Current collector with sensor device, and method of operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a current collector (10, 33), in which: the current collector (10, 33) is positioned by means of a positioning device (13; the contact bar (14, 17, 27) can be moved relative to the contact line by means of the contact bar (56) and is pressed in a sliding contact position of the contact line by means of a contact pressure; a contact pressure can be applied to the contact strip by means of a drive device (73) and / or a spring device (74) of the positioning device; the current collector comprises a power supply unit (50) and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) having a measuring device (38, 44, 59); comprising a sensor device (46); obtaining, by means of the power supply unit (50), at least the electrical energy required to supply power to the sensor device; collecting a measurement value by each sensor; processing the measured values by means of a processing device (37, 49); the processing device correlates the measured values and determines characteristic values describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the catenary. The invention also relates to a current collector and a monitoring system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a current collector and a method for operating the current collector, wherein the current collector is arranged on the roof of a rail vehicle and is configured to transmit electricity from a contact wire of a contact network to the rail vehicle. The current collector includes a positioning device on which a contact strip is arranged, the positioning device moves the contact strip relative to the contact wire and uses pressure to press the contact strip to a sliding contact position of the contact wire to form a sliding contact, and a driving element and a spring element of the positioning device generate pressure on the contact strip.

[0002] Contact strips made of carbon are often used to supply power to rail vehicles and non-rail vehicles via contact wires. Such contact strips are always subject to wear due to abrasion of the carbon material. When such contact strips are used, for example on train locomotives, it is necessary to replace them before they reach the final wear limit in order to avoid dangerous operating conditions, defects or failures. An emergency stop function is often integrated into the contact strip, which will result in the contact strip being lowered when the final wear level is reached, or even before the contact strip is damaged (e.g. the contact strip breaks); however, once such an emergency stop is triggered, it is no longer possible to continue to supply power and therefore it is no longer possible to continue to operate the vehicle with this contact strip. In order to avoid this, the contact strip should be checked regularly for the degree of wear. These checks are regularly carried out by staff, but since the contact strip is mounted on the roof of a vehicle, such as a locomotive, it is difficult to carry out the checks, and due to the high voltage applied to the contact wire, special safety precautions must be observed. Therefore, such checks are carried out at regular intervals in railway depots. It is known that automatic wear monitoring systems that can signal when the wear limit is reached can avoid these expensive checks to some extent. . For example, WO 2014 / 173798 A2 discloses a contact strip with wear indicator marks which can be recorded by an infrared camera. When passing a camera positioned on the track, the camera can record the contact strip and the wear indicator marks can be detected by image processing. Based on the appearance of the wear indicator marks, conclusions can now be drawn about the degree of wear of the contact strip. A disadvantage is that permanent monitoring of the wear condition of the contact strip is not possible and the technical effort required to establish such monitoring in a railway network is relatively high and therefore costly.

[0003] Furthermore, the positioning element can regularly include a rocker, a rocker element, an articulated element and / or a pantograph, via any of which the contact strip is pressed onto the contact wire by a spring element, thereby applying the pressure required to form a safe sliding contact. The spring element can be formed by an air bellows, a tension and / or compression spring. Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the air bellows forms the drive element and the spring element. The spring element also compensates for the movement of the rail vehicle and the changing course of the contact wire. Depending on the relative distance of the route of the rail vehicle to the contact wire and the speed of the rail vehicle, strongly varying forces can act on the contact strip, which subjects the contact strip to great strains. The contact strip itself and / or the positioning device can also be stimulated to shake. When the contact strip is lifted from the contact wire, an arc is generated, which increases the wear of the contact strip due to electrical burns. This increases the overall workload for maintaining the collector and replacing the contact strip, depending on the condition of the contact wire. It is therefore known that during test or measurement runs with a rail vehicle, the track section of the contact network can be inspected. For this purpose, a specially designed rail vehicle must be equipped with specially designed measurement technology, such as a camera for capturing images of the contact wire. Such testing is therefore cost-intensive and only allows a snapshot of the operating status of the overhead line.

[0004] However, such measurement runs aimed at monitoring infrastructure such as the overhead line are only carried out periodically and therefore in a temporarily limited manner. In order to be able to check maintenance-intensive components of rail vehicles regularly, efforts are being made to continuously monitor these components by means of sensors arranged on the rail vehicle over at least one maintenance cycle, which, in the case of a pantograph, can be, for example, 8 years. However, in common methods relatively expensive sensors are usually used, such as optical components and / or fiber optic sensors. A further disadvantage of the known monitoring systems is that the data are not pre-processed locally, i.e. directly in the area of ​​the rail vehicle and / or the accessory parts to be monitored, which means that large amounts of data have to be transmitted and processed.

[0005] Furthermore, individual sensors and their measurements are only considered individually, without being combined with other measurements, especially measurements of different sensor types, so that the advantages of group effects and / or group intelligence cannot be fully utilized or cannot be utilized at all.

[0006] Another disadvantage of the known monitoring systems and monitoring methods is that they cannot be operated in an energy-autonomous manner over the desired period of time, in particular over several years, because the known monitoring systems require an external power supply, for example via the rail vehicle, depending on the sensor technology and the arrangement position on the rail vehicle. This requires intervention in the rail vehicle electronics or a connection to the rail vehicle electronics in a disadvantageous manner.

[0007] Therefore, there is a great need for a method of operating a current collector and a monitoring system using a current collector that can be operated in an energy self-sufficient manner and that can reliably record and process sensor data from multiple sensors.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a method of operating a current collector, a current collector and a monitoring system for the use of a current collector, all of which enable the operation of the current collector to be improved, in particular the monitoring of the energy self-sufficiency.

[0009] A method for operating a current collector arranged on the roof of a rail vehicle and configured to transmit power from a contact wire of a contact network to the rail vehicle can be operated using the current collector, the current collector including a positioning device having a contact strip arranged thereon, the positioning device moving the contact strip relative to the contact wire and pressing the contact strip using pressure to a sliding contact position of the contact wire to form a sliding contact, a drive element and / or a spring element of the positioning device generating pressure on the contact strip, the current collector having a power supply unit arranged on the positioning device and a measuring unit having a measuring device, at least two sensors of a sensor element of the measuring device being arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, and the power supply unit generating at least the electrical energy required to power the sensors of the sensor element, and the sensors each recording a measurement value at the sliding contact position.

[0010] The processing element of the measuring device may process the measured values, it is conceivable that the processing element may correlate the measured values ​​with one another and may determine characteristic values ​​describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the catenary.

[0011] The contact strip comprises a contact element, usually made of carbon, which can be brought into contact with the contact wire and thereby establish an electrical connection with the contact wire. This contact element is supported by a contact strip carrier, which in turn is mounted to an articulated element, which can be designed as a so-called pantograph or rocker. The pantograph and / or the rocker together with the base frame form a positioning device for the contact strip and thus, together with the contact strip, a so-called current collector. This is then in turn mounted on the roof of the vehicle, preferably above the base frame, in order to contact the contact wire located above the vehicle. In the context of the present invention, the positioning device can preferably have a base frame, an articulated element and a rocker element. The base frame can be arranged on a rail vehicle. The rocker element can carry the contact strip. The articulated element can be arranged between the base frame and the rocker element and can be articulated to the base frame and / or the rocker element. The articulated element can preferably have an upper arm and a lower arm articulated to each other. The upper arm and the lower arm can also be designed as an upper shear and a lower shear. The upper arm can be articulated to the rocker element and / or the lower arm can be articulated to the base frame. The articulated connection point between the upper arm and the lower arm of the articulated element can also be referred to as the positioning device or the knee of the articulated element.

[0012] The positioning device can press the contact strip onto the contact line and apply the required pressure in order to form a secure sliding contact. The pressure can be applied by means of an air bellows, a tension spring and / or a compression spring. However, it is also conceivable that the pressure is applied by a motor using an electric motor and / or an actuator. In this case, it proves to be advantageous if at least one sensor, for example a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor, is arranged on the electric motor and / or the actuator and interacts therewith in order to measure the current and / or the voltage. Since the electric motor and / or the actuator are regularly arranged at the potential of the rail vehicle, the data can be transmitted wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth, to the evaluation unit, the processing unit and / or the base unit.

[0013] The positioning device can be operated and / or controlled electrically or pneumatically and monitored accordingly by voltage and current measurement (electrical) and / or by at least one pressure sensor (pneumatic / hydraulic).

[0014] In the method, it is contemplated that the current collector comprises a measuring unit with a measuring device, which in turn has a sensor element with at least two sensors. The sensors can be arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, but in principle can also be arranged anywhere on the current collector. By means of the sensor element and / or the sensor, different measured values ​​of the positioning device and / or the contact strip can be recorded in the sliding contact position. These measured values ​​are directly operationally related to the positioning device, the contact strip or the contact network and are variable physical measured variables during the operation of the current collector.

[0015] By means of the processing element, the measured values ​​and / or measured variables measured by the sensors can be processed and characteristic values ​​suitable for describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the catenary can be determined. The base unit can comprise the processing element.

[0016] Advantageously, the processing element can correlate the corresponding measured values ​​of the sensors to determine the characteristic value. This makes it possible to obtain further information about the operating state of the collector and / or the contact network in the form of characteristic values. The processing element can perform calculations using at least two measured values ​​from at least two sensors. Depending on the type of sensor, the measured values ​​can be measured values ​​of the same type or of different types. For example, a first sensor can be used to measure the vertical movement of a positioning device and a second sensor can be used to measure the vertical movement of a contact strip. The processing element then correlates the two measured values, for example, the processing unit takes into account the relationship between the two measured values ​​when calculating the characteristic value, such as unevenness of the route relative to a flat contact wire and vice versa. If the vertical movement of the contact strip and the positioning device is the same, the movement is caused by the movement trajectory of the contact wire and not by the route.

[0017] The characteristic value may be a parameterized value, a characteristic variable, a characteristic factor or a data set. The characteristic value may also be contained in a data set. In particular, the measured value is intended to be digitally processed by a processing unit in order to obtain characteristic values ​​that can be further digitally processed. Therefore, the processing element is composed of at least one digital electronic circuit that can process analog and / or digital signals from the sensor. For example, the processing element may also be a programmable logic controller (PLC), an integrated circuit (IC) or a computer.

