RU2848845C1 - Automatic coupling device for freight cars - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: mobile vehicle control systems.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to control systems for mobile vehicles, in particular freight railway wagons. The automatic coupling device of a freight car equipped with a car condition monitoring system, including a base station, acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, a data reception and transmission module, contains a housing. The automatic coupling device is equipped with an electrical contact box connected to the housing, in which the base station, a pressure sensor, and an automatic connection module for electrical and information circuits, designed to transmit a deviation signal to the data transmission module at a data transfer rate of less than 10 Mb/s and a throughput capacity of more than 6 kW per railcar.

EFFECT: increased reliability of the freight car and its service life.

4 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The invention relates to control systems for a mobile vehicle, in particular a freight railway car.

A system for remote monitoring of a railway vehicle is known, including a mobile and a stationary part, equipped with appropriate software and connected by internal and external communication channels, the mobile part of the system is placed on a railway vehicle containing a body mounted on running gear, including bolster beams, side frames, the mobile hardware part of the system, placed on the railway rolling stock, is equipped with functional measuring units, which include measuring sensors-converters connected to a microcontroller, with a power source, with a position sensor in space, with an internal temperature sensor, with a communication unit for communication with a central on-board computing unit, which is intended for collecting and processing data from all functional measuring units, forming an information package and sending it via external communication channels to the stationary part of the system in the form of a central server and through it - to the workstations of the users of the system; a central on-board computing unit, which contains a microcontroller (CPU) connected to a clock, a power source, an internal temperature sensor, communication units for communication via external communication channels to the stationary part of the system in the form of a central server, with a communication unit for communication with functional measuring units via internal communication channels, for determining the coordinates of a railway vehicle, the central on-board computing unit is provided with a module of a global navigation satellite system, while in order to increase the reliability and security of the system from external influences and internal failures, additional control and backup elements are introduced into the system, intended for monitoring the operability of both individual parts of the system and the entire system as a whole, which are made in the form of additional control sensors and non-volatile memory units, the additional control sensors contain a microcontroller, a clock, a power source, a communication unit of an internal communication channel, an internal temperature sensor, a position sensor in space; The functional measuring units and the central on-board computing unit are also additionally equipped with similar spatial position sensors; the backup elements are made in the form of non-volatile memory units included in the functional measuring units, in the central on-board computing unit and in the additional control sensors (RU 2681275, IPC B61L 25/00, published 05.03.2019).

The disadvantages of the known technical solution are the limited scope of measurable parameters and the lack of ability to monitor the condition of the automatic coupling device, which does not allow for a high degree of digitalization of the car.

The closest analogue taken as a prototype is a system for monitoring the operation of a railcar, comprising: a) one or more sensor units installed on said railway car, wherein each of said sensor units monitors an operating parameter of said railway car, wherein each of said sensor units contains a sensor, a power source, a processor, a memory, a communication circuit and software stored in said memory and executed by said processor, wherein said software performs the functions of collecting data from said sensor at periodic time intervals; and also b) a communication control unit installed on said railway car, wherein said communication control unit maintains wireless communication with said one or more sensors; wherein said communication control unit applies heuristics to analyze data collected from said one or more sensor units, (a) to determine the presence of an actual failure and (b) to predict potential or imminent failures based on a statistical analysis of said collected data. (US 9365223 B2, IPC B61L 15/0027, published 14.06.2016).

The disadvantages of the known technical solution are the limited scope of measurable parameters and the lack of ability to monitor the condition of the automatic coupling device, which does not allow for a high degree of digitalization of the car.

The technical problem is the ability to control the condition of the automatic coupling device.

The technical result consists in increasing the reliability of a freight car, increasing the service life of a freight car due to an increase in the coverage of measured parameters, the ability to monitor the condition of the automatic coupling device, timely detection of deviations from the standard operating parameters of the car and taking measures to eliminate the deviation.

