Turnout drive with variably adjustable adjustment slide

Abstract

Described is a turnout drive (100) comprising: i) an elongate adjustment slider (110), where the elongate adjustment slider (110) is arranged such that the length can be variably adjusted; ii) a drive device (120) coupled to the elongated adjustment slide (110) and arranged to adjust the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; iii) a control device (130), which is coupled to the drive device (120) and which is designed to provide and / or determine the predetermined position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a switch drive with an elongated adjustment slide. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a switch drive. The invention also relates to the use of a variable length adjustment slide. Therefore, the invention can relate to the technical field of rail vehicles, in particular to switch drives for corresponding tracks. Background Art

[0002] Switches are often referred to as transition devices, which enable rail vehicles to switch from one track to another. The actual switch (conversion) adjustment is carried out here by means of a so-called switch drive. The task of the switch drive is to switch the switch, i.e. to place the switch point in one of the two end positions (left or right or retracted or extended). For this purpose, the switch drive usually has an axially movable adjustment slide (throw rod), which is connected to the switch point of the switch via an external connecting rod. The adjustment slide must, on the one hand, transmit the adjustment force and, on the other hand, must have the correct length for the required adjustment stroke (e.g. in the range of 150-220 mm).

[0003] Conventionally, rigid rods with a fixed, defined length are used as adjustment slides. These adjustment slides have recesses marking the end positions, into which locking disks can engage. In this way, the end positions and the adjustment travel are determined.

[0004] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The function of such a switch drive 200 according to the prior art is shown.

[0005] Figure 6 : The switch drive 200 has a housing 205, in which an adjustment slide 210 with a defined length is arranged. By holding a coupling 240, the adjustment slide 210 is arranged in a first position and fixed by a locking slide 250. Here, the locking slide 250 can be engaged in a corresponding groove of the adjustment slide 110.

[0006] Figure 7 Manually or driven by a motor, the adjustment slide 210 can be axially moved to the second position by the retaining coupler 240. The locking slide 250 also changes from the first position to the second position and defines a new end position of the adjustment slide 210 and engages again in the corresponding groove. Since the length of the adjustment slide 210 is fixed, a relatively large installation space 206 is required.

[0007] There are many variations of the defined length of the adjusting slide and the corresponding recess. Therefore, the railway operator requires a variety of adjustment strokes and installation positions, depending on the design of the turnout. Due to the fixed length of the adjusting slide, more installation space is required on the side of the turnout drive facing away from the turnout in the retracted end position in order to avoid collisions between the adjusting slide and the housing. However, this part of the adjusting slide cannot be omitted, since it still has to lie in the plain bearing in the extended end position (to locate and absorb any small transverse forces that may occur).

[0008] Document EP 2 960 134 A1 describes a switch drive for switches for railways, trams or the like, which has a housing for an actuating unit which has the same dimensions as the sleeper.

[0009] There is a need for a flexible and space-saving design of switch drives. Summary of the invention

[0010] The following describes a switch drive, method and application.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a switch drive is described, comprising:

[0012] i) an elongated adjustment slide, the elongated adjustment slide being configured to enable variable length adjustment;

[0013] ii) a drive device coupled to the elongated adjustment slide and configured to adjust the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; and

[0014] iii) A control device which is coupled to the drive device and is configured to provide and / or determine the predetermined position.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for operating a switch drive is described, the method comprising:

[0016] i) providing a predetermined position with respect to the length of the adjustment slide; and then

[0017] ii) Using a mechanism, the length of the adjustment slider can be variably adjusted to a predetermined length.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, the use of an adjusting slide with a variably adjustable length in a switch drive is described, wherein the length is adjusted electromechanically until an end position is reached.

[0019] In the context of this document, the term "adjustment slide" may particularly refer to an elongated element that can be used mechanically to move the switch point rail, in particular from a first position to a second position. Whereas a conventional adjustment slide has a defined length and is designed, for example, as a rigid rod, the elongated adjustment slide according to the invention has a variable length. In some examples, the length can be varied in stages. In some preferred examples, the length can instead be varied steplessly. A variety of implementations of variable length are possible, some of which are described below as examples.

