Turnout or crossover with releasable connection, and method and assembly for monitoring releasable connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a turnout or cross part (200), comprising a base part (202), an exchangeable part (206), at least one releasable connection (216, 218, 220) by means of which the exchangeable part (206) can be connected to the base part (202), and at least one sensor (244) for monitoring the quality of the releasable connection, a signal is generated in the sensor (244) when the rail vehicle travels through the turnout or cross-member (200), said signal representing the quality of the releasable connection. In order to reliably detect the loose connection, the sensor (244) is arranged in the base part (202) and is rigidly connected thereto.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a switch or crossing element, in particular a trough track switch or crossing element, such as a frog or tongue rail arrangement, comprising a base element, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement in the form of a one-piece structure with a tongue rail base present in its upper element or upper section; a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail; at least one releasable connection (Verbindung, sometimes also called connecting structure), such as a screw connection and / or a clamping part, by means of which the replaceable component can be connected to the base element, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner; and at least one sensor for monitoring the quality of the releasable connection, in particular the force transmission and / or the form-fitting quality, wherein a signal is generated in the sensor when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing element, which signal represents the quality of the releasable connection. Background Art

[0002] The subject of the invention is also a method for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing element, in particular a trough track switch or crossing element, such as a frog or tongue rail arrangement, wherein a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, is fastened by means of a detachable, for example clamping connection to a base component, such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement of one-piece construction with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, and wherein a signal for checking the quality of the detachable connection, in particular the force transmission or the form fit, is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing element and represents the quality of the detachable connection.

[0003] The invention also relates to an assembly for carrying out the method.

[0004] FR 2 745 543 A1 describes a remote monitoring system for a railway network for monitoring operating parameters of at least one switch facility of the railway network. The following provision is made here, that is, each switch facility includes a group of sensors, which are matched accordingly in order to measure a characteristic value representing a characteristic. The sensors are correspondingly connected to a data acquisition unit, in which an algorithm for managing the acquired measurement data is stored. In addition, a device is provided for comparing the measurement data with at least one threshold value, which represents a limit value for the corresponding operating parameter.

[0005] Known devices include, for example, replaceable components in the form of wheel guides, which are connected to a base component in the form of a rail via a detachable connection. A sensor is provided to monitor the clamping of the wheel guide on the rail by the detachable connection. The sensor is arranged in the wheel guide, which means that when the wheel guide is replaced, the sensor must also be replaced or removed. This is associated with increased costs.

[0006] In the context of the method, provision is furthermore made for the quality of the clamping of the wheel guide to be monitored using a measurement signal provided by an acceleration sensor which detects the impacts exerted by the wheel on the wheel guide.

[0007] DE 200 16674 U1 relates to an assembly for measuring the movement of the frog tip of a switch. The assembly is characterized by a structure-borne sound sensor, which is fixed to the wing rails screwed to the frog of the switch. The sensor at the wing rail is freely accessible and therefore subject to the risk of contamination and damage. The sensor is not accessible in the case of covered tracks, which are usually used in the field of trams.

[0008] If the wing rails have to be replaced, the sensors are removed at the same time.

[0009] The subject of DE 10 2004 014 282 B4 is a method for diagnosing and monitoring the state of a switch and / or a crossing and / or a crossing switch in the overflow region of a railway line. When a train passes the switch and / or the crossing and / or the crossing switch in a determined direction of travel, the acceleration of the switch or the crossing at at least one position of the switch or the crossing is measured at a rigid frog or at the crossing point in at least one spatial direction, which is generated by the train passing the frog or the crossing point. The releasable connection is not monitored.

[0010] EP 2 103 738 B1 (D1) relates to a frog having a frog insert. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention is based on the object of improving a switch or crossing element, a method or an assembly of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the monitoring of releasable connections, such as fastenings or clampings, of replaceable components by means of a sensor device is simplified and improved. Loose fastenings and / or clampings should be reliably signaled / recognized.

[0012] It should also be possible to replace a damaged replaceable component without great effort, in particular without replacing the sensor system or the sensor.

[0013] This object is also achieved according to the invention by a switch or crossing element, such as a frog or tongue rail arrangement, comprising a base component, such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter; a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail or a tongue rail arrangement in the form of a one-piece design with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, at least one detachable connection, such as a screw connection and / or a clamping connection, by means of which the replaceable component can be connected to the base component, in particular in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, in particular, and at least one sensor for monitoring the quality of the detachable connection, in particular the force-fitting and / or form-fitting, wherein a signal is generated in the sensor when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing element, in particular the replaceable component, which signal represents the quality of the detachable connection, i.e. the sensor is arranged in the base component and is firmly connected to it.

