Switch machine assembly and switch machine comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a switch machine assembly and a switch machine including the same, the switch machine assembly arranged inside the switch machine, the switch machine assembly comprising: a sealed contact having a plurality of leads; and a plurality of breakable terminals including a breaking handle, in which the plurality of leads of the sealed contact are electrically connected to the plurality of breakable terminals, respectively, and the breakable terminals are configured to perform an interlocking experiment by breaking the breaking handle without breaking a connection with the sealed contact. According to the switch machine assembly and the switch machine, the reliability is high, the maintenance requirement is low, an interlocking experiment can be easily and conveniently carried out, and the overall safety of a switch machine system is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of rail transit technology, and more specifically, to a switch machine assembly and a switch machine including the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of high-speed railways in my country, the requirements for the operation and maintenance of high-speed railway signaling equipment are becoming increasingly stringent, demanding minimal or no maintenance and a low failure rate. Switch machines, as crucial products in railway signal turnout switching equipment, bear the heavy responsibility of ensuring railway safety. The switching contacts inside the switch machine, a key component, play a vital role in disconnecting the load, reversing the motor direction, and providing signals to the indoor interlocking equipment during switch switching. Therefore, their reliability and minimal or no maintenance are extremely important. Thus, sealed contacts were developed to meet market demand, offering high reliability and minimal or even no maintenance.

[0003] Existing switch machine equipment mainly uses open contacts. During interlocking tests, individual contacts can be tested for continuity, and the internal switches can be manually disconnected to facilitate the interlocking experiment. Interlocking tests are the process of testing and verifying the interface and linkage between switch machine equipment and the signal interlocking system within the railway signaling system. This testing ensures coordinated operation of signals and switches, prevents train collisions, and maintains railway operational safety. Sealed contacts have been highly praised by customers for their reliability and maintenance-free operation during promotion and use. However, due to their fully sealed structure, they conflict with the interlocking test rules for open contacts. After adjusting switches or replacing equipment on-site, an interlocking signal confirmation test is required. Compared to open contacts, sealed contacts cannot individually disconnect internal switch contacts. If on-site maintenance personnel disconnect the contact wiring to conduct interlocking tests, according to maintenance rules, disconnecting and reconnecting the wires requires cable calibration, and the on-site team considers disconnecting and reconnecting to pose a safety hazard. Therefore, sealed contacts encounter the problem of not being compatible with indoor interlocking tests during their promotion.

[0004] Currently, there is no good solution on the market for the inability to perform interlocking tests on sealed contacts. Utility Model Content

[0005] A brief overview of the present invention is given below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects thereof. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the present invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Its purpose is merely to present certain concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a switch machine assembly is provided. The switch machine assembly is arranged within a switch machine and includes: a sealed contact having multiple leads; and a plurality of disconnectable terminals, each disconnectable terminal including a disconnect handle. The multiple leads of the sealed contact are electrically connected to the plurality of disconnectable terminals, which are configured to perform an interlocking test by disconnecting the disconnect handle without breaking the connection to the sealed contact.

[0007] This configuration allows interlocking tests to be conducted without compromising sealing and without disconnecting wiring, thus maintaining the reliability and maintenance-free advantages of sealed contacts while meeting the requirements of interlocking tests in railway signaling systems.

[0008] Sealed contacts may include multiple independent contacts.

[0009] By incorporating multiple independent contacts within a sealed structure, the switch machine assembly can handle a variety of functions.

[0010] The break handle can be a rotary handle, a plug-in handle, or a spring-loaded handle.

[0011] These handle types provide a simple and reliable method for disconnecting terminals during interlocking tests, allowing for a fast and efficient testing procedure without compromising the integrity of the sealed contacts.

[0012] The number of leads in a sealed contact can be equal to the number of multiple disconnectable terminals.

[0013] The one-to-one correspondence between leads and disconnectable terminals ensures a clear and orderly connection scheme, facilitating maintenance and troubleshooting.

[0014] The detachable terminals are suitable for mounting on 35mm DIN rails.

[0015] Compatibility with standard 35mm guide rails allows for easy integration into existing switch machine installations and ensures consistency with industry standards.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a switch machine is provided. The switch machine includes switch machine components according to any of the foregoing aspects.

[0017] By adopting improved switch machine components, the entire switch machine benefits from enhanced reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved compatibility with interlocking test procedures, resulting in a more efficient and safer railway signaling system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this utility model will be more readily understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of this utility model in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are merely for illustrating the principles of this utility model. In the drawings, the same or similar technical features or components will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch machine assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a switch machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0022] 100 switch machine components 102 Sealed contacts 103 lead 104 Detachable terminal 20 switch machine Detailed Implementation

[0023] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Various processes or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as needed in the various examples.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0025] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations are open terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" mean "at least one embodiment". The term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other definitions, whether explicit or implicit, may be included below. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, the definition of a term shall remain consistent throughout the specification.

[0026] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a switch machine assembly and a switch machine including the switch machine assembly are provided. The switch machine assembly and switch machine of this invention possess the advantages of high reliability and low maintenance due to sealed contacts, and can also perform interlocking tests without disconnecting the wiring, reducing the complexity of the testing process and improving the overall safety of the switch machine system.

[0027] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a switch assembly installed within a switch machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a switch machine assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the switch assembly 100 includes a sealed contact 102 and a plurality of disconnectable terminals 104.

[0029] The sealed contact 102 has multiple leads 103, and the disconnectable terminal has a disconnect handle (not shown). The multiple leads 103 of the sealed contact 102 are electrically connected to multiple disconnectable terminals 104. The disconnectable terminal is used to perform interlocking tests by disconnecting the disconnect handle without breaking the connection with the sealed contact.