[0020] In a first example, the adjustment slide has at least two parts, one with an external thread and one with an internal thread. In this embodiment, the length can be infinitely varied by rotating the thread. In a second example, the adjustment slide can be configured as telescopic, so that the inner part can be pushed out of the outer part (or vice versa). In a third example, the adjustment slide can have a (rolled) sliding chain, the length of which varies during unrolling or rolling up.

[0021] In the context of this document, the term "drive device" may particularly relate to a device that is arranged to move the above-mentioned adjustment slider so that its length varies in a controlled manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device is designed as an electric motor, which is coupled to the adjustment slider. For example, by starting the electric motor, the extension / shortening of the adjustment slider can be achieved by a thread. Various embodiments of force transmission are conceivable here. In another example, the electric motor can trigger the telescopic displacement. In another example, the drive device can have a drive wheel for sliding the chain. In particular, the drive device can be configured so that a predetermined position cannot be exceeded. For example, the motor can be turned off when the predetermined position is reached. In the following examples, an electric motor is generally used as the drive device. However, the drive device is not limited to this; other types of mechanical force transmission devices can also be used as drives, such as internal combustion engines.

[0022] In the context of this document, the term "control device" may particularly relate to a device suitable for controlling and / or adjusting the length change of the adjustment slide by the above-mentioned drive device. In one example, the drive device and the control device are arranged separately from each other, for example as a motor and a processor. Spatial separation can also be achieved here, for example, the control device can communicate with the drive device via radio and / or a network. In another exemplary embodiment, the drive device and the control device can also be installed in the same unit. In a simple example, the control device can have one or more processors and can preset a predetermined position or terminal position of the drive device. The predetermined position can be input or selected by an operator, for example. In a more complex example, the control device can be embedded in a network, such as an Internet of Things (IoT) environment. Based on the data of the network, the control device can then (by itself) determine the predetermined position. In another example, the control device can have an artificial intelligence that can be trained to determine the predetermined position and / or determine the time point or duration of the switch adjustment.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the invention may be based on the idea that a switch drive may be provided in a flexible and space-saving manner if a variable-length adjustment slide is used which is extended by an (electromechanical) drive to a predetermined position preset or determined by a control device.

[0024] Traditionally, adjusting slides have a certain length and are fixed in one of two end positions using specific grooves.

[0025] However, a completely different arrangement is now proposed: the groove and fixed length are abandoned, as well as the retaining coupler and locking slide (see Figure 6 and 7 ). In contrast, a variable-length adjusting slide only requires one design to cover all required adjustment paths and is therefore extremely flexible to use. The control device can be considered an intelligent controller which presets the required length of the adjusting slide (and the corresponding end position) as required. The drive can make it possible to adjust (or set) the adjustment path without a mechanical recess in the adjusting slide.

[0026] In contrast, the control device of the drive device can specify (or predetermine) the end position in such a way that no further extension of the adjustment slide is provided, for example, by means of the speed of the drive motor in a slip-free system.

[0027] In addition, the actively adjustable adjusting slide can significantly reduce the installation space required for the switch drive, since the length of the adjusting slide can be reduced in the retracted end position. With the same connection dimensions as existing drives, the required installation space is reduced, so that the switch drive can be installed for more users without protruding into the outer dimensions of the rail vehicle.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the drive device has an electric motor and is configured to adjust the length electromechanically. This has the advantage that the prior art can be used directly. The electric motor itself is known and can be used flexibly to change the length of the adjustment slide. Various couplings between the adjustment slide and the electric motor can also be realized.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, the length adjustment is performed mechanically or non-hydraulically. The length adjustment can be performed mechanically by means of a motor, for example the above-mentioned electric motor. In one example, the end position can thus be reached particularly reliably and precisely. In one example, the terms "mechanical" or "electromechanical" do not include hydraulics. In the latter case, the length change of the adjustment slide is not achieved by a hydraulic system.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined position is an end position of the elongated adjustment slide. According to another exemplary embodiment, the drive device and / or the control device is arranged to ensure that the end position is not exceeded. This can have the advantage of increased safety.

[0031] In the field of rail vehicles, in particular passenger trains, safety plays a more important role than in other technical fields. Therefore, the weight of safety aspects may be much higher. The drive device can preferably block the adjustment slide at a specific length adjustment, thereby excluding further extension (as well as shortening). Unlike the prior art, preferably no tongue and groove solution is sought, but the drive device should provide this function. In one example, this can be achieved by stopping the electric motor. In another example, the control device controls the drive device accordingly.