[0018] The fact that the processing element can determine characteristic values ​​suitable for describing the operating state of the collector and / or the contact network makes it possible to determine the operating state of the collector and / or the contact network, to monitor it and / or to influence the operating state of the collector. Operating states are understood to be structurally variable properties of the collector and / or the contact network that exist during operation. Since the operating state of the collector also depends essentially on the conditions and / or the operating state of the route, the characteristic values ​​can also describe the operating state of the route. In summary, the maintenance of the collector, the contact network and the route can be carried out in a targeted manner without the need to adhere to regular maintenance intervals or to perform test runs with the rail vehicle. Overall, this makes it possible to operate the collector and / or the contact network more economically and efficiently, thereby making the rail vehicle more economical as a whole.

[0019] The power supply unit according to the invention generates the power required for powering at least the sensors of the sensor element directly from the current collector, which means that the measuring unit can also be operated in an energy-self-sufficient manner for a longer period of time, for example several years, and without the need for intervention in the electronics of the rail vehicle. Preferably, the power supply unit generates the power required for powering the complete measuring unit consisting of at least the measuring device and the processing element. It is conceivable that the processing unit also includes a data concentrator element and that the evaluation unit and the control device are also integrated in the measuring unit. If the evaluation unit, the control device and / or the data concentrator element are arranged on the current collector, the power supply unit preferably also generates the power required for operating the evaluation unit, the control device and / or the data concentrator element. The power supply unit preferably has at least one power supply element.

[0020] As described above, a plurality of characteristic values ​​or a set of characteristic values ​​can be determined from the measured values ​​of at least two sensors. For example, a model of the route traveled by the rail vehicle can be determined by evaluating a set of characteristic values, and / or a fingerprint dependent on the measured values ​​can be assigned to the track segment. Based on the fact that the contact network has an independent profile at each point, the sensor is able to detect this profile, so the fingerprint of the route traveled can be determined. In order to be able to reliably assign the profile of each position to a geographical location, a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, can be provided, whose data can be linked to the profile of the contact network. In the context of the present invention, it has been recognized that typical components of the contact network infrastructure, such as masts, hangers, anchors, separators and / or intersections, can affect and / or generate characteristic fingerprints of the contact network or track network. Therefore, when driving through this track segment or driving along the track segment, a characteristic fingerprint of the contact network segment and / or the track segment can be generated. Based on the unique characteristics of the contact network, after recording the fingerprint of the contact network, defects in the contact network can be assigned to the location of the defect. In particular, if the same catenary segment is passed several times, it is possible to identify whether the cause of the defect is due to the catenary or the pantograph by comparing the measured fingerprint of the catenary segment with the fingerprints of previously measured catenary segments and / or with the measured values ​​of other sensors (e.g. sensors recording measured values ​​for the state of the current collector). It is also conceivable that the height of the catenary, whether in contact or freely suspended, can be recorded and / or can be derived from the measured values ​​as part of the record of the fingerprint of the catenary segment and / or separately from the record of the fingerprint of the catenary segment.

[0021] It is also conceivable that the characteristic values ​​determined by the method according to the invention describe the degree of wear of the contact strip, such as normal wear during operation and / or unintentional and / or unplanned wear, such as notches on the contact element. In addition, the pressure of the collector, the number of liftings and / or the number of lowerings can be determined. It is also conceivable that the condition of individual components of the collector, in particular of the positioning device, can be described by characteristic values. Thus, according to an embodiment, the characteristic values ​​can describe the operating state of the rocker, the joint guide, the pantograph and / or the spring element.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that characteristic values ​​describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the contact network are determined from measurements related to the current and / or voltage across the current collector. These measurements can be fed to a processing element, by which they are correlated with one another, so that characteristic values ​​describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the contact network can be determined.

[0023] Due to the self-sufficient design of the collector, in particular the measuring unit, using a power supply unit arranged on the collector, the measuring unit can be operated independently of the rail vehicle, the measuring unit preferably using wireless data transmission to transmit the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. Therefore, the measuring unit and the power supply unit can advantageously be placed on the collector at a later time, i.e. retrofitted, and operate independently of the information and power supply of the rail vehicle. Therefore, the basic functions of the collector are not affected by the measuring unit and the power supply unit, and no intervention is required in other components of the rail vehicle. In order to ensure this advantageous independence from the rail vehicle, the power supply unit generates at least the power required to operate the sensors of the sensor element, preferably the power required to operate the entire measuring unit. By using a combination of an economical processor and an intelligent processing algorithm, the measuring unit requires an average of about 0.5W to 5W of circuits, preferably only about 1W of power on average. This low power consumption is negligible compared to the power transmitted by the collector.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims. Furthermore, all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims and / or the drawings belong to the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that explanations relating to the method refer in an equivalent manner to the collector and the monitoring system according to the invention without separate mention. In particular, it is to be understood that the present disclosure includes conversions of customary language and / or meaningful replacement of corresponding terms within the framework of customary language practice, in particular the use of synonyms supported by generally recognized language documentation without explicit mention in their corresponding expressions.

[0025] The electrical energy required for powering at least the sensors of the sensor element can be generated by a first power supply element from an alternating current applied to the current collector and / or by a second power supply element from a direct current applied to the current collector. Preferably, the current collector has a first and a second power supply element. Advantageously, an energy-self-sufficient operation of the measuring unit can be guaranteed regardless of the type of power supply to the rail vehicle, which can be achieved, for example, via an AC or DC power supply. Thus, when operating the current collector in an AC network, a first power supply element, also referred to as an AC power supply element in the context of the present invention, can be used, and when operating the current collector in a DC network, a second power supply element, also referred to as a DC power supply element in the context of the present invention, can be used to generate at least the electrical energy required for powering the sensors of the sensor element.

[0026] Therefore, the power supply unit may include two power supply elements based on different principles and arranged on the current collector, so as to ensure that the measuring unit can be powered self-sufficiently when direct current and alternating current are applied to the current collector at the same time. Preferably, the direct current power supply element (DC energy harvester) and the alternating current power supply element (AC energy harvester) are arranged on the current collector.

[0027] If the collector is operated in an AC network, i.e. an AC voltage is applied to the collector, an alternating current is used in the power supply element to induce an alternating current in the toroidal coil, which is converted into a DC voltage that can be used for the measuring unit by the power supply unit and / or in the base unit of the measuring unit. In order to transmit the current from the contact network to the rail vehicle, the collector can have at least one busbar, preferably four busbars, in a known manner. In the context of the present invention, it has proven to be advantageous if, at the point where the current is transmitted from the articulated element of the collector to the base frame via at least one busbar, bolts are provided on the base frame via which the toroidal coil is slid and can be connected to the busbars, for example, via cable lugs. Thus, the alternating current flows through the bolts, and an alternating current is also induced in the toroidal coil, which can be converted into a DC voltage that can be used by the measuring unit. The bolts are preferably designed so that the current from the contact network through the busbar to the rail vehicle is not impaired. It is conceivable that an AC power supply element is connected to each busbar of the collector. For example, the collector can have four busbars and four AC power supply elements, each of which is assigned to a busbar of the collector.

[0028] The energy generation of the collector by the DC power supply element during operation in the DC network is based on the voltage drop caused by the resistance of the busbar of the collector. In the context of the present invention, it has been realized that the collector, in particular the busbar of the collector, has a resistance, usually only a few milliohms (mΩ). During operation in the DC network, the voltage drop across this resistance caused by the resistance of the collector depends on the current. For example, this voltage can be several hundred millivolts (mV). The voltage drop across the collector and / or the busbar caused by the resistance of the collector and / or the busbar can be tapped and used to power the measuring unit. It has been proven that it is particularly advantageous if the DC power supply element includes wires arranged along the collector, in particular wires arranged from the rocker element to the base frame of the collector along the hinge element of the collector. The first wire can be designated as a bypass line and can end in, for example, a base unit arranged on the base frame. The base unit can again contact a part of the busbar connected to the base frame of the collector via another second wire. This results in the parallel connection of the busbar of the collector with the first and second wires wired in parallel via the base unit. In this context, it has been recognized that it is crucial that the first electrical line from the rocker element of the current collector to the base unit has a higher resistance, in particular a significantly higher resistance, than the busbars of the current collector.

[0029] The power supply unit may have a voltage converter, such as a step-up converter and / or a step-down converter. In addition, the power supply unit may have an energy storage device, which can output energy with a delay according to the requirements of the measuring unit. Therefore, the device according to the invention can monitor the interaction between the collector and the contact network and / or the contact wire of the contact network and the state thereof in a self-sufficient and high-quality manner with low hardware costs, and output it in the form of characteristic values.

[0030] The angular position, acceleration, speed, rotation, frequency, temperature, illumination, force, current, voltage, resistance, distance, mass, air pressure, sound, wear and / or local position of the positioning device can be recorded and processed as measured values ​​continuously or intermittently. Acceleration can be easily measured using a gyro sensor. The angular position of the positioning device can be used to measure the deflection of the rocker element or pantograph relative to the rail vehicle at the pivot point of the rocker element and / or pantograph. For example, a rotary potentiometer at the pivot point or other suitable sensor, such as a gyro sensor for measuring the inclination or rotation angle, can be used for this purpose. The temperature can be measured using a temperature sensor on the positioning device and / or on the rocker element or pantograph or contact strip in order to be able to determine, for example, whether there is a risk of icing of the contact wire. The illumination can be measured using an optical sensor or a camera forming a sensor. This allows, for example, irregularities or arcs on the surface of the contact wire to be detected. The force can be determined by a strain gauge, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. For example, the pressure can be measured as a function of the air pressure of the cylinder of the positioning device. The current and / or voltage can be measured using an ammeter and / or a voltmeter as sensors. The resistance can be determined from the current and voltage and can serve as a measure of the contact quality and provide information about the wear of the contact strip. For example, the quality of the energy transfer between the contact strip and the contact wire can be determined. The quality can also be determined using a force sensor. The air pressure can be measured on an air bellows or a pressure cylinder for applying the pressure. The local position of the current collector can easily be determined by a satellite navigation system, such as GPS. The sound can be measured with a microphone, so that the noise can be evaluated as a measured value. Wear can be measured by sensors, with which the height and / or thickness of the contact strip can be measured. The measured values ​​can be detected and processed continuously. The measured values ​​can also be recorded and processed discontinuously, for example at fixed times or on certain occasions.

