TRIGGERING MONITORING DEVICE FOR A DEFORMATION TUBE FOR A COUPLING; AND TRAIN COUPLING

Abstract

The current invention relates to a triggering monitoring device for a deformation tube having two tube parts which can slide into each other against resistance in a coupling, in particular a train coupling, having a housing that includes a connection for connecting to the deformation tube and at least one working surface for action of one tube part during its movement relative to the other tube part of the deformation tube part, wherein the housing can be deformed through the action of the tube part on the working surface. The triggering monitoring device according to the invention is characterized in that a sensor is provided in or on the housing which detects deformation of the housing and which is moreover equipped to transmit detection of a deformation to an evaluation device.

Claims

1. A triggering monitoring device for a deformation tube used with a train coupling, comprising: a first tube part and a second tube part sliding into each other against a resistance in the train coupling; a housing including a connection for connecting to the deformation tube and at least one working surface for an action of the first tube part during movement of the first tube part relative to the second tube part of the deformation tube, the housing deforming through the action of the first tube part and the second tube part on the at least one working surface; and a sensor located in or on the housing for detecting a deformation of the housing and transmitting detection of the deformation to an evaluation device.

2. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is equipped with an electrical connection that is at least indirectly connected with the sensor to connect the evaluation device.

3. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation device is positioned on or remotely from the housing and is connected with the sensor, by at least one electric line, for an analysis of sensor data.

4. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is at least one of bent and sheared off through the action of the first tube part and the second tube part on the at least one working surface.

5. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes: at least one stationary housing part and at least one movable housing part, wherein the at least one movable housing part is at least one of moveable and twistable relative to the at least one stationary housing part; and the at least one working surface is positioned on the at least one movable housing part, wherein the at least one movable housing part is moved relative to the at least one stationary housing part, by the action of the first tube part and the second tube part on the at least one working surface, wherein the sensor detects the at least one movable housing part being moved relative to the at least one stationary housing part.

6. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one movable housing part is rotatably supported by the at least one stationary housing part and represents a cam shape.

7. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one stationary housing part has an at least essentially cylindrical shape and an outside thread on one axial end and is surrounded by the at least one movable housing part.

8. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one cylindrical end section, where the connection retains the at least one cylindrical end section in a bore of the deformation tube.

9. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 8, wherein the connection is provided by an outside thread on the at least one cylindrical end section of the cylinder.

10. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor has a deformation element that is irreversibly deformed, with the deformation of the housing.

11. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein the sensor includes an electrical conductor that progresses over the deformation element, wherein an electric conductivity of the electrical conductor is changed with the deformation of the deformation element.

12. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein the sensor includes at least two electrically conductive electrodes electrically connected by an at least one contact element positioned in close contact with the at least two electrically conductive electrodes, wherein the at least one contact element is pressed against the at least two electrically conductive electrodes with an at least one elastic pressure element, wherein the deformation element represents a resistance for the at least one elastic pressure element being destroyed with the deformation of the housing.

13. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an optical sender and an optical receiver being coupled with an optical signal that is dependent on the deformation of the housing.

14. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor produces a magnetic field with the deformation of the housing and detects changes in the magnetic field.

15. The triggering monitoring device according to one claim 1, wherein the sensor produces an electric capacity with the deformation of the housing and detects changes in the electric capacity.

16. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor produces an electromagnetic oscillating circuit with the deformation of the housing and detects changes in the electromagnetic oscillating circuit.

17. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor which detects a pressure that is produced from the deformation of the housing.

18. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein a volatile medium is enclosed in the housing with the working surface positioned on the housing where the action of the first tube part and the second tube part on the at least one working surface opens the housing and releases the volatile medium, wherein the sensor at least indirectly detects at least one of a presence and a volume of the volatile medium.

19. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 18, wherein the volatile medium is an electroconductive fluid enclosed in the housing and the sensor includes at least one electrode in electrical contact with the electroconductive fluid, wherein the sensor detects at least one of an electrical current and an electrical resistance produced by at least one of the presence and the volume of the electroconductive fluid in the housing.

20. The triggering monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an electric push button positioned in or on the housing where it is activated with the deformation of the housing.