[0014] Usually, the replaceable components are placed, in particular flatly, on the base component and are driven over by the rail vehicle.

[0015] In particular, the base component is a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement of one-piece construction with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, in which at least one sensor is respectively integrated or firmly connected.

[0016] In particular, the at least one sensor is arranged in a recess in the base part, which recess is covered by the replaceable part.

[0017] In order to enable replacement of replaceable parts of the grooved rail in a simple manner, i.e. without damaging the rail covering or without removing the intact sensor from the part to be replaced, it is provided that the sensor is arranged in a base part and is firmly connected to it.

[0018] When replacing a replaceable component, both the sensor and the supply line (sometimes also called supply line) of the component replacement remain untouched, since the sensor is not in contact with the replaceable component.

[0019] According to an advantageous development, it is provided that the sensor is preferably designed as an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne sound sensor.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor is arranged in the base component for transmitting accelerations and mechanical vibrations in such a way that it detects at least one impact as an acceleration and / or a mechanical vibration which is applied by the insufficiently secured replaceable component to at least one detachable connection and / or the base component, in particular when the rail vehicle drives over an insufficiently secured replaceable component.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the switch or crossing element is a frog, wherein the basic element is a frog block and the replaceable element is a frog insert which is connected to the frog block by means of a releasable connection in the form of a preferably screwable clamping connection.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the frog insert is arranged in a recess of the frog block which is non-destructively accessible in the covered state of the frog, wherein the sensor is arranged in the recess, preferably vertically below the replaceable frog insert, and is preferably covered by the frog insert without contacting the sensor.

[0023] The sensor is arranged in a groove formed in the bottom of the recess, wherein the groove forms at least a section of the water outlet and opens into the outlet.

[0024] Furthermore, the sensor has a lead, which is preferably led out of the frog block into a cable shaft connected to the frog through an outlet formed in the bottom of the gap, preferably in the form of a vertical bore, and / or through a channel formed in the frog block transversely to the direction of travel. The sensor with the lead is designed to be waterproof.

[0025] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the switch or crossing element is a tongue rail arrangement, wherein the base element is a tongue rail adapter and the replaceable element is a tongue rail which is connected to the tongue rail adapter by means of a detachable connection in the form of a screwable clamping connection.

[0026] The detachable connection preferably has at least one clamping wedge, wherein a clamping screw is passed through the clamping wedge and can be screwed into a thread, preferably a blind hole thread, formed in the base component.

[0027] Preferably, at least one clamping washer, in particular two clamping washers, is arranged between the head of the clamping threaded fastener and the top side of the clamping wedge, which causes the preload. A sealing element, in particular a closed-cell sealing element, such as a sponge rubber, is arranged between the bottom side of the clamping wedge and the base component, by means of which a seal can be achieved between the threaded fastener element penetrating the clamping wedge and the bore with an internal thread in the base component, thereby preventing the ingress of moisture and thus preventing corrosion.

[0028] Furthermore, it is emphasized that the base part can be a tongue rail device of one-piece design with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section. One-piece design means that the tongue rail device has a one-piece block with a tongue rail base as the upper part, in which the tongue rail is arranged in an adjustably slidable manner. In this case, the upper part of the tongue rail device with the tongue rail base (Zungenbett) is composed in particular of a tongue rail with a load of preferably up to 1600 N / mm 2 Or higher strength, especially at 1200N / mm 2 Up to 1600N / mm 2 The tongue rail device is made of a high-strength steel of a strength between 1.5 and 2.5 mm. Examples of the known steels are Dillidur, Xar, Hardox or Bainit. The upper part of the tongue rail device is supported by a lower part, which can also be designed in a block-like manner or as a bracket. The lower part of the tongue rail device is preferably made of structural steel.

[0029] Obviously, the upper part and the lower part can also be a single monolithic body.

[0030] Here, the tongue rail device can be constructed in such a way that the tongue rail base extends over the entire length of the tongue rail. In this regard, reference can be made to the structure known from EP 2 569 485 B1.

[0031] For clamping the tongue rail, a bore with an internal thread is provided in the upper part, into which a threaded fastener can be screwed through a clamping wedge for clamping the tongue rail. In the region of the clamping wedge, at least one sensor is then arranged in the upper part of the one-piece tongue rail arrangement, by means of which a signal is generated for checking the quality of the connection, for example the clamping part.

[0032] In order to exclude any accumulation of liquid in the region of the connection of the sensor, the connection extends in an opening which in turn merges into an outlet opening extending in the lower part of the one-piece tongue rail arrangement.

