A device and method for monitoring the stroke and position of movable points of a turnout

Abstract

This invention relates to a device and method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail, comprising: a fixed installation component, a guide tube component (1), a monitoring rod component, a sensor component (2), and a measurement data processing component. The fixed installation component fixes the monitoring device to the bottom of the relatively fixed rail of the turnout. The guide tube component (1) is fixedly installed on the fixed installation component. The monitoring rod component (5) can be inserted into the axial hole of the guide tube component (1) and move along the axial direction. This device and method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail facilitates remote real-time monitoring of the travel and position status of the turnout movable rail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to rail transit turnout monitoring systems, and relates to equipment and methods for monitoring and determining the travel, fixed and reverse positions, and tight contact status data of turnout movable parts, particularly a device and method for monitoring the travel and position status of turnout movable rails. Background Technology

[0002] Railways, as a vital infrastructure in my country, undertake important tasks such as passenger and freight transport and are a crucial mode of transportation. Turnouts are an essential component of railway traffic, serving as track connection devices for locomotives and rolling stock to switch from one track to another. The condition of turnouts directly impacts railway transport safety and efficiency. Therefore, monitoring the movable rails at turnouts has become increasingly urgent. Firstly, there is a pressing need for full-stroke monitoring of the movable rails during their movement, determining their position and orientation, and verifying their tightness after the turnout has moved into position. Secondly, some turnouts originally designed without switch machine traction cannot be remotely monitored indoors via the switch machine to assess their position and tightness. In such cases, a turnout movable rail monitoring device is particularly important for monitoring the stroke and position of the movable rails. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail, so as to remotely monitor the travel and position status of the turnout movable rail in real time.

[0004] The technical solution of this invention relates to a method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout's movable rail, comprising a fixed installation assembly, a guide tube assembly, a monitoring rod assembly, a sensor assembly, and a measurement data processing assembly. The fixed installation assembly can fix the monitoring device to the bottom of the relatively fixed rail of the turnout. The guide tube assembly is fixedly installed on the fixed installation assembly. The monitoring rod assembly can be inserted into the axial hole of the guide tube assembly and can move axially. The sensor assembly consists of a detection head and a moving target. The moving target is fixed on the monitoring rod assembly, and the detection head on the sensor assembly is fixedly installed on the guide tube assembly. The monitoring rod assembly is connected to the turnout's movable rail. When the turnout's movable rail moves, it drives the monitoring rod assembly to move synchronously. The detection head on the sensor assembly identifies and collects the movement data of the moving target on the monitoring rod assembly. The collected data is analyzed and fed back by the measurement data processing assembly to determine the position of the monitoring rod module, thereby determining the travel, position status, and smoothness of the turnout's movable rail movement during the entire turnout operation.

[0005] The sensor assembly detection head calibrates the initial relative position of the moving target on the monitoring rod assembly. When the movable rail moves, the moving target of the monitoring rod assembly follows the movable rail, and the amount of movement is collected and recorded by the sensor assembly detection head. The collected data is compared with the initial set position, and the relative distance of the monitored movement is calculated by the measurement data processing component. The calculated data is the distance of the movable rail movement. At the same time, the measurement data processing component analyzes the information of the monitoring rod assembly in real time, outputs the collected displacement data, and judges the speed of the movable rail movement and the smoothness of the movable rail movement process through the data.

[0006] The total travel of the movable rail is a fixed value. The measurement data processing component calculates the difference between the distance the movable rail moves and the total travel of the movable rail according to the design standard as the tightness gap value of the movable rail, thereby determining the tightness of the movable rail.

[0007] This invention relates to a device for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail, comprising at least: a fixed installation assembly, a guide tube assembly, a monitoring rod assembly, a sensor assembly, and a measurement data processing assembly. The fixed installation assembly consists of a fixed base, a hook rod, a pressure plate, and fasteners. The fixed base is secured to the bottom of the main rail or wing rail by the hook rod, forming an installation foundation. The guide tube assembly is fixed to the fixed base by the pressure plate. The monitoring rod assembly is inserted into the axial hole of the guide tube assembly and can move axially. The sensor assembly consists of a detection head and a moving target. The detection head is relatively fixed to the guide tube assembly, and the moving target is fixed to the monitoring rod assembly.

