Joint control system and method for electric hand braking of railway freight car, and railway freight car

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention are a joint control system and method for electric hand braking of a railway freight car, and a railway freight car. The system comprises an electric hand braking mechanism, a hand braking control apparatus, a junction box, a single-car controller CCID, and a train bus cable, wherein the electric hand braking mechanism is connected to the junction box by means of a hand braking sensing cable; one end of the hand braking control apparatus is connected to the electric hand braking mechanism by means of a hand braking sensing cable, and the other end of the hand braking control apparatus is connected to the junction box by means of a hand braking sensing cable; the junction box is connected to the single-car controller CCID by means of a hand braking sensing cable; and the single-car controller CCID is connected to a locomotive control room by means of the train bus cable. The present invention can avoid the impact on an inherent manual braking function of a hand braking mechanism, braking can still be applied by means of manually turning a handwheel of the hand braking mechanism, and release can still be manually implemented by means of operating a release handle.

Description

A combined control system and method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars and railway freight cars. Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of railway freight car technology, specifically relating to a joint control system and method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars, and a railway freight car. Background Technology

[0002] The handbrake system is one of the key systems for railway freight cars. Its main function is to prevent the car from slipping due to air brake failure when it has been parked on a slope for a long time. However, the existing handbrake system has many shortcomings, mainly in the following aspects:

[0003] First, the existing handbrake system uses a single-vehicle control and manual braking method. Every time the handbrake needs to be applied, the operator must manually turn the handbrake wheel, which is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. For the entire train, the situation is even more complex. To ensure the safe parking of the entire train, the operator needs to apply the handbrake to multiple vehicles one by one, which further exacerbates the consumption of time and physical strength, often exceeding the limits of human endurance.

[0004] Secondly, the existing system has safety hazards. When applying the handbrake to multiple vehicles one by one, the operator needs to move between vehicles, which undoubtedly increases the risk to personal safety. Furthermore, because the amount of handbrake force is limited by human strength, it often fails to achieve the required braking force, thus posing a potential danger to parking safety.

[0005] Finally, before the train starts, the handbrakes must be manually released one by one, a process that is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Because all operations rely on manual labor, it's easy for the handbrake of a vehicle to not be fully released. Starting the train with the handbrake not fully released could lead to serious safety accidents such as wheel abrasions or even derailment.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a joint control system, method and railway freight car for electric handbrake, which can still apply the brakes by manually turning the handbrake handwheel and release the brakes by moving the release handle without affecting the inherent manual braking function of the handbrake.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this invention designs a joint control system for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars, comprising:

[0009] Electric handbrake, used for electric braking of vehicles;

[0010] Handbrake control device, which controls the braking operation of the electric handbrake;

[0011] Junction box, responsible for connecting and transmitting braking control signals;

[0012] The single-vehicle controller CCID manages single-vehicle braking commands and communicates with the train bus.

[0013] The train bus cable connects the individual vehicle controller to the locomotive control room, enabling train-level communication.

[0014] The electric handbrake is connected to the junction box via a handbrake sensor cable. One end of the handbrake control device is connected to the electric handbrake via the handbrake sensor cable, and the other end is connected to the junction box via the electric handbrake. The junction box is connected to the single-vehicle controller CCID via the handbrake sensor cable. The single-vehicle controller CCID is connected to the locomotive control room via the train bus cable.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a control method for a joint control system for an electric handbrake of a railway freight car. The joint control steps for the electric handbrake include: the locomotive sending a braking request and determining whether the train is moving; when the train is not moving, sending a braking command to the single-car controller CCID; the single-car controller CCID sending a braking command to the handbrake control device; and the handbrake generating braking.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the joint control steps for the electric handbrake further include: the locomotive sending a release request; the release command being sent to the vehicle controller CCID; the vehicle controller CCID sending a release command to the handbrake control device; and the handbrake generating braking.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locomotive braking request is based on a speed sensor determining whether the train is moving.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the train is not moving, the braking command is not sent to the vehicle controller CCID.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the single-vehicle controller CCID does not send a braking command to the handbrake control device, braking fails, and the error is fed back to the locomotive control room.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the single-vehicle controller CCID does not send a release command to the handbrake control device, the release fails, and the error is fed back to the locomotive control room.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locomotive is started and the braking force is checked to determine whether it is 0; if the braking force is not 0, the locomotive cannot start and the handbrake is released; the locomotive is checked again.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locomotive starting check is performed by determining whether the braking force is 0 based on a composite sensor.