[0033] The invention further relates to a method for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing element, such as a frog or a tongue rail arrangement, wherein a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, is fastened by means of the detachable connection to a base component, such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement in the form of a one-piece design with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, and wherein a signal for checking the quality of the detachable connection, in particular the force transmission and / or the form fit, is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes over a switch or crossing element, in particular a replaceable component, and which represents the quality of the detachable connection.

[0034] According to the invention, it is provided that a signal is generated by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on the detachable connection and / or the base component when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component and is detected therein by means of a sensor arranged in the base component.

[0035] In a preferred method, signals generated by a relative movement or displacement of the replaceable component and / or by a replaceable component being displaced from an optimal position relative to the detachable connection and / or the base component when a rail vehicle passes by are evaluated.

[0036] Tests have shown that characteristic accelerations and / or characteristic structure-borne noise are caused by relative movements or displacements between the components due to insufficiently clamped connections. Therefore, an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne noise sensor is preferably used as the sensor, wherein the sensor detects at least one characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne noise exerted by the insufficiently secured replaceable component on at least one detachable connection and / or the base component when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component.

[0037] One development provides that the signal generated by the passage of a rail vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to detect a signal with a characteristic acceleration or a characteristic structure-borne sound. In the event of a deviation of the actual value signal from the reference signal or the limit value, a warning message is generated about the insufficient quality of the force transmission and / or the form fit of the detachable connection.

[0038] In order to exclude interfering signals which are generated, for example, by flat spots on the wheels of a rail vehicle, provision is made that at least two measurements are carried out in the case of a rail vehicle passing or in the case of two consecutive rail vehicles, and that a warning message is only triggered if at least two events are detected per passing or consecutive passing, wherein the event is the detection of a characteristic signal.

[0039] The invention further relates to an arrangement for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing element, such as a frog or a tongue rail arrangement, wherein a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, is connected by means of the detachable connection to a base component, such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement in the form of a one-piece design with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, and wherein the arrangement has a sensor connected to an evaluation unit for monitoring the quality of the detachable connection, in particular the force transmission and / or the form fit, by means of which a signal is detected which is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component and which represents the quality of the detachable connection.

[0040] According to the invention, the component is characterized in that the sensor is connected only to the base component or is integrated in the base component and is designed in such a way that it detects a signal generated by at least one impact exerted on the base component by a detachable connection and / or a replaceable component.

[0041] The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation unit via a line. The evaluation unit preferably has a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention may also be considered to be based on a releasable connection, such as a clamping part or a screwing part, for a replaceable component, such as a frog or a tongue rail, for a tramway switch, which comprises a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a basic element in the form of a tongue rail device in a one-piece design with a tongue rail base in its upper part or upper section, wherein the releasable clamping comprises at least one clamping wedge, which is connected to a clamping threaded fastener in the basic element, such as the frog block or the tongue rail adapter, and has a sensor, preferably an acceleration sensor, which is designed to detect accelerations exerted on the clamping part or the screwing part when a rail vehicle passes over an insufficiently clamped component, such as a replacement frog or tongue rail.

[0043] The invention is also characterized by a method for monitoring a releasable connection of a switch or crossing element, such as a frog or a tongue rail arrangement, wherein a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, can be fastened to a base component, such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or an upper part of a tongue rail arrangement of one-piece construction, with a tongue rail base, by means of the releasable connection, and wherein a signal for checking the quality of the releasable connection, in particular the force transmission or the form fit, is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing element and represents the quality of the releasable connection, characterized in that the signal is generated by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on the releasable connection and / or the base component when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component and is detected therein by means of a sensor arranged in the base component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Further details, advantages and features of the invention emerge not only from the claims, the features arising therefrom (individually and / or in combination), but also from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments arising from the drawings and their explanation.

[0045] in:

[0046] Figure 1 a top view of a frog showing a releasable connection toward a replaceable frog insert,

[0047] Figure 2a Shows the basis along the section line AC-AC Figure 1 The cross section of the frog,

[0048] Figure 2b shows a section through one embodiment of a clamping device,

[0049] Figure 3 Shown without frog insert Figure 1 Top view of the frog,

[0050] Figure 4 Shows the Figure 1 A perspective view of the frog.

