Abstract

A controller (140) controls a set of electrically operated brake units (141a, 151a; 141b, 151b; 142a, 152a; 142b, 152b; 143a, 153a; 143b, 153b; 144a, 154a; 144b, 154b) of a rail vehicle (100), which has wheels arranged in pairs of first and second wheels on 5 a respective common wheel axle (131, 132, 133, 134), where each wheel is individually braked via a respective brake unit in the set of electrically operated brake units. The controller (140) repeatedly determines a respective adhesion parameter (μ1a, μ1a, μ2a, μ2b, μ3a, μ3b, μ4a, μ4b) reflecting a friction coefficient between each 10 wheel (101a, 101b, 102a, 102b, 103a, 103b, 104a, 104b) of the rail vehicle (100) and a rail upon which the wheel travels. The controller (140) compares repeatedly compares the respective adhesion parameters (μ1a, μ1b, μ2a, μ2b, μ3a, μ3b, μ4a, μ4b) pairwise to one another. In each pair, first and second adhesion parameters 15 (μ1a,μ1b; μ2a, μ2b; μ3a, μ3b; μ4a, μ4b) are compared to one another, which adhesion parameters have been determined for the first and second wheels on the common wheel axle (131, 132, 133, 134). The controller (140) reports a respective adhesion parameter (μ1, μ2, μ3, μ4) for one of said common wheel axles (131, 132, 133, 20 134) if and only if a ratio (μa/μb) between the first and second adhesion parameters (μ1a, μ1b; μ2a, μ2b; μ3a, μ3b; μ4a, μ4b) is within a first predefined threshold interval (EQ1) around a factor one.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/171 - Detecting parameters used in the regulationMeasuring values used in the regulation
• B60T 8/1763 - Brake regulation specially adapted to prevent excessive wheel slip during vehicle deceleration, e.g. ABS responsive to the coefficient of friction between the wheels and the ground surface
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution

Abstract

A braking system for a rail vehicle (100) has a brake actuator (120) that receives a brake command (cmdB) and produces an electric brake-force signal (BF) commanding a brake action. A brake unit (200) receives the electric brake-force signal (BF) and causes an electric motor (230) to act on a gear assembly causing first and second pressing members (211) to move towards or away from a rotatable member (110) mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100) to execute the brake action with respect to the rotatable member (110). If a deicing criterion (DI) is fulfilled, the brake actuator (120) is configured to produce the electric brake-force signal (BF) in such a way that the brake action involves moving the first and second pressing members (211; 212) away from the rotatable member (110) so as to remove any ice and/or snow on the brake unit (200).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 17/00 - Component parts, details, or accessories of brake systems not covered by groups , or , or presenting other characteristic features

Abstract

A rail vehicle (100) has a brake system with a brake unit (200) configured to receive a brake command (cmdB) and response thereto execute a brake action. The brake unit (200) contains a rotatable member (110) and first and second pressing members (211). The rotatable member (110) is mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100). The first and second pressing members (211) are configured to move relative to the rotatable member (110) to execute the brake action. The brake unit (200) also contains a brake actuator (120) configured to produce an electric brake-force signal (BF) in response to the brake command (cmdB), a gear assembly arranged to operate mechanically on the first and second pressing members (211) and an electric motor (230) configured to act on the gear assembly (220) in response to the electric brake-force signal (BF). The brake actuator (120), in turn, includes a processing unit (125) that is configured to produce the electric brake-force signal (BF) based on the brake command (cmdB). Thus, the electric brake-force signal (BF) is efficiently protected from interfering electromagnetic radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/171 - Detecting parameters used in the regulationMeasuring values used in the regulation
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• B60T 8/58 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration responsive to speed and another condition or to plural speed conditions
• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• B61H 13/00 - Actuating rail-vehicle brakes

