DEVICE FOR MONITORING OPERATION PARAMETERS OF A VEHICLE AXLE

Abstract

A device for monitoring operation parameters of a vehicle axle including a measuring instrument (1) comprising at least a position sensor, a device (2) for communication of measured quantities to an external device, a mechanism (5) for conversion of mechanical energy of the axle to electrical energy and a memory (3) with a stored identification code. A device has the shape of a ring (4) that is applied on the vehicle axle in such a way that it encircles it. The ring (4) consists of at least two parts (4a, 4b) that are adapted for permanent connection around the vehicle axle. The mechanism (5) consists of a circumferential cavity (5a) in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet (5b) is freely positioned, at least one coil (5c), preferably four coils (5c) being positioned along its perimeter. The device (2) for communication of measured quantities is a wireless transmitter with a GSM interface or radio-frequency interface configured for communication of measured values together with the identification code (3) of the axle to an external processing unit.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring operation parameters of a vehicle axle including a measuring instrument (1) comprising at least a position sensor, a device (2) for communication of measured quantities to an external device, a mechanism (5) for conversion of mechanical energy of the axle to electrical energy and a memory (3) with a stored identification code, characterized in that it has the shape of a ring (4) that is applied on the vehicle axle in such a way that it encircles it.

2. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the ring (4) consists of at least two parts (4a, 4b) that are adapted for permanent connection around the vehicle axle.

3. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (5) consists of a circumferential cavity (5a) in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet (5b) is freely positioned, at least one coil (5c), preferably four coils (5c) being positioned along its perimeter.

4. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (5) is configured to supply the measuring instrument (1) and the communication device (2) with electric power.

5. The device in accordance with claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the mechanism (5) is connected to a recharging battery (5d).

6. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the measuring instrument (1) comprises a GNSS position sensor and at least some of the measuring instruments: rotational speed meter, thermometer, measuring instrument of the axle vibration level.

7. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the device (2) for communication of measured quantities is a wireless transmitter with a GSM interface or radio-frequency interface configured for communication of measured values together with the identification code (3) of the axle to an external processing unit.

8. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a control unit (6) to control at least one measuring instrument (1) and/or data communication device (2).

9. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (6) consists of a microprocessor and is equipped with a timer to start individual measuring and communication operations at preset intervals.

10. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the axle is a wagon axle and wherein the measuring instrument (1) further comprises a RF receiver to receive radio-frequency signals from sensors installed in various locations of the wagon or cargo.

11. The device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the axle is a bicycle wheel axle wherein the measuring instrument (1) further comprises a RF receiver to receive radio-frequency signals of the RF transmitter kept by the owner.

Description

OVERVIEW OF FIGURES IN THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The principle of the invention is further clarified with reference to drawings where:

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a central (transversal) cross-section through a device in accordance with the invention on a plane perpendicular to the axle.

[0020] FIG. 2a shows a front view of a device in accordance with the invention, forming a ring.

[0021] FIG. 2b shows two parts of a device in accordance with the invention in the dismounted form.

EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Example 1

[0022] The device for monitoring operation parameters of a wagon axle has the shape of a ring 4 consisting of two halves 4a 4b that are adapted to be connected together around the wagon axle. The ring is made of polyamide PA6/30 (nylon) filled with 30% of glass fiber to increase strength, hardness and thermal resistance. The cable interconnecting the coils is placed in one of the halves 4a, 4b before the installation and before the connection it is pulled into the other half. On installation on the axle, the halves 4a, 4b of the ring are joined by snapping and bonding. Then, the ring 4 cannot be removed from the axle without being damaged.

[0023] The device is equipped with a mechanism 5 for conversion of the axle rotational energy consisting of a circumferential cavity 5a in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet 5b is freely positioned, four coils 5c being distributed along its perimeter. The ring 4 with the induction coils 5c rotates simultaneously with the rotation of the wagon axle, the magnet 5b moving inside the cavity 5a being permanently situated at the bottom of the ring by virtue of gravity. This relative movement of the magnet 5b with respect to the coils 5c results in induction and generation of electricity. This induced electrical energy is used for the power supply of the measuring instruments 1 and data communication device 2 or if there is an excess, to recharge the battery 5d situated inside the ring 4 at its outer perimeter.

[0024] The device comprises a measuring instrument 1 equipped with a GNSS geographic position sensor, which is a GPS sensor in this case, a rotational speed sensor, a vibration sensor, a contact thermometer.

[0025] The device further comprises a device 2 for communication of measured quantities and a memory 3 with the stored identification code of the device. The communication device 2 is a wireless transmitter with a GSM interface or another radio-frequency interface for transmission of measured data (e.g. Sigfox, data transmission via satellites) configured for communication of measured quantities together with the identification to an external processing unit (server, PC etc.), where these data are processed and assigned to individual wagons and their axles registered in a superior system based on the identification.

[0026] The device for monitoring operation parameters of a wagon axle further comprises a control unit 6 for the control of at least one measuring instrument and/or data communication device. The control unit consists of a microprocessor equipped with a programmable timer to start individual measuring and communication operations at preset intervals.

[0027] The measured data can be used to determine the covered distance (based on the number of revolutions of the axle) and blocking of the axis e.g. due to a brake failure (in case of a change of the position established with the use of GNSS when there is no axle rotation). An elevated temperature and excessive vibrations can further indicate an incorrect function of axle bearings and lead to the issue of a warning message to prevent an accident.

