Portable control unit for a drive of a track control device in a rail network

Abstract

Portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a track control device (1) in a rail network, in particular for a drive (4; 104, 204) of a switch (2), a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog point, wherein the control device (16) comprises at least: - an input terminal (21) for a supply voltage; - a frequency converter device (23) with which a single-phase or multi-phase operating voltage can be generated from the supply voltage applied to the input terminal (21), which operating voltage is optionally configured for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203), - an output terminal (18) for the generated operating voltage, to which the drive (3; 103, 203) can be connected; - a switching device (24) with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to the output terminal (18), including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage, can be controlled, and an actuating current of a drive (3; 103, 203) connected to the output terminal (18) can be controlled accordingly, the switching device (24) having at least the following control functions: - Function 1) Manual switching of the travel path setting device (1) in a first direction and manual switching of the travel path setting device (1) in a second direction, wherein according to the duration of a manual actuation of a first actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a first actuation button (WU L) of the control unit (16), an actuation current with the first direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output terminal (18), and according to the duration of a manual actuation of a second actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a second actuation button (WU R) of the control unit (16), an actuation current with the second direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output terminal (18), without prejudice to any safety shutdowns; - Function 2) Controlled changeover of the travel path setting device (1), wherein after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, in particular after a manual actuation of a third actuating button (WU) of the control device (16), an actuating current is switched to the output terminal (18) for a duration predetermined by the switching device (24), without prejudice to any safety shutdowns.

Description

The invention relates to a control device for driving a track adjusting device in a rail network, in particular for driving a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog tip.In rail networks, trains travel on rails to transport goods and passengers between different locations. For this purpose, the travel path in the rail network must be set for the trains, for which purpose various travel path setting devices, in particular switches, are used. The travel path adjusting devices are mechanically adjusted by drives, for example a switch between a first end position (for a travel to the left) and a second end position (for a travel to the right). A typical drive for a switch includes, for example, an electric motor which operates a hydraulic system with which the track-adjusting device can be changed over. The drive is actuated in the closed-loop control mode from a final control unit, wherein a single-phase or polyphase operating voltage is generally switched to the drive of the track-moving device by the final control unit for a predefined duration.The drive of a travel path control device has to be newly installed, serviced or repaired or exchanged in the event of a defect, for which purpose a technician (or a team of technicians) searches the location of the travel path control device in the rail network and carries out the works on the drive there. For these operations, the drive is typically separated from the signal box, in particular for safety reasons. In the case of a new installation of a travel path adjusting device, a control function for this travel path adjusting device may not yet be set up at all in the adjusting unit.During the re-installation, maintenance, repair or even replacement of the drive, it is generally necessary or helpful to activate the drive temporarily, for example in the context of a fault search, and in particular in order to check the mechanical coupling of the drive to the travel path adjusting device and the sequence of the changeover operation in partial regions or overall in order to an electric motor or a hydraulic system installed in the drive.In order to make this temporary operation possible, it is known for this purpose to temporarily connect the drive again to the final control unit and to ask the final control unit to activate the drive in the required manner from the final control unit. However, this is very complicated and often causes waiting times, because the generally much busy signal box must be incorporated. If the assembler wishes to check that the travel path adjusting device has reached an end position by means of the usual monitoring signal, he must request this information from the operator of the parking unit and the operator of the parking unit must read this information on his display in the parking unit and pass it through to the assembler, for example by radio or mobile telephone, which is likewise time-consuming. If the associated control function is not yet set up in the final control unit in the case of a new installation of a drive of a track-moving device, the setting up of the control function in the final control unit as such must also be waited for for the second-by-second operation of the drive of the track-moving device via the final control unit, which can delay the new installation for a long time, often over many weeks.In some drives, it is possible to connect the drive directly to a construction site generator and to bring about an activation of the drive by switching the construction site generator on and off, and thus to improve a simple manual change-over of the travel path adjusting device. However, a construction site generator is expensive and difficult to transport, and the improved manual changeover that can be achieved thereby does not correspond to the later activation within the scope of a controlled changeover by the final control unit. In addition, the reaching of end positions with the construction siteger cannot be checked in the usual manner by means of a monitoring signal.Before the travel path control device can be integrated again into the regulating operation, the drive of the travel path