[0030] The other end of the detachable terminal 104 can be connected to an external motor or indoor interlocking equipment of the switch machine to realize the functions of disconnecting the load, reversing the motor, and sending indication signals to the indoor interlocking equipment, which will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0031] The switch machine assembly according to embodiments of this disclosure employs sealed contacts, which improves reliability by protecting the contacts from environmental factors common in railway environments such as dust, moisture, and vibration. This sealing significantly reduces the risk of contact failure due to contamination or corrosion, extends operational life, and reduces maintenance requirements.

[0032] Disconnectable terminal blocks utilize mature products, featuring measurable and disconnectable terminals with a disconnect handle. The characteristics of disconnectable terminal blocks include high reliability, strong maintainability, and, more importantly, the ability to completely replace existing terminal blocks without altering the original structural dimensions. This eliminates significant redesign work, maintains product consistency, avoids redundant verification of other functions, and allows for easy and efficient interlocking tests without compromising the integrity of the sealing contacts, reducing maintenance time and complexity.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment according to this disclosure, the sealed contact comprises multiple independent contacts. This configuration provides greater flexibility in switch machine control, allowing for separate control of different aspects of switch operation. The independent contacts can be used for different functions, such as position sensing, motor control, motor commutation, or signal transmission, all integrated within a single sealed unit.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment according to this disclosure, the disconnect handle is a rotary handle, a plug-in handle, or a spring-loaded handle, providing flexibility in the design and operation of the disconnectable terminal, with each design offering different trade-offs between ease of use, connection security, and durability.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment according to this disclosure, the number of leads in the sealed contact is equal to the number of the plurality of disconnectable terminal blocks. This one-to-one correspondence ensures a direct and clear connection between each contact and its corresponding terminal. It simplifies the wiring process, reduces the possibility of errors during installation or maintenance, and facilitates easier troubleshooting.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment according to this disclosure, the detachable terminal block is suitable for mounting on a 35mm DIN rail. This feature ensures compatibility with standard industrial mounting systems and facilitates component installation and replacement.

[0037] The switch machine assembly and switch machine according to the embodiments of this disclosure have at least one of the following technical advantages:

[0038] The sealed contact design significantly improves the reliability and durability of switch machine components. Sealed contacts are protected from environmental factors common in railway environments such as dust, moisture, and vibration, greatly reducing the risk of contact failure due to contamination or corrosion, extending operational life, and reducing maintenance requirements.

[0039] The introduction of a disconnectable terminal block with a disconnect handle allows for easy and efficient interlocking tests without compromising the integrity of the sealing contacts. This design eliminates the need to disconnect wiring directly from the sealing contacts, a significant drawback of previous designs. Now, maintenance personnel can perform necessary tests and experiments simply by operating the disconnect handle, reducing the time and complexity of maintenance procedures.

[0040] By allowing interlocking tests without disconnecting the sealed contact wiring, the risk of wiring errors during maintenance is significantly reduced. In previous solutions, disconnecting and reconnecting wires could lead to errors, potentially causing system failures or safety issues. The new design minimizes this risk, improving the overall safety and reliability of the switch machine system.

[0041] This solution maintains compatibility with standard 35mm guide rails, allowing for easy integration into existing switch machine setups. This compatibility ensures that new components can be retrofitted into current systems without requiring large-scale modifications to the overall infrastructure, thereby reducing implementation costs and complexity.

[0042] By combining the advantages of sealed contacts (reduced maintenance, extended service life) with the practicality of disconnectable terminals, this approach offers a cost-effective solution. It overcomes the limitations of open contacts (requiring frequent maintenance) and fully sealed systems (difficult to test), potentially reducing long-term operating costs for railway operators.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of a switch machine 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the switch machine 20 includes the components described above. Figure 1 The switch assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0045] To highlight the key points, Figure 2 The diagram only shows the switch machine 20 including the switch machine assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, omitting other components included in the switch machine 20.

[0046] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the switch machine employs improved switch machine components, resulting in enhanced reliability, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved compatibility with interlocking test procedures, thereby achieving a more efficient and safer railway signaling system.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0048] Not all units in the above structural diagrams are necessary; some units can be omitted as needed. The device structures described in the above embodiments can be physical structures or logical structures. That is, some units may be implemented by the same physical entity, or some units may be implemented by multiple physical entities, or they may be jointly implemented by certain components in multiple independent devices.

[0049] The above description of this disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Nouns and pronouns relating to persons in this patent application are not limited to specific genders.

Claims

1. A switch machine assembly (100), arranged inside a switch machine, characterized in that, The switch machine assembly (100) includes: A sealed contact (102) having multiple leads (103); and Multiple disconnectable terminals (104), each disconnectable terminal (104) including a disconnect handle, The multiple leads (103) of the sealed contact (102) are electrically connected to the multiple disconnectable terminals (104), which are configured to perform interlocking tests by disconnecting the disconnect handle without disconnecting the connection to the sealed contact.

2. The switch machine assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealed contact (102) includes multiple independent contacts.

3. The switch machine assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disconnect handle can be a rotary handle, a plug-in handle, or a spring-loaded handle.

4. The switch machine assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of leads of the sealed contact (102) is equal to the number of the plurality of disconnectable terminals (104).

5. The switch machine assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable terminal (104) is suitable for mounting on a 35mm guide rail.

6. A switch machine (20), characterized in that, Includes the switch machine assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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