[0051] Figure 5 An assembly of releasable connections for inspecting frogs is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 A perspective illustration showing the tongue rail adapter,

[0053] Figure 7a Shows the Figure 6 Side view of the tongue rail adapter,

[0054] Figure 7b shows a section through an embodiment of a clamping element of a tongue rail adapter,

[0055] Figure 8 Shows the Figure 6 Side view of the tongue rail adapter,

[0056] Fig. 9 Shows the Figure 6 Top view of the tongue rail adapter,

[0057] Fig.10 A further preferred embodiment of a clamping element for clamping a replaceable component to a base component is shown.

[0058] Fig.11 A top view of the tongue rail assembly in the form of a monolithic structure is shown.

[0059] Fig.12 The tongue rail is shown in the area where it is clamped in the tongue rail arrangement according to Fig.11 The cross section,

[0060] Fig.13 Shows along Fig.12 The section of line AA in

[0061] Fig.14 Shows the Fig.13 Section B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a switch or crossing element in the form of a trough track frog 10 is shown in top view, comprising a base element in the form of a frog block 12 with crossing grooves 14, 16. In the frog middle region 18, a replaceable element in the form of a frog insert 20 is arranged, which is clampedly fastened in the frog block 12 in the use position.

[0063] Figure 2a The frog 10 is shown along the Figure 1 . A frog insert 20 (hereinafter also referred to as an exchangeable frog) is inserted into a recess 22 which is formed in the top surface 24 of the frog block 12. It is provided that the top surface 26 of the exchangeable frog 20 and the top surface 24 of the frog block 12 are located in one plane. The exchangeable frog 20 is fixed to the frog block 12 via at least one releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. The releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 comprises a clamping wedge 34, 36, 38, 40, which is fastened with a clamping thread fastener 42, 44, 46, 48 in a corresponding blind hole seat or blind hole thread 50, 52, 54, 56 in the frog block 12.

[0064] Due to the structure, the transition region in the frog 12 is subject to particularly high loads. In order to make the service life of the entire frog 12 independent of the service life of the transition region, the transition region in the form of the frog insert 20 is designed to be replaceable. In addition, the replaceable frog 20 makes it possible to replace the transition region of the frog 10 without damaging the cover plate connection. This minimizes costs and ensures as undisturbed rail or tram traffic as possible. Likewise, idle times can be extended and maintenance times can be shortened.

[0065] The clamping can be released by an alternating load acting on the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 when driving over the frog insert 20. Therefore, the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 must be regularly controlled.

[0066] According to the invention, it is provided that the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 for fastening the replaceable frog 20 to the frog block 12 is monitored by means of a sensor device or sensor 58. The sensor device 58 detects a signal which is generated when a rail vehicle passes over a replaceable component in the form of a replaceable frog 20 and which represents the quality of the force transmission of the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. If the quality of the force transmission falls below a limit value, a loose connection or a loosening of the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 is signaled and the operator of the track facility is informed.

[0067] Figure 2b By way of example, a section through a first embodiment of a clamping device 34 with a clamping wedge 40 is shown, wherein the clamping wedge 40 is penetrated by a clamping screw 48 which is screwed into a threaded bore 56 (for example a blind threaded bore) formed in the base component 12. At least one clamping washer 41 and, if necessary, a first sealing ring 43 are arranged between the head 48.1 of the clamping screw 48 and the top surface 40.1 of the clamping wedge 40. During operation, the clamping washer 41 prevents undesired loosening of the clamping screw 48 by elastic prestressing. In addition, a second sealing ring 45 is preferably arranged between the bottom surface 40.2 of the clamping wedge and the base component. This seal should ensure that the screw-on part, that is, the clamping screw 41 in the blind hole, is protected from corrosion so that the base component can be reused as frequently as possible when replacing the replaceable component, that is, the frog insert 20.

[0068] Depend on Fig.10 A clamping device which is particularly to be emphasized and which can be described as inventive is known, which is used in the context of implementing the teaching according to the invention. Figure 2b As in the case of FIG. 3 , it is composed of a clamping wedge 340 , which is penetrated by a clamping screw 348 and can be screwed into a threaded bore 356 formed in the base part 312 .

[0069] In order to prevent the screwed-in clamping screw 348 from coming loose, two clamping washers 341 . 1 and 341 . 2 are arranged between the bottom surface of the head 348 . 1 of the clamping screw 348 and the support surface 340 . 1 extending in the recess of the clamping wedge 340 .

[0070] A sealing element surrounding the clamping threaded fastener 340 is arranged between the bottom surface 340.2 of the clamping wedge 340 and the top surface 312.1 of the base component 312, and the sealing element is made of a closed-cell sealing material (e.g., sponge rubber) so that when the threaded fastener 348 is tightened, the sealing material tightly fits around the rod of the clamping threaded fastener 348 and seals the drill hole having the internal thread 356.