[0028] This device can be used on any wagon axis; an annulus can be used to adapt the diameter of the axle.

Example 2

[0029] The device for monitoring operation parameters of a wagon axle having the shape of a ring 4 consists of two halves 4a, 4b that are adapted to be connected together around the wagon axle. The ring is made of polyethylene with an addition of glass with the weight ratio of 70:30, or of plastic, a composite material or an aluminum casting can be used.

[0030] The device is, similarly to Example 1, equipped with a mechanism 5 for conversion of the axle rotational energy consisting of a circumferential cavity 5a in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet 5b is freely positioned, four coils 5c being distributed along its perimeter. Induced electrical energy is used for the power supply of the measuring instruments 1 and data communication device 2 or if there is an excess, to recharge the battery 5d situated inside the ring.

[0031] The device comprises a measuring instrument 1 comprising a GNSS sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a vibration sensor, a contact thermometer. The measuring instrument further comprises a RF receiver to receive radio-frequency signals from sensors installed in various locations of the wagon or cargo. These sensors comprise RF sensors of: temperature, pressure, illumination, level, cargo compartment opening, tilt, number of rotations, overloading and cargo identification. These sensors are powered by their own battery and periodically transmit values to the RF receiver.

[0032] The RF temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature e.g. inside the cargo space or on the wagon axle. The RF pressure sensor measures the ambient pressure e.g. inside a transported cistern or pressure in the brake system of the wagon. The RF illumination sensor measures the illumination level e.g. inside the cargo compartment of the wagon. The value of illumination may be important for the transported material or a change of the illumination value may be important for indication when the cargo space was opened. The RF level sensor based on the capacitance principle (or possibly on the resistance or pressure principle) measures the liquid level mostly in a cistern. The RF tilt sensor is a three-axis accelerometer measuring overloading on three axes in relation to the earth axis, which is used to obtain data about tilt changes and the number of rotations. The RF overloading sensors continuously measure the acceleration value on all the three axes and if the set allowed value is exceeded, it sends information to the RF receiver. The RF sensor for cargo identification sends its identification in regular intervals. It is used with more expensive cargoes in such a way that the sensor is placed within the entire cargo (e.g. in the transported machine or car).

[0033] The device for monitoring operation parameters comprises a control unit 6 for the control of the operation of the measuring instruments and/or data communication device. The control unit consists of a microprocessor and is equipped with a timer.

[0034] The device further comprises a device 2 for communication of measured quantities and a memory 3 with stored identification. The communication device 2 is a wireless transmitter with a GSM interface configured for communication of data together with identification 3 to an external processing unit (server, PC, mobile etc.), where these data are processed and based on the identification they are assigned to individual wagons and their axes.

Example 3

[0035] The device for monitoring operation parameters of a bicycle axle consists of two halves (4a, 4b) of a ring that are adapted to be connected together around the bicycle wheel axle. The ring is made of polyethylene with an addition of glass in the weight ratio of 70:30.

[0036] The device is, similarly to Examples 1 and 2, equipped with a mechanism 5 for conversion of the axle rotational energy consisting of a circumferential cavity 5a in the inner part of the ring where a permanent magnet 5b is freely positioned, four coils 5c being distributed along its perimeter.

[0037] Induced electrical energy is used for the power supply of the measuring instruments 1 and data communication device 2 or if there is an excess, to recharge the battery 5d situated inside the ring.

[0038] The measuring instrument 1 comprises a GPS sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a three-axis overloading sensor, an RG proximity sensor (receiver) and a control unit 6. The measuring instrument 1 provides a record of the covered route, speed, altitude and transmits them to an external unit (e.g. a mobile phone).

[0039] The GPS sensor is adapted to establish and send the position even though the wheel is not rotating, a battery serving as the source of energy for this measurement. This measurement can be used to find the bicycle after a theft or to trace bicycles for bicycle rent shops.

[0040] The RF proximity sensor comprises a RF receiver paired with a RF transmitter kept by the bicycle owner. The RF transmitter is equipped with identification and a battery. In regular intervals (e.g. lx every second), the RF transmitter sends its identification number, which is received by the RF sensor (receiver) mounted on the bicycle. If a certain RF distance, e.g. 5 m, is exceeded, the receiver will not receive identification of the transmitter and the device will pass into the active guarding state. If during this period the overloading sensor is activated due to a motion of the bicycle, the control unit will evaluate handling of the bicycle as unauthorized and send alarm messages.

[0041] The owner's mobile phone can also be used as the RF transmitter. If the device recognizes a paired phone with Bluetooth on within its range (using the common RF principle just as e.g. a headset is paired to a mobile phone via Bluetooth), the device would not be in the active guarding state. As soon as the device loses the Bluetooth connection with the phone, it will pass into the active guarding state.

INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

[0042] The device for monitoring operation parameters of a vehicle axle can especially be used for railway wagons to measure the geographic position and other operation parameters as the rotational speed of the axle, axle temperature and axle vibrations. The device can be used flexibly for different types of railway wagons as well as to monitor parameters of the wagon cargo and wagon accessories. The device for monitoring operation parameters of a vehicle axle can be used for bicycles to check parameters of the covered route and to protect the bicycle from theft.