[0023] The present invention also discloses a railway freight car, including a joint control system for the electric handbrake of the railway freight car.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The integrated control system and control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars, through electrification, automation, and intelligent design, comprehensively improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the handbrake system. It not only solves the problems of reliance on manual labor and safety hazards in traditional systems, but also brings new possibilities to the operation and management of railway freight cars. Through the design concepts of one-button control, real-time monitoring, multiple safety guarantees, and human-machine collaboration, this invention significantly enhances train operation safety while improving operational efficiency, possessing significant practical value and broad prospects for promotion.

[0025] Firstly, the system achieves electrification and automated control of the handbrake by introducing components such as an electric handbrake mechanism, handbrake control device, and a single-vehicle controller (CCID). This innovation greatly reduces the physical burden on operators and improves the efficiency of braking operations. Most notably, the system enables one-button control of the entire train's handbrake release. This not only significantly saves time and labor costs but also ensures that the entire train can brake or release simultaneously, significantly improving operational consistency and efficiency.

[0026] Secondly, the integrated control system of this invention connects the controllers of each vehicle to the locomotive control room via train bus cables, achieving centralized control and real-time monitoring. This design not only improves operational convenience but, more importantly, significantly enhances safety. Operators can complete braking operations without having to move between vehicles, greatly reducing personal safety risks. Simultaneously, the system allows the driver to monitor the handbrake in real time, enabling timely detection of any vehicles that have not released their handbrakes before operation, effectively preventing dangerous situations such as vehicles operating with the handbrake engaged.

[0027] Furthermore, the system incorporates multiple safety mechanisms. For example, a speed sensor determines whether the train is moving, ensuring that the handbrake can only be applied when the train is stationary, thus guaranteeing operational safety. A composite sensor detects whether the braking force is zero, preventing the train from starting before the handbrake is fully released. These designs effectively reduce the risk of operational errors and improve train operation safety.

[0028] In addition, this system also has fault detection and feedback functions. When abnormal situations such as braking or release failure occur, the system will promptly send error information to the locomotive control room, enabling operators to quickly identify and handle the problem, further improving the system's reliability and safety.

[0029] This invention achieves automation while retaining the manual braking release function. In the event of problems with the motor and control system, the operator can still apply the brakes manually by turning the handbrake handwheel or moving the release handle. This design ensures system redundancy and reliability, guaranteeing vehicle parking safety even in special circumstances.

[0030] Finally, the control method of this invention is rationally designed and has a clear operation process, encompassing not only braking control but also key aspects such as release control and start-up checks, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the entire braking process. The system also ensures sufficient manual braking force for the entire train through precise control, further improving parking safety. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a joint control system for an electric handbrake of a railway freight car according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for a joint control system for an electric handbrake of a railway freight car according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for a joint control system for an electric handbrake of a railway freight car according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for a joint control system for an electric handbrake of a railway freight car according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions (including preferred technical solutions) of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of listing some optional embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] This invention provides a joint control system and control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars. The invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the integrated control system for the electric handbrake of railway freight cars of the present invention includes an electric handbrake machine 1, a handbrake control device 2, a junction box 3, a single-car controller CCID 4, and a train bus cable 5. These components form a complete control network through a specific connection method, realizing the electric and intelligent control of the handbrake.