control device must also be tested by a prescribed test sequence, usually by carrying out a multiplicity of manual and / or controlled changes of the travel path control device with the drive according to a prescribed test sequence. To carry out these changeovers, the drive is usually connected again to the final control unit, and the final control unit controls the corresponding changeovers. The necessary integration of the floor operator is complicated and again frequently causes waiting times. In addition, information from monitoring signals about the reaching of end positions is again initially available only to the final operator, so that this information must in turn be transmitted to the assembler in a time-consuming manner or the logging must take place for this purpose by the final operator. In the case of a new installation of the drive of a travel path adjusting device, the setting up of the associated control function in the adjusting mechanism may also have to be waited for for the prescribed test sequence.From FR 1 406 992 A a switching device for an electric motor is known, with which a movable rail can be moved between two opposite extreme positions. A spring operated clutch comprising two movable members is disposed between the electric motor and the movable rail. Various limit switches are provided for control purposes.DE 10 2007 003 637 A1 relates to a method for setting an electrically locally set switch. A mobile control device carries out a determination of its current position. The determined position and a switch control command are transmitted to a switch controller of the switch via a wireless interface. If the position of the mobile control unit is within an activation range defined on a switch-specific basis, the switch controller transmits a control signal to the switch.Object of the InventionIt is the object of the invention to simplify the control of drives of travel path adjusting devices in a rail network as part of new installation, maintenance, repair or replacement of the drives.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThis object is achieved according to the invention by a portable control device for driving a track adjusting device in a rail network, in particular for driving a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog tip, wherein the control device at least comprises:an input terminal for a supply voltage;a frequency converter device with which a single- or polyphase operating voltage can be generated from the supply voltage present at the input connection, which operating voltage is optionally set up for a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction of an electric motor used in the drive,an output connection for the generated operating voltage, to which the drive can be connected;a switching device with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to the output terminal including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage can be controlled, and an actuating current of a drive connected to the output terminal can be controlled accordingly, wherein the switching device has at least the following control functions:Function 1) Manual changeover of the travel path control device in a first direction and manual changeover of the travel path control device in a second direction, wherein, in accordance with the duration of manual actuation of a first actuating function, in particular manual actuation of a first actuating button of the control unit, an actuating current is switched to the output connection with the first rotational direction established by the operating voltage, and, in accordance with the duration of manual actuation of a second actuating function, in particular manual actuation of a second actuating button of the control unit, an actuating current is switched to the output connection with the second rotational direction established by the operating voltage, undamaged possible safety shutdowns;Function 2) Controlled changeover of the travel path actuating device, wherein after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, in particular after a manual actuation of a third actuating button of the control unit, an actuating current is switched to the output connection for a duration predefined by the switching device, without damaging any safety shutdowns.With the portable control device according to the invention, an engineer can control a drive of a travel path adjusting device on site, that is to say at the site of the travel path adjusting device, himself. For this purpose, the portable control device is connected at its output connection to the drive of the travel path adjusting device instead of the adjusting mechanism. Manual changeovers according to function 1) can then be carried out by the assembler with the portable control unit, with the first actuating function in the first rotational direction of the drive, and with the second actuating function in the second rotational direction of the drive. The actuation current remains switched to the drive for as long as desired by the assembler (as preset by maintaining manual actuation). Likewise, changes according to function 2) controlled by the engineer can be carried out. After the manual triggering of the third actuation function, the actuation current (also called control signal or control current) then remains switched to the drive for a predefined duration. With function 2), the drive can be controlled in a manner that the adjusting mechanism also performs in the regulating operation. A typical duration of the actuating current, which is controlled by the actuating mechanism and can be set up by the switching device of the portable control unit, is, for example, 6 seconds.By means of the functions 1) and 2), an engineer can activate the drive without switching on the final control system operator during a new installation, maintenance, repair or on occasion of an exchange of the drive, in particular also with specification of the direction of rotation of the electric motor or the direction of change of the travel path control device (first or second direction, for example to the "left" or "right") in the case of a switch. The engineer can use the activation with the portable control device in particular for a fault search or for function tests. The control set up in the signal box is then generally no longer required by the engineer for his work. Repeated connection of the drive to the signal box and disconnections of the drive from the signal box ("temporary connection") during the new installation, maintenance