A BRAKING SYSTEM AND A BRAKE ACTIVATION UNIT

Abstract

The present invention provides a braking system (11) for braking a train. The system comprises an electronically controlled pneumatic brake network (ECP) and a brake activation unit (14). The brake activation unit provides status reports regarding the condition of the ECP and comprises at least one sensor for monitoring one or more properties of the ECP, and at least one venting means adapted to vent the pressure from a brake pipe (21). The system also comprises a telecommunication network (15, 17, 19) adapted to communicate with the brake activation unit. The brake activation unit can be activated using the telecommunication network to vent the pressure from the brake pipe, causing the train to brake.

Claims

1. A braking system for braking a train, the system comprises: an electronically controlled pneumatic brake network (ECP); a brake activation unit, the brake activation unit providing status reports regarding the condition of the ECP, the brake activation unit comprising: at least one sensor for monitoring one or more properties of the ECP; and at least one venting means adapted to vent the pressure from a brake pipe; a telecommunication network adapted to communicate with the brake activation unit; wherein the brake activation unit can be activated using the telecommunication network to vent the pressure from the brake pipe, causing the train to brake.

2. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one sensor monitors the pressure of the brake pipe, and/or the integrity of a train line.

3. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the venting means is movable from a non-venting condition, wherein the ECP operates in its usual manner, and a venting condition, wherein the air is vented from the brake pipe.

4. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is activated when the condition of the ECP, as reported by the brake activation unit, is in conflict to the required condition of the train.

5. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is activated remotely to move to a venting condition.

6. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is activated through the telecommunication network.

7. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is activated through a dedicated telecommunications network.

8. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the telecommunications network comprises a series of base stations and transmitting towers.

9. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the telecommunication network incorporates radio receivers within one or more locomotives.

10. The braking system according to a claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is activated remotely by the operator in the train or by an operator located in a different geographical location.

11. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit remains in a venting condition once activated until it is deactivated, wherein deactivation requires replacement of a venting component, or the physically resetting of the brake activation unit to the non-venting condition, allowing the brake pipe to recharge.

12. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is reset from the locomotive.

13. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit incorporates a dump valve controlled by a solenoid, the dump valve is movable between an open condition wherein the solenoid is energised, and wherein the air in the brake pipe can be vented, and a closed condition wherein the solenoid is de-energised and the ECP is in its normal operational condition whereby the brake pipe is closed at the end thereof.

14. The braking system according to claim 13 wherein the dump valve and/or the brake activation unit comprises a visual indicator, such as one or more lights, which is activated upon the brake activation unit being activated to vent the air from the brake pipe.

15. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is incorporated in an end of train unit, and is removably supported on the train at an end thereof.

16. The braking system according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 13 wherein the dump valve is associated with an end of the brake pipe whereupon moving to an open position the air is discharged from the brake pipe through the end thereof.

17. The braking system according to claim 15 wherein the brake activation unit will be operable when the end of train unit is operable.

18. The braking system according to claim 1 wherein the brake activation unit is incorporated in at least one of the locomotives, wherein a dump valve is associated with a locomotive brake pipe within the locomotive, whereupon a solenoid being energised the dump valve moves to an open position allowing the air to be vented or discharged from the locomotive brake pipe through the valve.

19. A brake activation unit which upon activation causes the train to brake, the brake activation unit comprises: at least one venting means adapted to vent the pressure from a brake pipe of the train; a telecommunication network adapted to communicate with the venting means to selectively move the venting means to an open position to vent the pressure from the brake pipe.

20. A braking system having a brake activation unit which incorporates a venting means which can be remotely activated to vent the pressure from the brake pipe to cause the brakes to be applied along the train consist.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0077] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a telecommunication network which forms parts of the braking system according to a first embodiment of the system;

[0078] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a brake activation unit as used in the braking system of the first embodiment:

[0079] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention according to the first embodiment is in the form of a braking system 11 which is incorporated in a train and which is capable of being activated remotely to apply the brakes of the train. The present invention seeks to provide a means to brake a train in the event that the train's conventional brake system is not responsive, or if the brakes are unintentionally released.

[0081] In the event that the status of the train (e.g. the train status should be stationary) does not align with the status of its brakes (e.g. the status of the brakes is released) the braking system of the present invention can be activated remotely to cause the brakes to be applied.

[0082] While present day braking systems incorporate several options for braking a train, there is no option available for at least an emergency application of brakes when the present day braking systems are non-responsive, or when the status of the braking system is contrary to the required operative status of the train.

[0083] A train typically comprises two or more locomotives and a plurality of wagons. The train has a number of braking systems which brake or otherwise retard the velocity of the train. One of these systems is an electronically controlled pneumatic brake network (ECP).