Abstract

A parking brake system for a rail vehicle (100) contains a brake actuator (120) for receiving a parking-brake command (cmdP) and producing an electric brake-force signal (BF). A brake unit (200) contains first and second pressing members (211, 212) and a rotatable member (110) being mechanically linked to a wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100). When receiving the electric brake-force signal (BF), the brake unit (200) causes the first and second pressing members (211, 212) to apply a braking force to the rotatable member (110) to keep the wheel (105) immobile. A gear assembly (220) in the brake unit (200) operates mechanically on the first and second pressing members (211; 212). In response to the electric brake-force signal (BF), an electric motor (230) acts on the gear assembly (220) to cause the first and second pressing members (211; 212) to attain a specified position interrelationship. An acceleration sensor (125) registers movements of the rail vehicle (100). If movements of the rail vehicle (100) above a magnitude threshold level are registered during a period when the parking-brake command (cmdP) has instructed the at least one wheel (105) to be immobile, the brake actuator (120) reproduces the electric brake-force signal (BF) to reapply the braking force to the rotatable member (110).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/171 - Detecting parameters used in the regulationMeasuring values used in the regulation
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• B60T 8/88 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration with failure responsive means, i.e. means for detecting and indicating faulty operation of the speed responsive control means
• B60T 8/92 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration with failure responsive means, i.e. means for detecting and indicating faulty operation of the speed responsive control means automatically taking corrective action
• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B61C 17/06 - Power storing devices
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• B61H 13/00 - Actuating rail-vehicle brakes
• B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
• H01M 10/46 - Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
• H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering

Abstract

m1m2m3m4mimn1234iniii]) on each of the wheels (101, 102, 103, 104, 10i, 10n).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/174 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking characterised by using special control logic, e.g. fuzzy logic
• B60T 8/176 - Brake regulation specially adapted to prevent excessive wheel slip during vehicle deceleration, e.g. ABS
• B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution

Abstract

A controller (140) receives a brake command (B), and in response thereto controls electrically operated brake units to apply respective brake forces to respective rotating members (111, 112, 113, 114) being mechanically linked to the wheels (121a, 121b, 122a, 122b, 123a, 123b, 124a, 124b) of a rail vehicle (100) to reduce its speed. The controller (140) repeatedly checks if each brake unit fulfills an operability criterion and is faultless (OK), or does not fulfil the operability criterion and is faulty (F). The controller (140) also repeatedly determines an adhesion parameter reflecting a friction coefficient between at least one wheel (121a, 121b) and at least one rail (191, 192) upon which the rail vehicle (100) tra- vels; estimates, based on the adhesion parameter, if it is possible to increase a respective brake force of each of the faultless (OK) brake units (172, 173, 174) to compensate for any faulty (F) brake units (171), and if so, in response to the brake command (B), controls the faultless (OK) brake units to apply a respective brake force to the respective rotating members, which respective brake force is increased to compensate for any faulty brake units.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices

Abstract

In a rail vehicle (100), a brake actuator (120) receives a brake command (BC) specifying a target force. In response to the brake command (BC), the brake actuator (120) control an electrically operated brake unit (130) to perform a braking operation. The brake actuator contains a control unit that generates a brake control signal (BS) based on the brake command (BC). The brake control signal (BS), in turn, controls an electric motor (131) in the electrically operated brake unit (130), such that an output shaft of the electric motor (131) attains a specified angular position (P) in which at least one pressing member (135) is caused to apply a force against a rotating member (136) being mechanically connected to a wheel axle (141) of the rail vehicle (100). The control unit also obtains first and second sensor signals (Pm, FS). The first sensor signal (Pm) reflects a measured position of the output shaft of the electric motor (131), which measured position constitutes an indication of the specified angular position (P). The second sensor signal (FS) reflects a magnitude of the applied force. The control unit checks the second sensor signal (FS) against a force- to-position mapping describing a linear relationship between the specified angular position (P) and an estimated magnitude of the applied force. Thus, the control unit may verify the relationship between the specified angular position (P) and the estimated magnitude.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/171 - Detecting parameters used in the regulationMeasuring values used in the regulation
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• F16D 66/00 - Arrangements for monitoring working conditions of brakes, e.g. wear or temperature
• F16D 121/24 - Electric or magnetic using motors

Abstract

In a rail vehicle (100), a brake actuator (120) receives a brake command (BC) specifying a target force. In response to the brake command (BC), the brake actuator (120) controls an electrically operated brake unit (130) to perform a braking operation. The brake actuator (120) contains a control unit that generates a brake control signal (BS) based on the brake command (BC). The brake control signal (BS), in turn, controls an electric motor (131) in the electrically operated brake unit (130), such that an output shaft of the electric motor (131) attains a specified angular position in which at least one pressing member (135) is caused to apply a force against a rotating member (136) being mechanically connected to a wheel axle (141) of the rail vehicle (100), which applied force has the target force as a set point. The control unit also obtains a first sensor signal (Pm) reflecting a measured position of the output shaft of the electric motor (131), which measured position indicates the specified angular position, and thus informs the control unit when the at least one pressing member (135) applies the target force to the rotating member (136).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices

Abstract

A rail vehicle brake controller (100) receives a brake command (BC), and in response thereto, produces a master control signal (CTRL) that controls an electrically operated brake unit (140) to perform a braking operation. The brake controller (100) contains first and second control units (110; 120) and a gatekeeper unit (130). The first control unit (110) includes a processing circuitry (111) arranged to process the brake command (BC) to produce a first control signal (CTRL1) as a result of running a computer program on the processing circuitry (111). The second control unit (120) includes a state machine (121) arranged to take the brake command (BC) as an input state and produce a second control signal (CTRL2) as an output state resulting from said input state being fed into the state machine (121). The gatekeeper unit (130) receives the first and second control signals (CTRL1; CTRL2), and in response thereto, produces the master control signal (CTRL) if and only if the first and second control signals (CTRL1; CTRL2) fulfil an identity criterion. If the identity criterion is not fulfilled, the gatekeeper unit (130) produces no master control signal (CTRL).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members

Abstract

A rail vehicle has at least two railroad cars (111, 112, 11n) and a braking system with control units (121-1, 121-2, 122-1, 122-2, 12n-1, 12n-2) at least one of which is arranged in each railroad car. Each control unit receives a brake input signal (B), and in response thereto generates a control signal (c11, c12, c13, c14, c21, c22, c23, c24, cn1, cn2, cn3, cn4). The control signals are generated on the further basis of at least one motion parameter expressing a respective movement of the railroad cars (111, 112, 11n). At least one brake actuator (1311a, 1311b, 1312a, 1312b, 1311a, 1311b, 1312a, 1312b, 13n1a, 13n1b, 13n2a, 13n2b) is arranged in each railroad car. Each brake actuator receives the control signal generated by a control unit in the same railroad car as the brake actuator is located, and based thereon produces a brake-force signal (f11, f12, f13, f14, f21, f22, f23, f24, fn1, fn2, fn3, fn4) to a brake unit (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 142-1, 142-2, 142-3, 142-4, 14n-1, 14n-2, 14n-3, 14n-4). In response thereto, each brake unit causes a pressing member to apply a braking force to a rotatable member so as to reduce a rotation speed of at least one wheel of a railroad car in the rail vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/1761 - Brake regulation specially adapted to prevent excessive wheel slip during vehicle deceleration, e.g. ABS responsive to wheel or brake dynamics, e.g. wheel slip, wheel acceleration or rate of change of brake fluid pressure
• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/171 - Detecting parameters used in the regulationMeasuring values used in the regulation
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration

Abstract

BB) and produces an electric brake-force signal (BF) to the electric motor (230) that, in turn, acts on the gear assembly (220) to cause the at least one pressing member (211) to attain a specified position in relation to a rotatable member (110) mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of a rail vehicle so as to apply a braking force thereto. During operation of the rail vehicle, the backup power unit (123) receives electric power (W) from a power line (140) in the rail vehicle and accumulates the received electric power (W). In case of an electric power failure (PF) in the electric power (W) received in the brake actuator (120), the backup power unit (123) provides the accumulated electric power to control circuitry in the brake actuator (120) and the electric motor (230).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• F16D 65/18 - Actuating mechanisms for brakesMeans for initiating operation at a predetermined position arranged in or on the brake adapted for drawing members together
• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive

Abstract

A rail vehicle (100) obtains a basic parameter (μ) reflecting an initial value of a friction coefficient (μe) relating to a rail segment (310) in a rail-way network (300) and validates the basic parameter (μ) through a procedure involving: measuring individual rotational speeds (ω1, ω2, ω3, ω4) of the axels to which the wheels (151, 152, 153, 154) of the rail vehicle (100) are connected while applying a gradually increasing traction force (AF) to a specific one of said axles; determining, while applying the gradually increasing traction force (AF), an absolute difference between the rotational speed (ω2) of the specific one of said axles and an average rotational speed of said axles except the specific one of said axles; and in response to the absolute difference exceeding a threshold value deriving a parameter (μm) reflecting a measured value of the friction coefficient (μe); checking whether the measured value of the friction coefficient (μe) lies within an acceptance interval from the basic parameter (μ); and if so, assigning the validated value of the friction coefficient equal to the measured value of the friction coefficient (μe). Then, a friction data message (M(μe)) is emitted that contains the validated value of the friction coefficient.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes
• B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
• B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
• B61C 15/08 - Preventing wheel slippage