[0031] It is conceivable that at least an acceleration sensor can be used as a sensor, which can be arranged on the contact strip and / or the positioning device. The sensor can be a rotational or translational acceleration sensor and / or a vibration sensor, which can be used to measure the movement and / or acceleration of the positioning device and / or the contact strip. For example, the acceleration sensor can detect the movement of the contact strip on the contact line, and conclusions about the shape of the contact line and / or the contact strip can be drawn from the movement. For example, a step in the contact line process can be easily recorded, which can cause the contact strip to be lifted from the contact line. Then there is no need for special measurements or on-site inspections of the contact network to detect these defects. In addition, changes in the contact strip due to wear and / or abrasion lead to changes in the geometry of the contact strip. This can lead to differences between new contact strips and worn contact strips. Since the contact strip often contacts the contact line and brushes the contact line when the rail vehicle moves, the processing element can deduce the change in the contact strip from the movement of the contact strip together with another measured value, such as the movement of the positioning device. The processing device can also store the movement profiles of the new and worn contact strips, and the processing device can compare and determine the wear state and / or consumption of the contact strip. This wear can also be output in the form of characteristic values. Furthermore, breaks or deformations of contact strips and damage to the contact network can be easily detected.

[0032] Furthermore, at least one sensor can be used, which can be arranged in the contact strip, on the contact strip, on the fastening bearing of the contact strip or on the rocker element of the positioning device holding the contact strip. Thus, for example, the sensor can be arranged in a groove of the contact strip and / or the contact element of the contact strip. Furthermore, the sensor can also be attached directly to the contact strip and / or the contact strip holder of the contact strip. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be designed as a vibration sensor and arranged on the fastening bearing of the contact strip. For example, the contact strip can have two fastening bearings, via which the contact strip is attached to the positioning device. Furthermore, another contact strip can be arranged on the rocker element, which also has a sensor, so that this contact strip can also be monitored by the measuring unit. It is also possible that the sensor device comprises more than two sensors, which are arranged at the above-mentioned points, so that the characteristic value can be determined more accurately.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, grooves, such as bores, introduced in the contact strip, in particular in the contact element of the contact strip, can be detected by wear sensor technology. The wear sensor technology can have an acceleration sensor. Parallel to the direction of travel, at least three recesses can be introduced in the contact element of the contact strip at a horizontal distance, preferably so as to penetrate the contact element of the contact strip at the level of the wear limit. When the wear limit is reached, these grooves are exposed and, due to contact with the contact network and taking into account the stretching speed, cause characteristic vibrations. For example, these vibrations can be detected with at least one acceleration sensor. Preferably, the diameter of the grooves is 2 mm to 5 mm. Further preferably, the diameter of the grooves is 3 mm.

[0034] The positioning device can have a rocker element holding the contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated element arranged between the base frame and the rocker element. At least one sensor arranged on the rocker element and at least one power supply unit arranged on the articulated element and / or the base frame can be used as part of the method according to the invention. By arranging the sensor on the rocker element, measured values ​​can be recorded near the contact element and the contact wire of the contact network, for example by acceleration or vibration sensors. Preferably, the first wire of the DC power supply element is arranged on the articulated element and the AC power supply element is arranged on the base frame of the positioning device. The current generated by the first and / or second power supply element (for example the AC power supply element and the DC power supply element) can be conducted to the base unit, which is preferably attached to the base frame, in which the current can be converted and / or further distributed.

[0035] As described above, the positioning device can have a rocker element holding a contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated element arranged between the base frame and the rocker element. The measured values ​​of at least two sensors can be transmitted to a data concentrator element arranged on the articulated element and / or the rocker element and configured for data collection. The transmission is preferably carried out in a wired manner. By using a data concentrator element, several measuring units and / or multiple sensors of a measuring unit can be connected via a tree structure of bus wiring. In the context of the present invention, it has been realized that wiring in a tree structure is advantageous compared to a linear structure (such as a known linear CAN bus). In particular, the tree structure can be formed by simple and symmetrical wiring and has significantly increased flexibility compared to linear wiring. The amount of data can also be concentrated and / or reduced by using a data concentrator element, which means that only selected and / or processed data need to be transmitted. This greatly reduces the workload of data transmission. The data concentrator element can be provided on the rocker element and / or the contact strip and / or the contact element so as to form a tree structure of wiring according to the present invention. Preferably, two data concentrator elements can be provided for each rocker. Alternatively or in addition, a data concentrator element can be provided on the articulated element, in particular in the knee region of the articulated element, i.e. in the joint region between the upper arm and the lower arm. This means that the initial data concentrator can take place directly on the rocker element and further data concentrator can take place on the articulated element. It is conceivable that the data concentrator element has an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope and / or a rotation sensor. For example, a knee data concentrator device provided on the knee of the articulated element can determine the height of the rocker element relative to the rail vehicle using at least a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor and an analysis of the angle measurement at the knee. In addition, the data concentrator element arranged on the knee can record information about the lateral deflection of the articulated element and therefore the lateral deflection of the collector. The data concentrator element on the knee of the articulated element can also be used to activate the measuring unit. Thus, the data concentrator element can determine whether the contact strip is against the contact wire due to the distance between the rocker element and the rail vehicle, and / or whether the train is moving. If the train is moving, and / or the contact strip is against the contact wire of the contact network, the measuring unit can be activated. Alternatively or additionally, activation can also take place via a pressure sensor arranged on a spring element of the positioning device or via a voltage sensor arranged on an electric motor-driven drive element of the positioning device.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the voltage and / or the current applied to the wires of the current collector can be measured in the wires of the current collector by means of at least one sensor of a base unit of a measuring unit arranged on a base frame. The wires are preferably formed by metal profiles, conductor rails and / or busbars, through any of which the current required for the rail vehicle flows from the contact strips to the rail vehicle. For example, the sensors arranged on the base unit can detect and / or calculate vibrations and / or tilting positions of the train. The recording of the measured values ​​on the base unit arranged on the base frame can advantageously make the assignment of fault modes and / or the detection of characteristic values ​​more precise. The measured values ​​determined by the base unit arranged on a base frame connected to the rail vehicle can allow conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which a fault or anomaly can be attributed to the rail vehicle itself, to the condition of the track on which the rail vehicle travels or indeed to the current collector and / or the contact wires.

[0037] The pressure of the pressure line of the positioning device can be measured by a pressure sensor arranged on a base frame. Preferably, the pressure of the pressure line of the positioning device is measured by at least one pressure sensor arranged on the base frame and connected to a base unit of the measuring unit. Preferably, in the case of airflow collectors, which are usually used for long-distance transport (heavy railway and high speed), the pressure line of the positioning device is monitored by a pressure sensor. Static pressure and / or dynamic fluctuations can be determined from the pressure values ​​measured on the pressure line in the positioning device. The pressure sensor and / or the measured values ​​recorded by the pressure sensor can also be used to put the measuring unit into standby mode and / or reactivate the measuring unit in the event of a movement and / or pressure change indicating that the rail vehicle is moving. For example, an increase in pressure in the pressure line of the positioning device can lead to a conclusion that the rocker element is raised by the positioning device and thus to a conclusion about the rail vehicle.

[0038] The processing element can analyze the measured values ​​while the contact strip is guided along the contact line. Thus, the processing unit can perform this analysis while the rail vehicle is moving. Within the scope of the method, the measured values ​​can also be analyzed during a stop of the rail vehicle, for example at a station or a stop. In particular, characteristic values ​​of the operating state of the contact network are preferably obtained only when the contact strip is guided along the contact line.

[0039] The processing unit can record and store the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the sensors at regular time intervals, in response to a change or continuously. Thus, provision can be made for recording and storing to take place only when a measured value and / or characteristic value changes, in order to keep the amount of data low. Alternatively, continuous recording and storage can also be provided. By storing the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values, processing can even be performed after recording. For example, measured values ​​can be recorded while the rail vehicle is moving, characteristic values ​​being determined only during maintenance of the rail vehicle in the depot. For example, the condition of the overhead wire along the rail vehicle can be determined after the trip.

[0040] The measuring device may have a control device, by which an actuator for actuating the positioning device can be controlled, and the actuation of the positioning device can be adjusted by the adjusting element of the control device according to the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. The drive element may include an actuator, which can be connected to a rocker element and / or a rocker element of the positioning device, so that the linear movement of the actuator can cause the movement of the contact strip between the sliding contact position and the storage position. For example, the actuator can be formed by a linear drive or a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cylinder or bellows. It is also possible to change the pressure via the actuator, or the actuator forms the pressure. The actuator then forms a spring element and / or is combined with it. The control device can now receive signals and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from the measuring device and use them to adjust the drive element via the adjusting element. For example, if the processing element detects a break in the contact strip, the actuator can be used to rotate the contact strip to the storage position on the rail vehicle. In addition, the pressure can also be adjusted via the actuator. In principle, such a control device can also exist as a component of the rail vehicle independent of the measuring device.

[0041] The pressure can be adjusted by the adjusting element as a function of the measured value and / or the characteristic value. For example, the pressure can be generated to be substantially constant, independent of the movement and angular position of the positioning element. This can also largely prevent the contact strip from being lifted from the contact line due to unevenness or other influences. For example, the processing element can output the characteristic value to the control device after the contact strip is accelerated away from the contact line, and the control device can then apply a reaction force to, for example, the rocker element via the adjusting element and / or the actuator to prevent the contact strip from being lifted. At the same time, the pressure can also be adjusted so that the contact strip does not wear excessively due to the increase in pressure. If an improved electrical contact can be formed with the contact line, the pressure can also be relatively reduced.