21. The triggering monitoring device according to one claim 1, wherein the sensor includes at least one strain gauge.

22. A deformation tube for a train coupling, comprising: a first tube part and a second tube part sliding into each other against a resistance; and a sensor connecting to the deformation tube in a region of an interface between the first tube part and the second tube part two tube and transmitting detection of the deformation to an evaluation device.

23. The deformation tube according to claim 22, wherein the coupling includes a Scharfenberg train coupling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] 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:

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a triggering monitoring device with eccentric cams;

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a board that has a predetermined breaking point;

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a triggering mounting device with a plate;

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a deformation tube with an installed triggering monitoring device;

[0049] FIG. 5-11 show various cylindrical triggering monitoring devise with sensors that capture various physical dimensions;

[0050] FIG. 12 shows a triggering monitoring device with a crash-box representing the housing;

[0051] FIG. 13 shows a triggering monitoring device with an electrically conducting fluid inside the housing;

[0052] FIG. 14-16 show possible arrangements of evaluation equipment, central or decentralized;

[0053] FIG. 17 shows a working surface of the housing positioned inside the deformation tube;

[0054] FIG. 18-22 show additional embodiments of the invention; and

[0055] FIG. 23 shows a triggering monitoring device with two electrodes and one contact element.

[0056] 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

[0057] Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic illustration of a triggering monitoring device 1 which is arranged on a first tube part 3.1 of a deformation tube 2 of a coupling 4, for example according to a Scharfenberg design (Schaku). The Schaku is indicated only schematically with broken lines. First tube part 3.1 has a smaller outside diameter than the also provided second tube part 3.2 and in the event of deformation of at least the second tube part 3.2 can be pushed into same due to outside pressure force that is indicated by the two arrows

[0058] Triggering monitoring device 1 includes a housing 5, including a stationary housing part 12 which is mounted on first tube part 3.1 and a mobile housing part 13 which is mounted rotatably on stationary housing part 12 in this case above rotational axis 14 that is positioned vertically on first tube part 3.1. In order to better understand the structure of triggering monitoring device 1 we refer you to FIG. 3 where respective components are marked with respective identification.

[0059] Movable housing part 13 has a working surface 7 with which a front surface of second tube part 3.2 acts when first tube part 3.1 is pushed into second tube part 3.2 due to an external force.

[0060] Due to the action of second tube part 3.2 on working surface 7 and continued insertion of first tube parts 3.1 into second tube part 3.2, movable housing part 13 is twisted on the outer surface of stationary housing part 12 which, in this case is cylindrical in shape, because stationary housing part 12 is connected rigidly at its connection 6 to first tube part 3.1. In the illustrated design example, connection 6 is provided by a through-bore 16 in combination with a screw which is not illustrated in detail and which is screwed through through-bore 16 into first tube part 3.1. Other connection methods are conceivable.

[0061] A sensor 8 is provided in housing 5 as illustrated in FIG. 3. A board 26 is provided in one of the two housing parts 12, 13; in this case in movable housing part 13 which has a break-off tab 27 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Break-off tab 27 notably has a predetermined breaking point 28; however, this not absolutely necessary. An electrical conductor 19 is provided on board 26, in this case in the embodiment of a strip conductor, which extends over the break-off location of break-off tab 27. Break-off tab 27 thus represents a deformation element 18 over which electrical conductor 19 proceeds.

[0062] Break-off tab 27 protrudes from one housing part, in this instance movable housing part 13, into the other housing part, in this instance the stationary housing part 12, where it is held in place, in this case by a spacer 29. Since, at the same time board 26 is fixed on the other housing part which in this case is movable housing part 13, a relative movement between the two housing parts 12, 13 which in this case is twisting of movable housing part 13 on stationary housing part 12 leads to breaking off of break-off tab 27 from the rest of board 26 and thus to severing of electrical conductor 19.

[0063] Since electrical conductor 19 is connected with electric connector 30 which provides an electrical connection 10 for an evaluation device 9, the interruption of electrical conductor 19 due to the change in the electric resistance or respectively the electric conductivity can be captured and based thereupon can be closed upon twisting of movable housing part 13 relative to stationary housing part 12 due to the insertion of first tube part 3.1 into second tube part 3.2.

