DE4325018A1 - Railway switch generating signal upon passing wheel for evaluating circuit - has position sensor monitoring its installed position w.r.t. stipulated position - Google Patents

Abstract

The rail switch (1) in its theoretical position against the fixture point (4) of a position sensor (9) and its output signal is monitored. The rail switch is fixed with a retention (3) to the rail (5) and the theoretical position of the switch to the retention is monitored. The retention (3) is tensioned by two spaced tension devices to the fixture point (4) and thereby locates tiltably around a tip axis on the fixture point. The tip axis is located between two tension devices, crossing vertically the tip axis and at least in one of the tip axis facing areas. At least one of the tension devices incorporates a position sensor (9). USE/ADVANTAGE - Safety signalling. Counteracts various mechanical influences chiefly wear and tear factors.

Description

The invention relates to a rail switch according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such rail switches are used to make a switching signal nal to generate, which depending on a rolling Railway wheel z. B. necessary for a certain switching function is. This switching function is followed by an off perceived value switching.

These rail switches are available either as mechanical scarves ter or as a non-contact switch, the z. B. as induc tion coils are formed, the magnetic field through the front Rolling wheel is influenced so that a current flow is generated, which causes the switching signal.

This presupposes that such a rail switch with a electrical supply and an electrical discharge ver is to see the induction coil with the required current to supply. In the context of the present application, this Circuit called "signal circuit".

The object of the invention is the known rail switch so to further develop future security requirements as well then it is still sufficient if the functional reliability by mechani influence can be impaired.

This task is in the known rail switch by characterizing features of the first claim solved.  

The advantage of the invention is that the mechanical Loosen or remove the rail switch from the position sensor is absolutely recognized, which then immediately the output signal generated, which then, the specified security requirements following, can be evaluated accordingly.

The output signal in the event of loosening or total removal The rail switch is also referred to as Error signal.

As long as the rail switch opposite the attachment point the rail switch is also correctly positioned with respect to the rail in its target position. Then it is proper function of the rail switch ensured. It can be useful for certain applications if the Position sensor then outputs a correct position signal, which of a subsequent evaluation circuit is recognized.

If the rail switch is removed from its target position, this is immediately recognized by the position sensor. The position sensor then immediately generates the position error signal, as the order proper function of the rail switch is no longer guaranteed is.

The invention has namely recognized that the previous shooting a switch, which z. B. on mechanical Zer disturbance is not recognizable. About that In addition, the monitoring is very small with the invention, e.g. B. by shaking loose movements of the rails switch possible. This is the special value of the Erfin due to a shaken rail switch still working properly and still a latent danger represents, which is now immediately recognized thanks to the invention.

The switching signal of the previously known rail switches is always unaffected by any positional deviation of the shooting switch opposite the rail, so that one  loose or even mechanically removed rail scarf ter the switching signal failed and in addition this error was not recognized.

The invention thus differs significantly from that prior art, because the shooting according to the invention nenschalter generated when shaking or falling off Fastening point a position error signal.

The following cases can be considered:

In the general case, the rail switch is directly on the Attachment point attached and it becomes the target position between rail switch and mounting location supervised. For this purpose, the rail switch can, for example be firmly mounted on a fixed foundation.

The variable mounting options are advantageous Rail switch attached to the rail with a bracket. With this development of the invention, there is the possibility either the position of the rail switch with respect to the Monitor bracket, or be the position of the bracket regarding the rail.

The combination of the two types of monitoring is special Attention to. In this case, both the position of the Rail switch opposite the bracket as well as the position the bracket is monitored against the rail, so that no practical case with surveillance gap is more conceivable.

The training according to claim 4 offers ge for everyone mentioned embodiments of the invention have the advantage of exact mounting position. In this case the parting line offers the possibility of a distortion-free surface pressure between Bracket and rail or according to claim 6 between bracket and rail bracket or generally between bracket and To achieve attachment point, the contact pressure on  can distribute an area of a given size so that a stable joint connection is achieved.

The development according to claim 5 offers for rail switches with separate bracket and two clamping devices the front partly that for these rail switches there is always a position Error signal is generated if only one of the two Tensioners against the rail failed or not works more properly.

Here, the invention makes use of the knowledge that the bracket is resiliently attached to the rail by the two fixtures the bracket with respect to Brace the tilt axis in relation to the rail. In this ge tensioned state, the position sensor is now kept under tension as long as the clamping devices are in perfect contact.

