FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
MONITORING DEVICE OF BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED
AND EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE
INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
DESCRIPTION
Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring
device that monitors a state of a brake control device for
5 a railway vehicle.
Background
[0002] Conventionally, there is a known system that
monitors an operation state or the like of a brake device
10 mounted on a railway vehicle to determine a failure or
abnormality in operation of the railway vehicle (see, for
example, Patent Literature 1). Patent Literature 1
discloses that an air control system abnormality
determination device compares a pressure value acquired
15 from a predetermined part of an air control system with a
pressure value when abnormality occurs stored in a database
and determines whether the air control system is abnormal.
Citation List
20 Patent Literature
[0003] Patent Literature 1: International Patent
Publication No. WO 2018/008654
Summary
25 Technical Problem
[0004] Since the air system abnormality determination
device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 detects abnormality
using an acquired pressure value and a pressure value
stored in the database, it is difficult to detect
30 abnormality when the acquired pressure value is within a
normal range.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the
above problem, and an object of the present disclosure is
3
to provide a monitoring device capable of detecting
abnormality of a brake control device when a pressure value
acquired from the brake control device of a vehicle is
within a normal range.
5 [0006] In order to achieve the above object, a
monitoring device of a brake control device according to
the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit to
acquire information of an AC pressure sensor that detects a
pressure in an AC command chamber provided in the brake
10 control device that controls braking of a vehicle,
information of a supply valve operation detection sensor
that detects an operation of a supply valve provided
between an air supply tank provided in the vehicle and the
AC command chamber and used to supply and stop compressed
15 air in the air supply tank to the AC command chamber, and
information of an exhaust valve operation detection sensor
that detects an operation of an exhaust valve provided on a
flow path connecting the AC command chamber and external
air and used to release and stop the compressed air in the
20 AC command chamber to the external air; and a determination
unit to determine that the brake control device is abnormal
based on the information of the AC pressure sensor, the
information of the supply valve operation detection sensor,
and the information of the exhaust valve operation
25 detection sensor.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] A monitoring device of a brake control device
according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition
30 unit that acquires information of an AC pressure sensor
that detects a pressure in an AC command chamber provided
in the brake control device that controls braking of a
vehicle, information of a supply valve operation detection
4
sensor that detects an operation of a supply valve provided
between an air supply tank provided in the vehicle and the
AC command chamber and used to stop supplying compressed
air in the air supply tank to the AC command chamber, and
5 information of an exhaust valve operation detection sensor
that detects an operation of an exhaust valve provided on a
flow path connecting the AC command chamber and external
air and used to release the compressed air in the AC
command chamber to the external air, and a determination
10 unit that determines that the brake control device is
abnormal based on the information of the AC pressure sensor,
the information of the supply valve operation detection
sensor, and the information of the exhaust valve operation
detection sensor. Accordingly, it is possible to detect
15 abnormality of the brake control device when a pressure
value acquired from the brake control device is within a
normal range.
Brief Description of Drawings
20 [0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a brake control device including a monitoring
device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the brake control device according to the first
25 embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic
configuration example of a control unit according to the
first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of AC
30 pressure control according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of AC
pressure control according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the
5
control unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of AC
pressure control according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of AC
5 pressure control according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the
control unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a brake control device according to a second
10 embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a general
configuration example of hardware that implements the
monitoring device according to the present embodiment.
15 Description of Embodiments
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a monitoring device
of a brake control device according to the present
disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0010] First Embodiment
20 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of a brake control device 10 including a monitoring
device 100 according to a first embodiment. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the brake control device 10 (details will be
described later) to be monitored is provided in a vehicle 1
25 that constitutes a train. The vehicle 1 further includes a
terminal device 2, wheels 3a to 3d, brake cylinders 4a to
4d, and mechanical brake devices 5a to 5d. Although only
one vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 1, the number of
vehicles constituting the train is not particularly limited.
30 In the first embodiment, the monitoring device 100 of the
brake control device 10 is provided in the brake control
device 10 (details will be described later).
[0011] The terminal device 2 is connected to the brake
6
control device 10 and transmits an electric signal (a
“brake command” described later) output from a brake setter
(not illustrated) installed in a driver’s cab (not
illustrated) to the brake control device 10. When there is
5 a plurality of vehicles, a brake command is transmitted to
each vehicle.
[0012] The wheels 3a to 3d are attached to an axle (not
illustrated) provided on a truck (not illustrated) that
supports the vehicle 1. The wheels 3a to 3d are referred
10 to as the wheel 3 unless distinguished from each other.
[0013] The brake cylinders 4a to 4 d are provided on the
truck and generate braking force corresponding to the
pressure of the compressed air delivered from the brake
control device 10. The brake cylinders 4a to 4d are
15 referred to as the brake cylinder 4 unless distinguished
from each other.
[0014] The mechanical brake devices 5a to 5d are
actuated by the brake cylinder 4 and come into contact with
the wheel 3 to brake the vehicle 1. The mechanical brake
20 devices 5a to 5d are referred to as the mechanical brake
device 5 unless distinguished from each other.
[0015] The brake control device 10 is connected to the
terminal device 2 and the brake cylinder 4, receives a
brake command from the terminal device 2, and performs
25 brake control of the vehicle 1. The details will be
described later. The brake command is a command indicating
braking force.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration
example of the brake control device 10 to be monitored. As
30 illustrated in FIG. 2, the brake control device 10 includes
a control unit 11, a supply valve 20, a supply valve
operation sensor 21, an exhaust valve 30, an exhaust valve
operation sensor 31, a relay valve 40, an AC command
7
chamber 50, an AC pressure sensor 60, a BC pressure sensor
70, an SR pressure sensor 80, and an AS pressure sensor 90.
[0017] The brake command is input to the control unit 11
from the terminal device 2. The control unit 11 controls
5 opening/closing operations of the supply valve 20 and the
exhaust valve 30 according to the brake command to control
the flow rate of the compressed air to be supplied to the
relay valve 40.
[0018] The supply valve 20 is a solenoid valve disposed
10 on a flow path connecting an air supply tank 6 and the AC
command chamber 50 of the relay valve 40. Here, the flow
path means an air circuit. The supply valve 20 performs an
opening/closing operation in accordance with a control
signal from the control unit 11. In the open state, the
15 supply valve 20 delivers the compressed air in the air
supply tank 6 to the AC command chamber 50 to apply a
predetermined pressure.