or repair are no longer required. In particular, waiting times no longer arise because the assembler would have to contact the final control operator for a drive activation, and the operator would then also have to find an opportunity for the activation of the drive and would also have to perform this. In addition, in the case of a new installation of a drive of a travel path adjusting device, activation of the drive with the portable control device is even possible before the associated control function is set up in the adjusting mechanism.If problems arise during a new installation, maintenance, repair or installation, these can be quickly detected by the assembler via the immediately available activation of the drive. A prescribed test sequence necessary for starting up the track setting device including its drive (i.e. enabling the recording to take place in the regulating mode of the track traffic on the rail network) can be processed by the engineer himself with little time and in particular without any coordination effort with the final control system operator. As a result, start-ups can be achieved much more quickly than in the previous sequence involving the final control unit, estimated with a time saving of up to 80%.The portable control device, which can also be referred to as an assembly control, can achieve a time saving, in particular for maintenance workers, installers and employees. In addition, the portable control device can be used in training operations by railway personnel.Only a few and comparatively cost-effective components are required in the control device, so that the control device can be embodied as comparatively small and light, and within the scope of the invention is embodied as portable (for an engineer). The portable control device typically has a volume of 50 dm 3 or less, preferably 40 dm 3 or less, particularly preferably 30 dm 3 or less. The weight is typically 15 kg or less, preferably 12 kg or less. Typically, the control device is equipped with at least one carrying handle. The control device is preferably foldable in the manner of a case ("carrying case").The operating voltage generated by the frequency converter device is a single-phase or polyphase electrical voltage with frequencies which are required for the first or second rotational direction ("left / right rotation") of the electric motor used in the drive. The operating voltage is provided according to the requirements of the drive to be connected; depending on the type of drive, different electrical voltages in different frequency ranges can be used. The controlled drives are typically designed for a mains supply of up to 400 V and for a frequency range of up to 60 Hz. If necessary, an adapter for adaptation to a specific type of drive can be used (so-called phase connector).The operating voltage can be, for example, a three-phase alternating voltage, and the established direction of rotation of the electric motor of the drive can be determined, for example, by the direction of rotation of the three-phase alternating voltage.The switching device can be constructed essentially by means of switches and relays, including rotary switches, selector switches, buttons and contactors, and simple electronic components. Typically, various display elements are also provided, for example LED lights. The switching device preferably also comprises a programmable logic controller (=SP). If desired, the portable control device can also be used, for example by means of an PLC, to set up a chronological sequence of the running-up of the operating voltage in accordance with a control curve which is predetermined by the switching device and corresponds to a control curve of the actuation by the actuating mechanism in the regulating operation. This is preferably set up for the controlled changeover, but can also be set up for the manual changeover. As a result, a test of the drive can be carried out particularly close to the practice of the regulating operation.The portable control device can also comprise connection plugs, connection sockets and / or connection terminals in order to set up the input connection and the output connection, and optionally further measurement connections. In addition, the portable control device preferably has a protective housing which enables control elements and / or display elements to be covered during transport.The portable control device can have a wired or wireless interface for data exchange, in particular for outputting and / or logging input and / or executed control commands and optionally detected monitoring signals.The portable control device is preferably connected to a power source of 230 V AC, 50-60 Hz, for example to the public power grid. However, a connection to a rail power network or another local power source (current generators, current inverters, power packs, batteries, in particular rechargeable batteries) can also be provided.With the travel path adjusting device, which is adjustable by means of the drive between a first end position and a second end position, the travel path is mechanically set up / provided / predefined for a train in the rail network (optionally also together with further travel path adjusting devices), including the possibility of blocking the travel path. The track adjusting device can position movable rail parts, for example. The track setting device can be, in particular, a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock, a frog tip or another technical device of the rail infrastructure of the rail network.Preferred Embodiments of the InventionAn embodiment of the control device according to the invention is preferred in which the predefined duration is adjustable on the control device for function 2). Accordingly, an adaptation to a duration of a changeover operation that is customary for the travel path control device under test, as is used by the control unit in the regulating operation, can be carried out in order to obtain test conditions that are close to practice. At the latest at the end of the predetermined duration, the end position to be approached should be reached, which can be confirmed by a monitoring signal (see further below). This can be checked in a simple manner with the controlled changeover, with the correctly set duration of the changeover operation as in the control operation at the final control unit.In a preferred development of this embodiment, it is provided that the predefined duration can be changed over between at least two different, discrete time periods, in particular