If one of the tensioning devices fails, it will snap up Bending tension held bracket from its intended Position and the position sensor will generate the position error signal gene.

In this case it is advantageous to make a very early mistake message possible, which already occurs when the rails switch still does its intended job, as long as it is not yet finally from the attachment point has dropped.

In addition, according to claim 6, the attachment point sit a separate rail bracket, or, claim 7 following, directly on the rail and there on the rail with telsteg be arranged.

The features of claim 7 relate to further training, at which is the mounting point for the rail switch a rail bracket sits, which is like a clamping claw  grips the associated rail from below and which opposite the rail is clamped.

On the clamping claw there is a mounting flange, wel cher carries the rail switch or bracket and the Separation gap sits between the rail switch or bracket and the mounting flange.

In this case it turns out that the rail switch opposite the rail head can be adjustable in height by the Rail bracket is designed accordingly. For this are Embodiments specified.

The development of the invention according to claim 8 offers the additional advantage that the position of the clamping claw is always recorded exactly with respect to the rail.

This position sensor can be used as a joint sensor in the joint sit between one of the jaws and the rail and either with an opening characteristic or one Be closer characteristics provided, which will be discussed becomes.

In this case, a position sensor with NC contact is recommended characteristic in parallel in a short circuit to the signal circuit, because then it is also ensured that in the In the event of a loosening of the clamping claw, the short circuit, such as that entry. This will also be discussed in more detail below went.

If you use a position sensor with a make contact teristics, it is recommended to simulate wire breakage both position sensors with make characteristic in series in the Switch signal circuit.

This ensures that when the rail scarf falls ters of the mounting flange or when loosening the clamping jaw  either the signal circuit is open with respect to the rail is accordingly a wire break message is simulated, or the Short circuit is closed, which is equivalent to a abruptly starting short-circuit current, which may still be from an inductively generated current of a passing wheel can be overlaid.

As a result of the diverse possibilities of attaching one Rail switch at a fastening point in the area of Rail, should the above types of attachment in fol always be included when fastening or Position of a "bracket with respect to an attachment point" is spoken.

The development of the invention according to claim 10 offers the Advantage that to monitor the position between the bracket and mounting point no further wiring required is just a wiring between the parting line ler and the signal circuit of the rail switch, which with least effort within the bracket of the rail scarf ters can be accommodated.

In particular, it is in this development of the invention not necessary to use the joint sensor with a, generally to connect my distant power source and in to integrate a corresponding circuit.

This also has the advantage that the position sensor what protected against dust and dust between bracket and mounting can be arranged.

Another advantage arises from the fact that the rail scarf together with the position sensor from the manufacturer can be wired and encapsulated.

It is an essential feature of the invention that the location sensor constantly records the width of the parting line. As long as the  Width of the parting line has the setpoint, this is not critical, and the position sensor either gives no signal or if necessary Correct position signal. In this respect, the following includes The term "position-correct signal" also means the signal state in which chem the position sensor does not output a signal as long as the target Position of the rail switch is guaranteed.

However, if the width of the parting line changes, the calls Change in width a change in the switching state of the position sensor, which ultimately leads to the position error signal.

Position sensors are therefore preferably used as Ab level sensors or are designed as pressure sensors.

Several embodiments come in for this development Consider, of which the training with the characteristics of Claim 9 deserves special attention.

Basically, two variants are possible:

If you assume that the position sensor or parting line sensor has a normally open characteristic, i.e. in one built normal state keeps a contact closed, so it makes sense that the parting line sensor at the moment of falling issues a wire break message to the bracket.

In this case the impressed current is that in the signal current circuit through the inductive coil is interrupted. This Interruption is considered by the downstream evaluation circuit "Broken wire" recognized and evaluated accordingly.

Another possibility is to change the position sensor or To provide the joint sensor with an opening characteristic. In this case the parting line sensor opens in normal and installed state an electrical contact, but he closes the moment the holder falls off.  

For this type of construction, it makes sense to use the impressed current flows through the inductive coil in the signal circuit, via a Conduct a short circuit parallel to the inductive coil. The short circuit is caused by the parting line sensor as soon as the Bracket no longer the intended position for fastening place owns.

