Method and Device for Monitoring Coupling Elements of a Vehicle

Abstract

A method and device for monitoring coupling elements of a vehicle, according to which at least one representative direction of relative movement is determined for a coupling element to be monitored, relative movements in the representative direction of movement of the coupling element to be monitored are measured and stored, and the stored relative movements are then evaluated such that the coupling elements can thus be monitored and their suitability for use in a vehicle can be determined.

1 .- 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A method for monitoring coupling elements of a vehicle, comprising:
 determining a significant relative movement direction for a coupling element to be monitored;   measuring and storing relative movements along the significant relative movement direction of the coupling element to be monitored; and   evaluating the stored relative movements.   
     
     
         14 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein relative movements of the coupling element to be monitored are each measured and stored via a sensor and a slave arranged along the significant relative movement direction. 
     
     
         15 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein a number of relative movements of the coupling element to be monitored which lie above a previously defined threshold value is stored. 
     
     
         16 . The method as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein a number of relative movements of the coupling element to be monitored which lie above a previously defined threshold value is stored. 
     
     
         17 . The method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the evaluation of the stored relative movements of the coupling element to be monitored occurs by comparing the number with at least one previously defined limit value. 
     
     
         18 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein stored relative movements are transmitted without contact to a receive unit. 
     
     
         19 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein evaluations of stored relative movements of the coupling element to be monitored occurs after one of (i) each time interval of essentially the same length or (ii) after essentially each same number of vehicle kilometers. 
     
     
         20 . The method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein at least one of (i) the previously defined threshold value and (ii) a limit value is defined based on one of (i) measurement travel data and (ii) simulations of the vehicle. 
     
     
         21 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the coupling elements to be monitored are formed as spring elements, connecting elements or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         22 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein the vehicle is a rail vehicle. 
     
     
         23 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein a revision time point for the vehicle is defined as a result of the evaluation of the stored relative movements of the coupling elements to be monitored. 
     
     
         24 . The method as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said evaluating the stored relative movements comprises analyzing a mode of operation of the vehicle. 
     
     
         25 . The method as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the analysis of the mode of operation of the vehicle is performed with respect to operation-oriented stresses of the coupling elements. 
     
     
         26 . A system for monitoring at least one coupling element incorporated in a vehicle, comprising:
 a coupling element arranged between a plurality of components of the vehicle;   a sensor;   a slave spaced apart from the sensor, a distance between the sensor and slave varying along a significant movement direction of the coupling element, and at least one of the sensor and the slave be affixed to a respective component of the plurality of components or the coupling element;   a transmitter for transmitting data stored in the slave; and   a receiver arranged outside of the vehicle which receives data transmitted by the transmitter.