[0032] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the elongated adjustment slide has in the longitudinal direction: a first part and a second part. In the first operating state, the second part is arranged at least partially around the first part (in the transition region). In the second operating state, the second part is arranged less around the first part than in the first operating state. This can have the advantage that the parts of the adjustment slide can be arranged in a space-saving manner (in terms of installation space) and, if necessary, the adjustment slide can be extended by being pushed away from each other. The two exemplary embodiments described below include parts of a telescopic adjustment slide and parts with external and internal threads.

[0033] According to another exemplary embodiment, both the first component and the second component have a thread. According to another exemplary embodiment, the first component has an external thread and the second component has an internal thread. This has the advantage that the extension can be adjusted precisely. In addition, the end position can be determined safely.

[0034] Specifically, the mechanism can be realized using a driven screw and an adjustment slide with a threaded hole. The thread can be designed to be self-locking, for example with respect to axial forces caused by spring forces (residual stress of the switch rail) caused by the switch rail in the end position and lateral forces caused by passing trains. The extended end position is achieved by screwing out the screw and the retracted end position is achieved by screwing in the screw.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment, the elongated adjustment slide is designed to be telescopic. In this example, the adjustment slide can have a large number of components, which can be pushed into each other to save space, but can also achieve a long length by pushing them apart. This exemplary embodiment can be used particularly flexibly.

[0036] According to another exemplary embodiment, the elongated adjustment slider has a sliding chain. This has the advantage that established technologies can be implemented directly. Ordinary chains can be pulled, while sliding chains can be pulled as well as pushed. In this way, forward and backward movement can be achieved with only one drive (such as a drive (gear) wheel). The sliding chain can be rolled up to save space and can be rolled in or out depending on the operating mode. In one example, the elongated element is mounted on the sliding chain as the tip of the adjustment slider. In another example, the adjustment slider is completely composed of the sliding chain. In this article, the term "sliding chain" can specifically refer to a mechanical component in conveyor technology that can be rolled up in a pressure-free state, but can transmit thrust and pressing forces in a pressure state.

[0037] According to another exemplary embodiment, the elongated adjustment slide is substantially free of engagement areas, in particular recesses. As mentioned above, locking slides are usually used to fix the adjustment slide in a specific end position via their recesses. According to the invention, this blocking is preferably achieved by a drive device, so that additional expenditure can be saved.

[0038] According to another exemplary embodiment, the switch drive further comprises a housing in which the elongated adjustment slide is at least partially arranged. Specifically, the elongated adjustment slide is (substantially) arranged in the housing in the first length adjustment, and the elongated adjustment slide is partially arranged outside the housing in the second length adjustment. In this example, installation space can be saved because the adjustment slide actually extends out of the housing without requiring a retraction region (e.g. for a rigid rod).

[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment, the switch drive also has: a sensor, which is coupled to the control device and is arranged to detect at least one parameter related to the length adjustment of the elongated adjustment slide. This can have the following advantages: the control can be operated with feedback, in particular by the control device. Based on the measured sensor data, the control device can determine the terminal position and control / regulate the drive device accordingly. The control device can be configured to include the sensor data accordingly. In addition, the sensor data can also be used, for example, to determine the time point of the switch adjustment or the duration of the switch adjustment.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment, the parameter has at least one of the rotational speed, torque, adjustment travel, force, electrical parameters, in particular one of the current, voltage, power factor, power. In this way, various mechanical and electrical aspects can be taken into account in order to use the adjustment slide as efficiently and safely as possible.

[0041] According to another exemplary embodiment, the control device further has: a communication device, which is arranged to communicate with another control device about predetermined positions and / or parameters. This has the advantage that the control device can use additional information and / or be embedded in a larger infrastructure.

[0042] In this document, the term "communication device" may particularly refer to a device that is configured to send and / or receive signals or data. Communication may be wired or wireless, preferably, the communication device is configured for both modes of operation. For wireless operation, the communication device may have one or more antennas. Regarding wired operation, the communication device may have one or more terminals (such as Ethernet, power cable, USB, etc.). In one example, the communication device may be provided as a radio transmitter / receiver. In another example, the communication device may be designed as a router, in particular a WLAN router.