[0071] This ensures that no liquid can penetrate into the bore 356 , so that corrosion is avoided.

[0072] Figure 3 Shows the Figure 110, wherein the replaceable frog 20 is not in use. According to the invention, the sensor device 58 preferably comprises an acceleration sensor, which is arranged in a base component in the form of a frog block 12 and is designed in such a way that it detects at least one acceleration applied by the replaceable frog 20, which may not be sufficiently fixed, to the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and / or the base component, that is to say the frog block 12, when a rail vehicle passes by.

[0073] The sensor 58 is firmly connected to the frog block 12 in the bottom area 68 of the recess 22 so that the sensor detects a signal generated by at least one force exerted on the frog block 12 by the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and / or the replaceable frog 20. The sensor 58 is not directly in contact with the replaceable component in the form of the replaceable frog 20.

[0074] A sensor, for example an acceleration sensor 58, is arranged in a groove 64 extending along a longitudinal axis 62 in the frog block 12, i.e. in the region of the bottom surface delimiting the gap 22. The connecting line 66 of the sensor 58 can be implemented on the bottom surface through a bore 68 configured in the vertical direction, i.e. along a vertical axis 70 of the frog block 12. Alternatively, the connecting line 66 can be led out of the frog block 12 laterally via a channel 72 extending along a transverse axis 74 of the frog block 12.

[0075] This arrangement ensures that the sensor 58 and the connecting line 66 are connected only to the frog block 12 and are spaced apart from the replaceable component in the form of the replaceable frog 20 .

[0076] The arrangement of the sensor 58 below the exchangeable frog 20 ensures an effective transmission of force from the exchangeable frog 20 or the detachable connection into the sensor 58 .

[0077] The sensor 58 is non-destructively accessible in the covered track by means of the replaceable frog insert 20 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the recess 22 is designed simultaneously with the bore 68 as a drainage opening for the frog block 12 .

[0078] Figure 4 A perspective view of the frog 10 with the frog insert 20 inserted is shown. To protect the releasable connections 28, 30, 32, 34, they are covered with covers 76, 78. The covers 76, 78 are located in a plane spanned by the top surface 24 of the frog block 12 and the top surface 26 of the frog insert 20. These top surfaces should be located in a common plane.

[0079] Figure 5An assembly 80 of detachable connections 28, 30, 32, 34 for monitoring a frog 10 is shown, wherein a replaceable component in the form of a frog insert 20 can be connected to a base component in the form of a frog block 12 by means of the detachable connections 28, 30, 32, 34. The sensor 58 which is firmly integrated in the frog block 12 or connected thereto is connected to an evaluation unit 82 via a connecting line 66.

[0080] The sensor 58 designed or intended to be designed as an acceleration sensor can detect accelerations in at least one direction, preferably in three directions, namely in the direction of the longitudinal axis 62 , the transverse axis 74 and the vertical axis 70 of the frog 12 .

[0081] The invention is based on the idea that a loose, i.e. insufficiently clamped, replaceable component strikes the base component (i.e. frog block 12) and / or the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 when a rail vehicle passes by and thereby generates or causes a characteristic acceleration which is measured by the sensor 58 and subsequently evaluated, in particular compared with a limit value, by the evaluation unit 82. Depending on the comparison between the measured signal and a stored reference signal, a warning signal is generated when the limit value is exceeded, which indicates an insufficiently clamped or loose connection 28, 30, 32, 34.

[0082] Figure 6 A perspective illustration of a second embodiment of a switch component in the form of a tongue rail device 200 is shown. The tongue rail device 200 comprises a base component in the form of a tongue rail adapter 202, to which a replaceable component in the form of a tongue rail 206 is fixed (e.g. clamped) by means of a releasable connection 204. The tongue rail adapter 202 is fixed, for example by welding, to a base 208 of a connecting grooved rail 210, which is aligned with the tongue rail 206 along a longitudinal axis 212. An integral design of the tongue rail adapter 202 and the grooved rail 210 is also possible.

[0083] Figure 7a A side view of a tongue-rail device 200 is shown. The tongue-rail 206 is forced against a stop 214 of the tongue-rail adapter 202 by means of a releasable connection 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable connection 204 comprises three clamping elements 216, 218, 220, respectively formed by clamping wedges 222, 224, 226, which can be clamped against a stop 234 of the tongue-rail adapter 202 and a side 236 of the tongue rail by means of threaded fasteners 228, 230, 232. The threaded fasteners 228, 230, 232 are respectively received in blind hole threads 238, 240, 242.