An advantage of this training is that after before a signal from the inductive coil will emanate from the passing wheel is generated, but on the other hand the evaluation circuit also recognize the error status can, because the short circuit an undamped sudden signal generated, which is not or at most slightly by the inductance vity of the induction coil is affected.

For the sake of completeness it should be said that in In the case of a joint sensor with make contact characteristics Position error signal in the opening of the signal circuit, while the correct position signal in closing the signal circuit exists.

On the other hand, in the case of a joint sensor with an opener characteristic the position error signal a short circuit in the Sig nalstromkreis, while the correct position signal the short circuit switch holds open.

For some applications, several inductive coils, e.g. B. two pieces in a row in a single housing seen which with a single bracket on the rail is attached.

Another possibility the rail switch according to the invention To attach to the rail is that the outer surface prepared a rail center bar as an attachment point is, the parting line sensor now between the bracket and the outside surface sits.  

This has the advantage that the rail switch directly and without intermediate components the rail is attached.

The features of claims 12 and 13 are further developments are characterized by durability and reliability, and that work particularly simply and safely.

In the following, the invention is explained on the basis of embodiment tion examples explained in more detail.

Show it

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention with rail holder;

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of Figure 2 with egg nem another position sensor.

Figure 4 shows a position sensor with NO characteristic in the operating state and in the dropped or loosened state.

5 shows a position sensor with Öffnercharakteristik in the operating condition and in the de-energized or loosened condition.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention with a tiltable relative to the fastening point Be arranged rail switch.

Unless otherwise stated below, the description that now follows always applies to all of FIGS. 1-6.

Figs. 1-6 show a rail switch 1 for detecting and signaling a passing railway vehicle wheel 2 which is at a fastening point 4 in the region of the rail 5 is introduced.

In this case, the rail switch is housed in a housing 19 which has a separate holder 3 .

The rail 5 consists of a rail head 6 , on which the railroad wheel 2 rolls, a rail foot 8 , by means of which the rail is fastened to the rail sleeper, and a connecting rail center web 7 , the function of which will still be discussed in relation to the present invention.

It is now essential that the position of the holder 3 with respect to the fastening point 4 is monitored by a position sensor 9 , which generates a position-correct signal or a position-error signal as the output signal.

To do this, the position sensor must determine the position of the rail switch check with regard to the fastening point and if there are any deviations the bracket from the prescribed target position Generate speaking position error signal, which then on suitable way can be evaluated.

This can advantageously be done in the following ways:

Either the target position of the rail switch becomes Bracket monitored, or it is the target position of the Hal monitoring to the rail or both the target posi tion of the rail switch for mounting as well as the target Position of the bracket compared to the rail monitored.

The latter option is available for complete monitoring chung when both the rail switch off the bracket and the bracket can be detached from the rail.

In the most general form, such a position sensor consists a position encoder, the z. B. with a correct Posi  tion of the bracket generates a ZERO signal, so that recognizable is that the rail switch is operated properly.

If the rail switch, together with its holder, falls from its predetermined position at the attachment point 4 , or if it slightly detaches, the position sensor according to the invention generates a corresponding output signal which can be processed into a warning signal which is perceptible from the outside.

This shows that the rail switch is not more in its proper position.

The same applies analogously in the event that the shooting release switch from its holder, provided the target position between rail switch and bracket is monitored.

In the present case, the position sensor 9 is a parting line sensor which sits in the parting line 10 between the holder 3 and the fastening point 4 , and which generates the output signal as a function of the width 11 of the parting line.

Advantageously, either distance sensors to the measurement solution of the distance between bracket and mounting point the parting line or pressure sensor used in the Installation of the rail switch under a pressure preload be set. At the moment the rail switch drops or a movement of a shaken rail switch there is now either an abrupt increase in distance (at a distance sensor) or a sudden pressure change (at a pressure sensor), which generates the position error signal.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the width of the parting line can assume the value ZERO in the minimum case. As further shown in Fig. 6, the width 11 of the parting line can also assume a finite value, which, however, is easily detectable by the parting line sensor.

It is essential that the position error signal is generated as soon as the width changes.

About the function: Such a rail switch is e.g. B. provided with an induction coil 12 , which is integrated in a signal circuit 13 Sig, which serves to detect and signal the railway wheel 2 .

To this end, Figs. 4a and 5a, respectively the state that the rail switch in the proper operation takes. The rail switch is in the target position at its attachment point 4 .