[0019] The supply valve operation detection sensor 21 is
a sensor that detects an operation of the supply valve 20.
20 Specifically, the supply valve operation detection sensor
21 detects an opening/closing operation of the supply valve
20. The information on the opening/closing operation
detected by the supply valve operation detection sensor 21
is transmitted to the control unit 11 as an electric signal.
25 [0020] The exhaust valve 30 is a solenoid valve disposed
on a flow path connecting the AC command chamber 50 of the
relay valve 40 and external air (EX). The exhaust valve 30
performs an opening/closing operation in accordance with a
control signal from the control unit 11. In the open state,
30 the exhaust valve 30 releases the compressed air delivered
to the AC command chamber 50 to the external air to lower
the pressure in the AC command chamber 50.
[0021] The exhaust valve operation detection sensor 31
8
is a sensor that detects an operation of the exhaust valve
30. Specifically, the exhaust valve operation detection
sensor 31 detects an opening/closing operation of the
exhaust valve 30. The information on the opening/closing
5 operation detected by the exhaust valve detection sensor 31
is transmitted to the control unit 11 as an electric signal.
[0022] The relay valve 40 is connected to the air supply
tank 6 and the brake cylinder 4, uses the pressure of the
compressed air to be delivered to the AC command chamber 50
10 as a command pressure, and delivers the compressed air
having the pressure corresponding to the command pressure
from the air supply tank 6 toward the brake cylinder 4.
[0023] The AC pressure sensor 60 is a pressure sensor
provided on a flow path connecting the supply valve 20 and
15 the relay valve 40. The AC pressure sensor 60 is capable
of detecting the pressure (command pressure) of the
compressed air to be delivered to the AC command chamber.
A pressure detection value detected by the AC pressure
sensor 60 (AC pressure) is transmitted to the control unit
20 11 as an electric signal. The control unit 11 controls the
brake based on the pressure detection value transmitted
from the AC pressure sensor 60.
[0024] The BC pressure sensor 70 is a pressure sensor
provided on a flow path connecting the relay valve 40 and
25 the brake cylinder 4. The BC pressure sensor 70 is capable
of detecting a pressure corresponding to the braking force
of the brake cylinder 4. The BC pressure sensor 70 detects
the air pressure to be applied to the brake cylinder 4. A
pressure detection value detected by the BC pressure sensor
30 70 (BC pressure) is transmitted to the control unit 11 as
an electric signal.
[0025] The SR pressure sensor 80 is a sensor provided on
a flow path connecting the air supply tank 6 and the supply
9
valve 20 and detects the pressure of the supply source
compressed air to be supplied from the air supply tank 6 to
the supply valve 20. A pressure detection value detected
by the SR pressure sensor 80 (SR pressure) is transmitted
5 to the control unit 11 as an electric signal.
[0026] The AS pressure sensor 90 is a sensor that
detects an AS pressure indicating the pressure of the air
spring 7 provided in the vehicle 1. The AS pressure, which
is the pressure of the air spring 7 and is a signal
10 indicating the weight of the vehicle 1, is input to the AS
pressure sensor. In the air spring 7, the AS pressure is
changed according to the load applied to the vehicle 1. A
pressure detection value detected by the AS pressure sensor
90 (AS pressure) is transmitted to the control unit 11 as
15 an electric signal.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example
of the control unit 11 of the brake control device 10. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 includes an
input unit 12, a solenoid valve control unit 13, an output
20 unit 14, and a monitoring device 100. The monitoring
device 100 includes an acquisition unit 101, a storage unit
102, and a determination unit 103.
[0028] The input unit 12 receives commands and signals
to be transmitted to the control unit 11. The brake
25 command transmitted from the terminal device 2 is input to
the input unit 12. In addition, signals from a plurality
of sensors in the brake control device 10 are input to the
input unit 12. Specifically, detection values detected by
the AC pressure sensor 60, the BC pressure sensor 70, the
30 supply valve operation detection sensor 21, the exhaust
valve operation detection sensor 31, the SR pressure sensor
80, and the AS pressure sensor 90 are input to the input
unit 12.
10
[0029] The solenoid valve control unit 13 performs
opening/closing control of the supply valve 20 and the
exhaust valve 30 according to the brake command input to
the input unit 12. The solenoid valve control unit 13
5 controls the supply valve 20 and the exhaust valve 30 while
referring to the pressure detection value from the AC
pressure sensor 60.
[0030] When abnormality occurs in the brake control
device 10, the output unit 14 outputs the occurrence of
10 abnormality in the brake control device 10 to the terminal
device 2. In addition, the output unit 14 may output
signals from the plurality of sensors in the brake control
device 10 to the terminal device 2. In addition, the
output unit 14 may output information to be transmitted to
15 the terminal device 2 to a recording device provided in the
vehicle 1.
[0031] The monitoring device 100 determines abnormality
based on the detection values of the plurality of sensors
in the brake control device 10.
20 [0032] The acquisition unit 101 acquires the brake
command input to the input unit 12. The acquisition unit
101 further acquires the detection values of the AC
pressure sensor 60, the BC pressure sensor 70, the supply
valve operation detection sensor 21, the exhaust valve
25 operation detection sensor 31, the SR pressure sensor 80,
and the AS pressure sensor 90 that are input to the input
unit 12.
[0033] The storage unit 102 stores a plurality of pieces
of information corresponding to the brake command. The
30 plurality of pieces of information includes, for example,
an AC pressure value, a BC pressure value, an
opening/closing operation of a supply valve operation, an
opening/closing operation of an exhaust valve operation, an
11
SR pressure value, an AS pressure value, and the like. The
stored information may be normal values according to the
brake command or abnormal values.
[0034] The determination unit 103 determines whether
5 there is abnormality based on the detection values of the
plurality of sensors acquired by the acquisition unit 101
and the plurality of pieces of information stored in the
storage unit 102. The details will be described later.
[0035] Next, an operation of the brake control device 10
10 is described. FIG. 4 is an example of a graph illustrating
temporal changes in the AC pressure value of the brake
control device 10, the operation of the supply valve 20,
and the operation of the exhaust valve 30. Specifically,
FIG. 4(a) illustrates a temporal change in the AC pressure
15 value; the vertical axis indicates the AC pressure value
(kPa), and the horizontal axis indicates time (seconds).
FIG. 4(b) illustrates a temporal change in the
opening/closing operation of the supply valve 20; the
vertical axis indicates the open/closed state of the supply
20 valve 20, and the horizontal axis indicates time (seconds).