[0064] Evaluation device 9 is connected in housing 5 via electric lines 11 at electrical connection 10 of sensor 8 and is located in particular remotely from housing 5. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0065] By breaking off break-off tab 27 from board 26, electrical conductor 29 is permanently interrupted, so that a conceivable premature damage of deformation tube 2 can be reliably detected, independent of its return into its starting position.

[0066] Stationary housing part 12 may be designed cylindrically, in particular symmetrically over movable housing part 13 and can include an outside surface for a bore of movable housing part 13. In the illustrated design example, movable housing part 13 is placed axially on stationary housing part 12 and is secured by a clamping ring 31 which in this case is held, for example by a retainer ring 32 on stationary housing part 12. Movable housing part 13 is sealed relative to stationary housing part 12, or respectively clamping ring 31. See for example, illustrated seals 33.

[0067] As a result of clamping ring 31 being locked above rotary axis 14 onto stationary housing part 12, additional screws are no longer necessary for assembly.

[0068] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a deformation tube 2 into which a cylindrical triggering monitoring device 1 is screwed from the outside into first tube part 3.1 with comparatively small outside diameter. Cylindrical housing 5 of triggering monitoring device 1 is deformed during insertion of first tube part 3.1 into second tube part 3.2, wherein this deformation is detected by a sensor that is not shown in detail in FIG. 4. The sensor designs are however not limited to cylindrical housings 5 of triggering monitoring device 1 but can also be used with other designs of triggering monitoring devices 1.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 5-11 and 13, the advantage of such a cylindrical design of housing 5 is that triggering monitoring device 1 can be inserted into deformation tube 2 instead of the previous pins. Housing 5 is for example pressed into a bore 17 in tube component 3.2. As schematically illustrated in detail in FIG. 4, an outside thread 15 may also be provided on an axial end of housing 5, that is screwed into bore 17 which accordingly is equipped with an inside thread.

[0070] Bore 17 is designed as a blind bore which presents a feasible option in any embodiment.

[0071] In FIG. 1 and in FIG. 4 a triggering monitoring device 1 is located in the region of interface 25 of the two tube parts 3.1, 3.2 so that even a small relative displacement of tube parts 3.1, 3.2 leads to a response of triggering monitoring device 1.

[0072] According to FIG. 5, an electrical conductor 19, in this case a loop conductor is again provided in housing 5 to represent sensor 8. Electrical conductor 19 is embedded for example in a casting compound 34 in housing 5. During deformation of housing 5, electrical conductor 19 is severed or at least changes its resistance due to the deformation. This can again be detected by an evaluation device that is not shown in further detail and which is advantageously connected via electrical line 11.

[0073] According to FIG. 6, two electrodes 24.1, 24.2 in housing 5 produce an electric capacity in sensor 8. Electrodes 24.1, 24.2 are for example also embedded in a casting compound 34. Due to a deformation of housing 5, the electrical capacity of sensor 8 changes, which again can be detected by an evaluation device (not illustrated) which in particular is connected via electric line 11. For example, the distance of the two electrodes 24.1, 24.2 is changed by squeezing or bending of housing 5, or in the event of shearing off of housing 5 the active surface of electrodes 24.1, 24.2 is decreased so that the capacity changes.

[0074] In FIG. 7 a sensor is provided that produces an inductivity and captures a change in inductivity that occurs as a consequence of the deformation of housing 5. Sensor 8 includes an electric coil 35 and a ferromagnetic rod 36. Coil 35 and/or ferromagnetic rod 36 can for example, again be embedded in a casting compound. Due to deformation or bending or respectively breaking off of ferromagnetic rod 36 the magnetic field and thus the inductivity of sensor 8 is changed which is again detected via electric line 11. Accordingly, the at least one ferromagnetic rod extends advantageously over the bending point or shear-off point of housing 5 and thus over working surface 7.

[0075] FIG. 8 is extensively consistent with that illustrated in FIG. 7, however an electric coil 35 is mounted on ferromagnetic rod 36 above and below the bending point or respectively the shear-off region of housing 5, in other words working surface 7 of tube part 3.2, so that when housing 5 bends or shears off due to insertion of first tube part 3.1 into second tube part 3.2 the magnetic flow and thus the coupling property of the two coils 35 to one another is changed. This is captured via electric line 11 by an accordingly connected evaluation device which is not illustrated.

