METHOD FOR THE STATE-BASED MAINTENANCE OF A COUPLING ARRANGEMENT, AND MONITORING SYSTEM

Abstract

A method for the state-based maintenance of a coupling arrangement of a track-bound vehicle includes the steps of: providing coupling arrangement data and surroundings data; transmitting the coupling arrangement data and/or the surroundings data to a data processing system and determining a target specification for a maintenance requirement of the coupling arrangement as a function of the coupling arrangement data and the surroundings data; recording images of the coupling arrangement for optical reproduction of an actual state and transmission to the data processing system; and evaluating an optical actual state of the coupling arrangement from the images taking account of the target specification, which is formed from the operating data and the state data, for the maintenance requirement at an evaluation time and taking the evaluating as a basis for correcting the target specification.

Claims

1. A method for the state-based maintenance of a coupling arrangement of a track-bound vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing coupling arrangement data (KAD) and surroundings data, the coupling arrangement data (KAD) being formed as operating data and state data relating to the coupling arrangement, the surroundings data (UD) being for describing information relating to a plurality of ambient conditions to which the coupling arrangement is subject, the coupling arrangement including at least one coupling head configured for coupling to a diametrically opposed coupling head of a mating coupling; b) transmitting at least one of the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) to a data processing system and determining a target specification (Xsoll) for a maintenance requirement of the coupling arrangement as a function of the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD); c) recording a plurality of images of the coupling arrangement for optical reproduction of an actual state and transmission to the data processing system; and d) evaluating an optical actual state of the coupling arrangement from the plurality of images taking account of the target specification (Xsoll), which is formed from the operating data and the state data, for the maintenance requirement at an evaluation time and taking the evaluating as a basis for correcting the target specification (Xsoll) of the maintenance requirement.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the target specification (Xsoll) determined for the maintenance requirement is a variable that at least indirectly characterizes a permissible remaining operating period of the coupling arrangement before a next maintenance as a function of at least one of (i) a captured coupling arrangement data (KAD) and surroundings data (UD) and (ii) a correction (XKn) of the target specification (Xsoll) using at least one mathematical model.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a data comprising the coupling arrangement data (KAD), the surroundings data (UD) and the plurality of images are provided with a timestamp and stored therewith.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, during an operation of the track-bound vehicle that bears or has the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) are captured at least in part on the track-bound vehicle.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, during the operation of the track-bound vehicle (2) that bears or has the coupling arrangement, the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) are captured in full on the track-bound vehicle by way of a data providing device associated with the track-bound vehicle.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) relating to at least one of the coupling arrangement and a plurality of components thereof are captured at least in part using a data providing device associated with the coupling arrangement.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) that follow are captured for the coupling arrangement: a running time of the track-bound vehicle bearing the coupling arrangement; number of coupling operations performed; a plurality GPS coordinates of the coupling arrangement or the track-bound vehicle; a coupling speed; an exterior temperature; and a coupling ID.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of images are recorded and evaluated on demand at a demand time or in predefined time intervals.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the steps a) and b) are carried out at least at the demand time or in the predefined time intervals for recording the plurality of images.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least steps a) and b) are cyclically or iteratively repeated, with the result that the target specification (Xsoll) for the maintenance requirement is at least one of verified and adapted.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein steps c) and d) are cyclically or iteratively repeated.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the evaluating of the optical actual state of the coupling arrangement involves the actual state (ABist) being compared with a target state (ABsoll), the target specification (Xsoll) for the maintenance requirement from the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) being retained if no variance between the actual state (ABist) and the target state (ABsoll) is determined, and wherein, if a variance is determined, a change of the target specification (Xsoll) for the maintenance requirement being determined and set as a new target specification (Xsollneu) based on a type, an extent, and a direct or an indirect influence of the variance on a functioning and a remaining operating period, which is able to be described by the target specification (Xsoll), of at least one of the coupling arrangement and a plurality of individual components thereof before a next maintenance.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further includes the steps of: classifying a plurality of the variance into a plurality of classeswhich are different from one anotheras a function of a direct effect or an indirect effect of the plurality of the variance on at least one of the functioning and the remaining operating period of the coupling arrangement; and predetermining at least one change of the target specification (Xsoll) for the maintenance requirement for each individual one of the plurality of classes, a correction (Xkmin) of the target specification within a respective one of the plurality of classes being determined as a function of the variance having a greatest effect on at least one of the functioning and the remaining operating period of the coupling arrangement.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) the coupling arrangement data (KAD), (ii) the surroundings data (UD), and (iii) the plurality of images are stored in a database that is a part of a plurality of providing devices, of an edge device, or of a cloud structure, and wherein at least one of (i) the determining of the target specification (Xsoll) for the maintenance requirement and (ii) the evaluating of the optical actual state (ABist) of the coupling arrangement from the plurality of images taking account of the target specification (Xsoll), which is formed from the operating and state data, for the maintenance requirement at the evaluation time are performed by edge processing or cloud computing.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the coupling arrangement includes at least one line coupling configured for coupling to a line coupling of the mating coupling so as to transmit an electrical charge, data, and a liquid media or a gaseous media; and the evaluating step includes evaluating the optical actual state of the coupling arrangement from the plurality of images taking account of the target specification (Xsoll), which is formed from the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD), for the maintenance requirement at the evaluation time and taking the evaluating as a basis for correcting the target specification (Xsoll) of the maintenance requirement.