FIG. 4(c) illustrates a temporal change in the
opening/closing operation of the exhaust valve 30; the
vertical axis indicates the open/closed state of the
exhaust valve 30, and the horizontal axis indicates time
25 (seconds). The times in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) correspond to
each other (indicate the same time).
[0036] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a temporal change when the
AC pressure value is controlled to be a target pressure
value. The solid line in the graph indicates the detection
30 value of the AC pressure. The alternate long and short
dash line in the graph indicates a target pressure value
(target AC pressure). The dashed lines in the graph are
preset thresholds of the AC pressure. In the present
12
embodiment, four thresholds are set, for example. The
thresholds are expressed as a second lower limit value, a
first lower limit value, a first upper limit value, and a
second upper limit value in the order from the smallest
5 pressure value. The target AC pressure is set between the
first lower limit value and the first upper limit value.
In other words, the first upper limit value is set to a
pressure higher than the target AC pressure, and the second
upper limit value is set to a pressure higher than the
10 first upper limit value. The first lower limit value is
set to a pressure lower than the target AC pressure, and
the second lower limit value is set to a pressure lower
than the first lower limit value. The AC pressure value is
controlled to be a pressure value between the first lower
15 limit value and the first upper limit value.
[0037] In order to deliver the compressed air from the
air supply tank 6 to the AC command chamber, the control
unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from the closed state
to the open state. As illustrated in FIG. 4(b), the
20 control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from the
closed state to the open state at time T1 (seconds). As
further illustrated in FIG. 4(c), the control unit 11
controls the exhaust valve 30 from the open state to the
closed state at time T1 (seconds). Since the supply valve
25 20 is in the open state, the AC pressure value is increased
from P1 (kPa) to the target AC pressure. The AC pressure
value is detected by the AC pressure sensor 60 and input to
the control unit 11. Then, when the AC pressure value
detected by the AC pressure sensor 60 reaches the target AC
30 pressure, the control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20
from the open state to the closed state in order to stop
the delivery of the compressed air from the air supply tank
6. FIG. 4(b) illustrates that the supply valve 20 is
13
changed from the open state to the closed state at time T2
(seconds). As illustrated in FIG. 4(c), the exhaust valve
30 remains in the closed state. Since the supply valve 20
is in the closed state, the AC pressure value reaches P2
5 (kPa) that is a pressure slightly higher than the target AC
pressure, and then the AC pressure value becomes stable.
[0038] FIG. 5 is another example of a graph illustrating
temporal changes in the AC pressure value of the brake
control device 10, the operation of the supply valve 20,
10 and the operation of the exhaust valve 30. Similarly to
FIG. 4, FIG. 5(a) illustrates a temporal change in the AC
pressure value; the vertical axis indicates the AC pressure
value (kPa), and the horizontal axis indicates time
(seconds). FIG. 5(b) illustrates a temporal change in the
15 opening/closing operation of the supply valve 20; the
vertical axis indicates the open/closed state of the supply
valve 20, and the horizontal axis indicates time (seconds).
FIG. 5(c) illustrates a temporal change in the
opening/closing operation of the exhaust valve 30; the
20 vertical axis indicates the open/closed state of the
exhaust valve 30, and the horizontal axis indicates time
(seconds). The times in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) correspond to
each other (indicate the same time). The graph illustrated
in FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a normal operation of the
25 brake control device.
[0039] In FIG. 5, the control unit 11 controls the
supply valve 20 from the closed state to the open state in
order to deliver the compressed air from the air supply
tank 6 to the AC command chamber. As illustrated in FIG.
30 5(b), the control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from
the closed state to the open state at time T1 (seconds).
As illustrated in FIG. 5(c), the control unit 11 controls
the exhaust valve 30 from the open state to the closed
14
state at time T1 (seconds). Since the supply valve 20 is
in the open state, the AC pressure value is increased from
P1 (kPa) to the target AC pressure. The AC pressure value
is detected by the AC pressure sensor 60 and input to the
5 control unit 11. In FIG. 5, the AC pressure value detected
by the AC pressure sensor 60 exceeds the target AC pressure
and is higher than the first upper limit value (P3). In
order to stop the delivery of the compressed air from the
air supply tank 6, the control unit 11 controls the supply
10 valve 20 from the open state to the closed state. FIG.
5(b) illustrates that the supply valve 20 is changed from
the open state to the closed state at time T2 (seconds)
when the AC pressure value reaches the target AC pressure.
Since the AC pressure value is higher than the first upper
15 limit value, the control unit 11 determines that the AC
pressure value needs to be lowered to the target AC
pressure. Therefore, the control unit 11 controls the
exhaust valve 30 from the closed state to the open state to
discharge the compressed air to the atmosphere. As
20 illustrated in FIG. 5(c), the exhaust valve 30 is changed
from the closed state to the open state at time T3
(seconds). When the AC pressure value falls below the
first upper limit value (P4), the exhaust valve 30 is
controlled from the open state to the closed state. As
25 illustrated in FIG. 5(c), the exhaust valve 30 is changed
from the open state to the closed state at time T4
(seconds). Then, the AC pressure value becomes stable.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a control flow
of the control unit 11 of the brake control device 10 in
30 FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0041] In response to the brake command, the control
unit 11 adjusts the pressure in order for the AC pressure
value to be the target AC pressure. The control unit 11
15
refers to the AC pressure value (S11), and controls the
supply valve 20 from the closed state to the open state
(S12). The control unit 11 refers to the AC pressure value
(S13), and determines whether the AC pressure value has
5 reached the target AC pressure (S14). When the AC pressure
value has not reached the target AC pressure (S14: N), the
processing returns to S13, and the control unit 11 refers
to the AC pressure value again. When the AC pressure value
has reached the target AC pressure (S14: Y), the control
10 unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from the open state to
the closed state (S15). The control unit 11 refers to the
AC pressure value (S16), and determines whether the AC
pressure value is higher than the first upper limit value
(S17). When the AC pressure value is not higher than the
15 first upper limit value (S17: N), the control unit 11
terminates the control. The above is the control of the
control unit 11 corresponding to the control in FIG. 4.
[0042] In S17, when the AC pressure value is higher than
the first upper limit value (S17: Y), the control unit 11
20 controls the exhaust valve 30 from the closed state to the
open state (S18). The control unit 11 refers to the AC
pressure value (S19), and determines whether the AC
pressure value has reached the target AC pressure (S20).