[0042] The measuring device can transmit measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​to an evaluation unit, which can be stored in a database of the evaluation unit and / or can be processed by an evaluation device of the evaluation unit. Thus, the evaluation unit can include a database and an evaluation device. Thus, the evaluation unit can be used to collect and further process measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and can be formed by a computer. The evaluation unit can be a computing device remote from the measuring unit and / or the rail vehicle, which can implement, for example, a cloud service. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be transmitted automatically and / or at the request of the evaluation unit. For example, the evaluation device can display or output the result of the evaluation to the operator. The evaluation unit can have a functional scope that exceeds the functional scope of the processing element. By combining the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of several measuring units, the evaluation unit can increase the quality of the statement about the condition of the monitored components of the collector and can particularly clearly specify the causes of damage to the contact network or the collector and its effects, such as certain characteristic values, because for each component of the collector, several characteristic values ​​and / or several measured values ​​can be combined and processed, such as several characteristic values ​​and / or several measured values ​​from several measuring units and / or measuring devices in the sense of swarm intelligence. By combining different sensor types, "virtual sensors" can also be generated. In the context of the present invention, a swarm effect is understood to be a combination of data from different sensors and / or different sensor elements and / or different measuring devices and / or different measuring units and / or different monitoring systems.

[0043] In principle, however, it is also possible to integrate the processing element into the evaluation unit and vice versa. Such an evaluation unit can also exist as a component group of the rail vehicle, independent of the current collector.

[0044] The measuring device can have a transmission element, by which the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring device can be transmitted via a data connection to an evaluation unit and / or a control device, which can be separated from the measuring unit or integrated in the measuring unit. If the control device and / or the evaluation unit are integrated in the measuring unit, the data connection can be simply formed by a line connection. Then parts of the measuring device, such as processing elements and control devices and evaluation units, can also be installed elsewhere in the rail vehicle. When transmitting measured values ​​and / or characteristic values, data can be exchanged according to a transmission protocol. The data connection can be established continuously, periodically or based on events. In general, this makes it possible to collect and evaluate the data collected by the measuring device. The various possibilities for evaluation make it possible to analyze certain states and events, which can be used to optimize the operation of the collector, the contact network and / or the rail vehicle.

[0045] The data connection can be established via an external data network. In this context, the data connection can be established via a mobile phone network, WLAN, a satellite connection, the Internet or any other wireless standard, individually or in combination. If the evaluation unit and / or the control device is spaced apart from the measuring unit, it can also be arranged in a fixed manner outside the rail vehicle, away from the rail vehicle, for example in a building. In particular, this makes it possible to monitor and / or control the functions of the current collector on the rail vehicle without having to perform this task by personnel on the rail vehicle itself.

[0046] The evaluation unit can process the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring units of multiple current collectors. In this way, the evaluation unit can process the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of several current collectors arranged on a single rail vehicle. The accuracy of the measurement and / or monitoring can be further improved by comparing the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the current collectors. In addition, the evaluation unit can be used to process the characteristic values ​​of current collectors arranged on different rail vehicles. This can also significantly improve the accuracy of the measurement and monitoring of rail vehicles and / or the corresponding contact network. In addition to this, an up-to-date and constantly changing state image of the route network and the rail vehicles running on it can be obtained. The resulting optimization of the operating state can significantly reduce operating costs. Comprehensive regular and frequent inspections of the infrastructure and rail vehicles are no longer necessary, and safety during vehicle operation is greatly improved. There is also no need for special measurement runs.

[0047] The user unit can form a data connection with the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit, and the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be transmitted and output to the user unit. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and the results of the measured value and / or characteristic value evaluation can be provided to the end user via the user unit. The user unit can be a computer independent of the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit. The computer can be a fixed computer, a mobile device, etc., with which a further data connection can be established for data exchange with the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit. The data exchange can be carried out via an external data network, such as the Internet. In this way, the data processed using the evaluation unit and / or the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​processed using the evaluation device can be provided to a wider range of users. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​or the results of the measured value and / or characteristic value evaluation can be provided to the end user separately via the user unit. For example, the evaluation unit can be formed by a server with software, which transmits the information contained in the database of the evaluation unit to the user unit. This transmission can include the provision of a website with selected information (such as the current wear state of the contact strip). Such a web page or web interface can be provided so that the end user can intuitively access the data. The website or web interface can be customized according to the end user and their application case. The evaluation unit, the measuring unit and / or the user unit can transmit the data to various systems of the end user, for example to an existing system of the end user, such as a railway network operator. Alarms and / or warning messages and / or information messages can also be sent and / or output via the evaluation unit and / or the user unit.

[0048] The processing unit or evaluation unit can evaluate the time series of measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and determine the wear state of the current collector and / or the contact network, taking into account time-dependent components related to the wear and / or components that depend on the measured variables. In this way, not only can statements be made about the current wear state, but it can also be roughly determined when, for example, a contact strip or a contact wire may be worn. This makes it possible to precisely determine maintenance intervals for the current collector and / or the contact network and, for example, optimize them in terms of time by adapting them to the actual state of the current collector and / or the contact network. In addition, the time series can also be used to determine the time when certain events occurred. If an event occurs repeatedly, a system can be derived from this. For example, when a certain track section is used, poor electrical contact or increased wear can be detected.

[0049] The sensor element can record the vibrations of the contact strip, and the processing element or the evaluation unit can determine the wear state of the contact strip and / or the contact wire. If the contact strip is worn, the shape of the contact strip, in particular the height, can change, and the change in shape can also change the vibration behavior of the contact strip. For example, the processing element can also determine the natural frequency and / or resonance frequency of the contact strip and / or the positioning device as a vibration. The processing element can determine the degree of wear of the contact strip, the positioning device and / or the contact wire from the vibration. If the vibration behavior changes with increasing wear of the material of the contact strip and / or the components of the positioning device or the contact wire, this change can be used to draw conclusions about the degree of wear of the contact strip, the positioning device and / or the contact wire. For example, it can be determined not only whether the contact strip is new or completely worn, but also to what extent the contact strip is worn. The shape of the contact strip is essentially determined by the carbon material of the contact elements on the contact strip. This essentially leads to different heights of the contact strip and / or the contact elements between a new contact strip and a worn contact strip. Since during the travel of the rail vehicle, the contact strip contacts and / or rubs against the contact wire with a continuously changing regularity along the length of the contact strip, the wear of the contact strip relative to the length of the contact strip can occur unevenly. This means that the wear of the contact strip can be greater in the middle of the contact strip than at its edges. Depending on the condition of the contact network, grooves can also form in the contact strip. The height of the contact strip can therefore vary unevenly depending on the use, which affects the shape of the contact strip. Furthermore, when the rail vehicle moves, a continuous regular variation of the contact line along the length of the contact strip can be recorded, which means that the condition of the contact strip can be determined from this.

[0050] The processing device can calculate the shape using a finite element method. For example, it can be provided that the processing device calculates a possible shape of the contact strip from the vibration behavior of the contact strip using a calculation model based on the finite element method. In particular, possible wear of the above-mentioned contact strip can be taken into account here. This makes it possible to determine the wear state of the contact strip more accurately.

[0051] The processing element or evaluation unit can determine arcs on the contact strip and / or the contact wire, meandering contact wires, icing of the contact wires and / or defects of the contact wires as operating states. In the context of the present invention, the term "defects of the contact wire" can also include incorrect laying and / or positioning of the contact wire in addition to damage and / or defects of the contact wire. The arc can be determined, for example, by measuring the current transmitted at the contact strip. In addition, the illumination or brightness can be measured in the area of ​​the contact wire so that, if the measurement peaks occur simultaneously, the presence of the arc can be highly determined from the two measured values. Since the contact wires are regularly arranged in a zigzag pattern along the travel path, the zigzag pattern of such a contact wire can also be determined, for example, by an acceleration sensor and / or an inductive sensor. This also makes it possible to create a profile of the contact network along the route. The profile of the contact network can be stored in the evaluation unit in the form of a map of the contact network and / or a route map of the contact wire. Any defects detected on the contact network and / or the contact wire can be accurately assigned to a clearly specified point on the contact network. Icing of the contact wire can also be easily determined by means of a plurality of sensors and / or measured values, for example by measuring the external temperature and the air humidity in the area of ​​the contact wire. Areas of the contact wire and / or track sections which are more or less likely to be iced can be identified along the route, for example areas of water bodies. These data can also be stored in the evaluation unit. Furthermore, sensors can be used to detect defects in the contact wire and / or the contact wire, for example using acceleration sensors to detect impacts exerted on the contact strips due to defects in the contact wire while using pressure sensors to detect changing pressures. In summary, by combining several measured values ​​from the same or different types of sensors, conclusions can be drawn about the operating state of the contact wire and this operating state can be recorded in the form of characteristic values ​​and / or other data suitable for describing the operating state. In particular, this does not require a dedicated measurement run, since the measured values ​​can be easily recorded repeatedly during normal operation.

[0052] The processing unit or the evaluation unit can perform a sample analysis or a statistical evaluation of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​stored over a period of time and derive characteristic numbers from the sample analysis or the statistical evaluation. This makes it possible to use the sample analysis to determine correlations between measured values, characteristic values ​​and / or data records, provided that there is a correlation. Causal relationships can generally be derived from the correlations. In the simplest embodiment of the method, the correlations found by the sample analysis can be used to determine causal relationships, and this knowledge can in turn be used to optimize the operation of the rail vehicle. For example, the occurrence of a fault in a track section of the overhead line may be related to a certain type of rail vehicle or collector. This makes it possible to determine the cause of the fault and / or the causal relationship between the rail vehicle and the fault and to correct it in a targeted manner. If sufficient data is available, a statistical evaluation can be used to check to ensure that it is not a randomly detected event. However, a statistical evaluation can be used to calculate weights, such as faults or frequencies, and the probability of a fault occurring.