In the embodiment of Fig. 4a, the position sensor 9 is designed as a switch with a closing characteristic, which keeps the signal circuit 13 closed as long as the Hal is 3 at the attachment point 4 .

If the holder 3 now falls off the attachment point 4 , or if it detaches slightly, the position sensor 9 opens the signal circuit 13 . As a result, a passing iron train wheel 2 can no longer generate inductive current in the signal circuit and the expected signal is absent.

In this case, the signal circuit is interrupted by the normally open contact 15 , so that no current flow is detected in the downstream evaluation circuit of the signal circuit. Then I = NULL applies.

The lack of current in the signal circuit is simple Way, e.g. B. by an inverting element from the evaluation circuit detected and then a corresponding warning signal output that the rail switch has dropped, or that he has come off

In the present case, the correct position signal consists of the closed position of the closer, while the  Error signal from the open position of the closer stands.

The correct position signal therefore has no additional influence to the evaluation circuit. However, cases are also conceivable in which the position-correct signal is permanently the signal current is superimposed.

It is essential that in the case of a position sensor with closing characteristic of this in series with the existing sig nal circuit should be switched.

If a break contact is used instead of a make contact, then FIG. 5 a shows the correct state in which the signal current is passed only through the signal circuit via the induction coil 12 .

In parallel to the induction coil 12 , the position sensor 9 configured as an opener is now switched and remains open in the proper switching position shown. In this case, the holder 3 has the proper position relative to the attachment point 4 , so that the signal circuit will only conduct the inductive current generated by the passing railway wheel 2 .

If such a position sensor 9 , designed as an opener 16 , falls off, or the holder loosens in relation to the fastening point, the opener 16 will close, which is shown in FIG. 5b. The closed break contact 17 thus generates in the signal circuit 13 a short-circuit connection which arises in parallel to the inductive coil 12 .

The downstream evaluation circuit can be a damped and suddenly set high short-circuit current I (index k) determine the current generated by the inductor of a railroad wheel passing underneath without further ado is divorced.  

Nevertheless, in this case too, a passing iron becomes railway wheel still generate an inductive current that Short-circuit current is superimposed, which on the one hand secures is that the subordinate evaluation circuit, which is the fault condition is not on the rail can recognize immediately, but is still able to to signal the passing railway wheel.

As further shown in FIG. 6, it may be appropriate if the holder 3 is fastened to the fastening point by two spaced-apart clamping devices 18 , the holder resting tiltably on the fastening point and the tilt axis 20 lying between the two clamping devices 18 and the clamping directions essentially crosses vertically, a position sensor 9 being installed in at least one of the areas facing away from the tilting axis 20, at least one of the tensioning devices.

In this case it is also worth mentioning that two induction coils 12 are provided which serve as proximity switches for the iron wheel passing by.

The tilting of the present arrangement is now achieved in that the holder 3 on its surface facing the fastening point 4 is slightly beveled in such a way that, starting from the tilting axis 20, the bevel leads to an increasing width 11 of the parting line, the further you move away from the tilt axis 20 .

The holder 3 also has a housing 19 facing away from the fastening point 4 , which accommodates the induction coils 12 . However, this will not be discussed further.

It can be seen that the clamping devices 18 engage the holder 3 at a distance from the tilt axis 20 , as a result of which the holder 3 is bent in the direction of the fastening point 4 when the clamping devices 18 are tightened.

The position sensors or parting line sensors 9 come into contact with the attachment point 4 in a certain position and, depending on whether they have opening or closing characteristics, are either opened or closed.

The slightly beveled surface 21 thus forms to the attachment point 4 outside the tilt axis 20 a contact avoiding joint 10 , the monitoring signal of the position sensor 9 being output as a function of the respective width 11 of the joint 10 .

If the width changes, the position error signal is generated.

It can be seen that as soon as one of the shown Spannein devices 18 fails, the pretensioned bracket 3 will rebound accordingly, whereby the associated position sensor 9 will generate the corresponding output signal, which is evaluated as a position error signal according to the previous description becomes.

The particular advantage of this embodiment is that a position error signal is already output when the rail switch 1 has not yet completely fallen off the rail but may still be able to continue serving.

Further, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a special feature. In this case, the fastening point is formed as a fastening flange 25 of a clamping claw 22 encompassing the rail foot 8 , and the joint sensor 9 is seated between the holder 3 and the fastening flange 25 .