[0008] The guide tube assembly includes: a guide tube, an anti-rotation and wear-reducing plate, a self-lubricating linear bearing, a venting and pressure-reducing valve, and a protective cover. The guide tube has a first positioning notch, a second positioning notch, and a sensing window. The anti-rotation and wear-reducing plate is installed on the inner wall of the guide tube corresponding to the sensing window. The self-lubricating linear bearing is installed inside the front end of the guide tube, and the venting and pressure-reducing valve is installed at the rear end of the guide tube.

[0009] The monitoring rod assembly includes: a monitoring rod and a connecting joint, wherein the connecting joint is installed at the end of the monitoring rod, and an anti-rotation support plane is provided on the monitoring rod.

[0010] The sensor assembly includes: a detection head, a moving target, a sensor cover, a sensor box, a detection head protective shell, a signal cable connector, and a sensor mounting saddle. The detection head protective shell is placed at the bottom of the sensor box, and the sensor detection head is placed inside the detection head protective shell. The measurement data processing component is integrated with the detection head and installed in the sensor box. Sealant is applied inside the sensor box to seal and fix the detection head and the measurement data processing component. After sealing, the sensor cover is installed on top of the sensor box, and the signal cable connector is installed on the outside of the sensor box. The moving target is installed on the monitoring rod.

[0011] The sensor mounting saddle is fastened to the first positioning notch of the guide tube, and the sensor mounting saddle and sensor box are fixed to the guide tube by fasteners; the mounting base is installed on the second positioning notch of the guide tube, and the pressure plate is fixed to the mounting base by bolts, so that the mounting base, guide tube assembly and pressure plate are a relatively fixed whole; the monitoring rod assembly is inserted into the guide tube assembly, and the monitoring rod assembly is supported by the self-lubricating linear bearing in the guide tube assembly. The anti-rotation plane on the monitoring rod assembly cooperates with the anti-rotation and anti-friction plate in the guide tube assembly, and the monitoring rod assembly connecting joint is connected to the monitored part.

[0012] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: The overall monitoring structure has fewer components, a simple structure, flexible operation, and lower raw material and production process costs.

[0013] It has high monitoring accuracy and can accurately detect minute changes in the relative position of objects. In turnout travel monitoring, it provides data support for accurately determining the turnout position and ensures high monitoring accuracy.

[0014] Sensors collect data on relative position changes, which is relatively simple to process, reducing the requirements for data processing equipment and data transmission, while also improving the speed and efficiency of data processing.

[0015] The monitoring method can monitor various positional parameters of the movable rail, such as its travel, contact status, separation status, and smoothness of motion.

[0016] The sensor and moving target are encapsulated, making them highly resistant to environmental factors such as humidity, dust, and oil.

[0017] It can reflect the changes in the relative position of the movable rail in real time. In the monitoring of the movable rail's travel, it can provide timely information on the position changes of the movable rail and keep track of the turnout's operating status.

[0018] The installation structure is simple, requiring no complex installation interfaces or precise initial positioning. When installing on the track, the most suitable installation location can be selected based on the turnout structure and monitoring requirements. Only the relative position changes of the movable rail need to be monitored to achieve optimal monitoring results. Installation can be completed quickly and conveniently, saving installation time and labor costs.

[0019] The non-contact nature of the sensor and the moving target results in a longer service life and a lower risk of failure. In turnout monitoring scenarios, it eliminates the need for frequent replacements, reducing the workload of maintenance personnel and the cost of spare parts required for maintenance.