[0043] In one example, the control device can thereby receive data or instructions from other control devices and / or send data or instructions itself. In one example, the control device can be integrated into a network with other control devices, such as an IoT network. In this way, intelligent control / regulation of multiple switch drives or even stations can be achieved. Modern tools such as artificial intelligence algorithms can effectively evaluate the data volume here.

[0044] According to another exemplary embodiment, the adjusting slide is arranged in a form-fitting manner, in particular in the housing of the switch drive. The adjusting slide can preferably be secured against undesired rotation. This can be achieved, for example, by an outer shape of an n-sided polygon with n>2, or two parallel flats of a circular bottom surface. By this measure, the end position can be prevented from unscrewing, so that the end position can be better secured.

[0045] The aspects defined above and further aspects of the invention emerge from the examples of embodiment described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the examples of embodiment.The invention is described in more detail hereinafter with reference to embodiments but to which the invention is not restricted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 A switch drive with a thread-based adjusting slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in a first position.

[0047] Figure 2 A switch drive with a thread-based adjustment slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in a second position.

[0048] Figure 3 A switch drive with an adjusting slide having a sliding chain according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 4 A switch drive with a telescopic adjusting slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in a first position.

[0050] Figure 5 A switch drive with a telescopic adjusting slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in a second position.

[0051] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A conventional turnout drive is shown.

[0052] The representations in the drawings are schematic. It should be noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements or features are given the same reference numerals or reference numerals which differ from the corresponding reference numerals only within the first digit. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, elements or features which have already been explained with respect to previously described embodiments will not be explained again at a later point in the description.

[0053] In addition, spatial relative terms such as "front" and "rear", "upper" and "lower", "left" and "right", etc. are used to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. The spatial relative terms can be applied to the orientation used that is different from the orientation shown in the figures. Obviously, these spatial relative terms are only for simplifying the description and the orientation shown in the figures, and are not necessarily limiting, because the device according to the embodiment of the present invention can present an orientation other than the orientation shown in the figures, especially when it is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1The switch drive 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in a first position. The switch drive 100 has a housing 105 in which an elongated adjustment slide 110 is arranged. The elongated adjustment slide 110 is arranged so that the length can be variably adjusted in the axial direction (here along X). The sliding bearing 115 assists in the fastening or movement of the adjustment slide 110.

[0055] A drive device 120 , in this case an electric motor, is coupled to the elongated adjusting slide 110 , so that the electric motor can adjust the variably adjustable length to a predefined position or end position.

[0056] Furthermore, the switch drive 100 has a control device 130, which is in turn coupled to the drive device 120 and provides the predetermined position as a target preset to the motor. The control device 130 can determine the preferred position based on environmental data, for example within a network. The drive device 120 and / or the control device 130 are configured to ensure that the end position is not exceeded. In the case of an electric motor, the electric motor can, for example, stop operating when the end position is reached.

[0057] The adjustment slide 110 has, in the longitudinal direction X, a first part 111 and a second part 112. In the first operating state shown, the second part 112 is arranged in a transition region 113 around the first part 111. In the example shown, the first part 111 has an external thread (designed as a screw, so to speak), while the second part 112 has an internal thread (realized as a threaded hole, so to speak). At the transition region 113, the external thread 111 and the internal thread 112 are screwed into each other. In this way, the adjustment slide 110 is present in a shortened length and is arranged in the housing 105 substantially adjusted to this length.

[0058] Figure 2 The switch drive 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in a second position. In this second operating state, the second part 112 is arranged less around the first part 111 than in the first operating state. In other words, the outer thread 111 and the inner thread 112 are screwed out to a predetermined position relative to each other. In this way, the adjustment slide 110 is in an extended length adjustment and is partially arranged outside the housing 105 in order to enable the switch point rail to move. Reference numeral 106 schematically shows a conventional method (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) can save a lot of installation space and volume.

[0059] Figure 3A switch drive 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with an adjustment slide 110 having a sliding chain 121. In the example shown, the adjustment slide 110 has a rod-shaped element coupled to the sliding chain 121. In another example, the entire adjustment slide 110 can also be realized by the sliding chain 121.