Abstract

An electrically operated brake assembly for a rail vehicle contains: a rotating member mechanically linked to a wheel axle of the rail vehicle, at least one friction member movable between an engaged position in which the friction member(s) contact/s the rotating member and a disengaged position in which the rotating member is freely rotatable, a gear assembly operating mechanically on the friction member(s), an electric motor controlled via a control signal to cause the gear assembly to operate on the friction member(s) to move between the engaged and disengaged positions, and a controller generating the control signal. When generating the control signal (710), the controller obtains a pulse-count signal (720) and a pressure signal (730). The pulse-count signal reflects an angular movement of an output shaft of the electric motor, and the pressure signal indicates a magnitude of a force experienced in the gear assembly when the friction member(s) is/are located in the engaged position and/or the disengaged position. Based on the pressure and pulse count signals, the controller checks if an alarm criterion is fulfilled (740) with respect to a wear of the friction member(s), and if so, triggers an alarm (750).

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 66/02 - Apparatus for indicating wear
• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• F16D 121/24 - Electric or magnetic using motors
• F16D 125/52 - Rotating members in mutual engagement with non-parallel stationary axes, e.g. worm or bevel gears

Abstract

totm121231aa1ame123tottot) carried by each of wheel axles in the driving subset of the wheel axles (131, 132, 133) is estimated.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration

Abstract

An electrically operated brake assembly (200) for a rail vehicle contains: a rotating member mechanically linked to a wheel axle of the rail vehicle, at least one friction member (221; 222) movable between an engaged position in which the at least one friction member (221; 222) contacts the rotating member, and a disengaged position in which the rotating member is freely rotatable without contacting the at least one friction member (221; 222), a gear assembly (220) arranged to operate mechanically on the at least one friction member (221; 222), an electric motor (230) controllable via a control signal (CS) and configured to cause the gear assembly (220) to operate on the at least one friction member (221; 222) to move between the engaged and disengaged positions, a force sensor (225) configured to produce a pressure signal (F) indicating a magnitude of a force at which the at least one friction member (221; 222) contacts the rotating member, an angular position sensor (237) configured to produce a pulse-count signal (PC) where each pulse count reflects a particular angular movement of an output shaft of the electric motor (230) and a controller (120) configured to obtain the pressure signal (F) and the pulse count signal (PC), and based thereon define a home position for the electric motor (230).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive

Abstract

e1234eeeee)) is emitted that contains the validated value of the friction coefficient.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or train for signalling purposes

Abstract

m12tot12341aame12ntottot) carried by each of said wheel axles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B60T 8/172 - Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters
• B60T 8/18 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle weight or load, e.g. load distribution
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• G01G 19/08 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for incorporation in vehicles

Abstract

In a rail vehicle (100) a control unit (140) controls a set of brake/ traction units (101, 161; 102, 162; 103, 163; 104, 164) by control signals (B1, A1; B2, A2; B3, A3; B4, A4) to apply a respective brake/traction force to a respective wheel axle (131, 132, 133, 134 to cause retardation/acceleration of the rail vehicle (100). The control unit (140) obtains a first wheel speed signal (1) indicating a rotational speed of at least one first wheel (121), and obtains a second wheel speed signal (a) indicating an average rotational speed of at least one second wheel (122, 123, 124). The control unit (140) produces a first control signal (BF; A1) to the first brake/ traction unit (101, 161) such that this unit applies a gradually increasing brake/traction force to the first wheel axle (131) until an absolute difference (1 – a) between the first and second wheel speed signals (1; a) exceeds a threshold value. The control signals are produced such that an average brake/traction force applied to the at least one second wheel axle (132, 133, 134) is gradually decreased when the brake/ traction force applied to the first wheel axle (131) is gradually increased. In response to the absolute difference (1 – a) exceeding the threshold value, the control unit (140) determines a parameter (µm) reflecting a friction coefficient (µe) between the wheels (121, 122, 123, 124) and a set of rails (181, 182) upon which the rail vehicle (100) travels.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60L 3/10 - Indicating wheel slip
• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B61C 15/08 - Preventing wheel slippage