[0053] The processing unit or evaluation unit can correlate the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of different sensors with one another and derive functional dependencies of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​by means of artificial intelligence. It may also be intended to use artificial intelligence for sample analysis. For example, artificial intelligence can be used for machine learning, deep learning and / or data classification. According to a preferred embodiment, a statistical model can be created using machine learning (ML). The determined characteristic values ​​can serve as features or training data in machine learning, and patterns and / or regularities can be identified in the training data. Functional dependencies between sensors can also be studied. For example, the transmitted current can be correlated with the temperature, and it can be determined that the contact wire is covered with ice. In addition, by a sample analysis of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values, it can be detected that a section of the contact wire is thinner than a complete or new contact wire, thereby drawing conclusions about potential errors and / or sources of faults. Many other operating states and events can also be identified and interpreted as a result of functional dependencies, such as changes along the contact wire and its relative position, inclination and number, lifting of the contact strip from the contact wire and (if applicable) sparks and / or arcs, wear of the contact strip due to mechanical friction on the contact wire and / or electrical burning due to pressure, in particular average wear over the route, track sections with particularly high or particularly low wear, wear rate as a function of driving behavior (such as acceleration or static current load), damage and / or position deviation of the overhead contact network and / or contact wire, current load (such as short-term overcurrent, short-circuit current), triggering of protective fuses or short-circuits in the event of a fault, the state of worn components of the collector (such as bearings, joints, structural elements), breakage of the contact strip, for example due to impact with obstacles, position, speed, acceleration and direction of travel of the rail vehicle. These exemplary conditions and events mentioned above can be dealt with accordingly by maintenance measures, adjustments to the driving behavior of the rail vehicle or other suitable measures.

[0054] Furthermore, the processing unit or evaluation unit can correlate signals and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from sensors that are not related to the current collector with signals and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from sensors that are related to the current collector. For example, by additionally taking into account signals and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from sensors for ground contact, wheel rim lubrication, shaft grounding, etc. In principle, all signals and / or measured values ​​that can be determined on the rail vehicle can be processed in this way using the processing element.

[0055] The position sensor of the sensor element is able to determine the local position of the collector, which local position can be assigned to a characteristic value or a measured value of another sensor of the sensor element, and the evaluation unit is able to determine the state of the contact network. For example, the position sensor can use satellite navigation to determine the position of the collector and thus the position of the vehicle. This makes it possible, for example, to determine at which point on the route a certain measured value of another sensor of the sensor element was recorded. This allows events and / or measured values ​​to be assigned a relevant local position. In addition, the evaluation unit can be used to determine the state of the contact network, for example by evaluating the vibrations of the collector and / or rocker elements along the contact network. For example, if the contact wire is severely worn, the rocker element can show a different vibration behavior. Steps, interruptions and ramps on the contact wire can also be determined and assigned to positions on the track. This can be used to influence the speed of the rail vehicle on the route section localized in this way.

[0056] The evaluation unit can generate a data model of the contact network along at least one track segment of the rail vehicle route, the data model being able to include a plurality of different local positions of the track segment, each of which is assigned a measured value and / or a characteristic value. The data model can be stored in the evaluation unit and can include data and / or files describing the route of the contact network. The data model can be a graphical representation and / or a map of the contact network along the route, or in a simpler embodiment, a list including, for example, components of the contact network. The data model can include a plurality of different local positions of the relevant track segment and / or route as corresponding data sets, thereby representing the structural properties of the contact network by the data model. The local positions and / or data records can each be assigned to a measured value and / or a characteristic value. For example, the data model can include information about a zigzag route of the contact wire, with the length of the corresponding straight segment of the contact wire. The route length and / or the local position of the route relative to a reference point can be assigned to this zigzag route. If the measured values ​​are now determined using sensors or the characteristic values ​​are now determined using a processing unit, these can be assigned to the local positions of the relevant track segments if the local positions are known or determined during the relevant measurements. In this way, any incidents or defects with the overhead line can be recorded and, if necessary, pinpointed on site by knowing the local position, for example to carry out repairs.

[0057] The data model can be adjusted by continuously and repeatedly recording measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the journey of the rail vehicle along the track segment. For example, a route can be traversed repeatedly by one or more current collectors on one or more different rail vehicles. If measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​are recorded in each case, the data model stored in the evaluation unit can be improved by continuous comparison. For example, events that occur only once are identified and can be ignored, while recurring events indicate special characteristics or problems with the contact network or current collector and / or rail vehicle at a specific local location. The continuous adjustment of the data model can record the intensity of use and the associated wear, thereby enabling improved planning of maintenance measures and services. The continuous adjustment of the data model can also be used to determine the local position, so that the local position of the current collector is determined by the data obtained from the current collector during the journey and their comparison with the data model.

[0058] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a measuring unit which is formed on the current collector and which is independent of the track. The measuring unit can then be arranged and / or integrated on the current collector independently of the rail vehicle in terms of position and / or function. Therefore, a connection between the measuring unit and the rail vehicle is not absolutely necessary. In particular, the measuring unit does not need to be connected to the low-voltage network of the rail vehicle. Therefore, the measuring unit and the current collector can be used independently of the type of rail vehicle without special certification by the rail vehicle manufacturer. However, it can optionally be provided that the measuring unit is connected to the rail vehicle, for example to the cab of the rail vehicle, in order to signal the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​to the vehicle driver. In particular, a bidirectional data exchange can be carried out between the measuring unit and the rail vehicle. For example, wear can be signaled in the cab, or measured values ​​of the rail vehicle available in the cab, such as speed, can be processed by the measuring unit. However, preferably, the measuring unit can be used independently of the rail vehicle.

[0059] The characteristic value can be determined during operation of the rail vehicle, with the current collector resting against the contact wire, alternatively or additionally, the characteristic value can be determined during stationary operation of the rail vehicle, with the current collector being positioned in a rest position or being movable between a contact position resting against the contact wire and a rest position on the rail vehicle. The characteristic value can then only be determined based on the measured values ​​that can be recorded in the rest position. When the contact strip is loosened from the contact wire or when the contact strip is moved from the rest position on the rail vehicle in the direction of the contact wire, vibrations occur in the contact strip, which can then vibrate substantially without external influences. This makes it possible, for example, to use the vibrations of the contact strip to determine the wear state.

[0060] The collector is arranged on the roof of a rail vehicle and is configured to transmit power from the contact wire of the contact network to the rail vehicle. The collector comprises a positioning device, the positioning device has a contact strip arranged thereon, the positioning device is designed so that the positioning device moves the contact strip relative to the contact wire and presses the contact strip against the contact wire to a sliding contact position using pressure so as to form a sliding contact, the positioning device has a drive element and / or a spring element, and the pressure on the contact strip is generated by the drive element and / or the spring element. According to the invention, the collector has a power supply unit arranged on the collector and a measuring unit with a measuring device, at least two sensors of the sensor element of the measuring device are arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, and the power supply unit generates at least the electrical energy required to power the sensors of the sensor element, the processing element of the measuring device processes the measured values, each sensor records the measured values ​​at the sliding contact position, and the processing element correlates the measured values ​​and determines a characteristic value describing the operating state of the collector and / or the contact network. For embodiments and advantages of the collector, reference is made to the description of the above method.

[0061] It is understood that the explanations given with regard to the method relate in an equivalent manner to the current collector according to the invention and to the monitoring system according to the invention, without mentioning the latter separately.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning device of the current collector can have a rocker element holding the contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated element arranged between the base frame and the rocker element. With reference to the description of the above method, at least one sensor can be arranged on the rocker element, and at least one power supply unit is arranged on the articulated element and / or the base frame. Preferably, a first power supply element and a second power supply element are arranged on the articulated element and / or the base frame, the first power supply element generating energy when the current collector is operated in an alternating current network, and the second power supply element is designed to generate energy when the current collector is operated in a direct current network.

[0063] The data concentrator element can be arranged on the articulated element and / or the rocker element of the positioning device. The data and / or the measured values ​​can be processed and / or bundled in the data concentrator element to reduce the amount of data to be forwarded. The data concentrator element can be connected to at least two sensors and / or measuring devices. In addition, the data concentrator element can be connected to a plurality of other data concentrator elements, which means that the amount of data of a plurality of upstream data concentrator elements can be further reduced by the data concentrator element. The data concentrator and the data concentrator element can be used to create a tree structure of connections between the components of the measuring unit and / or the monitoring system. Preferably, the data transmission between the measuring unit, the sensor and the data concentrator element is cable-bound, thereby also creating a tree-like wiring structure. At least one data concentrator element can be connected to the base unit. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, four sensors can be arranged on the rocker element, preferably two sensors are assigned to the contact strip and two sensors are assigned to the data concentrator element. In other words, this means that two data concentrator elements are arranged on the rocker element, each element is connected to two sensors, reducing their amount of data. Another data concentrator element can be arranged on the knee of the articulated element. This data concentrator element arranged on the knee of the articulated unit is connected via a cable to the base unit, where the data and / or measured values ​​arriving at the base unit are further processed, reduced and / or forwarded. The forwarding of data from the base unit is preferably performed wirelessly.

[0064] It is conceivable that the base unit of the measuring unit has a pressure sensor, a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor. Thus, in addition to processing the data received from the other sensors and forwarding them, the base unit can also record data related to pressure, voltage and current. It is also conceivable that the pressure sensor, current sensor and / or voltage sensor is arranged on the base frame and / or the positioning device and its measured values ​​are transmitted to the base unit for evaluation and / or forwarding.

[0065] The monitoring system may comprise a plurality of rail vehicles, each of which has at least one collector, the monitoring system comprising an evaluation unit for processing the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring units of the plurality of collectors. As described above, this makes it possible to monitor a plurality of collectors of a rail vehicle or a plurality of rail vehicles with collectors and / or control the associated collectors using one evaluation unit. In any case, it is also possible to have one evaluation unit per collector. The rail vehicles may also each have a plurality of collectors. In summary, this enables the monitoring system to collect and evaluate data sets from the collectors, regardless of the type of data connection. The monitoring system may also have an evaluation unit that is spaced apart from the collector and / or the rail vehicle and that may be arranged in a fixed location away from the rail vehicle, for example in a building. The data stored in the evaluation unit may then be used, for example, to establish an association between the local location, the detection time and any faults detected in the collector; for example, a relatively increased level of wear of the collector or the contact network or a specific fault may be assigned to a certain time of the year or to a certain route.