16. A monitoring system for the state-based maintenance of a coupling arrangement of a track-bound vehicle, the coupling arrangement including at least one coupling head for coupling to a diametrically opposed coupling head of a mating coupling, the monitoring system comprising: at least one first device configured for capturing and for providing at least one of coupling arrangement data (KAD) and surroundings data (UD); a second device configured for recording and providing a plurality of images of at least one of the coupling arrangement and a plurality of components thereof; at least one data memory configured for storing the coupling arrangement data (KAD), the surroundings data (UD), and the plurality of images; and a data processing system configured for analyzing and for processing the coupling arrangement data (KAD), the surroundings data (UD), and the plurality of images, the data processing system being configured for being coupled to the at least one first device and the second device so as to transmit data.

17. The monitoring system according to claim 16, wherein the data processing system is formed as a cloud structure configured for cloud computing.

18. The monitoring system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one first device configured for capturing and for providing at least one of the coupling arrangement data (KAD) and the surroundings data (UD) is configured for being formed by a controller associated with the track-bound vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0079] FIG. 1 shows the design and the basic functioning of a monitoring system according to the invention; and

[0080] FIG. 2 uses a flowchart to show a method according to the invention.

[0081] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] FIG. 1 shows a schematically simplified representation of a coupling arrangement 1 of a track-bound vehicle 2, including a coupling head 3 for coupling to a diametrically opposed coupling head of a coupling arrangement of a further track-bound vehicle, not shown here. The coupling arrangement 1 may also optionally have at least one line coupling 10 for coupling to a line coupling of a mating coupling for transmitting electrical charge and/or data and/or liquid or gaseous media.

[0083] The coupling arrangement 1 has an associated monitoring system 4. The monitoring system 4 is optionally in decentralized form. FIG. 1 shows a particularly advantageous variation of the monitoring system 4. Said monitoring system includes at least one data processing system 5 and at least one providing device 6 for providing and transmitting coupling arrangement data KAD and/or surroundings data UD relating to the coupling arrangement 1 and also at least one providing device 7 for providing and transmitting images of the coupling arrangement 1 to the data processing system 5. The term data processing system is not necessarily intended to be understood as an apparatus. The data processing system 5 may be in central form or else, in a particularly advantageous variation according to the invention as depicted in FIG. 1, be produced by way of a cloud architecture for cloud computing.

[0084] The data processing system 5 has at least one interface to the respective providing device 6 for providing and transmitting coupling arrangement data KAD and/or surroundings data UD relating to the coupling arrangement 1 and also to a providing device 7 for providing and transmitting images of the coupling arrangement 1.

[0085] The individual providing device 6 includes capture devices, in particular a sensor system designed to record, over a definable time period, variables/data that at least indirectly characterize the functioning and state of the coupling arrangement 1 in the form of variables/data that describe coupling arrangement data KAD and external environmental influences in the form of surroundings data UD. The coupling arrangement data KAD captured are at least the following data: running time of the coupling arrangement or of the vehicle bearing the coupling arrangement; number of coupling operations performed; GPS coordinates of the coupling arrangement; coupling speed. Surroundings data UD describe the ambient influences. To characterize these, at least the exterior temperatures are measured. Further variables are conceivable, such as e.g. a type, nature, amount and speed of precipitation, air humidity; UV radiation, etc.

[0086] These data may be captured by way of sensors mounted or integrated on the coupling arrangement 1 and/or the vehicle 2.

[0087] The providing device 7 includes either a sensor system mounted or integrated firmly on and in the coupling arrangement 1, in the form of image sensors for recording the images of the coupling arrangement 1 and the individual components thereof, or else a mobile optical image capture device, for example a camera or smartphone, by way of which images of the coupling arrangement 1 may be recorded only when the rail vehicle is at a standstill.

[0088] The integrated sensor system also permits images to be recorded in areas that are not accessible externally using an image capture device.

[0089] Optionally, each of the individual providing devices 6, 7 includes an interface for reading and transmitting the data to the data processing system 5.

[0090] Each of the providing devices 6, 7 may also have a memory for storing the captured data.

[0091] According to a first variation, the function of the providing device 6 for providing and transmitting coupling arrangement data KAD may be performed by a device associated with the track-bound vehicle 2. According to a second variation, which is shown here by way of a broken line, this function is performed solely by a device associated with the coupling arrangement 1. According to a third variation, subfunctions may be performed by both providing devices 6, 7.

[0092] The data processing system 5 includes at least one data memory 8 and a data processing device 9 for analyzing, evaluating and processing the coupling arrangement data KAD, surroundings data UD and images. The data are optionally provided with a timestamp and stored in the memories of the providing devices 6, 7 and/or in the memory of the data processing system 5.

[0093] The data are transmitted by the providing devices 6, 7 optionally wirelessly, for example by way of WLAN or mobile radio, NFC or Bluetooth.