When the AC pressure value has not reached the target AC
25 pressure (S20: N), the processing returns to S19, and the
control unit 11 refers to the AC pressure value again.
When the AC pressure value has reached the target AC
pressure (S20: Y), the control unit 11 controls the exhaust
valve 30 from the open state to the closed state (S21).
30 The control unit 11 refers to the AC pressure value (S22)
and terminates the processing. Steps after S17: Y are the
control of the control unit 11 corresponding to the control
in FIG. 5.
16
[0043] Here, the AC pressure value having reached the
target AC pressure means that the AC pressure value is the
first lower limit value and the first upper limit value.
In addition, when the AC pressure value is between the
5 second lower limit value and the second upper limit value,
the brake control device 10 can operate normally.
[0044] As described above, the control unit 11 of the
brake control device 10 controls the supply valve 20 and
the exhaust valve 30 in order for the AC pressure value to
10 be the target AC pressure while referring to the AC
pressure value.
[0045] Similarly to FIGS. 4 and 5, FIG. 7 is a diagram
illustrating an example of the AC pressure value, the
opening/closing operation of the supply valve 20, and the
15 opening/closing operation of the exhaust valve 30 when the
AC pressure value is controlled to be the target AC
pressure.
[0046] FIG. 7 is described below. In order to deliver
the compressed air from the air supply tank 6 to the AC
20 command chamber, the control unit 11 controls the supply
valve 20 from the closed state to the open state. As
illustrated in FIG. 7(b), the control unit 11 controls the
supply valve 20 from the closed state to the open state at
time T1 (seconds). As further illustrated in FIG. 7(c),
25 the control unit 11 controls the exhaust valve 30 from the
open state to the closed state at time T1 (seconds). Since
the supply valve 20 is in the open state, the AC pressure
value is increased from P1 (kPa) to the target AC pressure.
The AC pressure value is detected by the AC pressure sensor
30 60 and input to the control unit 11. In FIG. 7, the AC
pressure value detected by the AC pressure sensor 60
exceeds the target AC pressure and is higher than the first
upper limit value (P3). In order to stop the delivery of
17
the compressed air from the air supply tank 6, the control
unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from the open state to
the closed state. FIG. 7(b) illustrates that the supply
valve 20 is changed from the open state to the closed state
5 at time T2 (seconds) when the AC pressure value reaches the
target AC pressure. Since the AC pressure value is higher
than the first upper limit value, the control unit 11
determines that the AC pressure value needs to be lowered
to the target AC pressure. Therefore, the control unit 11
10 controls the exhaust valve 30 from the closed state to the
open state to discharge the compressed air to the
atmosphere. As illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve
30 is changed from the closed state to the open state at
time T3 (seconds). When the AC pressure value falls below
15 the first upper limit value (P4), the exhaust valve 30 is
controlled from the open state to the closed state. As
illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve 30 is changed
from the open state to the closed state at time T4
(seconds). The above is similar to the control in FIG. 5.
20 [0047] Then, the AC pressure value falls below the first
upper limit value, but does not fall to the target AC
pressure, rises again, and is higher than the first upper
limit value (P5). Since the AC pressure value is higher
than the first upper limit value, the control unit 11
25 determines that the AC pressure value needs to be lowered
to the target AC pressure. Therefore, the control unit 11
controls the exhaust valve 30 from the closed state to the
open state to discharge the compressed air to the
atmosphere. As illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve
30 30 is changed from the closed state to the open state at
time T5 (seconds). When the AC pressure value falls below
the first upper limit value (P6), the exhaust valve 30 is
controlled from the open state to the closed state. As
18
illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve 30 is changed
from the open state to the closed state at time T6
(seconds).
[0048] Thereafter, the AC pressure value falls below the
5 first upper limit value, but does not fall to the target AC
pressure, rises again, and is higher than the first upper
limit value (P7). Since the AC pressure value is higher
than the first upper limit value, the control unit 11
determines that the AC pressure value needs to be lowered
10 to the target AC pressure. Therefore, the control unit 11
controls the exhaust valve 30 from the closed state to the
open state to discharge the compressed air to the
atmosphere. As illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve
30 is changed from the closed state to the open state at
15 time T7 (seconds). When the AC pressure value falls below
the first upper limit value (P8), the exhaust valve 30 is
controlled from the open state to the closed state. As
illustrated in FIG. 7(c), the exhaust valve 30 is changed
from the open state to the closed state at time T8
20 (seconds). Thereafter, the control unit 11 performs
similar control.
[0049] As described above, the AC pressure value is not
stable, and the pressure value rises and falls around the
first upper limit value. At this time, the supply valve 20
25 is controlled by the control unit 11 from the open state to
the closed state when the AC pressure value first reaches
the target AC pressure, and then remains in the closed
state. The exhaust valve 30 is controlled by the control
unit 11 from the closed state to the open state when the AC
30 pressure value is higher than the first upper limit value,
and from the open state to the closed state when the AC
pressure value is lower than the first upper limit value.
As illustrated in FIG. 7(c), it can be seen that the
19
exhaust valve 30 repeats the open state and the closed
state. That is, the number of operations of the exhaust
valve 30 is greater than that in the case of the control in
FIG. 5.
5 [0050] Since the AC pressure value is between the second
lower limit value and the second upper limit value although
not stable, the brake control device 10 can operate
normally. However, since the number of operations of the
exhaust valve 30 is increased, some abnormality can have
10 occurred in the brake control device 10. If only the
pressure value is monitored as in Patent Literature 1, it
is difficult to specify the abnormality of the brake
control device 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 because the
pressure value is within the normal range.
15 [0051] The operation of the monitoring device 100 of the
example illustrated in FIG. 7 is described. The
acquisition unit 101 acquires information on the brake
command, the AC pressure value, the supply valve operation,
and the exhaust valve operation. The brake command is
20 information indicating the braking force and is information
used when the pressure is set. Then, the determination
unit 103 determines whether the brake control device 10 is
abnormal.
[0052] The determination unit 103 determines whether the
25 number of times the acquired AC pressure value exceeds the
first upper limit value is equal to or less than a
threshold. The number of times the acquired AC pressure
value exceeds the first upper limit value to be determined
to be abnormal, that is, the threshold is preset and stored
30 in the storage unit 102. When the number of times the AC
pressure value exceeds the first upper limit value is
determined to be greater than the threshold, then, the
determination unit 103 determines whether the solenoid
20
valve operates normally.