[0039] The electric handbrake 1 is the core actuator of the system, responsible for generating actual braking force based on the received control signals to achieve vehicle braking. It is connected to the junction box 3 via a handbrake sensor cable to ensure accurate transmission of the braking signal and to receive control commands from the handbrake control device 2. This connection method ensures accurate transmission of the braking signal.

[0040] The handbrake control device 2, serving as the system's control center, is connected at one end to the electric handbrake 1 via a handbrake sensor cable, and at the other end to the junction box 3 via the electric handbrake 1. The handbrake control device 2 can precisely control the action of the electric handbrake 1, and also receive feedback information from the electric handbrake 1, ensuring accurate execution of braking commands. This bidirectional connection allows the handbrake control device 2 to precisely control the action of the electric handbrake 1 while also receiving feedback information from it.

[0041] Junction box 3 serves as the signal collection and distribution point in the entire system. It is connected to the vehicle controller CCID4 via the handbrake sensor cable, ensuring the accurate transmission of vehicle-level control signals.

[0042] The single-car controller CCID4 is a key node connecting the single-car system and the overall vehicle control system. It is connected to the locomotive control room via the train bus cable 5, enabling unified control of the entire freight train. The single-car controller CCID4 receives braking or releasing commands from the locomotive and forwards them to the handbrake control device 2. At the same time, it feeds back error information to the locomotive control room in case of a fault.

[0043] The train bus cable 5 serves as the medium for internal system communication. It connects the single-car controller CCID4 with the locomotive control room, enabling the transmission of control signals between the locomotive and each vehicle, ensuring timely delivery and execution of commands, as well as real-time feedback of status information.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2-3, the control method of this invention mainly includes two processes: braking control and release control. In the braking control process, the locomotive first issues a braking request. The system immediately determines whether the train is in motion, based on data from the speed sensor. Only when the train is stationary will the braking command be sent to the single-car controller CCID4. This design greatly improves system safety and effectively prevents accidental braking during train operation.

[0045] After receiving a braking command, the single-vehicle controller CCID4 forwards it to the handbrake control device 2. The handbrake control device 2 then controls the electric handbrake 1 to generate braking force. It is worth noting that if the single-vehicle controller CCID4 fails to successfully send the braking command to the handbrake control device 2 during this process, the system will determine the braking operation as a failure and immediately feed back the error information to the locomotive control room so that the operator can take timely measures.

[0046] The operation procedure during the release control is similar to that of the braking control. First, the locomotive issues a release request, and then the release command is sequentially transmitted to the single-car controller CCID4 and the handbrake control device 2. Finally, the electric handbrake 1 executes the release action. Similarly, if the single-car controller CCID4 fails to successfully send the release command to the handbrake control device 2, the system will determine the release operation as a failure and send an error message back to the locomotive control room.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, this invention also includes a specially designed locomotive starting check procedure to further ensure driving safety. When the locomotive is ready to start, the system automatically determines whether the braking force is zero. This determination is based on data from a composite sensor, which can accurately detect residual braking force. If the braking force is not zero, indicating that there is incomplete braking, the system will prevent the locomotive from starting and prompt the operator to engage (release) the handbrake. After the release operation is completed, the system will check again, and only when the braking force is confirmed to be zero will the locomotive be allowed to start.

[0048] This design not only effectively prevents wheel abrasions or other safety accidents caused by incomplete release of the handbrake, but also improves train operating efficiency. Through automatic inspection and feedback mechanisms, problems caused by human error are greatly reduced, enhancing the reliability of the entire system.

[0049] It is worth noting that although this system achieves electrification and automation of the handbrake, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of manual operation. In the event of an electrical system failure, the operator can still apply the brakes by manually turning the handbrake wheel or releasing the brakes by moving the release lever. This design retains system redundancy, ensuring vehicle safety even in special circumstances.