wherein the predefined duration can be changed over between the different, discrete time periods by means of a selection switch, and in particular wherein the predefined duration can be changed over at the control unit between at least the following different, discrete time periods:2 seconds,Time period 6 seconds.The setting of discrete time periods is simple to set up in terms of apparatus and no control of the actually set time period is required. Periods of 2 seconds and 6 seconds are particularly frequently used by actuators.In a further advantageous development, the predefined duration can be adjusted at least in a range between 1 second and 15 seconds, in particular wherein the predefined duration can be adjusted continuously on the control unit. This allows a particularly high flexibility in adapting to a duration of the change-over which is applied by the adjusting mechanism.An embodiment is particularly preferred which provides that the switching device is designed to automatically select the actuating current in function 2) with the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage in such a way that the travel path adjusting device is transferred from its last end position adopted into its other end position and / or the established direction of rotation is changed compared to the established direction of rotation of a last manual or controlled change. As a result, the controlled changeover is particularly convenient to use, in particular if many changeovers are to be carried out in rapid succession. Information about a last end position taken can be obtained, for example, by means of monitoring signals (see below). A last established direction of rotation can also be stored in the switching device.A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that control device further comprises a monitoring signal generating device, with which at least one monitoring signal, in particular a DC monitoring signal, can be provided, which can be conducted to the drive via the output connection, and with which the reaching of an end position of the travel path adjusting device can be checked. This allows a check of the reaching of the end position in a particularly simple manner, in particular even without the travel path adjusting device having to be viewed directly. Typically, when the end position is reached, a circuit for the monitoring signal is closed; for this purpose, a switch (in particular a relay) can be arranged on the travel path adjusting device for a respective end position, which switch is closed when the end position is reached. The monitoring signal can be additively superimposed on the control signal (which operates the electric motor in the drive). Preferably, a separate monitoring is set up for both end positions.A development of this embodiment is preferred, in which the control device has a display, in particular an LED light, with which it is possible to indicate on the control device that an end position of the travel path adjusting device has been reached, which end position is detected by the monitoring signal. This simplifies the control of the operator of the control unit (assembler) on site as to whether the end position has been reached. If desired, different indicators can be provided for reaching the two opposite end positions; however, usually only one (common) indicator is provided.A development is particularly advantageous in which the switching device is configured to perform a safety shutdown of the actuation current in function 1) and function 2) if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path adjusting device has reached an end position to be approached, even if the manual actuation in function 1) and the predefined duration in function 2) have not yet been completed. Overload of the drive is prevented in a simple but effective manner by the safety shutdown. In addition, energy is saved.In an advantageous further development of this development, the switching device also has the following switching function:function 3) checking the functionality of pressure relief valves,wherein, upon activation of the function 3), in particular with a fourth actuation button of the control unit, a manual change of the travel path adjusting device in the first direction or the second direction according to function 1) the actuation current is maintained even if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path adjusting device has reached the end position to be approached. Within the scope of function 3), it is possible to overload the electric motor in a targeted manner despite the normally set-up safety shutdown in order to test the function of overpressure valves of a hydraulic system of the drive. The pressure relief valves open (when they are correctly functioning) in the event of a slight overloading of the drive, typically a few seconds after reaching the end position, in order to protect the drive from damage. Opening the pressure relief valves produces a sound that is well audible to an engineer. If the opening of the pressure relief valves cannot be effected within a few seconds after reaching the end position within the scope of the manual changeover using the function 3), the engineer knows that he has to wait the pressure relief valves and optionally readjust them.In a further advantageous development, it is provided that the control device has two first measurement connections, in particular first measurement sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a first end position of the travel path control device can be measured, and that the control device has two second measurement connections, in particular second measurement sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a second end position of the travel path control device can be measured. With the measuring connections, possible electrical problems in the monitoring signal circuits can be detected, for example, contamination at (ohmic) contacts. If necessary, maintenance may be caused to reliably hold the end position check via the monitoring signals. It should be noted that the circuits of the monitoring signals, insofar as they extend in the drive and the travel path adjusting device, are also used by the adjusting unit in the regulating operation.An embodiment is preferred in which the control device is formed in a carrying case, in particular wherein the carrying case has a volume of 40 dm 3 or less, preferably 30 dm 3 or less. The arrangement of the control unit in a compact carrying case facilitates the transport of the control unit by the