[0053] The number of supply valve operations and the
number of exhaust valve operations in a preset period T are
calculated. The preset period T can be set to, for example,
5 a period of several seconds after the AC pressure value
reaches the target AC pressure. In the example illustrated
in FIG. 7, the period T is set from T2 (seconds) to T8
(seconds). Here, the number of solenoid valve operations
is the sum of the number of changes from the closed state
10 to the open state and the number of changes from the open
state to the closed state. In the period T, the number of
supply valve operations is once as illustrated in FIG. 7(b).
In the period T, the number of exhaust valve operations is
six as illustrated in FIG. 7(c).
15 [0054] The number of supply valve operations and the
number of exhaust valve operations to be determined to be
abnormal, that is, thresholds are preset and stored in the
storage unit 102. In the case of the control in FIG. 7,
specifically, in the case where the compressed air is
20 delivered to raise the AC pressure value to the target AC
pressure, if the threshold for the number of supply valve
operations is set to three and the threshold for the number
of exhaust valve operations is set to four, the respective
thresholds are stored in the storage unit 102.
25 [0055] The determination unit 103 compares the number of
supply valve operations in the period T with the threshold
for the number of supply valve operations stored in the
storage unit 102. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7,
since the number of supply valve operations is one, and the
30 threshold for the number of supply valve operations stored
in the storage unit 102 is three, the number of supply
valve operations is equal to or less than the threshold,
and the determination unit 103 determines that the
21
operation is not abnormal.
[0056] Then, the determination unit 103 compares the
number of exhaust valve operations in the period T with the
threshold for the number of exhaust valve operations stored
5 in the storage unit 102. In the example illustrated in FIG.
7, since the number of exhaust valve operations is six, and
the threshold for the number of exhaust valve operations
stored in the storage unit 102 is four, the number of
exhaust valve operations is greater than the threshold, and
10 the determination unit 103 determines that the operation is
abnormal.
[0057] The determination unit 103 determines that the
number of exhaust valve operations in the period T is
abnormal and transmits the determination result to the
15 output unit 14. The output unit 14 outputs the abnormality
determination result transmitted from the determination
unit 103 to the terminal device 2 or the recording device.
[0058] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the
determination unit 103 determines that the solenoid valve
20 operation is abnormal based on the AC pressure value, the
supply valve operation information, and the exhaust valve
operation information. Specifically, when the number of
times the AC pressure value exceeds the first upper limit
value in the temporal change in the AC pressure value (the
25 period T) is greater than the threshold, and when the
number of operations of the supply valve 20 or the number
of operations of the exhaust valve 30 is greater than the
preset threshold, the determination unit 103 determines
that the operation of the supply valve 20 or the operation
30 of the exhaust valve 30 is abnormal. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 7, the abnormality of the brake control
device 10 can be detected when the AC pressure value is
within the normal range.
22
[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example
of the AC pressure value, the opening/closing operation of
the supply valve 20, and the opening/closing operation of
the exhaust valve 30 when the AC pressure value is
5 controlled to be the target AC pressure.
[0060] FIG. 8 is described below. In order to deliver
the compressed air from the air supply tank 6 to the AC
command chamber, the control unit 11 controls the supply
valve 20 from the closed state to the open state. As
10 illustrated in FIG. 8(b), the control unit 11 controls the
supply valve 20 from the closed state to the open state at
time T1 (seconds). As further illustrated in FIG. 8(c),
the control unit 11 controls the exhaust valve 30 from the
open state to the closed state at time T1 (seconds). Since
15 the supply valve 20 is in the open state, the AC pressure
value is increased from P1 (kPa) to the target AC pressure.
The AC pressure value is detected by the AC pressure sensor
60 and input to the control unit 11. In FIG. 8, the AC
pressure value detected by the AC pressure sensor 60
20 reaches the target AC pressure (P2). In order to stop the
delivery of the compressed air from the air supply tank 6,
the control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20 from the
open state to the closed state. FIG. 8(b) illustrates that
the supply valve 20 is changed from the open state to the
25 closed state at time T2 (seconds) when the AC pressure
value reaches the target AC pressure.
[0061] Then, the AC pressure value falls below the
pressure value of the target AC pressure and further falls
below the first lower limit value (P3). Since the AC
30 pressure value falls below the first lower limit value, the
control unit 11 determines that the AC pressure value needs
to be raised to the target AC pressure. Therefore, in
order to deliver the compressed air from the air supply
23
tank 6, the control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20
from the closed state to the open state. As illustrated in
FIG. 7(b), the supply valve 20 is changed from the closed
state to the open state at time T3 (seconds). Thereafter,
5 when the AC pressure value reaches the pressure value of
the target AC pressure (P4), the control unit 11 controls
the supply valve 20 from the open state to the closed state
in order to stop the delivery of the compressed air from
the air supply tank 6. FIG. 8(b) illustrates that the
10 supply valve 20 is changed from the open state to the
closed state at time T4 (seconds) when the AC pressure
value reaches the target AC pressure.
[0062] Thereafter, the AC pressure value falls below the
pressure value of the target AC pressure and further falls
15 below the first lower limit value (P5). Since the AC
pressure value falls below the first lower limit value, the
control unit 11 determines that the AC pressure value needs
to be raised to the target AC pressure. Therefore, in
order to deliver the compressed air from the air supply
20 tank 6, the control unit 11 controls the supply valve 20
from the closed state to the open state. As illustrated in
FIG. 7(b), the supply valve 20 is changed from the closed
state to the open state at time T5 (seconds). Thereafter,
when the AC pressure value reaches the pressure value of
25 the target AC pressure (P6), the control unit 11 controls
the supply valve 20 from the open state to the closed state
in order to stop the delivery of the compressed air from
the air supply tank 6. FIG. 8(b) illustrates that the
supply valve 20 is changed from the open state to the
30 closed state at time T6 (seconds) when the AC pressure
value reaches the target AC pressure. Thereafter, the
control unit 11 performs similar control.
[0063] As described above, the AC pressure value is not
24
stable, and the AC pressure value rises and falls to/from
the target AC pressure and the first lower limit value. At
this time, the exhaust valve 30 is controlled by the
control unit 11 from the open state to the closed state at
5 T1 (seconds) when the control is started, and then remains
in the closed state. The supply valve 20 is controlled by
the control unit 11 from the open state to the closed state
when the AC pressure value is higher than the pressure
value of the target AC pressure, and from the closed state
10 to the open state when the AC pressure value is lower than
the first lower limit value. As illustrated in FIG. 7(b),
it can be seen that the supply valve 20 repeats the open
state and the closed state. That is, the number of
operations of the supply valve 20 is increased.