[0050] Another important feature of this invention is the realization of one-button control of the handbrakes for the entire train. Through the operating interface in the locomotive control room, the driver can simultaneously control the handbrake status of all carriages in the train. This not only greatly improves operational efficiency and saves a significant amount of manpower and time, but also ensures the consistency and sufficiency of the handbrake force across the entire train. Simultaneously, the one-button release function guarantees that the handbrakes of the entire train can be released simultaneously, avoiding safety hazards caused by individual carriages' brakes not being released.

[0051] In addition, this system provides drivers with real-time monitoring of the handbrake status. Through the display interface in the control room, drivers can check the handbrake status of each compartment at any time and promptly detect if any vehicle has not released its handbrake before operation. This function greatly reduces the possibility of dangerous situations caused by unreleased handbrakes.

[0052] This invention also discloses a railway freight car employing the aforementioned integrated control system. This railway freight car, by integrating the integrated control system of this invention, achieves automated, intelligent, and centralized control of handbrake operation while retaining the traditional handbrake function. It not only improves train operation efficiency and safety but also provides a more reliable and flexible solution for railway freight transport.

[0053] The present invention relates to a joint control system and control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars. Through electrification, automation, and intelligent design, it comprehensively improves the efficiency, safety, and reliability of handbrake systems. It effectively solves the problems of manual labor dependence and safety hazards inherent in traditional handbrake systems, bringing revolutionary improvements to the operation and management of railway freight cars. Through a design concept of one-button control, real-time monitoring, multiple safety safeguards, and human-machine collaboration, this invention significantly enhances train operation safety while improving operational efficiency, possessing significant practical value and broad application prospects.

[0054] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, combinations, substitutions, improvements, etc., made under the spirit and principles of the present invention are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A joint control system for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars, characterized in that, include: Electric handbrake, used for electric braking of vehicles; Handbrake control device, which controls the braking operation of the electric handbrake; Junction box, responsible for connecting and transmitting braking control signals; The single-vehicle controller CCID manages single-vehicle braking commands and communicates with the train bus. The train bus cable connects the individual vehicle controller to the locomotive control room, enabling train-level communication. The electric handbrake is connected to the junction box via a handbrake sensor cable. One end of the handbrake control device is connected to the electric handbrake via the handbrake sensor cable, and the other end is connected to the junction box via the electric handbrake. The junction box is connected to the single-vehicle controller CCID via the handbrake sensor cable. The single-vehicle controller CCID is connected to the locomotive control room via the train bus cable.

2. A joint control method for the electric handbrake of railway freight cars applied to the system described in claim 1, characterized in that: The steps for the joint control of the electric handbrake include: the locomotive sending a braking request and determining whether the train is moving; when the train is not moving, the braking command is sent to the single-car controller CCID; the single-car controller CCID sends a braking command to the handbrake control device; and the handbrake generates braking.

3. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 2, characterized in that: The joint control steps for electric handbrakes also include: the locomotive sending a release request; the release command being sent to the vehicle controller CCID; the vehicle controller CCID sending a release command to the handbrake control device; and the handbrake releasing.

4. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locomotive brakes, based on the speed sensor's determination of whether the train is moving.

5. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the train is not moving, the braking command is not sent to the single-vehicle controller CCID.

6. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the single-vehicle controller CCID does not send a braking command to the handbrake control device, braking fails, and the error is reported back to the locomotive control room.

7. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the single-vehicle controller CCID does not send a release command to the handbrake control device, the release fails and the error is reported back to the locomotive control room.

8. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: Locomotive starting inspection: Determine if the braking force is 0; if the braking force is not 0, the locomotive cannot start, release the handbrake; inspect the locomotive again.

9. The joint control method for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars according to claim 8, characterized in that: Locomotive starting inspection uses composite sensors to determine whether the braking force is 0.

10. A railway freight car characterized by: Including the joint control system for electric handbrakes of railway freight cars as described in claim 1.

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