SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING CHARACTERISTICS OF AT LEAST ONE WHEEL OF A RAIL VEHICLE

Abstract

A system and a method for establishing properties of at least one wheel of a rail vehicle, the system including at least one first system part, where the first system part is arrangeable on at least one rail of a track, where the first system part includes at least one first measurement unit, where the first measurement unit includes at least one first electromagnetic radiation source and at least one first detection device, where the first radiation source is formed and configured in such a way that a first pattern is projectable in at least one first region onto the wheel, arranged on the rail, of a rail vehicle by means of the first radiation source, where the first detection device is formed and configured in such a way that the first pattern in the first region on the wheel is detectable by means of the first detection device and where the first pattern is an at least two-dimensional pattern.

Claims

1. A system for establishing properties of at least one wheel of a rail vehicle, comprising at least one first system part, wherein the first system part is arrangeable at at least one rail of a track, wherein the first system part comprises at least one first measurement unit, wherein the first measurement unit comprises at least one first electromagnetic radiation source and at least one first detection device, wherein the first radiation sourced is formed and configured in such a way that a first pattern is projectable in at least one first region onto the wheel, arranged on the rail, of a rail vehicle by means of the first radiation source, wherein the first detection device is formed and configured in such a way that the first pattern in the first region on the wheel is detectable by means of the first detection device and wherein the first pattern is an at least two-dimensional pattern, wherein the first measurement unit comprises a second detection device and wherein the second detection device is formed and configured in such a way that the first pattern in the first region on the wheel is detectable by means of the second detection device.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first system part comprises a second measurement unit for a second region on the wheel and/or a third measurement unit for a third region on the wheel.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are arranged on a first side of the rail and the third measurement unit is arranged on a second side of the rail, in particular, the second side is the inner side of the rail.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first system part is configured in such a way that the projection and detection are implemented at the same time, at least with the first measurement unit and/or with the second measurement unit and/or with the third measurement unit.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first measurement unit and/or the second measurement unit and/or the third measurement unit comprise at least one further electromagnetic radiation source and wherein electromagnetic radiation is projectable onto the wheel by the further radiation source, into the first region in the case of the first measurement unit, into the second region in the case of the second measurement unit and into the third region in the case of the third measurement unit.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one radiation source is formed as an infrared laser.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first system part comprises at least one braking detection device and wherein the braking detection device is configured and formed in such a way that at least one brake disk of a rail vehicle arranged on the rail is detectable.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first system part comprises at least one first trigger device and one second trigger device, wherein the first trigger unit and the second trigger unit are aligned with the wheel arranged on the rail and wherein a projection and detection with the first measurement unit and/or the second measurement unit and/or the third measurement unit are triggerable by the first trigger unit and the second trigger unit.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a second system part is comprised, wherein the second system part has an identical form to the first system part and wherein the second system part is arrangeable at the second rail of the track.

10. A method for establishing properties of a wheel of a rail vehicle, in particular using a system as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the following stepsthe method comprising: projecting at least one first at least two-dimensional pattern into at least one first region onto a first wheel arranged on the rail using a first electromagnetic radiation source, detecting the first pattern in the first region by at least one first detection device and producing at least one first image data record, calculating a model data record using the first image data record, wherein the model data record is representable as a three-dimensional, at least partial model of the first wheel.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising, calculating a profile data record using the model data record, wherein the profile data record is calculated by transforming the model data record into a plane and wherein the profile data record is representable as an at least partial, two-dimensional profile of the first wheel.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the profile data record is compared to at least one further profile data record that is stored in a database and wherein changes in the geometric properties of the wheel are established on the basis of this comparison.

13. The method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising: projecting at least a second at least two-dimensional pattern into at least one second region onto a first wheel arranged on the rail using a second electromagnetic radiation source, detecting the second pattern in the second region by at least one second detection device and producing at least one first image data record of the second region, calculating the first model data record with additional use of the first image data record of the second region.

14. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein further comprising: projecting at least a third at least two-dimensional pattern into at least a third region onto a first wheel arranged on a rail using a third electromagnetic radiation source, detecting the third pattern in the third region by at least one third detection device and producing at least one first image data record of the third region, calculating the first model data record using the first image data record of the third region, wherein the model data record is representable as a three-dimensional, at least partial model of the first wheel.

15. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: detecting and producing a second image data record using a further detection device for the first region and/or for the second region and/or for the third region and calculating the first model data record using the second image data records.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] In detail, there now are a multiplicity of options for designing and developing the system and the method. In this respect, reference is made to the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing:

[0074] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in a perspective view,

[0075] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a first system part in a side view,

[0076] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in a plan view,

[0077] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in a side view,

[0078] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in a side view,

[0079] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system in a view from the front,

[0080] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system with a projection in a plan view,

[0081] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a wheel during the projection,

[0082] FIG. 9a shows a schematic flow chart of a method,

[0083] FIG. 9b shows a schematic flow chart of a method,

[0084] FIG. 9c shows a schematic flow chart of a method,

[0085] FIG. 10 shows an overview of the geometric properties of the wheel,

[0086] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary three-dimensional representation of a model data record, and

[0087] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary two-dimensional representation of a profile data record.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 for establishing properties, in particular geometric properties, of a wheel 2first wheel 2a, second wheel 2bof a rail vehiclenot illustrated. The system 1 comprises a first system part 3a which is arranged on a rail 4first rail 4a, second rail 4bof a track 5. FIG. 1 shows that the first system part 3a comprises a first outer housing 6a and a second outer housing 6b. The first outer housing 6a and the second outer housing 6b are arranged on an assembly plate 7, which passes under the rail 4a and which is fastened to the rail base of the rail 4a by means of tensioning plates 8a, 8b. The first outer housing 6a and the second outer housing 6b are designed in such a way that the upper edge lies level with the rail upper edge or therebelow.

[0089] FIG. 2 shows the first system part 3a in a side view with a cut first rail 4a. The assembly plate 7 passes below the rail 4a and is fastened to the rail base of the rail 4a by means of tensioning plates 8a, 8b. The outer housings 6a and 6b of the system 1 are fastened to the assembly plate 7 and, with their upper edge, are situated level with the upper edge of the rail 4a.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1, in particular of a first system part 3a. The first system part 3a comprises at least one first measurement unit 9, which has a first electromagnetic radiation source 10 and a first detection unit 11. The first electromagnetic radiation source 10 is embodied as an infrared laser in this exemplary embodiment, wherein the first detection device 11 is embodied as a camera which is able to detect the infrared rays that are reflected by the wheel 2 arranged on the rail.

[0091] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 can be gathered from FIGS. 4 to 7, with the projected electromagnetic radiation, expanded laser beams imaging a pattern in this exemplary embodiment, being illustrated in exemplary fashion.

[0092] A detailed recording of the projection in the first region 13 can be gathered from FIG. 8, where a first pattern 12 is projected onto the wheel 2 in the first region 13. The first detection device 11 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 detects the first pattern 12 in the first region 13 and produces a first image data record therefrom. According to FIG. 8, the first pattern 12 is a two-dimensional planar pattern 12, in this case in the form of a regular mesh which is projected onto the three-dimensional surface of the wheel 2 and distorted.

[0093] According to FIG. 3, the first measurement unit 9 further comprises a second detection device 14, wherein the second detection device 14 is formed and configured in such a way that the first pattern 12 in the first region 13 on the wheel 2 is detectable (see also FIG. 4 and FIG. 7). The first electromagnetic radiation source 10, the first detection device 11 and the second detection device 14 of the first measurement unit 9 are housed in a common housing 15.

[0094] The first system part 3a of the system 1 further comprises a second measurement unit 16 for a second region 17 on the wheel 2 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and a third measurement unit 18 for a third region 19 on the wheel 2 (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 7).

[0095] The second measurement unit 16 comprises a second electromagnetic radiation source 20 and a third detection device 21 and a fourth detection device 22. The third measurement unit 18 comprises a third electromagnetic radiation source 23, a fifth detection device 24 and a sixth detection device 25 (see FIG. 3).

[0096] The third detection device 21 and the fourth detection device 22 are used to detect the second pattern 12a, projected by the second electromagnetic radiation source 20, in the second region 17 on the wheel 2. The fifth detection unit 24 and the sixth detection unit 25 serve to detect the third pattern 12b, which is projected into the third region 19 on the wheel 2 by the third electromagnetic radiation source 23.

[0097] The second measurement unit 16 is arranged in a second housing 26 and the third measurement unit 18 is arranged in a third housing 27. In the assembled state, the first housing 15, the second housing 26 and the third housing 27 are housed within the respective outer housings 6a, 6b (see FIG. 1). In the side regions oriented in the direction of the rail 4a, the outer housings 6a, 6b each have an opening for projection and detection.

[0098] According to FIG. 3, the first measurement unit 9 moreover comprises a fourth radiation source 28, the second measurement unit comprises a fifth radiation source 29 and the third measurement unit 18 comprises a sixth radiation source 30, and so each measurement unit 9, 16, 18 comprises a further radiation source 28, 29, 30. The further radiation sources 28, 29, 30 serve to illuminate the respective region 13, 17, 19 and are embodied as infrared lasers.