15 [0064] Since the AC pressure value is between the second
lower limit value and the second upper limit value although
not stable, the brake control device 10 can operate
normally. However, since the number of operations of the
supply valve 20 is increased, some abnormality can have
20 occurred in the brake control device 10. If only the
pressure value is monitored as in Patent Literature 1, it
is difficult to specify the abnormality of the brake
control device 10 because the pressure value is within the
normal range.
25 [0065] The operation of the monitoring device 100 in the
example illustrated in FIG. 8 is similar to that in the
example illustrated in FIG. 7. In the example illustrated
in FIG. 8, the determination unit 103 determines that the
solenoid valve operation is abnormal based on the AC
30 pressure value, the supply valve operation information, and
the exhaust valve operation information. Specifically,
when the number of operations of the supply valve 20 or the
number of operations of the exhaust valve 30 in the
25
temporal change in the AC pressure value (the period T) is
greater than the preset threshold, the determination unit
103 determines that the operation of the supply valve 20 or
the operation of the exhaust valve 30 is abnormal. In the
5 example illustrated in FIG. 8, the abnormality of the brake
control device 10 can be detected when the AC pressure
value is within the normal range. Here, the period T is a
preset period, and can be set to, for example, a period of
several seconds after the AC pressure value reaches the
10 target AC pressure, and is set from T2 (seconds) to T6
(seconds).
[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of
the monitoring device in the examples illustrated in FIGS.
7 and 8. First, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the AC
15 pressure value, the operation information on the supply
valve 20, and the operation information on the exhaust
valve 30 in a predetermined period (period T) from the
input unit 12 (S101). Then, the determination unit 103
determines whether the number of times the acquired AC
20 pressure value falls below the first lower limit value or
exceeds the first upper limit value is equal to or less
than the threshold (S102). When the number of times the AC
pressure value falls below the first lower limit value or
the number of times the AC pressure value exceeds the first
25 upper limit value is equal to or less than the threshold
(S102: Y), the determination unit 103 determines that
“there is no abnormality” (S107), and the processing is
terminated. When the number of times the AC pressure value
falls below the first lower limit value or exceeds the
30 first upper limit value is greater than the threshold
(S102: N), the number of operations of the supply valve 20
and the number of operations of the exhaust valve 30 in the
period T are calculated (S103). Then, the determination
26
unit 103 refers to the thresholds of the number of supply
valve operations and the number of exhaust valve operations
stored in the storage unit (S104), and determines whether
the number of supply valve operations and the number of
5 exhaust valve operations are equal to or less than the
respective thresholds (S105). When the number of supply
valve operations and the number of exhaust valve operations
are equal to or less than the respective thresholds (S105:
Y), the determination unit 103 determines that “there is no
10 abnormality” (S107), and the processing is terminated.
When the number of supply valve operations or the number of
exhaust valve operations is greater than the threshold
(S105: N), the determination unit 103 determines that
“supply valve operation or exhaust valve operation is
15 abnormal” (S107), and the processing is terminated.
[0067] The determination unit 103 of the monitoring
device 100 can perform determination to narrow down
abnormal parts. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the
determination unit 103 of the monitoring device 100
20 determines that the operation of the supply valve 20 is not
abnormal and that the operation of the exhaust valve 30 is
abnormal when the number of times the AC pressure value
exceeds the first upper limit value in the temporal change
in the AC pressure value (the period T) is greater than the
25 threshold and when the number of operations of the exhaust
valve 30 is greater than the preset threshold. In addition,
in this case, the determination unit 103 determines that
the abnormal part of the brake control device 10 is not the
exhaust valve 30.
30 [0068] “The operation of the exhaust valve 30 is
abnormal” does not mean that the control unit 11 cannot
control the exhaust valve 30. In other words, the exhaust
valve 30 can perform the opening/closing operation in
27
accordance with the control of the control unit 11. That
is, this does not mean that the exhaust valve 30 is
abnormal.
[0069] The fact that the exhaust valve 30 operates
5 indicates that the pressure in the AC command chamber 50 is
higher than the target AC pressure. Because of a factor
that increases the pressure in the AC command chamber 50,
the pressure in the AC command chamber 50 is considered to
be high. The factor in this case can be, for example,
10 abnormality of the supply valve 20. In the supply valve 20,
if there is deterioration of components or abnormality in
connection, the supply valve 20 is not completely closed,
and the compressed air can be delivered from the air supply
tank 6 to the AC command chamber 50. In this case,
15 although the supply valve 20 is in the closed state as a
control, if there is deterioration of components or
abnormality in connection in the supply valve 20, the
compressed air is delivered from the air supply tank 6 to
the AC command chamber, and the pressure in the AC command
20 chamber increases.
[0070] As described above, when determining that the
operation of the exhaust valve 30 is abnormal, the
determination unit 103 determines that the abnormal part is
not the exhaust valve 30. In other words, the
25 determination unit 103 determines that a component other
than the exhaust valve 30 or connection is abnormal.
According to the determination of the determination unit
103, the abnormal part can be narrowed down to components
other than the exhaust valve 30 and connection.
30 [0071] Similarly, as described with reference to FIG. 8,
the determination unit 103 of the monitoring device 100
determines that the operation of the exhaust valve 30 is
not abnormal and that the operation of the supply valve 20
28
is abnormal when the number of operations of the supply
valve 20 in the temporal change in the AC pressure value
(period T) is greater than the preset threshold. In
addition, in this case, the determination unit 103
5 determines that the abnormal part of the brake control
device 10 is not the supply valve 20.
[0072] “The operation of the supply valve 20 is abnormal”
does not mean that the control unit 11 cannot control the
supply valve 20. In other words, the supply valve 20 can
10 perform the opening/closing operation in accordance with
the control of the control unit 11. That is, this does not
mean that the supply valve 20 is abnormal.
[0073] The fact that the supply valve 20 operates
indicates that the pressure in the AC command chamber 50 is
15 lower than the target AC pressure. Because of a factor
that lowers the pressure in the AC command chamber 50, the
pressure in the AC command chamber 50 is low. The factor
in this case can be, for example, abnormality of the
exhaust valve 30. For example, in the exhaust valve 30, if
20 there is deterioration of components or abnormality in
connection, the exhaust valve 30 is not completely closed,
and the compressed air in the AC command chamber 50 can be
discharged to the atmosphere. In this case, although the
exhaust valve 30 is in the closed state as a control, if
25 there is deterioration of components or abnormality in
connection in the exhaust valve 30, the compressed air in
the AC command chamber 50 is discharged to the atmosphere,
and the pressure in the AC command chamber lowers.