[0066] The monitoring system may include one or more spatially separated user units. A data connection to the respective user unit may be established via an external data network. The user unit may be a computer independent of the monitoring system. This computer may be a fixed computer, a mobile device, etc., which may establish a data connection with the monitoring system for data exchange. Data may be exchanged via an external data network, such as the Internet. In this way, the data processed by the evaluation unit may be available to an extended user group via an output device. For example, the output device may be a server with a software application, which transmits the results calculated by the evaluation unit and the information contained in the database to the respective user unit. This transmission may be achieved by providing a website with selected information, such as a current overview of the inventory of the collector, contact network and rail vehicle. This information may be provided separately to the rail vehicle operating company.

[0067] Further advantageous embodiments of the monitoring system result from the characterization of the method.

[0068] Hereinafter, the present invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1 A lateral view of a current collector on a rail vehicle is shown.

[0070] Figure 2a A front view of an unused contact strip is shown.

[0071] Figure 2b A front view of a worn contact strip is shown.

[0072] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the routing of the contact wires is shown.

[0073] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a monitoring system with a rail vehicle is shown.

[0074] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a measuring unit is shown.

[0075] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a measuring unit is shown.

[0076] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another monitoring system is shown.

[0077] Figure 8 A perspective view of a current collector is shown.

[0078] Fig. 9 Shown according to Figure 8 Transverse view of the current collector.

[0079] Fig.10 Shown according to Figure 8 Front view of the collector.

[0080] Fig.11 Shown according to Figure 8 Top view of the collector.

[0081] Fig.12 Shown according to Figure 8 Another perspective view of the current collector.

[0082] Fig.13 Shown according to Figure 8 The base frame of the collector.

[0083] Fig.14 Shown according to Figure 8 Cross-section of the articulated element of the current collector.

[0084] Fig.15 Shown from the Figure 8 A perspective view of a cross section of the rocker element of a current collector looking underneath.

[0085] Fig.16 Shown from the Figure 8 A perspective view of a cross section of a current collector rocker element viewed from above.

[0086] Fig.17 shows the settings according to Figure 8 Perspective view of the data concentrator element on the articulated unit of the current collector.

[0087] Fig.18 A schematic diagram showing the DC power supply components.

[0088] Fig.19shows the arrangement according to Figure 8 A perspective view of the AC power supply components on the current collector base.

[0089] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of wear sensor technology is shown.

[0090] Fig.21 A cross section through a contact strip of a second embodiment with wear sensor technology is shown.

[0091] Fig. 22 A schematic diagram showing the tree structure of a measurement unit.

[0092] Fig.23 A perspective view of a base unit of the measuring unit is shown.

[0093] Fig.24 A schematic diagram showing the application of an external data network.

[0094] Figure 1 A current collector 10 is shown on the roof 11 of a rail vehicle (not shown in detail here) with a positioning device 13 in the form of a pantograph 12. Two contact strips 14 are arranged on a rocker element 15 which is transverse to the contact wire 16 on the pantograph 12. The rocker element 15 is arranged on an articulated element 72. A base frame 71 connects the positioning device 13 to the roof 11 of the rail vehicle. The rail vehicle moves at a speed V relative to the contact wire 16. F The contact strip 14 is moved with a pressure F transversely and / or orthogonally to the contact line 16 A Pressing on the contact wire 16. The contact strip 14 consists of a carbon contact element (not shown in detail here) and a contact strip holder, and as described herein, the movement of the contact strip 14 on the contact wire 16 results in the wear of the carbon material.

[0095] Figures 2a to 2b The schematic diagram of FIG. 1 shows various views and wear states of a contact strip 17. The contact strip 17 consists essentially of a contact element 18 made of carbon or graphite, and a contact strip holder 19. The contact strip holder 19 has a profile 20, which is usually made of aluminum, to which the contact element 18 is attached. A fastening bearing 21 is formed on the profile 20 and serves to connect the contact strip 17 to a positioning device (not shown here).

[0096] Figure 2a The contact strip 17 is shown in a new, i.e. unused state, so that the height HCN of the contact element 18 and / or the HTN of the contact strip 17 in the region of the center 22 of the contact strip 17 remains constant and / or has a maximum value. In the region of the fastening bearing 21 and the center 22, an acceleration sensor (not shown here) of a sensor device of a measuring system is attached.

[0097] Figure 2b The contact strip 17 is shown in a worn state, so that the height HCW of the contact strip 18 and / or the height HTW of the contact strip 17 in the region of the center 22 is significantly reduced due to the wear of the surface 23 of the contact element 18. This leads to a change in the vibration behavior of the contact strip 17, because the resistance torque and / or the mass of the contact strip 17 changes and / or decreases. The wear of the contact element 18 is most severe in the region of the center 22, because the contact line (not shown here) is formed in a zigzag line and alternately brushes the contact strip 17 on the surface 23 between the outer end 24 and / or the surface 23 of the contact element 18 when the rail vehicle moves.

[0098] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a contact wire 25 relative to a route 26 and a contact strip 27 of a collector (not shown) of a rail vehicle is shown. The portion of the contact wire 25 shown here forms a zigzag line relative to the route 26. The contact network (not shown in detail here) is designed so that the contact wire is held at the attachment points 28 of the contact network. The contact wire 26 extends between the attachment points 28 in a substantially straight section 29. When the rail vehicle travels along the route 26, the contact wire 25 alternately brushes the contact strip 27 along its length. The collector is equipped here with a measuring unit having a measuring device and at least two sensors having a sensor element of the measuring device. The sensor can record the vibrations of the contact strip 27, and the processing element of the measuring device can process these measured values ​​and correlate them. The processing element can use this to determine and / or calculate the operating state of the contact network and / or the zigzag line of the contact wire 25.

[0099] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a monitoring system 30 and a rail vehicle 31 is shown. The rail vehicle runs on a track 32, and on the roof 34 of the rail vehicle 31 there is a current collector 33, which can be in contact with a contact wire 35. The monitoring system 30 comprises a plurality of measuring units 36 on the current collector 33, each measuring unit having a processing element 37 and a measuring device 38. The monitoring system further comprises an evaluation unit 39, which receives, stores and processes data sets from the measuring units 36. The evaluation unit 39 can analyze the data sets and output the results of the analysis. The measuring units 36 are connected to the evaluation unit 39 via a data connection 40, by which the data sets are transmitted via radio signals via an external data network 41. The data records can also be transmitted bidirectionally. The processing element 37 records the measured values ​​of the measuring units 36 and / or sensors (not shown in detail here) on the current collector 33, correlates them with each other, and determines as a result the operating state of the current collector 33 and / or the contact wire 35. As described above, this result is transmitted to the evaluation unit 39. In principle, it is possible and sufficient to connect the measuring unit 36 ​​to the external data network 41 via a single data connection. Alternatively, data sets can also be exchanged by bypassing the external data network 41 and / or directly between the measuring unit 36 ​​and the evaluation unit 39. The measuring unit 36 ​​can also be connected to the driver's cab 42 of the rail vehicle 31, so that the results and / or measured values ​​of the processing element 37 can be displayed to the driver in the driver's cab 42.

[0100] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a measuring unit 43. The measuring unit 43 consists of a measuring device 44 and further comprises an evaluation unit 45. The measuring device 44 in turn comprises a sensor element 46 with a plurality of sensors 47, 48 and a processing element 49. Furthermore, a power supply device 50 is provided, by means of which the measuring device 44 is supplied with electrical energy. The power supply element 50 can be an energy storage device, a generator or an external power source, for example via a rail vehicle or a contact line. The evaluation unit 45 has a database 51 and an evaluation device 52 and receives data and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from the processing element 49. The processing element 49 receives the measured values ​​from the sensors 47, 48 in the sensor element 46 and processes them. The measured values ​​are related to operating parameters of a contact pressure device of a current collector (not shown here) and / or physical measured variables, such as Figure 1 The processing element 49 processes the measured values, correlates them with one another and determines characteristic values ​​that describe the operating state of the relevant current collector and / or the contact network. The characteristic values ​​determined in each case are transmitted continuously or constantly from the processing element 49 to the evaluation unit 45, where they are stored in a database 51 and / or further processed and / or prepared by an evaluation device 52.

[0101] Figure 6Another measuring unit 53 is shown, in which Figure 5 The processing element 49 transmits the data to the control device 54, compared with the measuring unit of the current collector. The control device 54 consists of an adjusting element 55 and a positioning device 56, and the adjusting element 55 adjusts an actuator (not shown in detail here) of the positioning device 56 according to the transmitted data. Thus, the adjusting element 55 adjusts the pressure of the contact strip of the current collector including the positioning device 56, thereby substantially preventing the contact strip from lifting off the conductor rail.

[0102] Figure 7 A monitoring system 57 with a measuring unit 58 is shown. The monitoring system 57 may have a plurality of measuring units 58. Figure 6 Compared to the measuring unit of the present invention, the measuring unit 58 has a measuring device 59 including a transmission element 60. The transmission element 60 receives data and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from the processing element 49 and transmits these to the control device 54. In addition, there is a data connection 62 between the transmission element 60 and the external data network 61, which transmits the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​via radio signals. An evaluation unit 64 with a database 65 and an evaluation device 66 is connected to the external data network 61 via a further data connection 63 and exchanges data and / or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​with the transmission element 60 via the external data network 61. In principle, this data can also be exchanged directly via a direct data connection 62 by bypassing the external data network 61. In addition, a user unit 68 is provided, which is connected to the external data network 61 via a further data connection 69. Therefore, the user unit 69 can exchange data with the evaluation unit 64, i.e. the data from the measuring unit 58 processed by the evaluation unit 64 can be output and / or displayed via the user unit 68 and can be made available for further use. The user unit 68 can also be directly connected to the evaluation unit 64 via a direct data connection 70. In general, it is therefore possible to generate measured values ​​via sensors 47, 48 (not shown) attached to the current collectors and use these for direct control and / or regulation of the corresponding current collectors by the control device. In addition, this data can be transmitted to the evaluation unit 64 via an external data network 61 (e.g., the Internet) for storage and evaluation. Therefore, the functional relevance of the data can be used, evaluated and interpreted. The results of these evaluations can be provided to the end user via the user unit 68.