[0084] Since the releasable connection 204 formed by the individual clamping elements 216, 218, 220 can become loose during operation, the screwing or clamping must be regularly controlled. According to the invention, a sensor 244 for monitoring the force transmission or clamping force exerted by the releasable connection is integrated in the tongue-rail adapter 202. The invention is based on the idea that due to the insufficiently clamped connection 204, the loose or insufficiently tightened tongue rail 206 strikes the tongue-rail adapter 202 and / or the releasable connection 204 when a rail vehicle passes by, and thereby causes a characteristic acceleration, which is measured by the sensor and compared with a limit value by an evaluation unit.

[0085] Sensor 244 is designed as an acceleration sensor and measures acceleration in a coordinate system spanned by axes 212 , 246 , 248 as a function of direction and magnitude.

[0086] Figure 7b A section through a clamping element 216 with a clamping wedge 222 is shown in detail, wherein the clamping wedge 222 is penetrated by a clamping screw 228, which is screwed into a threaded bore 238 (for example a blind threaded bore) formed in the base part 202. A clamping washer 223 and a first sealing ring 225 are arranged between the head 228.1 of the clamping screw 228 and the top surface 222.2 of the clamping wedge 222. During operation, the clamping washer 223 prevents undesired loosening of the clamping screw by elastic prestressing. In addition, a second sealing ring 227 is preferably arranged between the bottom surface 228.2 of the clamping wedge 222 and the base part 202. This seal should ensure that the screw-on part, that is, the clamping screw 228 in the blind hole, is protected from corrosion, so that the base part can be reused as frequently as possible when replacing replaceable parts.

[0087] Preferably, however, the releasable connection corresponds to Fig.10 to construct, which has creative content as mentioned above.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 244 is arranged along an axis 250 (see FIGS. 7 and Figure 8 ), which extends parallel or approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 of the rail, or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamping elements 216, 218, 220 (releasable connection 204). Alternatively, the sensor 244 can also be arranged below the tongue rail 206 in the tongue rail adapter 202, or below the releasable connection 204.

[0089] As combined Figure 5As already described, the signal detected by the sensor 244 is supplied to an evaluation device. The evaluation device comprises a computing unit and a comparator, wherein the signal detected by the sensor is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal, wherein, in the event of exceeding a limit value, a warning message is generated, which informs that at least one of the connection 204 or the clamping device 216, 218, 202 has become loose.

[0090] Depend on Figures 11 to 14 Further embodiments of the teaching according to the invention which should be emphasized are to be found and which have an inventive content.

[0091] Therefore, this embodiment relates to a tongue rail device 500 in the form of an integral structure, that is to say, it is composed of an integral upper part 502 and a lower part 504, which can also be constructed in an integral manner. If necessary, the lower part 504 can also have the form of a bracket, as it can be known from EP 2 569 485 B1, for example.

[0092] In this case, the upper part of the tongue rail device with the tongue rail base is composed in particular of a spring with a force of preferably up to 1600 N / mm 2 Or higher strength, especially at 1200N / mm 2 Up to 1600N / mm 2 The invention is composed of high-strength steels with a strength between 100 and 200 Å. By way of example, the steels known under the names Dillidur, Xar, Hardox or Bainit may be mentioned.

[0093] In the upper part 502, a tongue rail base 506 is machined, for example, by thermal cutting (such as gas cutting, plasma cutting or laser cutting) or by CNC milling, in which the tongue rail 508 can be slidably adjusted. The tongue rail base 506 is limited by a base rail 510 and a guard rail 512, which is therefore also an integral component of the upper part 502.

[0094] In order to connect the tongue rail 506 to the section of the connecting rail 514 which is formed integrally in the upper part 502, a clamping wedge is used, such as in particular in combination with Fig.10 described and also by Fig.13 and Fig.14 To explain.

[0095] Therefore, the upper part 502 has drilled holes 516, 518, 520 with internal threads, into which clamping threaded fasteners 522, 524, 526 can be screwed, and the clamping threaded fasteners themselves pass through the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532 so that when the tightening threaded fasteners 522, 524, 526 are tightened, they can be moved along the inclined extending web of the tongue rail and clamped and fastened between the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532 and the connecting rail 514 or the guard rail 512.

[0096] The lower part 504 of the tongue rail device 500 has corresponding recesses below the clamping screws 522, 524, 526. In addition, the upper part 502 is placed flat on the lower part 504 and connected thereto, in particular by welding.

[0097] like Fig.14 As shown in detail illustration B, each clamping wedge 530 has a recess starting from the top side and having a support surface 534 with a bottom side.