[0074] As described above, when determining that the
30 operation of the supply valve 20 is abnormal, the
determination unit 103 determines that the abnormal part is
not the supply valve 20. In other words, the determination
unit 103 determines that a component other than the supply
29
valve 20 or connection is abnormal. According to the
determination of the determination unit 103, the abnormal
part can be narrowed down to components other than the
supply valve 20 and connection. Therefore, the
5 determination unit 103 determines that the solenoid valve
itself determined to have abnormality in operation is not
the abnormal part. According to the determination of the
determination unit 103, since it is possible to narrow down,
as the abnormal part, components other than the solenoid
10 valve determined to be abnormal in operation, it is
possible to reduce the time required for inspection.
[0075] Since the monitoring device of the brake control
device according the present disclosure includes an
acquisition unit that acquires information of an AC
15 pressure sensor that detects a pressure in an AC command
chamber provided in the brake control device that controls
braking of a vehicle, information of a supply valve
operation detection sensor that detects an operation of a
supply valve provided between an air supply tank provided
20 in the vehicle and the AC command chamber and used to
supply and stop compressed air in the air supply tank to
the AC command chamber, and information of an exhaust valve
operation detection sensor that detects an operation of an
exhaust valve provided on a flow path connecting the AC
25 command chamber and external air and used to release and
stop the compressed air in the AC command chamber to the
external air, and a determination unit that determines that
the brake control device is abnormal based on the
information of the AC pressure sensor, the information of
30 the supply valve operation detection sensor, and the
information of the exhaust valve operation detection sensor.
Therefore, it is possible to detect abnormality of the
brake control device when a pressure value acquired from
30
the brake control device is within a normal range.
[0076] In the monitoring device of the brake control
device according to the present disclosure, the information
of the supply valve operation detection sensor is
5 information indicating an opening/closing operation of the
supply valve, and the information of the exhaust valve
operation detection sensor is information indicating an
opening/closing operation of the exhaust valve. Therefore,
it is possible to detect abnormality of the brake control
10 device when the pressure value acquired from the brake
control device is within the normal range.
[0077] In the monitoring device of the brake control
device according to the present disclosure, the
determination unit determines that the brake control device
15 is abnormal when the number of times a value of the AC
pressure sensor exceeds a first pressure value set higher
than a target pressure value is greater than a preset
number of times and when the number of opening/closing
operations of the exhaust valve operation detection sensor
20 is greater than a preset number of times. Therefore, it is
possible to detect abnormality of the brake control device
when the pressure value acquired from the brake control
device is within the normal range.
[0078] In the monitoring device of the brake control
25 device according to the present disclosure, the
determination unit determines that an abnormal part of the
brake control device is not the exhaust valve when
determining that the operation of the exhaust valve is
abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to narrow down, as the
30 abnormal part, components other than the solenoid valve
determined to be abnormal in operation and to reduce the
time required for inspection.
[0079] In the monitoring device of the brake control
31
device according to the present disclosure, the
determination unit determines that the brake control device
is abnormal when the number of times a value of the AC
pressure sensor falls below a second pressure value set
5 lower than a target pressure value is greater than a preset
number of times and when the number of opening/closing
operations of the supply valve operation detection sensor
is greater than a preset number of times. Therefore, it is
possible to detect abnormality of the brake control device
10 when the pressure value acquired from the brake control
device is within the normal range.
[0080] In the monitoring device of the brake control
device according to the present disclosure, the
determination unit determines that an abnormal part of the
15 brake control device is not the supply valve when
determining that the operation of the supply valve is
abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to narrow down, as the
abnormal part, components other than the solenoid valve
determined to be abnormal in operation and to reduce the
20 time required for inspection.
[0081] Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the monitoring device 100 of
the brake control device 10 is provided in the brake
control device 10. In a second embodiment, the monitoring
25 device 100 of the brake control device 10 is provided in a
ground device 250.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
configuration of the monitoring device 100 according to the
second embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates a train 1 including
30 the terminal device 2, a brake control device 210, a
central device 220, an on-board radio device 230, and an
on-board antenna 240, the ground device 250 including the
monitoring device 100, and a network 260.
32
[0083] The brake control device 210 is the brake control
device 10 in the first embodiment in which the monitoring
device 100 is omitted.
[0084] The central device 220 is connected to the
5 terminal device 2 and the on-board radio device 230. State
information on a plurality of devices output from the
terminal device 2 that collects state information
indicating states of the plurality of devices mounted on a
vehicle 1 is acquired. One of the plurality of devices
10 includes the brake control device 210.
[0085] The on-board radio device 230 is connected to the
central device 220 and the on-board antenna 240. The onboard radio device 230 is a radio device for communicating
with the ground device 250 via the network 260.
15 [0086] The ground device 250 includes the monitoring
device 100. In addition, the ground device 250 can
communicate with the on-board radio device via the network
260. The ground device 250 includes a recording device
(not illustrated) and can accumulate information
20 transmitted from the central device 220.
[0087] Information indicating the states of the devices
of the brake control device 210 is transmitted from the
central device 220 to the ground device 250 via the onboard radio device 230 and the network 260. At this time,
25 a device ID identifying the brake control device 210, time
information, kilometrage information, speed information,
weather information, and the like may be added and
transmitted. The information indicating the states of the
devices of the brake control device 210 includes the brake
30 command received from the terminal device 2 and detection
values of the plurality of sensors. The detection values
of the plurality of sensors are, for example, detection
values detected by the AC pressure sensor 60, the BC
33
pressure sensor 70, the supply valve operation detection
sensor 21, the exhaust valve operation detection sensor 31,
the SR pressure sensor 80, and the AS pressure sensor 90.
[0088] In the monitoring device 100 of the brake control
5 device according to the second embodiment, the acquisition
unit 101 acquires the information indicating the states of
the devices of the brake control device 210 transmitted
from the train. The operation of the determination unit
103 is similar to that in the first embodiment. The
10 determination result of the determination unit 103 is
recorded in the recording device of the ground device 250.
[0089] Since the monitoring device 100 of the brake
control device according to the second embodiment is
provided in the ground device 250, it is possible to
15 determine whether there is abnormality on the ground. That
is, the load on the vehicle can be reduced as compared with
the case of processing by the vehicle. It is also possible
to use information on devices, such as other brake control
devices, recorded in the ground device 250.