[0103] Figure 8A current collector 10 is shown, which is essentially composed of a base frame 71 of a positioning device 13 and a rocker element 15 holding a contact strip 14. The positioning device 13 comprises an articulated element 72 having an upper arm 84 and a lower arm 85 which are articulated together. The lower arm 85 is articulated on the base frame 71 of the current collector 10, while the upper arm 84 is connected to the rocker element 15. In addition, the current collector 10 has a drive element 73 and a spring element 74 arranged on the base frame. The current tapped from the contact wire by the contact strip 14 is conducted via an electric wire 78 designed as a busbar and is routed to a rail vehicle (not shown here) to provide power via the rocker element 15, the upper arm 84, the lower arm 85 and the base support 71. The current dissipated and / or the applied voltage via the busbar 78 is used by a power supply unit 50 to power a sensor 47 arranged on the current collector 10. The power supply unit 50 may comprise a first power supply element 75 and a second power supply element 76. The first power supply element 75 is designed to generate the power required to power at least the sensor 47 of the sensor element 46 from the alternating current. The second power supply element 76 generates the power required to power the sensor 47 of the sensor element 46 by applying the direct current to the collector 10. Fig.19 The first power supply element 75 is explained in more detail in Fig.18 The second power supply element 76 is explained in more detail in . Figure 8 Also shown is a base unit 80 which, according to the present exemplary embodiment, has at least one connection for a data line 88 from a lower arm 85 of the locating device 13, a connection for a power supply unit 50 and a connection for a data line 88 from a pressure sensor 81. The pressure sensor 81 is arranged on the pressure line 79 of the locating device 13, which enables conclusions to be drawn about the operation of the locating device 13 and / or the height of the contact strip 14 connected to the locating device 13 when a pressure change of the pressure line 79 is recorded by the pressure sensor 81. The second power supply element 76 comprises a bypass line 87 which is connected to the base unit 80.

[0104] Figures 9 to 17 The structure of the current collector 10 according to the present invention is schematically shown, and in particular, Figure 8 In particular, from Figures 9 to 13As can be seen in the figure, a base unit 80 is arranged on the base frame 71 of the collector 10, and the collector 10 is connected to the roof 34 of the rail vehicle via the base unit 80. The data line 88 and the bypass line 87 of the second power supply element 76 extend to the base unit 80 along the hinge element 72 via the base frame 71. In order to reduce the data transmission to the base unit 80, three data concentrator elements 77 designed for data concentration are arranged on the collector 10. Specifically, one data concentrator element 77 is arranged in the joint area between the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85 of the hinge element 72. The other two data concentrator elements 77 are arranged on the rocker element 15. The data of at least two sensors 47 connected to the data concentrator element 77 via the data line 88 can be concentrated in the data concentrator element 77 arranged on the rocker element 15. The sensor 47 is designed as a motion sensor, and the two sensors 47 are each arranged on the contact strip. These sensors 47 designed as motion sensors can measure at least acceleration and rotation in three axes. In addition to data concentration, the data concentrator element 77 can also be used to record measured values. For example, the data concentrator element 77 may have a motion sensor that measures acceleration and rotation in three axes. In addition, the base unit 80 may also have a motion sensor that measures acceleration and rotation in three axes. Thus, at least 8 motion sensors may be arranged on the collector 10, which are connected in a tree structure via data lines 88. This is Fig. 22 80. The base unit 80 may include a processing element 37, in which the measured values ​​of the measuring unit 36 ​​and / or the sensor 47 and the data concentrator element 77 are arranged to be correlated with each other and to determine the operating state of the collector 10 and / or the contact wire 25 (not shown here). The measuring unit 36 ​​may further include a pressure sensor 81, which is arranged on the base frame 71. The pressure sensor 81 measures the pressure in the pressure line 79 of the drive element 73 or the spring element 74 of the collector 10. The data of the pressure sensor 81 are provided to the base unit 80 via the data line 88. The base unit 80 may forward the measured values ​​or the characteristic values ​​determined by the processing element 37 to an external data network 41 (not shown here) or to the evaluation unit 39. The power supply of the monitoring system, in particular the power supply of the sensor 47 and the data concentrator element 77 included in the measuring unit 36, may be provided via the first power supply element 75 or the second power supply element 76, depending on the operation of the collector 10. The first power supply element 75 is designed as an AC power supply element and is used when the current collector 10 works in an AC network. The first power supply element 75 is disposed on the base frame 71 and includes at least one annular coil 93 and a bolt 94. Fig.19The first power supply element 75 is described in more detail. The second power supply element 76 is designed as a DC power supply element for operating the collector 10 in a DC network. The second power supply element 76 comprises a bypass line 87 extending from the rocker element 15 to the base unit 80. Fig.18 , the second power supply element 76 is described again.

[0105] Fig.17 The attachment of the data concentrator element 77 to the positioning device 13 may be described as an example. Fig.17 In the embodiment shown, a data concentrator element 77 is arranged on a lower arm 85 in the region of the articulated connection to the upper arm 84 of the articulated element 72. The data concentrator element 77 is connected to the lower arm 85 via a plate-shaped mounting device 90 by means of a clip 89. Fig.17 It can also be seen that the data line 88 from the rocker element 15 and routed via the upper arm 84 ends in the data concentrator element 77, and another data line extends from the data concentrator element 77 in the direction of the base frame 71 (not shown here) and the base unit 80.

[0106] Fig.18 The operating mode of the second power supply element 76 arranged on the positioning device 13 is schematically shown, in particular as can be obtained from Figures 8 to 13 As is known, in order to power a rail vehicle (not shown here) by transmitting power from the contact wire to the rail vehicle, an electric line 78 (in this case in the form of a busbar) runs from the rocker element 15 to the base frame 71 and from there to the rail vehicle. This electric line 78 has a relatively low resistance, preferably in the milliampere range, and during operation, depending on the current flowing through the electric line 78, a voltage of several hundred millivolts may drop across the two ends of the electric line 78 due to this resistance. This voltage can be tapped off by means of the second power supply element 76 and used to power the monitoring system 30, in particular the measuring unit 36. For this purpose, the second power supply element 76 comprises a bypass line 87, which is preferably designed to have a cross-section of 16 mm. 2 According to the invention, a bypass line 87 is laid along the hinge element 72 from the rocker element 15 to the base unit 80. Another contact line 91 is designed in the form of a cable and is preferably shorter than the bypass line 87 for the electrical contact between the base unit and the base frame 71. This results in a parallel circuit with a relatively high impedance resistance compared to the electrical line 78 designed in the form of a busbar, so that a voltage sufficient to power the measuring unit 36 ​​can be tapped.

[0107] Fig.19 and Figures 8 to 13Together, the operating mode of the first power supply device 75 is shown, which is used when the collector 10 is running in an alternating current network. The toroidal coil 93 and the bolt 94 of the first power supply element 75 are attached to the base frame 71 by means of a retaining device. The attachment is at a point on the base frame at which the current is transmitted from the lower arm 85 of the hinged element 72 to the base frame 71 via the wire 78, which is designed in the form of a busbar. The toroidal coil 93 is pushed onto the bolt 94, and the wire 78 is connected to the bolt 94 via a cable lug. Therefore, when the collector 10 is running in an alternating current network, the alternating current is passed through the bolt 94, and in turn, an alternating current is induced in the toroidal coil 93, which is conducted to the base unit 80 via another wire and converted there into a usable direct current voltage. The current is discharged through the base frame via the current discharge 92. The bolt 94 is designed so that the bolt 94 does not restrict the current from the contact wire to the rail vehicle via the wire 78. If the current collector 10 has several wires 78 designed as busbars, each wire 78 can be used for power supply via the first power supply element 75 and / or the power supply element 76. Therefore, a plurality of power supply elements 75 and / or power supply elements 76 can be provided on the current collector 10. In addition, as Fig.19 As shown, a data cable 88 for transmitting the measured values ​​to the base unit 80 may be provided on the first power supply element 75 .

[0108] In order to determine the wear condition of the contact elements 18 of the contact strip 14, the measuring unit can use wear sensor technology 86. The wear sensor technology 86 can be as follows: Fig. 20 or Fig.21 Design shown. Fig. 20 The embodiment of the wear sensor technology 86 shown takes into account the forces F and F acting between the contact wire 16 and the contact element 18. N , these forces vary as a function of the position of the contact wire 16 and the state of wear of the contact element 18. In the context of the present invention, it has been recognized that, depending on the position of the contact wire 16 and the wear of the contact element 18, characteristic vibrations or accelerations are induced at the contact element 18, which can be recorded by the sensor 47, which is preferably designed as an acceleration sensor. These characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations can be used to determine the state of wear of the contact element 18.

[0109] Alternatively and / or additionally, according to Fig.21The wear sensor technology 86 shown can be used to determine the state of the contact element 18 of the contact strip 14. For this purpose, a groove 95 is formed in the contact element 18, the upper edge of the groove 95 defining a wear limit 96. Once the contact element 18 wears down to the wear limit 96, the groove 95 is exposed and causes characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations that can be recorded by the sensor 47. These characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations can be used to determine characteristic values ​​that describe the wear state and indicate when the wear limit 96 is reached.

[0110] Fig. 22 The tree structure of the wiring of the measuring unit 36 ​​on the collector 10 is schematically shown. Figures 8 to 16 From the combined view, we can see that according to Fig. 22 In the exemplary embodiment shown, two sensors 47 are arranged on each of the two contact strips 14. Preferably, the sensors 47 are designed as motion sensors, which can detect acceleration and vibration in three axes. Two of the sensors are connected to a data concentrator element 77, respectively. The data concentrator element 77 can also have a motion sensor. The two data concentrator elements 77 connected to the sensors 47 are connected to another data concentrator element 77 via a data line 88 for further data concentration. This other data concentrator element 77 transmits the data to a base unit 80 via another data line 88. The base unit 80 can have a processing element 37 and / or transmit the data to an evaluation unit 39 or an external data network 41 via a wireless connection 97. In addition, the base unit is configured to receive and further process data received from a pressure sensor 81 and / or an electrical measurement sensor technology 82 via a data line 88. The electrical measurement sensor technology 82 can include a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor, with which the voltage applied to the collector of the wire 78 and / or the current flowing through the wire 78 can be measured. Furthermore, the base unit 80 is designed to wirelessly receive and further process data from the wear sensor technology 86 .