[0099] What can be gathered from FIG. 3, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is that the first measurement unit 9 and the second measurement unit 16 are arranged on a first side 31 of the rail 4, while the third measurement unit 18 is arranged on a second side 32 of the rail. A first trigger unit 33 and a second trigger unit 34 are arranged on the second side 32 of the rail 4, said trigger units setting the trigger time for the radiation sources 10, 20, 23, 28, 29, 30 and the detection devices 11, 14, 21, 22, 24, 25 according to set criteria such that a projection and detection occur simultaneously in all three regions 12, 17, 19.

[0100] What can further be gathered from FIG. 1 is that the system 1 comprises a second system part 3b, which has an identical form to the first system part 3a and which detects the properties of the second wheel 2b.

[0101] FIG. 9a shows a schematic sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method for establishing properties of a wheel 2 of a rail vehicle. Initially, there is a projection 35 of at least one first two-dimensional pattern 12 in at least one first region 13 onto a first wheel 2, standing on or passing along the rail 4, using a first electromagnetic radiation source 11. Further, there is a detection 36 of the first pattern 12 in the first region 13 using at least one first detection device 11 and the production 37 of at least one first image data record. A model data record 38 is calculated from the image data record. Also, a profile data record 39 is subsequently calculated from the model data record. The profile data record serves as a basis for determining the geometric properties of the wheel 2, for example the height and width of the wheel flange, the profile of the tread, etc. An exemplary three-dimensional representation of the wheel 2, specifically of a model data record, can be gathered from FIG. 11; an exemplary two-dimensional representation of the profile of the wheel 2 in the region of the tread and the wheel flange, specifically of the profile data record, can be gathered from FIG. 12.

[0102] FIG. 9b shows a schematic sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method, in which the projection 35 of a first at least two-dimensional pattern 12 onto at least one first region 13 of a first wheel 2, passing along or standing on a rail 4, is implemented using an electromagnetic radiation source 10. In addition to detecting 36 the first pattern in the first region 13 using at least one first detection device 11, the first pattern 12 is detected 40 in the first region 13 using at least one second detection device 14, and at least one second image data record of the first region 13 is produced 41. The detection 36 and the detection 40 by means of the first detection device 11 and the second detection device 14 are implemented at the same time. After producing 37 the first image data record of the first region 13 and producing 41 the second image data record of the first region 13, the model data record is calculated 38 and the profile data record is subsequently calculated 39.

[0103] FIG. 9c shows a schematic sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method for determining properties of a wheel 2, in which there initially is a projection 35 of at least one first pattern 12 in at least one first region 13 and a projection 42 of a second pattern 12a in a second region 17 and a projection 43 of a third pattern 12c in a third region 19. Further, the pattern is detected 36 in each of the regions 13, 17, 19 using a first detection device 10, 21, 24 and said pattern is detected 40 using a second detection device 14, 21, 25, and a first image data record and a second image data record are produced 37, 41 for each region 13, 17, 19. Finally, the model data record is calculated 38 on the basis of all first and second image data records produced, and a profile data record is calculated 39 from the model data record.

[0104] FIG. 10 shows an overview of the establishable geometric properties of the first wheel 2a and of the second wheel 2b and of the properties of the first wheel 2a relative to the second wheel 2b, i.e., of the wheelset. The system, in particular the evaluation unit, and/or the method are, in particular, formed and configured in such a way that all dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10 are establishable and/or established, either individually or in combination. Consequently, the system and/or the method are configured to establish all dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10, either individually or in combination. In particular, the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10 are established from the profile data record and/or the correlation of the profile data record of the first wheel 2a with the profile data record of the second wheel 2b and the arrangement of the measurement units 9, 16, 18 and the components thereof.

[0105] The measuring circle plane distance 44 specifies the distance between the measuring circle plane E1 of the first wheel 2a and the measuring circle plane E2 of the second wheel 2b. The measuring circle plane E1 and the measuring circle plane E2 are arranged in such a way that the axis of rotation of the first wheel 2a and the axis of rotation of the second wheel 2b pass through the measuring circle plane E1 and the measuring circle plane E2 in substantially orthogonal fashion. Further, the measuring circle plane E1 and the measuring circle plane E2 are arranged in such a way that they are spaced apart from the inner flank 46a of the first wheel 2a or the inner flank 46b of the second wheel 2b with the measuring circle plane distance-x 45 of between approximately 60 mm and 65 mm. The intersecting circle of the measuring circle plane E1, E2 with the tread 47a, 47b defines the contact ring or contact point of the wheel 2a, 2b on a rail 4a, 4b.