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the guide tube assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor assembly of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring rod assembly of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Guide tube assembly; 2. Sensor assembly; 3. Fixing base; 4. Hook rod; 5. Monitoring rod assembly; 6. Pressure plate; 7. Sensor fixing saddle; 101. Vent and pressure reducing valve; 102. Guide tube; 103. Sensing window; 104. Anti-rotation and wear-reducing plate; 105. Self-lubricating linear bearing; 106. End cap; 107. Second positioning notch; 108. First positioning notch; 201. Signal line connector; 202. Sensor cover; 203. Sensor and data processing module; 204. Sensor box; 205. Detection head protective shell; 501. Monitoring rod; 502. Moving target; 503. Connecting connector; 504. Anti-rotation support surface. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To further illustrate the technical means and methods adopted in this invention, the specific embodiments, structural features, and methods of this invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples: like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention relates to a switch movable rail travel and position status monitoring device, comprising: a guide tube assembly 1, a sensor assembly 2, a fixing base 3, a hook rod 4, a monitoring rod assembly 5, a pressure plate 6, and a sensor fixing saddle 7; the fixing base 3 is clamped to the bottom of the main rail or wing rail and fixed by the hook rod 4 to form an installation base; the guide tube assembly 1 is fixed on the fixing base 3 by the pressure plate 6; the monitoring rod assembly 5 is inserted into the axial hole of the guide tube assembly 1 and can move axially; and the sensor assembly 2 is fixed on the guide tube assembly 1 by the sensor fixing saddle 7.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, the guide tube assembly 1 includes: a venting and pressure reducing valve 101, a guide tube 102, an anti-rotation and wear-reducing plate 104, a self-lubricating linear bearing 105, and an end cap 106; the guide tube 102 has a sensing window 103, a second positioning notch 107, and a first positioning notch 108. The anti-rotation and wear-reducing plate 104 is installed on the inner wall of the guide tube 102 through the sensing window 103. After the self-lubricating linear bearing 105 is installed in the end of the guide tube 102, the end cap 106 is installed. The venting and pressure reducing valve 101 is installed at the tail end of the guide tube 102 to form the guide tube assembly 1.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, the sensor assembly 2 includes: a signal line connector 201, a sensor cover 202, a detection head and data processor 203, a sensor box 204, and a detection head protective shell 205. The detection head protective shell 205 is first placed at the bottom of the sensor box 204, and the detection head and data processor 203 are installed inside the sensor box 204. The detection head is placed downwards inside the sensor protective shell 205. Sealant is poured into the sensor box 204 to seal and fix the entire sensor. After sealing, the sensor cover 202 is installed on top of the sensor box 204, and the signal line connector 201 is installed on the outside of the sensor box 204 to form the sensor assembly 2.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the monitoring rod assembly 5 includes: a monitoring rod 501, a connecting joint 503; a movable target 502 on the monitoring rod 501, and an anti-rotation support surface 504 on the monitoring rod 501.

[0027] The fixed seat 3 is installed on the second positioning notch 107 of the guide tube 102 in the guide tube assembly 1. The pressure plate 6 is fixed to the fixed seat 3 by bolts, so that the fixed seat 3, the guide tube assembly 1 and the pressure plate 6 are a relatively fixed whole. The slot on the fixed seat 3 is fixed to the bottom of the base rail or the wing rail by the hook rod 4 to form the installation foundation of the monitoring equipment. The monitoring rod assembly 5 is inserted into the guide tube assembly 1. The anti-rotation support surface 504 on the monitoring rod 501 cooperates with the anti-rotation and anti-friction plate 104 in the guide tube assembly 1. The connecting joint 503 is installed on the exposed end of the monitoring rod 501 in the monitoring rod assembly 5, and the connecting joint 503 is connected to the part being monitored.

[0028] Sensor assembly 2 is placed on the sensing window 103 on the guide tube assembly 1. Sensor fixing saddle 7 is clipped onto the first positioning notch 108 on the guide tube assembly 1. Sensor assembly 2 and sensor fixing saddle 7 are fixed to the guide tube assembly 1 by fasteners. The detection head and data processing module 203 in sensor assembly 2 identify and record the information on the moving target 502 on the monitoring rod 501 in the detection rod assembly 5.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, this invention relates to a method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout's movable rail. The method includes a monitoring device body, which comprises a relatively fixed guide tube. The guide tube is fixed to a relatively fixed base rail via a support bracket and a hook rod. A fixed sensor assembly is mounted on the guide tube. A monitoring rod that can slide freely relative to the guide tube is mounted inside the guide tube. A movable target is encapsulated on the monitoring rod. The fixed sensor assembly corresponds to the movable target on the monitoring rod. The monitoring rod is connected to the turnout's movable rail. When the turnout's movable rail moves, it drives the monitoring rod to move synchronously. The sensor identifies and collects data from the movable target on the sliding monitoring rod. Based on the collected data, the position of the sliding monitoring rod is determined, thereby determining the travel, position status, and smoothness of the turnout's movable rail movement throughout the entire operation.