Abstract

1a1a1a1 amee) between the wheels (121, 122, 123, 124) and a set of rails (181, 182) upon which the rail vehicle (100) travels.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B61C 15/08 - Preventing wheel slippage
• B60L 3/10 - Indicating wheel slip
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices

Abstract

A rail vehicle (100) has a brake system with a brake unit (200) configured to receive a brake command (cmds) and response thereto execute a brake action. The brake unit (200) contains a rotatable member (110) and first and second pressing members (211 ). The rotatable member (110) is mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100). The first and second pressing members (211 ) are configured to move relative to the rotatable member (110) to execute the brake action. The brake unit (200) also contains a brake actuator (120) configured to produce an electric brake-force signal (BF) in response to the brake command (cmds), a gear assembly arranged to operate mechanically on the first and second pressing members (211 ) and an electric motor (230) configured to act on the gear assembly (220) in response to the electric brake-force signal (BF). The brake actuator (120), in turn, includes a processing unit (125) that is configured to produce the electric brake-force signal (BF) based on the brake command (cmds). Thus, the electric brake-force signal (BF) is efficiently protected from interfering electromagnetic radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• B60T 1/06 - Arrangements of braking elements, i.e. of those parts where braking effect occurs acting by retarding wheels acting otherwise than on tread, e.g. employing rim, drum, disc, or transmission

Abstract

BB) and produces an electric brake-force signal (BF) commanding a brake action. A brake unit (200) receives the electric brake-force signal (BF) and causes an electric motor (230) to act on a gear assembly causing first and second pressing members (211 ) to move towards or away from a rotatable member (1 10) mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100) to execute the brake action with respect to the rotatable member (110). If a deicing criterion (DI) is fulfilled, the brake actuator (120) is configured to produce the electric brake-force signal (BF) in such a way that the brake action involves moving the first and second pressing members (211; 212) away from the rotatable member (110) so as to remove any ice and/or snow on the brake unit (200).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/74 - Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator with power assistance or driveBrake systems incorporating such transmitting means, e.g. air-pressure brake systems with electrical assistance or drive
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices

Abstract

PPP) has instructed the at least one wheel (105) to be immobile, the brake actuator (120) reproduces the electric brake-force signal (BF) to reapply the braking force to the rotatable member (110).

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• B61H 13/00 - Actuating rail-vehicle brakes
• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes

Abstract

PP) and produces a resulting electric brake-force signal (BF). The brake unit (200) contains first and second pressing members (211) and a rotatable member (110) being mechanically linked to at least one wheel (105) of the rail vehicle (100). When receiving the electric brake-force signal (BF), the brake unit (200) causes the first and second pressing members (211) to apply a braking force to the rotatable member (110). A gear assembly (220) in the brake unit (200) operates mechanically on the first and second pressing members (211). A stepper motor (230), in turn, acts on the gear assembly (220) in response to the electric brake-force signal (BF), thus causing the first and second pressing members (211) to move towards or away from the rotatable member (110) and attain a specified position inter-relationship. Based on a position signal (P) indicating an angular position of the stepper motor's (230) power transmission shaft, the brake unit (200) determines if the specified position interrelationship has been attained; and if so, it stops producing the electric brake-force signal (BF) to allow a self-locking mechanism to lock the first and second pressing members (211).

IPC Classes  ?

• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• F16D 66/00 - Arrangements for monitoring working conditions of brakes, e.g. wear or temperature

Abstract

An electric motor-controlled disc-brake of lever type wherein a lever mechanism (5, 6, 10, 14) comprises lever arms running in parallel and pivotally journalled in a fixed brake caliper (2). An angle gear (10) and an electric motor (14) are pivotally supported in one of the lever arms in such way that the lever arms (5, 6), the brake disc (1) and the electric motor (14) are arranged side by side and in succession in the direction of a wheel shaft and in essentially parallel planes.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• F16D 65/18 - Actuating mechanisms for brakesMeans for initiating operation at a predetermined position arranged in or on the brake adapted for drawing members together
• F16D 125/52 - Rotating members in mutual engagement with non-parallel stationary axes, e.g. worm or bevel gears
• F16D 121/24 - Electric or magnetic using motors