[0084] As part of the ECP each wagon (typically) incorporates a set of brakes and a braking apparatus, which controls the application and release of the brakes on the particular wagon. The braking apparatus is in electronic communication with the lead locomotive via a trainline which extends along the length of the train and reacts to commands sent from the lead locomotive via the trainline.

[0085] As a back-up, the ECP also includes a pneumatic brake pipe which also runs along the length of the train. Under normal conditions the brake pipe is positively charged. However, in the event that the electronic braking system is non-responsive the pressure/air in the brake pipe may be caused to vent, resulting in the brakes being applied. Currently this occurs as a result of the action of the operator, or due to a break of the train (e.g. coupling breaks/uncoupling of wagons).

[0086] In this embodiment the braking system 11 comprises an ECP which co-operates with an end of train unit 13, as shown in FIG. 2. The end of train unit 13 is in communication with the lead locomotive via the trainline to provide status reports regarding the condition of the ECP.

[0087] The end of train unit comprises a brake activation unit 14. The brake activation unit 14 comprises a sensor for monitoring the brake pressure in the brake pipe 21, and a venting means in the form of a dump valve 23. The dump valve 23 is located at the end of the brake pipe 21 so that when it is opened it vents the pressure/air from the brake pipe 21. The dump valve 23 is operable by a solenoid 25 which, when energised, causes the dump valve 23 to open. Once the dump valve 23 is opened the brake activation unit 14 can only be reset by the physical action of an operator and cannot be reset remotely.

[0088] The braking system 11 also comprises a telecommunication network 12 adapted to communicate with the end of train unit 13. Referring to FIG. 1 the telecommunications network comprises a series of transmitting towers 15 located along the railway network and at least one receiver 17 located in each locomotive. Each receiver 17 is in communication with a relay 19 of the brake activation unit 14.

[0089] The brake activation unit 14 is activated remotely and is not reliant on a command from the locomotive control systems.

[0090] In those events where the status of the train is contrary to the position of the brakes, and the locomotive operator does not or is unable to undertake corrective action, the brake activation unit 14 may be activated. For example, where the train should be stationary, but the brakes are released, the brake activation unit 14 may be activated to apply the brakes.

[0091] In the event that the brakes need to be applied, the train controller, who may be in a different geographical location to the train can send a signal through the telecommunication network 12 to the relay 19 in the brake activation unit 14. The relay 19 then energises the solenoid 25, causing the dump valve to move to an open condition. This allows the pressure/air to be vented from the end of the brake pipe 21, causing the brakes to be applied.

[0092] The brake activation unit also comprises a battery 27 so that the brake activation unit may continue to operate in the event the locomotive is not able to supply the brake activation unit with power.

[0093] The brake activation unit must be capable of running all components using the battery for a minimum period of time, for instance 12 hrs.

[0094] The brake activation unit may have a Bluetooth interface, a serial interface or similar for administrative control of the unit.

[0095] It is preferred that the brake activation unit of the present invention: [0096] has the ability to stop the train at any time at any location on the rail network; [0097] be able to activate the locomotive pneumatic brake system separate from any other locomotive system; [0098] can ensure that the reduced air pressure will activate normal locomotive safety function such as removal of tractive effort; [0099] be able to be manually overridden from at least within the locomotive (there being no automatic or remote override available for the system); [0100] be able to interact and activate the locomotive pneumatic brake system on an individual locomotive; [0101] is under constant monitoring and is available at all times.

[0102] The train braking solution is intended to provide a backup method to remotely stop a train in the case of an emergency. The brake activation unit is attached to a relay box that when triggered results in air being dumped from the braking system and the locomotive being brought to a halt. The signal to trigger the relay is communicated to the transmitting assembly by a message sent across the telecommunication network and received by a radio incorporated in the brake activation unit. An output from the relay box is then fed through the brake activation unit so it can communicate success/failure back through the radio network.

[0103] Each brake activation unit will only accept messages from a predesignated source.

[0104] An embodiment of the present invention provides an increase in functionality to the prior art braking systems by remotely enabling emergency venting (i.e. an emergency brake application) of the train's brake pipe in an undefined train system failure scenario. The brake activation unit addresses those circumstances where the operator of the lead locomotive does not, or is unable to take any necessary action.

[0105] The brake activation unit may form part of an end of train unit to vent pressure from the end of the brake pipe, but may also be incorporated within the locomotive to vent pressure from the front of the brake pipe. When located in the locomotive the activation unit may rely on the train's communication system.

[0106] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention may readily apply to other vehicles, such as trucks. These embodiments are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0107] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0108] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0109] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0110] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0111] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0112] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0113] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0114] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0115] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0116] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.