[0076] In FIG. 9, sensor 8 is deformed in such a way during deformation or shearing off of housing 5 that a pressure change occurs in sensor 8. The pressure change is monitored by a suitable measuring device, in this case for example by illustrated pressure sensor 22.

[0077] In FIG. 10, sensor 8 produces a magnetic field which changes as a consequence of the deformation of housing 5. For this purpose, a magnet 37 is located in housing 5, opposite of which a magnetic sensor 38 is located on the other side of the breaking point or respectively shear-off point of housing 5, in particular on the other side of working surface 7. During or after deformation or shearing off of housing 5, magnetic sensor 38 no longer measures the same magnetic field as in the non-deformed or respectively non-sheared off condition of housing 5. This can again be captured by an evaluation device 9 (not illustrated).

[0078] In FIG. 11, sensor 8 has an optical sender 20 and an optical receiver 21 which in this case are integral. On the other side of the shear-off point or respectively the bending point of housing 5 (on the other side of working surface 7) an optical reflector 39, with or without an optical filter is provided. During or after deformation or shearing off of housing, sensor 8 is deformed in such a way that optical receiver 21 no longer captures the same reflections of reflector 39 as in the non-deformed or respectively non-sheared off condition of housing 5. The change in reflection is suitably monitored, in particular by an evaluation device which again, is not illustrated. Instead of reflector 39, optical sender 20 or optical receiver 21 could also be positioned in such a way that the sender and the receiver are located on opposite sides of the shear-off point or bending point of housing 5.

[0079] In FIG. 12, housing 5 is in the embodiment of a crash box. The crash box will be deformed by pushing together of tube parts 3.1 and 3.2. Sensor 8 arranged in housing 5 includes a pressure sensor 22 as well as an optical sensor with optical sender 20 and optical receiver 21 or respectively with optical sender 20 and receiver 21 opposite an optical reflector 39. This ensures even more reliable detection of a deformation of housing 5, due to the redundant measurement. Insertion of tube part 3.1 into tube part 3.2 does not function predominantly according to shearing or bending of housing 5, but the housing is first compressed. Both types of deformation are interchangeable or can be combined with one another in the herein illustrated design examples.

[0080] In FIG. 13, a volatile medium 23, in this case a liquid is arranged in housing 5 to form sensor 8. Volatile medium 23 is electrically conductive. Two electrodes 24.1, 24.2 are submerged into volatile medium 23, in this case into the liquid in such a way that they are connected with one another via volatile medium 23. In order to prevent volatile medium 23 from escaping from housing 5 in its deformed condition, said housing is accordingly sealed, in this case for example by an inserted stopper 40. If first tube part 3.1 is moved relative to second tube part 3.2, housing 5 is damaged and as a result its interior space is opened, so that volatile medium 23 leaks out. The electrical connection between the two electrodes 24.1 and 24.2 is interrupted which again, can be detected via electrical line 11 by an evaluation device (not illustrated).

[0081] FIG. 14 shows a cylindrical design of housing 5 of a triggering monitoring device 1 in the region of an interface 25 of two tube parts 3.1, 3.2 with an evaluation device 9 located near triggering monitoring device 1, wherein said evaluation device is connected to triggering monitoring device 1 via electrical line 11.

[0082] In FIG. 15, evaluation device 9 is connected to housing 5 and is supported by same. Where necessary it is possible with each of these designs to connect evaluation device 9 with an additional control unit, for example with a vehicle system 41, in particular in the embodiment of a vehicle master computer, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In addition, or alternatively, vehicle master computer 41 can also be connected directly with sensor 8 or respectively with triggering monitoring device 1, as indicated in FIG. 16 by the dash-dot line.

[0083] Especially with various couplings in a vehicle or also per each coupling and/or per each deformation tube in a vehicle, several triggering monitoring devices can be provided which are connected accordingly on a common evaluation device or respectively to an individual evaluation device. Here it is also possible to connect the various triggering monitoring devices with a vehicle system, in particular in the embodiment of a vehicle master computer, with or without interposed evaluation device. One evaluation device an also query several triggering monitoring devices.