The said technical result is achieved in that the automatic coupling device of a freight car equipped with a car condition monitoring system including a base station, acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and a data receiving and transmitting module comprises a housing, according to the invention the automatic coupling device is equipped with an electrical contact box connected to the housing, in which a base station, a pressure sensor, and also a module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits are installed, configured with the possibility of transmitting a signal about a deviation to the data receiving and transmitting module at a data transmission rate of less than 10 Mbps and at a throughput of more than 6 kW per car.

The module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits may contain terminals located symmetrically relative to the axis of the track.

The modules can receive electrical energy from the locomotive or from an autonomous power source.

The base station may be configured to receive power from the locomotive or from a built-in power source located in the electrical contact box.

The claimed invention is illustrated by drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a general view of the car with the locations of the sensors,

Fig. 2 - general view of the automatic coupling body with an electrical contact box in the coupling of two automatic couplings.

Fig. 3 - general view of the automatic coupling body with an electrical contact box in the uncoupling of two automatic couplings.

Fig. 4 - general view with connected terminals of electrical/information circuits.

Fig. 5 - block diagram of the operation of acceleration sensors and temperature sensors,

Fig. 6 - block diagram of the operation of the pressure and clutch control system of the automatic coupling vertically and horizontally,

in Fig. 7 - automatic coupling with terminal 8 of electrical and information circuits.

Positions on the figures:

1 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) - acceleration sensors,

2 - temperature sensors,

3 - chassis (bogie),

4 - wagon frame,

5 - electrical contact box,

6 - automatic coupling body,

7 - brake line,

8 - terminal of electrical and information circuits.

An automatic coupling device of a freight car equipped with a car condition monitoring system including a base station, acceleration sensors 1 (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4), pressure sensors, a data receiving and transmitting module, contains a housing 6 and is equipped with an electrical contact box 5 connected to the housing 6, in which the base station, the pressure sensor, and also a module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits are installed, configured with the possibility of transmitting a signal about a deviation to the data receiving and transmitting module at a data transmission rate of less than 10 Mbps and at a throughput of more than 6 kW per car.

The module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits may contain terminals 8 located symmetrically relative to the axis of the track.

The modules can receive electrical energy from the locomotive or from an autonomous power source.

The base station may be configured to receive power from the locomotive or from a built-in power source located in the electrical contact box.

In this technical solution, the term "base station" refers to a component known in the prior art, which may be referred to by different terms in other patents. For example, in patent RU 214769, such a component is described as a "telematics unit" containing microcontrollers, a GSM cellular module, a GLONASS/GPS global navigation satellite system module, a memory unit, an accelerometer, and a Bluetooth module. Patent RU 2608206 uses the term "railcar set" to refer to a similar component, divided into a central unit, a control sensor unit, and load sensor units. The central unit is an autonomous microprocessor-based device for receiving, processing, and storing information from all sensor units in the railcar set and includes hardware for determining the car's spatial and temporal position based on GLONASS/GPS data and transmitting accumulated or operational information via a cellular network radio channel. The base station can thus contain microcontrollers, a cellular module, a navigation module, a memory unit, an accelerometer, and a Bluetooth module.

The data recording module collects basic telemetry information about the current location of the monitored object, its movement or rest (with recording of the fact of stopping), abnormal impact loads on all three axes, temperature and humidity inside the car body, the empty or loaded state of the car based on measuring the compression ratio of the springs of the bogie suspension, and the opening and closing of the car doors.

A transmitter/receiver module for satellite tracking (e.g., GLONASS trackers, beacons, onboard terminals) is part of a satellite tracking and control system. The basic functions of this module are to determine the location, speed, and position of an object in real time.

Thanks to the mobile network registration module, data can be transmitted to the server anywhere there is a GSM cellular network. Information is transmitted as short messages, and no connection is required to the end recipient. Therefore, the transmitter can be disconnected immediately after the cellular network confirms receipt of the message. The short message length reduces network load, saves energy, and allows for the most affordable mobile operator data plan. Losing a connection to the mobile network does not result in data loss, as it is stored in the device's memory.