[0060] The drive device 120 has a drive wheel that can move the sliding chain 121 back and forth. It is schematically shown that the sliding chain 121 can be rolled up to save space. When the length adjustment is changed from the first position to the second position, the drive wheel 122 can unfold the rolled-up sliding chain 121, thereby adjusting the slider 110 to extend steplessly. By stopping the drive wheel, the sliding chain 121 is fixed in a predetermined position. When returning to the first position, the drive wheel 122 runs in the opposite direction to the previous direction, thereby rolling up the sliding chain 121 again.

[0061] Figure 4 A switch drive 100 with a telescopic adjustment slide 110 is shown in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this length adjustment, the adjustment slide 110 is shortened and the telescopic parts are pushed into each other, whereby a transition region 113 is present. For example, the second part 112 is arranged around the first part 111. In this exemplary embodiment, a retaining coupling 140 and a locking slide 150 can also be implemented.

[0062] Figure 5 The switch drive 100 with the telescopic adjustment slide 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the second position. In this length adjustment, the telescopic parts are pushed apart from each other and the second part 112 is arranged less around the first part 111 than in the first position.

[0063] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the article "a" does not exclude a large number. Elements described in conjunction with different embodiments may also be combined. It should also be noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0064] Reference numerals

[0065] 100 turnout drivers

[0066] 105 Shell

[0067] 106Saved installation space

[0068] 110 Long adjustment slider

[0069] 111 First Part

[0070] 112 Second Part

[0071] 113 Transition Area

[0072] 115 bearings

[0073] 120 Drive equipment, electric motor

[0074] 121 sliding chain

[0075] 122 driving wheel

[0076] 130 control equipment

[0077] 140 retaining coupler

[0078] 150 Locking Slide

[0079] Prior art

[0080] 200 turnout drive

[0081] 205 Shell

[0082] 206 Required installation space

[0083] 210 Adjustment Sliders

[0084] 240 retaining coupler

[0085] 250 Locking Slide

Claims

1. A switch driver (100), comprising: An elongated adjustment slider (110), wherein the elongated adjustment slider (110) is configured such that its length can be variably adjusted; A drive device (120) coupled to the elongated adjustment slide (110) and configured to adjust the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; and a control device (130) coupled to the drive device (120) and configured to provide and / or determine the predetermined position, The length is thereby adjusted mechanically and not hydraulically.

2. The switch drive (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The drive device (120) has an electric motor and is configured to perform the length adjustment electromechanically.

3. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The predetermined position is the terminal position of the elongated adjustment slide block (110), and The drive device (120) and / or the control device (130) are arranged to ensure that the terminal position is not exceeded.

4. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elongated adjustment slide block (110) has the following features along the longitudinal direction: a first component (111) and a second component (112), wherein, in a first operating state, the second component (112) is at least partially arranged around the first component (111), and In the second operating state, the second component (112) is arranged less around the first component (111) than in the first operating state.

5. The switch drive (100) according to claim 4, in, The first component (111) and the second component (112) respectively have threads, in particular wherein the first component (111) has an external thread, and Wherein, the second component (112) has an internal thread.

6. The switch drive (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The elongated adjusting slide block (110) is designed to be telescopic.

7. The switch drive (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The elongated adjustment slide block (110) has a sliding chain.

8. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elongated adjustment slide (110) is substantially free of engagement areas, in particular recesses.

9. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A housing (105), wherein the elongated adjustment slide (110) is at least partially arranged in the housing (105), in particular, wherein the elongated adjustment slide (110) is arranged in the housing (105) in a first length adjustment, and The elongated adjusting slide (110) is arranged partially outside the housing (105) during the second length adjustment.

10. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor, which is coupled to the control device (130) and is configured to detect at least one parameter related to the adjustment of the length of the elongated adjustment slide (110), In particular, the parameter comprises at least one of a rotational speed, a torque, an adjustment stroke, a force, and an electrical parameter, and the electrical parameter is in particular one of a current, a voltage, a power factor, and a power.

11. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control device (130) further includes: A communication device is configured to perform communication with another control device regarding the predetermined position and / or the parameter.

12. A method for operating a switch drive (100), the method comprising: providing a predetermined position for adjusting the length of the slider (110); and then The length of the adjustment slider (110) is variably adjusted to a predetermined length using a mechanism.

13. An application of an adjustment slide (110) having a variably adjustable length in a switch drive (100), wherein: The length is adjusted electromechanically until the end position is reached.

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