[0084] FIG. 17 illustrates a working surface 7 being located radially inside deformation tube 2. In this case, triggering monitoring device 1 is mounted in tube part 3.2 with the comparatively larger diameter. At least working surface 7 is located radially inside tube part 3.2 with comparatively larger diameter.

[0085] In FIG. 18, a conventional heating cartridge comprising an electrical conductor 19 inside a cylindrical housing 5 is used as triggering monitoring device 1. An electric connection 10 is provided for electrical conductor 19, for example in an end cap 42. A welded end cap or another suitable connection could also be provided at the opposite end of housing 5. In particular, a filling material is provided between housing 5 and electrical conductor 19, for example magnesium oxide which herein is identified with 44.

[0086] In FIG. 19, a conventional temperature sensor is used as triggering monitoring device 1, in particular with a Pt100 thin-film sensor or with another suitable electrically conductive measuring element 45. Measuring element 45 is connected at electric connection 10 via one or respectively two electrical conductors 19, so that when housing 5 bends or shears off, said conductor 19 is severed, thus causing a change in the electric resistance of sensor 8 or respectively in its electric connection.

[0087] In FIG. 20, an electrical conductor 19 is inserted into a tubular body 46, made particular of ceramics or another brittle material. Tubular body 46 is closed off by two end caps 42, one of which with the electric connection 10. The electric connection could also be provided at another location, for example at the other end of body 46, so that electrical conductor 19 would have to extend only linearly through the body. Tubular body 46 can herein itself represent housing 5 or as indicated by the dashed lines can once more be surrounded by a housing 5. In the event of a deformation or shearing off of housing 5, tubular body 5 breaks so that electrical conductor 19 is severed, which is detected via electric connection 10 due to the resistance change or respectively the change in the electric conductivity.

[0088] In FIG. 21, electrical conductor 19 is applied to a brittle support 47, in the embodiment of a coil or a spiral. The application can occur by winding, vapor deposition or by another coating.

[0089] In the event of deformation or shearing off of housing 5, brittle support 47 is destroyed and thus the capacity or the electric resistance of the electrical conductor 19 and thereby that of the sensor changed. This can be detected via electric connection 10.

[0090] In FIG. 22, an electrical conductor 19 is vapor deposited onto an insulating sensor carrier 48, thus forming sensor 8. In the event of a deformation or destruction of housing 5, the shape of electrical conductor 19 on sensor carrier 48 is changed or interrupted which is again detected via electric connection 10. Carrier 48 can be plate-like or cylindrical. Other arrangements are possible.

[0091] In FIG. 23, a housing 5 made from a brittle material, for example glass or ceramics is provided, wherein housing 5 at the same time represents a deformation element 18 of sensor 8. Here too, deformation element 18 could be provided in addition to housing 5.

Sensor 8 includes two electrodes 24.1 and 24.2 which are electrically conductively connected with one another via a contact element 49. Contact element 49 is herein pressed by elastic pressure element 50 against the two electrodes 24.1, 24.2 in this case respectively against a front end of same. Contact element 49 in the illustrated design example is plate-like, but can also be something else.

[0092] Deformation element 18 forms an abutment for elastic pressure element 50; in this case on a side opposite contact element 49, for example through the bottom region of the housing-like, in this case cylindrical deformation element 18. If housing 5 or respectively deformation element 18 is deformed or destroyed through relative movement of the two housing parts, stationary housing part 12 and movable housing part 13, elastic pressure element 50 relaxes because the abutment drops off. As a result, contact element 49 is lifted off the two electrodes 24.1., 24.2 and the electrical connection between the two elements 24.1 and 24.2 is interrupted.

[0093] As illustrated, a second elastic pressure element 52 may be provided which, at a drop off of the abutment of the spring force of first elastic pressure element 50 actively pushes contact element 49 away from electrodes 24.1 and 24.2. However, other measures are also conceivable for this. For example, contact element 49 can be connected or fastened to elastic pressure element 50 in order to ensure reliable separation of the electrically conductive connection. It would also be possible for example, to provide a tension-proof connection between contact element 49 and the area of deformation element 18 which forms the abutment, and which is removed from electrodes 24.1, 24.2 in the event of destruction of deformation element 18.

[0094] 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.