Abstract

A rail vehicle has at least two railroad cars (111, 112, 11n) and a braking system with control units (121-1, 121-2, 122-1, 122-2, 12n-1, 12n-2) at least one of which is arranged in each railroad car. Each control unit receives a brake input signal (B), and in response thereto generates a control signal (c11, c12, c13, c14, c21, c22, c23, c24, cn1, cn2, cn3, cn4). The control signals are generated on the further basis of at least one motion parameter expressing a respective movement of the railroad cars (111, 112, 11n). At least one brake actuator (1311a, 1311b, 1312a, 1312b, 1311a, 1311b, 1312a, 1312b, 13n1a, 13n1b, 13n2a, 13n2b) is arranged in each railroad car. Each brake actuator receives the control signal generated by a control unit in the same railroad car as the brake actuator is located, and based thereon produces a brake-force signal (f11, f12, f13, f14, f21, f22, f23, f24, fn1, fn2, fn3, fn4) to a brake unit (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 142-1, 142-2, 142-3, 142-4, 14n-1, 14n-2, 14n-3, 14n-4). In response thereto, each brake unit causes a pressing member to apply a braking force to a rotatable member so as to reduce a rotation speed of at least one wheel of a railroad car in the rail vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• F16D 66/00 - Arrangements for monitoring working conditions of brakes, e.g. wear or temperature

Abstract

1112131421222324n1n2n3n41a1b2a2b1a1b2a2b1a1b2a2b11121314,21222324n1n2n3n4n4) to a brake unit (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 142-1, 142-2, 142-3, 142-4, 14n-1, 14n-2, 14n-3, 14n-4). In response thereto, each brake unit causes a pressing member to apply a braking force to a rotatable member so as to reduce a rotation speed of at least one wheel of a railroad car in the rail vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60T 8/17 - Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
• B60T 8/32 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
• B60T 13/66 - Electrical control in fluid-pressure brake systems
• B60T 17/22 - Devices for monitoring or checking brake systemsSignal devices
• F16D 66/00 - Arrangements for monitoring working conditions of brakes, e.g. wear or temperature

Abstract

A braking device of lever type, wherein actuation means is realized in the form of a screw jack (19) comprising an electric motor (20) and an angle gear (21) driving a jack screw (22) which is coupled between the levers (2; 5). A load sensor (29) coupled to one lever controls, via a power regulating means (25), the force applied in braking mode. A position sensor (31) coupled to the other lever determines the lever's positions in idling mode.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 55/224 - Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads with a common actuating member for the braking members
• B61H 5/00 - Applications or arrangements of brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
• F16D 65/18 - Actuating mechanisms for brakesMeans for initiating operation at a predetermined position arranged in or on the brake adapted for drawing members together
• F16D 63/00 - Brakes not otherwise provided forBrakes combining more than one of the types of groups
• F16D 65/52 - Slack adjusters mechanical self-acting in one direction for adjusting excessive play
• F16H 1/06 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with parallel axes
• F16H 25/20 - Screw mechanisms
• F16D 121/24 - Electric or magnetic using motors
• F16D 125/40 - Screw-and-nut
• F16D 125/64 - Levers

Goods & Services

Active and passive yaw brakes, in particular for the rotation of gearboxes in wind power installations; components for yaw brakes; active and passive rotor brakes for the rotors and/or wings of wind power installations; locking devices being machine components for rotors and/or wings of wind power installations; brake linings; sliding bearings, in particular for yaw brakes and for the bearing of gearboxes in wind power installations; electric drives for the orientation of nacelles or gearboxes in wind power installations; parts for wind power installations and wind turbines for generating energy, in particular brakes for wind installations; yaw brake systems, friction elements; wind turbines.

Goods & Services

Active and passive azimuth brakes, in particular for rotating gear housings in wind power installations; Components for azimuth brakes; Active and passive rotor brakes for rotors or blades in wind power installations; Locking devices in the form of machine components for rotors or blades in wind power installations; Brake linings; Slide bearings, in particular for azimuth brakes and for mounting the gear housing in a wind power installation; Electric drives for aligning the nacelle or a gear housing in a wind power installation; Parts for wind generators and wind turbines for generating energy, in particular brakes for wind generators; Azimuth brake systems, friction elements; Wind turbines.

Goods & Services

Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); brakes and brake parts (other than for land vehicles); disc brakes (other than for land vehicles); propulsion mechanisms (other than for land vehicles); hydraulic circuits for machines; pumps (machines); locking devices for disc brakes. Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water; clutches and clutch parts for land vehicles; transmissions and transmission parts for land vehicles; brakes and brake parts for vehicles; disc brakes for vehicles; propulasion mechanism for land vehicles; hydraulic circuits for vehicles.