[0030] A fixed sensor assembly corresponds to a moving target on the monitoring rod. The sensors in the sensor assembly calibrate the initial relative position of the moving target, which is fixed relative to the movable rail. When the movable rail moves, the moving target follows the rail, and the amount of movement of the moving target is collected and recorded by the sensors. The collected data is compared with the initial set position to calculate the relative distance moved by the moving target, which is then used to calculate the distance moved by the movable rail. At the same time, the sensors collect information about the moving target in real time and output the collected displacement data. The data is used to determine the speed of the movable rail movement and the smoothness of the movement process.

[0031] The total travel of the movable rail is a fixed value. The sensor calculates the difference between the distance the movable rail moves and the total travel of the movable rail according to the design standard. This difference is the tightness gap value of the movable rail, which determines the tightness of the movable rail.

[0032] The sensors in the sensor assembly set the initial relative position of the moving target, and compare the initial position with the final position data to determine whether the movable rail is in a close or repulsive state. There can be multiple sensors, which can simultaneously collect data from the moving target. The initial relative positions of different sensors and the collected data can be used to determine the travel of the movable track and whether it is in a fixed or reverse position.

[0033] The displacement of the movable target encapsulated on the monitoring rod can be identified and read by the sensor when the sliding monitoring rod changes. A sealing ring is provided on the monitoring rod. When the monitoring rod slides in the protective tube, the sealing ring achieves the sealing of the rod. A connector iron is provided at the end of the monitoring rod. The connector iron is connected to the movable rail through an installation device and can be connected to the movable rail.

[0034] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation methods of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make other modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail, comprising: The fixed installation assembly, guide tube assembly (1), monitoring rod assembly, sensor assembly (2), and measurement data processing assembly are provided. The fixed installation assembly fixes the monitoring equipment to the bottom of the rail where the turnout is relatively fixed. The guide tube assembly (1) is fixedly installed on the fixed installation assembly. The monitoring rod assembly (5) can be inserted into the axial hole of the guide tube assembly (1) and move along the axial direction. The sensor assembly (2) includes a detection head and a moving target. The moving target is fixed on the monitoring rod assembly. The detection head on the sensor assembly (2) is installed and fixed on the guide tube assembly (1). The monitoring rod assembly (5) is connected to the turnout movable rail. When the turnout movable rail moves, it drives the monitoring rod assembly (5) to move synchronously. The detection head on the sensor assembly (2) identifies and collects the motion data of the moving target (502) on the monitoring rod assembly (5). The collected data is analyzed and fed back by the measurement data processing component to determine the position of the monitoring rod module, thereby determining the stroke, position status and smoothness of the turnout movable rail movement during the entire turnout operation.

2. The switch movable rail travel and position status monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide tube assembly (1) includes: a venting pressure reducing valve (101) 1, a guide tube (102), an anti-rotation and anti-friction plate (104), a self-lubricating linear bearing (105), and an end cap (106); the guide tube (102) has a sensing window (103), a second positioning notch (107), and a first positioning notch (108). The anti-rotation and anti-friction plate (104) is installed on the inner wall of the guide tube (102) through the sensing window (103). After the self-lubricating linear bearing (105) is installed in the end of the guide tube (102), the end cap (106) is installed. The venting pressure reducing valve (101) is installed at the tail end of the guide tube (102).

3. The switch movable rail travel and position status monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor assembly (2) includes: a signal line outlet connector (201), a sensor cover (202), a detection head and data processor (203), a sensor box (204), and a detection head protective shell (205). The detection head protective shell (205) is placed at the bottom of the sensor box (204), and the detection head and data processor (203) are installed inside the sensor box (204). The detection head is placed downward inside the sensor protective shell (205). The sensor box (204) is filled with sealant to fix the entire sensor. After the filling is completed, the sensor cover (202) is installed on the top of the sensor box (204), and the signal line outlet connector (201) is installed on the outside of the sensor box (204).

4. The switch movable rail travel and position status monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring rod assembly (5) includes: a monitoring rod (501) and a connecting joint (503); a movable target (502) is provided on the monitoring rod (501), and an anti-rotation support surface (504) is provided on the monitoring rod (501).