[0106] The dimensions on the wheel flange 48a, 48b are determined in a sectional plane E3, which is arranged orthogonal to the measuring circle plane E1, E2 and which, in the illustrated cross section, is spaced apart from the point of intersection of the measuring circle plane E1, E2 with the tread 47a, 47b with a measuring circle plane distance-y 49 of approximately 10 mm.

[0107] The diameter 50 of the wheel 2a is likewise determined in the measuring circle plane El. Further important dimensions of the wheel are the wheel body inner diameter 51 and the wheel body outer diameter 52, as well as the wheel tire width 53. The height 54 of the wheel tire is determined in the measuring circle plane E1 between the lower edge of the wheel tire and the point of intersection with the tread 47a.

[0108] The sectional plane E3 forms the basis for the dimensions of the wheel 2a in the region of the wheel flange 48a. The points of intersectionin the cross sectionof the sectional plane E3 with the inner flank 55a of the wheel flange 48b and the outer flank 56a of the wheel flange 48a form the starting point for the subsequent dimensions. A first wheel flange width 57 is determined as the distance between the points of intersection of the wheel flange 48a in the sectional plane E3. A second wheel flange width 58 is determined between the inner point of intersection of the wheel flange 48a with the sectional plane E3 and the inner flank 46a. A wheel flange height 59 is determined from a plane E4, in which the point of intersection of the measuring circle plane E1 with the tread 47a lies, to the upper edge of the wheel flange. The inclination of the inner flank 55a and of the outer flank 56a are described by the angles and . Alternatively, the inclination of the inner flank 55a can be specified by the distance 60 emerging from the inner point of intersection of the sectional plane E3 with the wheel flange 48a at its inner flank 55a and the point of intersection of the inner flank 55a at a distance 61 of between 0.9 mm and 2 mm from the upper edge of the wheel flange 48a. The flank dimension 62 specifies the distance between the outer point of intersection of the sectional plane E3 with the outer flank 5 6a of the wheel flange 48a and the inner flank 46a. The flank dimension 63 specifies the distance between the guide flank 64a and the inner flank 46a.

[0109] The system and/or the method are formed and configured, in particular, in such a way that the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10 are also establishable and/or established as geometric properties of the first wheel 2a relative to the second wheel 2b, in particular by correlating the first profile data record, the second profile data record and the geometric arrangement of the measurement units 9, 16, 18. Consequently, the system and/or the method are configured to establish the dimensions illustrated in FIG. 10, either individually or in combination, as geometric properties of the first wheel 2a relative to the second wheel 2b, in particular by correlating the first profile data record, the second profile data record and the geometric arrangement of the measurement units 9, 16, 18. As a result of the arrangement of the measurement units 9, 16, 18 of the first system part 3a and of the second system part 3b relative to one another being known in a system, these information items are utilizable by the evaluation unit for appropriate evaluation purposes and are used for calculation purposes.

[0110] The measuring circle plane distance 44as already explainedspecifies the distance between the measuring circle plane E1 of the first wheel 2a and the measuring circle plane E2 of the second wheel 2b. The gage dimension 65 specifies the distance between the points of intersection of the inner flanks 55a, 55b with the sectional plane E3. The guide dimension 66 can be determined on both sides and defines the distance between the point of intersection of the sectional plane E3 with the inner flank 55a of the first wheel 2a and the inner flank 46b of the second wheel 2b. The guide circle distance 67 defines the distance between the points of intersection of the sectional plane E3 with the outer flanks 56a and 56b. The back-to-back distance 68 defines the distance between the inner flanks 46a and 46b of the first wheel 2a and of the second wheel 2b.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows, in exemplary fashion, the illustrated data of the model data record, specifically an at least partial model of the wheel 2. The regions illustrated in framed fashion are actually supported by data, i.e., as data calculated from the image data records. The other regions have been extrapolated. The dimensions along the axes x, y, z are specified in millimeters. The model data record comprises a multiplicity of measurement data points in a three-dimensional coordinate system, preferably as polar coordinates. The measurement data points image the surface of the wheel 2a in the detected region 13, 17, 19.

[0112] FIG. 12 shows, in exemplary fashion, the illustrated data of a profile data record, specifically a two-dimensional profile of the wheel 2 in the region of the tread 47 (see FIG. 10) and of the wheel flange 48. The wheel width is illustrated along the x-axis and the radius of the wheel 2a is plotted on the y-axis, respectively in millimeters. In FIG. 12, all measurement data points of the model data record from FIG. 11 have been transformed into a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system such that an averaged profile of the wheel 2 according to FIG. 12 arises in the region of the tread 47, the wheel flange 48 and the inner flank 46. Further, the data contain the diameter 50 of the wheel 2a.