As can be seen, the clamping claw 22 is constructed from a left clamping jaw 23 l and a right clamping jaw 23 r, which can be clamped against the rail foot 8 by means of a suitable clamping screw 24 .

Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows that the mounting flange 25 can be attached to a straight guide that is vertically displaceable relative to the rail head 6 opposite one of the clamping jaws, which here is the right one of the clamping jaws 23 r. Along this straight line, the rail switch 1 can be set with respect to the rail head fes to the correct distance to passing iron railway wheels.

Fig. 3 shows the peculiarity that between one of the jaws, here 23 l, and the rail base 8 a further position sensor 26 is arranged, which is equivalent to the position sensors described so far in relation to its further configuration.

It should be expressly said that the position sensor 26 of the clamping claw is either connected in series with the position sensor 9 in accordance with a normally open characteristic or normally closed characteristic (e.g. with normally open characteristic) or in parallel (e.g. with normally closed characteristic).

Fig. 1 also shows another special feature. In this case, the attachment point 4 is an outer surface 27 of a rail center web 7 and the joint sensor 9 sits between the holder 3 and the outer surface 27 .

List of reference symbols

1 rail switch
2 railway wheel
3 bracket
4 attachment point
5 rails
6 rail head
7 middle rail
8 rail base
9 position sensors
10 parting line
11 Width of the parting line
12 induction coil
13 signal circuit
14 NO contacts
15 Open closer
16 NC contacts
17 Closed opener
18 tensioning device, tensioning screw
19 housing
20 tilt axis
21 Beveled surface
22 clamping claw, rail bracket
23 l left jaw
23 r Right jaw
24 clamping screw
25 mounting flange
26 position sensor of the clamping claw
27 outer surface

Claims (13)

1. Rail switch for detecting and signaling a railway wheel, which is attached to a fastening point in the region of the rail, characterized in that the rail switch ( 1 ) in its target position relative to the fastening point ( 4 ) by a Lagefüh ler ( 9 ) and its Output signal is monitored. 2. Rail switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the rail switch ( 1 ) with a bracket ( 3 ) on the rail ( 5 ) is fixed, and that the target position of the rail switch to the bracket is monitored. 3. Rail switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail switch ( 1 ) with a bracket ( 3 ) on the rail ( 5 ) is fixed, and that the target position of the bracket to the rail is monitored. 4. Rail switch according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that the rail switch ( 1 ) with a holder ( 3 ) with formation of a joint ( 10 ) at the fastening point ( 4 ). 5. Rail switch according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the holder ( 3 ) is clamped by two spaced clamping devices ( 18 ) at the fastening point ( 4 ) and thereby about a tilt axis ( 20 ) at the fastening point ( 4th ) is tiltable, with the tilt axis ( 20 ) lying between the two clamping devices ( 18 ) and essentially crossing the clamping direction, preferably crossing vertically, and that in at least one of the areas facing away from the tilt axis ( 20 ) at least one of the clamping devices ( 18 ) a Lagefüh ler ( 9 ) is installed. 6. Rail switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fastening point ( 4 ) on a rigidly connected to the rail rail bracket ( 22 ). 7. Rail switch according to claim 6, characterized in that the rail holder ( 22 ), the rail base ( 8 ) around gripping jaw pair ( 23 l, 23 r) with a mounting flange ( 25 ), and that the parting line ( 10 ) between the holder ( 3 ) and mounting flange ( 25 ) is formed ge. 8. Rail switch according to claim 7, characterized in that between at least one of the clamping jaws ( 23 l, 23 r) and the rail base ( 8 ) sits a further position sensor ( 26 ) according to one of the preceding claims. 9. Rail switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fastening point ( 4 ) is arranged on the rail center web ( 7 ). 10. Rail switch according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the position sensor ( 9 ) is a joint sensor, which sits in the joint ( 10 ), and which generates the output signal depending on the width ( 11 ) of the joint ( 10 ) . 11. Rail switch according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a signal circuit ( 13 ) for detecting and Sig nalisierung the railway wheel ( 2 ) and in that the output signal is a position error signal, which either interrupts the signal circuit (position sensor with Normally open characteristic) or causes a short circuit in the signal circuit (position sensor with normally closed characteristic). 12. Rail switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position sensor ( 9 ) is a distance sensor. 13. Rail switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position sensor ( 9 ) is a pressure sensor.