Similar solutions lack automatic connection of electrical and data circuits, therefore, there is no possibility to diagnose connections between power supply line contacts and digital channels. The module for automatic connection of electrical and data circuits will automate the connection of power supply line contacts and digital channels, and will perform full monitoring and diagnostics of power supply lines and digital channels. Automatic connection of electrical and data circuits can be implemented in a junction box connected to the automatic coupling device housing. Connection of power supply lines and digital channels will occur automatically after mechanical engagement of the automatic couplings and the air duct, due to compressed air pressure in the brake line or a mechanical drive. The module for automatic connection of electrical and data circuits can be sealed against the ingress of dust, moisture, snow, etc., providing protection of at least IP55 according to GOST 14254 when engaged and at least IP54 when disengaged. Connectors of digital control and diagnostic channels can contain shielded cables for connecting two Ethernet networks.

The module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits may contain paired connectors, terminals 8 (plug/socket), located symmetrically relative to the axis of the track.

Acceleration sensors 1 can be installed on the axlebox units of each car bogie, the automatic coupling device, and on the car body or frame 4. Acceleration sensors 1.1 are installed on the bogie axlebox units. These sensors detect the passage of an electrical pulse through the wheelsets, monitor bogie derailment, determine the car's dynamic performance, and monitor the technical condition of the wheelset. Acceleration sensors 1.2 and 1.3, installed on frame 4 or the car body, monitor unacceptable impact loads and determine the car's dynamic performance. Acceleration sensors 1.4 are installed on the bogie near the bolster; sensors 1.4 monitor for excess load capacity (overload) and also monitor the car's loading status (empty/laden). Acceleration sensors (not shown) are also installed in the electrical contact box on the automatic coupling device together with the base station; they allow monitoring of the technical condition of the automatic coupling device (excessive dynamic loads during braking and starting).

Temperature sensors 2 can be installed on each trolley 3.

Acceleration sensors 1 are configured to transmit data to the transmit/receive module regarding deviations from normal car operation at a maximum amplitude value greater than 0.5g with a pulse duration greater than 10 ms. The maximum amplitude value denotes the maximum deviation from the acceleration sensor readings during normal operation. For example, for an automatic coupler, acceptable values range from 1-3.5g; a value of 4.1g for an automatic coupler means that the maximum amplitude value is 0.6g, indicating a deviation from normal operation. The block diagram of the acceleration sensors is shown in Fig. 6. An acceleration value less than 0.5g and a pulse duration less than 10 ms indicate normal operation. Experience shows that the greater the acceleration amplitude, the longer the pulse duration. Therefore, if the acceleration is higher than 0.5g and the pulse duration is less than 10ms, this does not indicate a deviation in the operating mode of the car, but a failure in the readings; in this case, the serviceability of the sensors will be checked during the next inspection.

Temperature sensors 2 are configured to transmit a signal to the data transmission/reception module indicating a deviation from normal car operation if the axlebox temperature exceeds the average operating temperature by more than 1°C over a period of time not exceeding 2 hours. A block diagram of the temperature sensor operation is shown in Fig. 6. A temperature increase of less than 1°C and a temperature increase of 1°C over more than 2 hours indicate normal car operation.

According to RD VNIIZhT 27.05.01-2017, signs of abnormal operation of axle box assemblies requiring uncoupling of the car in the version with bearings in the axle box housing are heating of the upper part of the axle box housing (over 60°C - with cylindrical and double roller bearings, over 70°C - with cassette-type bearings relative to the ambient air temperature), determined by a contactless temperature meter in accordance with the requirements of the Instructions for the Carriage Inspector; in the version with cassette-type bearings for adapters - heating of the bearing above 80°C relative to the ambient air temperature according to the readings of diagnostic means on the move of the train or heating of the upper part of the adapter above 70°C relative to the ambient air temperature, determined by a contactless temperature meter in accordance with the requirements of the Instructions for the Carriage Inspector. Examples of temperature calculations are given in the Instruction for the Wagon Inspector No. 808-2017 PKB CV, one of the examples: at a positive ambient air temperature, the heating temperature of the axle box unit is calculated as follows, for example, the measured temperature of the axle box housing or adapter is 81°C (91°C), the air temperature is plus 20°C, the working heating will be 81°C - 20°C = 61°C (91°C - 20°C = 71°C), which is a rejection feature.