[0111] Fig.23 The base unit 80 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the base unit 80. The base unit has a logic board 99, a power board 100 and a circuit board 98 of the power supply unit 50. In order to form a wireless connection 97, the base unit 80 also includes a wireless module.

[0112] Fig.24 An example of data processing in the external data network 41 is shown. Fig.24Designed as a cloud service application, in particular an IoT hub 110. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​recorded by the monitoring system 30 at the collector 10 are transmitted wirelessly to an external data network 41. In the external data network 41 designed as a cloud service application, the message can be split into measured values ​​and / or measured values, and the message can be linked in step S1. In step S2, the data can be further distributed. Therefore, in step S4, a copy of the measured value and / or characteristic value can be created for each user. In addition, the data can be stored in step S3 before further processing and / or preparation of the data. In steps S5 to S8, the data can be processed according to the user's requirements and / or managed by the user and / or used in different user-specific applications. This means that the user has access to the data and can use it in different applications. For example, data of multiple users (S8) and / or multiple collectors, multiple rail vehicles or multiple trains can be managed (S5). For this purpose, various evaluation, sorting and / or classification suggestions or services can be provided to the user as part of the so-called asset service (S6). After the data service (S7), different data models may be provided to the user according to the user's needs. The user receives secure access to applications S5 to S8 via the access gateway 111.

Claims

1. A method for operating a current collector (10, 33) arranged on the roof (11, 34) of a rail vehicle (31) and configured to transmit power from a contact wire (16, 25, 35) of a contact network to the rail vehicle (31), the current collector (10, 33) comprising a positioning device (13, 56), the positioning device (13, 56) having a contact strip (14, 17, 27) arranged thereon, the positioning device (13, 56) moving the contact strip (14, 17, 27) relative to the contact wire and pressing it with pressure into a sliding contact position of the contact wire to form a sliding contact, the driving element (73) and / or the spring element (74) of the positioning device generating the pressure on the contact strip, Features The current collector comprises a power supply unit (50) and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) arranged on the positioning device (13, 56), the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) comprising a measuring device (38, 44, 59), at least two sensors (47, 48) of a sensor element (46) of the measuring device being arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, the power supply unit (50) generating at least the electrical energy required to power the sensors of the sensor element, the sensors each recording a measured value at the sliding contact position, the processing element (37, 49) of the measuring device processing the measured values, the processing element associating the measured values ​​with each other and determining characteristic values ​​describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the contact network.

2. The method according to claim 1, Features The first power supply element (75) of the power supply unit (50) generates the electric energy required to power the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor element (46) by applying alternating current to the collector (10), and / or the second power supply element (75) of the power supply unit (50) generates the electric energy required to power the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor element (46) by applying direct current to the collector (10).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Features The angular position, acceleration, frequency, temperature, illumination, force, current, voltage, resistance, distance, mass, air pressure, noise, wear and / or local position of the positioning device (13, 56) are continuously or discontinuously recorded and processed as measured values.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Features At least an acceleration sensor is used as a sensor (47, 48), which is arranged on the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and / or on the positioning device (13, 56).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features At least one sensor (47, 48) is used, which is arranged in the contact strip (14, 17, 27), on the contact strip, on a fastening bearing (21) of the contact strip or on a rocker element (15) of the positioning device (13, 56) holding the contact strip.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The positioning device (13, 56) comprises a rocker element (15) for holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle, and an articulated element (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker element (15), at least one sensor (47, 48) arranged on the rocker element (15) is used, and at least one power supply unit (50) arranged on the articulated element (72) and / or the base frame (71) is used.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The positioning device (13, 56) comprises a rocker element (15) for holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle, and an articulated element (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker element (15), and the measured values ​​of at least two sensors (47, 48) are transmitted, preferably in a wired manner, to a data concentrator element (77) arranged on the articulated element (72) and / or the rocker element (15) and configured for data concentration.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The voltage applied to the wires (78) of the current collector (10, 33) and / or the current in the wires (78) of the current collector (10, 33) are measured by at least one sensor of a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36, 44, 53, 58) arranged on the base frame (71).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The pressure of the pressure line (79) of the positioning device (13, 56) is measured by a pressure sensor (81) arranged on the base frame (71), in particular by at least one pressure sensor (81) of a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) arranged on the base frame (71).

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The processing element (37, 49) performs an analysis of the measured values ​​while the contact strip (14, 17, 27) is guided along the contact line (16, 25, 35).

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The processing element (37, 49) records and stores the measured values ​​and / or the characteristic values ​​of the sensors (47, 48) at regular time intervals, in response to changes or continuously.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features A control device (54) of the measuring device (38, 44, 59) controls an actuator for actuating the positioning device (13, 56), and the actuation of the positioning device is adjusted by an adjusting element (55) of the control device according to measured values ​​and / or characteristic values.

13. The method according to claim 7, Features The pressure is regulated by the regulating element (55) as a function of the measured value and / or the characteristic value.

14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The measuring device (38, 44, 59) transmits the measured values ​​and / or the characteristic values ​​to an evaluation unit (39, 45, 64), where they are stored in a database (51, 65) of the evaluation unit and / or processed by an evaluation device (52) of the evaluation unit.

15. The method according to claim 9, Features The transmission element (60) of the measuring device (38, 44, 59) transmits the measured value and / or the characteristic value of the measuring device via a data connection (40, 62, 63, 67, 69, 70) to the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) and / or the control device (54), wherein the evaluation unit and / or the control device are separated from the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) or are integrated in the measuring unit.

16. The method according to claim 10, Features The data connection (40, 62, 63, 69) is established via an external data network (41, 61).

17. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, Features The evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) processes the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring units (36, 43, 53, 58) of several current collectors (10, 33).

18. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, Features A user unit (68) forms a data connection (40, 62, 63, 67, 69, 70) with the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) and / or the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58), and the measured values ​​and / or the characteristic values ​​are transmitted and output to the user unit.

19. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, Features The processing unit (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) evaluates the time series of the measured values ​​and / or the characteristic values ​​and determines the wear state of the collector (10, 33) and / or the contact network, taking into account time-dependent components related to the wear and / or components that depend on the measured variables.

20. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, Features The sensor element (46) registers vibrations of the contact strip (14, 17, 27), and the processing element (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines the wear state of the contact strip and / or the contact network.

21. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, Features The processing element (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines arcs on the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and / or the contact wire (16, 25, 35), jagged contact wires, icing of the contact wires and / or defects of the contact wires as operating states.

22. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, Features The processing unit (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) performs a sample analysis or a statistical evaluation on the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​stored over a period of time and derives characteristic numbers from the sample analysis or the statistical evaluation.

23. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 17, Features The processing unit (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) correlates the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of different sensors (47, 48) and derives the functional dependency of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​by means of artificial intelligence.

24. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 18, Features The position sensor of the sensor element (46) determines the local position of the current collector (10, 33), which is assigned to a characteristic value or a measured value of another sensor (47, 48) of the sensor element, and the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines the state of the contact network.

25. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 19, Features The evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) generates a data model of the overhead line for at least one track segment along a route (26) of the rail vehicle (31), the data model comprising a plurality of different local positions of the track segment, each position having an assigned measured value and / or characteristic value.

26. The method according to claim 20, Features The data model is adapted by continuously and repeatedly recording measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the travel of the rail vehicle (31) along the track section.

27. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features A measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) formed on the current collector (10, 33) independently of the track (31) is used.

28. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, Features The characteristic value is determined during operation of the rail vehicle (31) when the current collector (14, 17, 27) abuts against the contact line (16, 25, 35), alternatively or additionally, during stationary operation of the rail vehicle, the current collector being in a stationary position or moving between a contact position in contact with the contact line and the stationary position on the rail vehicle.

29. A current collector (10, 33), which is arranged on the roof (11, 34) of a rail vehicle and is configured to transmit power from a contact wire (16, 25, 35) of a contact network to the rail vehicle, the current collector comprising a positioning device (13, 56), the positioning device having a contact strip (14, 17, 27) arranged thereon, the positioning device being designed to move the contact strip relative to the contact wire and to press the contact strip to a sliding contact position on the contact wire using pressure to form a sliding contact, the positioning device having a drive element and / or a spring element, by which pressure on the contact strip is generated, Features The current collector comprises a power supply unit (50) and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) arranged on the current collector, the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) comprising a measuring device (38, 44, 59), at least two sensors (47, 48) of the sensor element (46) of the measuring device are arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, each sensor records the measured value at the sliding contact position, the power supply unit (50) generates at least the electrical energy required to power the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor element (46), and the processing element (37, 49) of the measuring device processes the measured values, the processing element associates the measured values ​​with each other and determines characteristic values ​​describing the operating state of the current collector and / or the contact network.

30. The current collector (10, 33) according to claim 24, Features The positioning device (13, 56) comprises a rocker element (15) for holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27), a base frame (17) arranged on the rail vehicle (31), and an articulated element (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker element (15), at least one sensor (47, 48) being arranged on the rocker element (15), and at least one power supply unit (50) being arranged on the articulated element (72) and / or the base frame (71).

31. The current collector (10, 33) according to claim 24 or 25, Features The positioning device (13, 56) comprises a rocker element (15) for holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27), a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle (31), an articulated element (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker element (15), and a data concentrator element (77) arranged on the articulated element (72) and / or the rocker element (15).

32. The current collector (10, 33) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, Features The measuring unit comprises a pressure sensor (81), a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor, and in particular comprises a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36) arranged on the base frame (71).

33. A monitoring system (30) having a plurality of rail vehicles (31), each rail vehicle having at least one current collector (10, 33) according to claim 24, the monitoring system comprising an evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) for processing measurement values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of measuring units (36, 43, 54, 58) of several current collectors.

Images