[0098] The shank of the clamping threaded fastener 524 passes through two clamping washers 536, 538, which extend between the head 50 of the clamping threaded fastener and the support surface 534 when the clamping threaded fastener 524 is screwed in. A preload is generated by tightening the threaded fastener 524 and by the clamping washers 536, 538, which should prevent the threaded fastener 524 from loosening.

[0099] In order to prevent liquid from penetrating into the bore hole 518 with internal thread, the clamping rod is surrounded by a closed-cell sealing material, which is compressed in such a way when the threaded fastener 524 is tightened that a seal is achieved between the rod and the bore hole 518 with internal thread. As a result, liquid cannot penetrate and corrosion is avoided. Thus, a structure such as that which can be made of Fig.10 As learned.

[0100] According to the teaching of the invention, a sensor 558 is integrated in the upper part 502, which is connected to the evaluation unit via a connection 560. The connection 560 extends in the lower part 504 of the tongue rail device 500 in a recess 562 extending below the clamping screw fasteners 516, 518, 520 and is itself connected to an outlet opening extending through the lower part 504, so that liquid cannot accumulate.

[0101] In the bottom wall of the upper part 502, there are also recesses 566, 568, 570, 572 in the area of ​​the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532, in which ejector blocks are arranged which have an internal thread so that when the threaded fastener is screwed in, they are lifted up from the bottom wall of the recesses 566, 568, 570, 572, thereby making it possible to loosen the clamping wedges and thus the tongue rail 508.

[0102] It should be pointed out that the replaceable component is placed in particular flat on the base component and is driven over by the rail vehicle.

Claims

1. A switch or crossing element (10, 200, 500), in particular a grooved track switch or crossing element, such as a frog or tongue rail arrangement, comprising a base element (12, 202, 500, 502, 504), such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail arrangement in the form of a one-piece structure with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section; a replaceable element (20, 206, 508), such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, which is placed on the base element and can be moved; at least one releasable connection (2 8, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), for example a screw-on or clamping part, by means of which a replaceable part (20, 206, 508) can be connected to the base part (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) in a particularly force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner; and at least one sensor (58, 244, 558) for monitoring the quality of the releasable connection, in particular the force transmission and / or the form-fitting, wherein In the sensor (58, 244, 558), when a rail vehicle passes the switch or crossing element, a signal is generated which represents the quality of the detachable connection. It is characterized in that The sensor (58, 244, 558) is arranged in the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) and is firmly connected to the base component.

2. A turnout or crossing member according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor (58, 244, 558) is designed as an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne sound sensor.

3. A turnout or crossing member according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensor (58, 244, 558) is connected to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) in such a way as to transmit accelerations and mechanical vibrations that the sensor detects at least one impact as an acceleration and / or a mechanical vibration applied by the insufficiently secured replaceable component (20, 206, 508) to at least one detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or the base component when the rail vehicle, in particular, passes over an insufficiently secured replaceable component (20, 206, 508).

4. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The switch or crossing element (10) is a frog, wherein the base element (12) is a frog block and the replaceable element (20) is a frog insert which is connected to the frog block (12) by means of a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34) in the form of a preferably screwable clamping connection.

5. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably at least according to claim 4, characterized in that The frog insert (20) is arranged in a recess (22) of the frog block (12) which is non-destructively accessible in the covered state of the frog (10), and the sensor (58) is arranged in the recess (22), preferably vertically below the replaceable frog insert (20) and is preferably covered by the frog insert without contacting the sensor (58).

6. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably at least according to claim 5, characterized in that The sensor (58) is arranged in a groove (64) formed in the region of a bottom (60) of the frog block (12) which delimits the gap (20), wherein the groove (60) preferably forms at least a section of a water discharge opening and opens into an outlet (68).

7. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The sensor (58) has a cable connection (66) which is led out of the frog block (12) via an outlet (68) formed in the region of a bottom (60) of the frog block (12) which delimits the gap (22) and / or via a channel (72) formed in the frog block (12) transversely to the direction of travel, preferably into a cable shaft connected to the frog block (12).

8. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably at least according to claim 1, characterized in that The switch or crossing component (200) is a tongue rail arrangement, wherein the base component (202) is a tongue rail adapter and the replaceable component (206) is a tongue rail which is connected to the tongue rail adapter (202) by means of at least one detachable connection (216, 218, 220) in the form of at least one screwable clamping connection.

