a a braking means arranged to generate a Equipped with The braking force (F a ) is applied to the at least one wheel, the at least one wheel (100, 200, 503) generates a friction force (F) at a contact point (102, 202) between the rail and the at least one wheel. b ) occurs, The friction force (F b ) is the value of the braking force (F a ) and the system (304) comprising at least a first strain gauge sensor means (501) arranged to be coupled to one side of the rail (502); The first strain gauge sensor means (501) measures the friction force (F) according to a first passing direction of the at least one wheel (200) or a second passing direction of the at least one wheel (200) opposite to the first passing direction of the at least one wheel (200). b ) and oriented to measure the

14. The system further comprises a second strain gauge sensor means constrained to one side of the rail (502) and positioned adjacent to the first strain gauge sensor means (501); 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said second strain gauge sensor means is oriented to measure gravitational forces acting on said rail.

15. A system for verifying the operation of braking means of at least one vehicle (301, 302, ..., 303), comprising: The at least one vehicle At least one axle to which at least one wheel arranged to run on a rail (101, 201, 502) is coupled; Associated with the at least one wheel, a braking force (F a a braking means arranged to generate a Equipped with The braking force (F a ) is applied to the at least one wheel, the at least one wheel (100, 200, 503) generates a friction force (F) at a contact point (102, 202) between the rail and the at least one wheel. b ) occurs, The friction force (F b ) is the value of the braking force (F a ) and The system is A system according to any one of claims 9 to 14; The measured friction force (F b ) is a predetermined minimum friction force value (F bmin control means configured to determine that the braking means associated with the at least one wheel smaller than A system comprising:

16. The control means controls the maximum positive friction force value (F b 16. The system of claim 15, configured to identify that a passage of a wheel (100, 200, 503) has occurred when detecting

17. The control means is a maximum positive gravitational force value (F p 17. The system of claim 15 or 16, configured to identify that a passage of a wheel (100, 200, 503) has occurred when detecting a wheel (100, 200, 503) passing through the vehicle.

18. The control means:

18. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, configured to identify that a wheel (100, 200, 503) has passed by a wheel counting device (308) configured to be installed in the vicinity of the contact point between the at least one wheel and the rail where the measurement of the friction force (F b ) is made.

19. The control means: Frictional force (F b a camera (310) configured to be installed near the contact point between the at least one wheel and the rail where measurements of at least one image recognition algorithm; 19. The system of any of claims 15 to 18, configured to identify that a passage of a wheel (100, 200, 503) has occurred using

20. A system as described in any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the control means is configured to assign a unique position identifier along the at least one vehicle to each identified wheel (100, 200, 503).

21. The control means: Each measured friction force (F) of each wheel (100, 200, 503) of one or more vehicles. b ) and Each measured friction force (F b ) to at least one predetermined minimum friction force value (F bmin ) compared to The associated measured friction force (F b ) is equal to said at least one predetermined minimum friction force value (F bmin determining that the braking means associated with each wheel less than 21. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 20, configured to:

22. When citing claim 20, the control means controls each friction force (F) associated with each wheel (100, 200, 503). b ) to a respective predetermined minimum friction force value (F) associated with each wheel via said unique position identifier along said one or more vehicles. bmin 22. The system of claim 21, configured to compare the

23. The control means controls each friction force (F) associated with each wheel (100, 200, 503). b ) to the respective predetermined minimum friction force values ​​(F bmin ) and placed for comparison with A respective predetermined minimum friction force value (F bmin ) are stored in an array addressed by said unique location identifier along one or more vehicles; 23. The system of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the array is included in a database (312) associated with the control means.

24. The control means: The friction force (F b and identifying, by means of a camera (310) positioned to be installed near the contact point between each wheel and the rail where the measurement of the wheel speed is taken, and at least one image recognition algorithm, to which vehicle each wheel (100, 200, 503) is associated; Each friction force (F) associated with each wheel (100, 200, 503) b ) to the respective predetermined minimum friction force values ​​(F bmin ) compared to It is arranged as follows: Each minimum friction force value (F bmin ) are arranged to be stored in a first array along the one or more vehicles that is addressed by the unique location identifier; 23. A system according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the first array is included in a database (312) associated with the control means.

25. The control means obtaining weighted braking parameters associated with the one or more vehicles (301, 302, ..., 303), the weighted braking parameters being arranged to be stored in a second array addressed by the unique location identifier along the one or more vehicles; Via the weighted braking parameters, a normalized braking force (F) associated with each wheel (100, 200, 503) is calculated. a ) to get 25. The system of claim 24, arranged so that

26. The control means: The measurement control system (305) includes a computer system, The friction force (F) measured by the system for measuring friction force b 26. The system of claim 15, wherein the system is configured to receive values ​​for each of:

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