20 [0090] Third Embodiment
The detection values of the plurality of sensors
provided in the brake control device may vary depending on
various conditions. For example, when the number of
passengers changes, a detection value of the AS pressure
25 sensor (AS pressure value) indicating the pressure of the
air spring 7 varies. When the AS pressure value varies, an
AC pressure value that is a command pressure calculated
from the AS pressure also varies. That is, when the
variation in the AS pressure value is large, the variation
30 in the AC pressure value is also large, and which makes
difficult to determine the abnormality of the brake control
device. Therefore, in a third embodiment, the abnormality
of the brake control device is determined when the
34
variation in the AS pressure value is small.
[0091] A possible case of small variation in the AS
pressure value is when passengers do not get on and off.
For example, since passengers do not get on and off after
5 the door of the vehicle 1 is completely closed at the time
of stopping at a station, the variation in the AS pressure
value is small, and the pressure value is stable.
[0092] The information for the determination unit 103 of
the monitoring device 100 to determine abnormality is
10 preferably a brake command when the variation in the AS
pressure value is small and a pressure value of each sensor.
Therefore, in the third embodiment, the acquisition unit
101 of the monitoring device 100 acquires information on
the AS pressure value. The determination unit 103
15 determines whether the acquired AS pressure value is stable,
that is, whether variation in the AS pressure value is
small, and determines abnormality when determining that the
AS pressure value is stable. Here, the small variation in
the AS pressure value means a state of no variation in the
20 AS pressure value or the variation in the AS pressure value
within a predetermined variation range. Since the pressure
value of each sensor is stable by using the information
when the variation in the AS pressure value is small, it is
possible to accurately determine abnormality of the brake
25 control device.
[0093] In the monitoring device of the brake control
device according to the present disclosure, the acquisition
unit further acquires a pressure value of an AS pressure
sensor that detects a pressure of an air spring of the
30 brake control device, and the determination unit determines
whether the pressure value of the AS pressure sensor is
stable and determines that the brake control device is
abnormal when determining that the pressure value of the AS
35
pressure sensor is stable. Therefore, it is possible to
accurately determine abnormality of the brake control
device.
[0094] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a
5 case where processing circuitry included in the monitoring
device 100 is configured by a processor and a memory. When
the processing circuitry is configured by a processor 1000
and a memory 1001, each function of the processing
circuitry of the monitoring device 100 is implemented by
10 software, firmware, or a combination of software and
firmware. Software or firmware is described as programs
and stored in the memory 1001. The processing circuitry
implements each function by the processor 1000 reading and
executing the programs stored in the memory 1001. That is,
15 the processing circuitry includes the memory 1001 for
storing the programs that results in execution of
processing of the monitoring device 100. It can also be
said that these programs cause a computer to execute
procedures and methods of the monitoring device 100.
20 [0095] Note that, in the present disclosure, the
respective embodiments can be freely combined, or the
embodiments can be appropriately modified or omitted within
the scope of the invention.
25 Reference Signs List
[0096] 1 train; 2 terminal device; 3 wheel; 4 brake
cylinder; 5 mechanical brake device; 6 air supply tank; 7
air spring; 10, 210 brake control device; 11 control
unit; 12 input unit; 13 solenoid valve control unit; 14
30 output unit; 20 supply valve; 21 supply valve operation
detection sensor; 30 exhaust valve; 31 exhaust valve
operation detection sensor; 40 relay valve; 50 AC command
chamber; 80 SR pressure sensor; 60 AC pressure sensor; 70
36
BC pressure sensor; 90 AS pressure sensor; 100 monitoring
device; 101 acquisition unit; 102 storage unit; 103
determination unit; 220 central device; 230 on-board
radio device; 240 on-board antenna; 250 ground device;
5 260 network.
37
WE CLAIM:
1. A monitoring device of a brake control device
comprising:
an acquisition unit to acquire information of an AC
5 pressure sensor that detects a pressure in an AC command
chamber provided in the brake control device that controls
braking of a vehicle, information of a supply valve
operation detection sensor that detects an operation of a
supply valve provided between an air supply tank provided
10 in the vehicle and the AC command chamber and used to
supply and stop compressed air in the air supply tank to
the AC command chamber, and information of an exhaust valve
operation detection sensor that detects an operation of an
exhaust valve provided on a flow path connecting the AC
15 command chamber and external air and used to release and
stop the compressed air in the AC command chamber to the
external air; and
a determination unit to determine that the brake
control device is abnormal based on the information of the
20 AC pressure sensor, the information of the supply valve
operation detection sensor, and the information of the
exhaust valve operation detection sensor.
2. The monitoring device of the brake control device
25 according to claim 1, wherein
the information of the supply valve operation
detection sensor is information indicating an
opening/closing operation of the supply valve, and
the information of the exhaust valve operation
30 detection sensor is information indicating an
opening/closing operation of the exhaust valve.
3. The monitoring device of the brake control device
38
according to claim 2, wherein
the determination unit
determines that the brake control device is abnormal
when the number of times a value of the AC pressure sensor
5 exceeds a first pressure value set higher than a target
pressure value is greater than a preset number of times and
when the number of opening/closing operations of the
exhaust valve operation detection sensor is greater than a
preset number of times.
10
4. The monitoring device of the brake control device
according to claim 3, wherein
the determination unit
determines that an abnormal part of the brake control
15 device is not the exhaust valve when determining that the
operation of the exhaust valve is abnormal.
5. The monitoring device of the brake control device
according to claim 2, wherein
20 the determination unit
determines that the brake control device is abnormal
when the number of times a value of the AC pressure sensor
falls below a second pressure value set lower than a target
pressure value is greater than a preset number of times and
25 when the number of opening/closing operations of the supply
valve operation detection sensor is greater than a preset
number of times.
6. The monitoring device of the brake control device
30 according to claim 5, wherein
the determination unit
determines that an abnormal part of the brake control
device is not the supply valve when determining that the
39
operation of the supply valve is abnormal.
7. The monitoring device of the brake control device
according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
5 the acquisition unit
further acquires a pressure value of an AS pressure
sensor that detects a pressure of an air spring of the
brake control device, and
the determination unit
10 determines whether the pressure value of the AS
pressure sensor is stable and determines that the brake
control device is abnormal when determining that the
pressure value of the AS pressure sensor is stable.