9. A switch or crossing element according to at least claim 8, characterised in that The releasable connection (28, 30, 32, 34; 216, 218, 220) has at least one clamping wedge (34, 36, 38, 40; 222, 224, 226), wherein the clamping wedge is penetrated by a clamping threaded fastener (42, 44, 46, 48; 228, 230, 232) which can be screwed into a threaded bore (50, 52, 54, 56; 238), for example a blind threaded bore, constructed in the base component (12; 202).

10. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The switch or crossing component (500) is a tongue rail device (500) in the form of an integral structure with a tongue rail base (506) for slidingly adjusting a tongue rail (508) constructed in a one-piece upper component (502) or upper section, the tongue rail can be fastened in the upper component or upper section via a clamping wedge (528, 530, 532), the clamping wedge itself can be fastened via a clamping threaded fastener (522, 524, 526) screwed into the upper component or into the upper section, and the sensor (558) is arranged in the upper component (502) or the upper section.

11. A switch or crossing element according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The sensor (58; 244) is arranged in a region of the base component (12; 202), for example a recess (60, 64), which is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the replaceable component (20; 206).

12. A switch or crossing element according to preferably at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The replaceable component (20, 206, 508) is connected to the base component (12, 202, 502) via a releasable connection (340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), comprising a clamping wedge (340, 528, 530, 532) and a clamping threaded fastener (348, 522, 524, 526) extending through the clamping wedge, which can be screwed into the base component, the shank of the clamping threaded fastener being surrounded by a closed-cell sealing element, which extends between the clamping wedge and the base component in such a way that, in the case of a tightened wedge-shaped element, the shank is sealed relative to a borehole in the base component that accommodates the shank.

13. A switch or crossing element according to at least claim 12, characterised in that At least one, preferably two, clamping washers (341.1, 341.2, 536, 538) generating a preload are arranged between the head (348.1, 540) of the clamping threaded fastener (348, 522, 524, 526) and the clamping wedge (528, 530, 532).

14. A method for monitoring a releasable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) of a switch or crossing member (10, 200, 500, 502, 504), such as a frog or tongue rail arrangement, wherein: By means of the releasable connection, a replaceable, in particular movable component (20, 206, 508) placed on the base component, such as a frog insert or a tongue rail, is fixed to the base component (12, 202, 502), such as a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue rail device in the form of a one-piece structure with a tongue rail base present in its upper part or upper section, and a signal for checking the quality of the releasable connection, in particular the force transmission or the form fit, is detected by means of a sensor (58, 244, 558), which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes the switch or crossing element and represents the quality of the releasable connection, It is characterized in that The signal is generated when the rail vehicle passes over a replaceable component (20, 206, 508) by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) and is detected therein by means of a sensor (58, 244, 558) arranged in the base component.

15. A method according to at least claim 14, characterised in that The signal is generated by a relative movement of the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) and / or by a replaceable component being displaced from an optimal position relative to a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) when the rail vehicle passes by.

16. The method according to at least claim 14 or 15, characterized in that An acceleration sensor or a structure-borne sound sensor is used as a sensor (58, 244, 558), wherein the sensor detects at least one characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne sound which is applied by an insufficiently fixed replaceable component to at least one detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or a base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) when the rail vehicle passes over a replaceable component (20, 206, 508).

17. The method according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The signal generated by the passage of the track-bound vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to detect a signal with a characteristic acceleration or a characteristic structure-borne sound.

18. A method according to at least claim 17, characterized in that In the event that the actual value signal deviates from the reference signal or the limit value, information is generated about an insufficient quality of the detachable connection, in particular the force transmission and / or the form fit.

19. The method according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that In the case of a passing track vehicle or in the case of two consecutive track vehicles, at least two measurements are performed and the warning message is triggered only if at least two events are detected per passing or consecutive passing, wherein the event is the detection of a characteristic signal.

20. An assembly (80) for monitoring a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) of a switch or crossing element (10, 200) according to the preferred claim 1, wherein: The replaceable component (20, 206, 508) is connected to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) by means of the releasable connection, and the assembly (80) has a device connected to an evaluation unit (82) for monitoring the releasable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 5 a sensor (58, 244, 558) for measuring the mass of the replaceable component (28, 530, 532), by means of which the sensor is used to detect the signal which is generated when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component (20, 206) and which represents the mass of the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), It is characterized in that The sensor (58, 244, 558) is connected only to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) and is designed in such a way that it detects a signal generated by at least one impact applied to the base component (12; 202) by a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34; 216, 218, 220) and / or a replaceable component.

21. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that The evaluation unit (80) is a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

22. Assembly according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that The sensor (58, 244, 558) is arranged in a region of the base component (12, 202), for example a recess (60, 64), which is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the replaceable component (20, 206).

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