Experience shows that a deviation from the above permissible values by more than 1°C from the average operating temperature over a time interval not exceeding 2 hours indicates a deviation from the normal operating mode.

The brake line pressure sensor (not shown) 7 is integrated into the electrical contact box connected to the automatic coupling housing and is configured to transmit a signal to the data receiving/transmitting module regarding a deviation from the normal operation of the car when the pressure sensor value changes by more than 0.5 MPa based on the event over a time interval not exceeding 0.5 hours. The block diagram of the pressure sensor operation is shown in Fig. 7. A change in the pressure reading by more than 0.5 MPa over a time interval not exceeding 0.5 hours will indicate a deviation from the normal operating mode of the car.

Practice has shown that a change in pressure of more than 0.5 MPa over a time interval not exceeding 0.5 hours means a deviation from the normal operating mode.

These intervals and ranges are established on the basis of practical tests and the creation of simulation models of the car's condition.

Unlike the prototype and similar devices, which lack the ability to monitor the automatic coupling device, the proposed invention features an automatic coupling device equipped with a contact box connected to the housing. This box houses a base station, a pressure monitoring module, and an automatic electrical and data connection module. The automatic electrical and data connection module will automate the connection of power line contacts and digital channels and perform comprehensive monitoring and diagnostics of power lines and digital channels. The automatic electrical and data connection module is capable of transmitting a deviation signal to the data transmission/reception module at a data transfer rate of less than 10 Mbps and a throughput power exceeding 6 kW per car. If such a deviation occurs, information about it is sent to the user notification system, allowing users to immediately take action to correct the deviation. This will promptly eliminate the risk of car equipment failure and, consequently, will contribute to increased reliability and an extended service life of the freight car. Taken together, these features allow for an increased coverage of measured parameters, monitoring of the condition of wagon components, in particular the condition of the automatic coupling device, timely detection of deviations from the standard operating parameters of the wagon and the adoption of measures to eliminate deviations, which will improve the reliability of the freight wagon and increase the service life of the freight wagon.

An automatic coupling device was manufactured and deployed in a freight car equipped with a monitoring system. It was equipped with an electrical contact box connected to the car body. This box housed a base station, a pressure monitoring module, a data reception and transmission module, and an automatic electrical and data circuit connection module. The module was designed to transmit a deviation signal to the data reception and transmission module at a data transfer rate of less than 10 Mbps and a throughput power of more than 6 kW per car. Experimental testing demonstrated that data transmission regarding deviations from normal operating conditions was possible, allowing for timely detection of malfunctions and preventing emergency operation of the car.

Thus, the proposed invention allows achieving a technical result consisting in increasing the reliability of a freight car, increasing the service life of a freight car by increasing the coverage of measured parameters, the ability to monitor the condition of the automatic coupling device, timely detection of deviations from the standard operating parameters of the car and taking measures to eliminate the deviation.

Claims (6)

1. An automatic coupling device for a freight car equipped with a car condition monitoring system, including a base station, acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, a data receiving and transmitting module, containing a housing, characterized in that The automatic coupling device is equipped with an electrical contact box connected to the housing, in which a base station, a pressure sensor, and also a module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits are installed, designed with the possibility of transmitting a signal about a deviation to the data reception and transmission module at a data transfer rate of less than 10 Mbps and at a throughput of more than 6 kW per car. 2. An automatic coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the module for automatic connection of electrical and information circuits contains terminals located symmetrically relative to the axis of the track. 3. An automatic coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the modules receive electrical energy from a locomotive or from an autonomous power source. 4. An automatic coupling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the base station is designed with the ability to receive energy from a locomotive or from a built-in power source located in the electrical contact box.