[0094] To process the data, in particular to analyze, evaluate and determine a target specification for the maintenance requirement, i.e. a statement regarding the next imminent inspection and maintenance, the data processing device 9 includes a processor 12 that is configured to process data from the data memory 8 and to output the processing result again to interfaces. By way of example, such an interface is the connection to an external device for retrieving the target specification or corrected target specification, for example a display device in the form of a dashboard 13. This may take place wirelessly by way of WLAN or mobile radio, NFC or Bluetooth.

[0095] In a particularly advantageous variation, the data processing system 5 is produced by way of a cloud architecture that is designed to facilitate cloud computing. This involves providing resources, e.g. servers, memory, databases, network components, software, analysis functions and intelligent functions, via the Internet, that is to say the cloud 11.

[0096] FIG. 2 uses a flowchart to illustrate a particularly advantageous version of a method according to the invention.

[0097] Images ABist of the coupling arrangement 1 are recorded or generated at least at a demand time t. These visually reflect the actual state at this time. With the sensor system mounted and integrated, the images AB may be manually recorded at specific times (demand time) or on an ongoing basis during operation or else, in the simplest case with the least complexity, when the vehicle is at a standstill. This involves recording the whole coupling arrangement 1, the mechanical part and the line coupling, and also details of the components, including surfaces, parts such as seals; line connections; electrical contacts and ports, screw joints, etc.

[0098] Optionally, the individual images ABist are always recorded from the same perspective at different demand times, which considerably simplifies a comparison of the change response over a predefinable period. To this end, the data are optionally provided with a timestamp in order to facilitate a precise temporal classification of the actual state and to combine it with the coupling arrangement data KAD or with the target specification Xsoll for a maintenance operation derived therefrom.

[0099] Furthermore, at the demand time t, the coupling arrangement data KAD in the form of operating data and optionally state data relating to the coupling arrangement 1 are provided and surroundings data UD for describing information from ambient conditions to which the coupling arrangement is subject are provided. These data may also be captured on an ongoing basis and stored in a memory 8 with an associated timestamp.

[0100] The coupling arrangement data KAD captured are optionally at least the following variables: [0101] running time of the vehicle bearing the coupling arrangement, in particular mileage of the vehicle; [0102] number of coupling operations performed; [0103] GPS coordinates of the coupling arrangement or of the vehicle; [0104] coupling speed; [0105] coupling ID.

[0106] The surroundings data UD taken into account are at least the exterior temperature.

[0107] In a particularly advantageous development, additional variables are also taken into account, however, that permit load spectra to be formed over predefined periods, which are also used for determining the target specification of the maintenance requirement and facilitate even more precise target specifications. These include capturing the acceleration and deceleration behaviors of the vehicle, which are available anyway via the drive controller and are reflected in the forces present on the coupling arrangement.

[0108] The coupling arrangement data KAD and the surroundings data UD at a time are used to form a target specification Xsoll for the maintenance requirement, for example a period before the next inspection and maintenance. This is combined at the demand time t with the information from the images ABist (t), analyzed and if necessary corrected.

[0109] If the actual state ABist that results and is identifiable from the images AB corresponds to the target state ABsoll, the maintenance requirement Xsoll (t) may be retained and if necessary even extended for the purpose of extending the period before the next necessary maintenance. Xsoll (t) is then set as the new target specification Xsollneu.

[0110] If the evaluation of the optical actual state of the coupling arrangement 1 from the images taking account of the target specification, formed from the operating and state data or coupling arrangement data KAD and surroundings data UD, for the maintenance requirement at an evaluation time and on the basis of the evaluation reveals a variance W, in particular W1 to Wn, from the target state ABsoll, the target specification Xsoll (t) of the maintenance requirement is corrected XK. There are various options for this. Optionally, the evaluation takes place as part of a model, in particular a mathematical model. As such, for example the variances W1 to Wn, where n=1 to x, may be classified as variances that have no influence on the functionality and safety of the coupling arrangement 1 before the required maintenance term from the target specification Xsoll and variances that necessitate an earlier inspection and maintenance or even immediate maintenance. By way of example, these include detached line and cable connections, leaks, etc.

[0111] The correction specifications XKn for the coupling arrangement 1 are each determined as a function of the variance W1 to Wn, the correction specification that describes the shortest remaining operating period before the next maintenance or that influences the functioning of the coupling arrangement such that safety-relevant requirements are no longer met being set as the correction value. The target specification thus corrected is denoted by XKmin. If it is smaller than the target specification caused by the coupling arrangement data KAD, the corrected target specification XKmin is set as the new target specification Xsollneu.

[0112] The target value specification Xsollneu may then be either manually read or automatically transmitted to a decision entity for planning and performing the maintenance.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0113] 1 coupling arrangement [0114] 2 track-bound vehicle [0115] 3 coupling head [0116] 4 monitoring system [0117] 5 data processing system [0118] 6 providing device [0119] 7 providing device [0120] 8 data memory [0121] 9 data processing device [0122] 10 line coupling [0123] 11 cloud [0124] 12 processor [0125] 13 dashboard

[0126] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.