5. The turnout movable rail travel and position status monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixed installation assembly includes: a fixed seat (3), a hook rod (4), and a pressure plate (6). The fixed seat 3 is installed on the second positioning notch (107) of the guide tube (102) in the guide tube assembly (1). The pressure plate (6) is fixed to the fixed seat (3) by bolts, so that the fixed seat (3), the guide tube assembly (1), and the pressure plate (6) are a relatively fixed whole. The slot on the fixed seat (3) is fixed to the bottom of the base rail or the wing rail by the hook rod (4) to form the installation foundation of the monitoring equipment. The monitoring rod assembly (5) is inserted into the guide tube assembly (1). The anti-rotation support surface (504) on the monitoring rod (501) cooperates with the anti-rotation and anti-friction plate (104) in the guide tube assembly (1). A connecting joint (503) is installed on the exposed end of the monitoring rod (501) in the monitoring rod assembly (5). The connecting joint (503) is connected to the part being monitored. A sensor assembly (2) is placed on the sensing window (103) on the guide tube assembly (1). The sensor fixing saddle (7) is engaged with the first positioning notch (108) on the guide tube assembly (1). The sensor assembly (2) and the sensor fixing saddle (7) are fixed to the guide tube assembly (1) by fasteners. The detection head and data processing module (203) in the sensor assembly (2) identify and record the information on the moving target (502) on the monitoring rod (501) in the detection rod assembly (5).

6. A method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail, according to the device described in claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring device includes a main body, which includes a relatively fixed guide tube. The guide tube is fixed to a relatively fixed base rail by a fixed seat and a hook screw. A fixed sensor assembly (2) is set on the guide tube. A monitoring rod that can slide freely relative to the guide tube is set inside the guide tube. A moving target is encapsulated on the monitoring rod. The fixed sensor assembly (2) corresponds to the moving target (502) on the monitoring rod. The monitoring rod is connected to the movable rail of the turnout. When the movable rail of the turnout moves, it drives the monitoring rod to move synchronously. The sensor will identify and collect data from the moving target (502) on the sliding monitoring rod. Based on the feedback of the collected data from the moving target (502), the position of the sliding monitoring rod is determined, thereby determining the stroke, position state, and smoothness of the movement of the movable rail of the turnout during the entire movement process.

7. The method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed sensor assembly (2) corresponds to the moving target (502) on the monitoring rod. The sensor of the sensor assembly (2) calibrates the initial relative position of the moving target (502). The moving target (2) is fixed relative to the movable rail. When the movable rail moves, the moving target (2) moves with the movable rail. The amount of movement of the moving target (2) is collected and recorded by the sensor. The collected data is compared with the initial set position to calculate the relative distance of the moving target (502). The calculated data is the distance of the movable rail. At the same time, the sensor collects the information of the moving target (502) in real time and outputs the collected displacement data. The speed of the movable rail and the smoothness of the movable rail movement are judged by the data.

8. The method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail according to claim 1, characterized in that: The travel distance of the movable rail of the turnout is a fixed value. The sensor calculates the difference between the distance the movable rail moves and the total travel distance of the movable rail according to the design standard as the tightness gap value of the movable rail, and judges the tightness status of the movable rail.

9. The method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor in the sensor assembly (2) sets the initial relative position of the moving target (2), and determines the position of the movable rail in close contact or repulsion by comparing the initial position and the final position data. There can be multiple sensors, and multiple sensors can simultaneously collect data from the moving target (502). The initial relative position of different sensors and the collected data can determine the travel of the movable rail and whether it is in a fixed or reverse position. The moving target (502) is encapsulated on the monitoring rod.

10. The method for monitoring the travel and position status of a turnout movable rail according to claim 6, characterized in that: The displacement of the movable target (502) encapsulated on the monitoring rod can be identified and read by the sensor when the sliding monitoring rod changes. A sealing ring is provided on the monitoring rod. When the monitoring rod slides in the protective tube, the sealing ring achieves the sealing of the rod. A connector iron is provided at the end of the monitoring rod. The connector iron is connected to the movable rail through an installation device and can be connected to the movable rail.

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