assembler. Typically, an operating console of the control device is accessible by folding open the carrying case. As a result, the operating elements are well protected from damage during transport.In a preferred embodiment, the control device has a first, second and third actuation button for at least the first, second and third actuation functions. This allows simple operation and is cost-effective to implement.Control Unit Arrangement According to the InventionFurthermore, a control device arrangement for a plurality of drives of the same travel path adjusting device in a rail network, in particular for a plurality of drives of the same switch, comprising a master control device and at least one slave control device, wherein the master control device and the at least one slave control device are each designed as a portable control device according to the invention described above, and further wherein the master control device has a forwarding device, by means of which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation functions carried out on the master control device and manual triggering of the third actuation function, referred to below as control commands, can be reported to the at least one slave control device, and wherein the at least one slave control device has a takeover device, with which the control commands can be obtained from the relay device and can be relayed to the switching device of the respective slave control device for execution. With the control device arrangement, a travel path adjusting device which is equipped with a plurality of drives, for example a switch having a plurality of switch drives, can be changed over in a simple and comfortable manner. For example, long switches for high-speed trains generally require a plurality of drives in order to change over the switch. The drives of the travel path adjusting device can be activated jointly (synchronized) via the master control unit. Preferably, the slave control units also report the reaching of the (local) end position back to the master control unit, and the master control unit indicates the reaching of the (local) end position in the slave control units with display elements on the master control unit. It should be noted that the activation of the drives at the master control device and at the slave control devices can often also take place with a slight time offset.An embodiment of the control device arrangement according to the invention is advantageous in which the relay device and the respective take-over device are configured for wireless communication, in particular by radio. This simplifies the establishment of the communication between the control units of the control unit arrangement. Alternatively, a wired communication can also be set up between the relay device and the take-over device.Uses of the InventionThe scope of the present invention also includes the use of an inventive, above-described portable control unit or an inventive, above-described portable control unit arrangement, wherein the portable control unit is connected to a drive of a travel path control device in a rail network or the master control unit and the at least one slave control unit are each connected to another drive of the same travel path control device in a rail network, and wherein a plurality of manual changeovers and / or controlled changeovers of the travel path control device takes place with the portable control unit or the master control unit in a test sequence. With the portable control device or the master control device and the at least one slave control device, the drive or the drives can be activated in a simple manner, in particular without involvement of a signal box, but if desired in accordance with the control by a signal box, as would take place in a regulating operation. The portable control device is typically moved by an engineer to the location of the travel path control device and there locally connected to the drive of the travel path control device to be checked for carrying out the test sequence. The test sequence can be defined by the engineer; alternatively, the test sequence can also be partially or completely predefined by regulations, in particular startup test regulations. If desired, the test sequence can be programmed in the portable control device and the control device is configured for automatic execution of the test sequence. While the portable control device is connected to the drive, the drive is typically completely separated from the adjusting mechanism and its operating currents.A preferred variant of the use according to the invention provides that the input connection for a supply voltage of the portable control unit or of the master control unit and of the at least one slave control unit is connected to:a mains voltage of 230 V AC of a public mains supply, ora mains voltage of a railroad power system, ora current inverter, ora mobile current generator, ora powerpack, ora battery system. The portable control device can basically be used with any desired current sources. Typically, the portable control device is designed for a 230 V, 50-60 Hz input voltage. For the use of a direct current source (for instance a battery system), the portable control device can additionally comprise an inverter.A variant is particularly advantageous which provides that an adjusting force measuring device is provided for at least one drive, wherein a measurement sensor of the adjusting force measuring device is arranged on a connecting unit between the drive and the travel path adjusting device, and that during the test sequence measurements of adjusting forces are carried out with the adjusting force measuring device during the adjustments of the travel path adjusting device and are logged with the adjusting force measuring device. By means of the adjusting force measuring device, in cooperation with the portable control device, the function of the drive can be checked in a practical manner when the travel path adjusting device is actuated. In this case, logging of the check, which is prescribed in many cases, can be carried out in a simple manner as a prerequisite for the (re)integration of the travel path adjusting device, including its drive or drives thereof, into the regulating operation of the railway traffic on the rail network.Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those set out further below can be used according to the invention individually or together in any desired combinations. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as a final enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for describing the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DRAWINGFIG. 1 illustrates, by way of example and schematically, a travel path adjusting device, here a switch, having a drive which is operated with a portable control device according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portable control unit according to the invention; FIG. 3 schematically shows a perspective external view of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention in a carrying case, with the carrying case closed; FIG. 4 schematically shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the carrying case open; FIG. 5 schematically shows an external perspective view of a displacement force measuring device for the invention; FIG. 6 illustrates, by way of example and schematically, a track switch device, here a switch, having a plurality of drives which are operated with a control device arrangement according to the invention; FIG. 7 schematically and by way of example illustrates an operating console of an embodiment of a portable control unit according to the invention, having a rotary controller for setting a predefined duration of the actuating current when the travel path adjusting device is changed over in a controlled manner; FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an operating console of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention, having a slide switch for switching a predefined duration of the actuating current when the travel path adjusting device is switched over in a controlled manner.FIG. 1 schematically shows a track adjusting device 1 in a rail network. The track-adjusting device 1 is designed here as a switch 2. A train (not shown) coming from the left in FIG. 1 can, depending on the setting of the switch 2, continue to travel straight ahead with respect to its direction of travel (to the left-hand side route, rails 7, 8) or turn to the right (to the right-hand side route, rails 5, 6).The switch 2 can be switched over between two end positions by a drive 3, here a switch drive 4. In a first end position, the train is continued straight ahead (first end position / switch position "left"). In a second end position, the train is continued to turn to the right (second end position / switch position "right"). During the switching-over, the two rails 5 and 6 are shown somewhat simplified here with their left-hand ends in FIG. 1 moved substantially transversely to the local direction of extension of the rails 5, 6, 7, 8. The drive 3 has an electric motor 9 which actuates a hydraulic system 10 of the drive 3 which in turn moves a first linkage 11. The hydraulic system 10 can comprise, in particular, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic block, hydraulic high-pressure lines and hydraulic cylinders with pistons, which transmit pressure forces to a mechanism in order here to transmit forces to the first linkage 11 (the hydraulic system is not illustrated in any more detail). The first linkage 11 is coupled to the track-adjusting device 1 via a connecting unit 12, here to a second linkage 13, which in turn is coupled to the two rails 5, 6.In the illustrated example, an adjusting force measuring device 14 is also arranged on the travel path adjusting device 1. A measurement sensor 15 of the adjusting force measuring device 14 is installed on the connecting unit 12, with which the force exerted by the drive 3 on the travel path adjusting device 1 can be measured and recorded as a function of time.The drive 3 is in turn connected to a portable control device 16. Via a connecting cable 17 which is connected to an output connection 18 of the control unit 16, the drive 3 receives actuating current (also referred to as operating current) from the portable control unit 16. The actuating current is based on a single- or polyphase operating voltage generated by the control unit 16, by means of which a direction of rotation of the electric motor 9 of the drive 3 and thus a direction of the change-over of the track-adjusting device 1 (in a first direction into the first end position or in a second direction into the second end position) is also predefined. Via the same connecting cable 17, on the same lines as the actuating current, monitoring signals which check the reaching of the end positions of the travel path adjusting device 1 can also be forwarded to the drive 3 and checked.The portable control device 16 is embodied here in a carrying case 19. When the carrying case 19 is open, an operating console 20 of the control unit 16 is accessible to an engineer.A connecting cable 22 is connected to an input connection 21 of the control unit 16, which is connected here to the public power supply network (230V AC, 50-60 Hz) by a plug (e.g. a Schuko plug) (the latter not shown in more detail).By means of the portable control unit 16, the drive 3 of the track-setting device 1 can be activated on site by an engineer without the aid of the signal box or the signal box operator. In fact, during the use of the portable control unit 16 for controlling the drive 3, the drive 3 is separated from the signal box, and in particular from the operating currents of the signal box. The switch 2 can be changed over by the assembler in a manner required for an pending maintenance, a repair (including fault finding), an installation or a prescribed test sequence (for re-operation). In this case, a manual changeover and a controlled changeover can be used, and, in addition, further functions of the control unit 16 can also be used if appropriate (see also in this respect in FIG. 7 ).FIG. 2 shows very schematically the essential components of an exemplary portable control unit 16 according to the invention.Connected here via a connecting cable 22, an input voltage is present at an input connection 21, for example from a public supply network (230 V AC, 50-60 V, not shown in more detail). The input terminal 21 is connected to a frequency converter device 23, which generates a three-phase alternating voltage ("three-phase current") here as operating voltage from the alternating voltage provided at the input terminal 21, in this case single-phase alternating voltage, in accordance with the specifications of a switching device 24. The specification of the switching device 24 also comprises a direction of rotation of the generated phases of the three-phase operating voltage in order to specify a direction of rotation at the electric motor of the connected drive. The frequency converter device 23 is typically designed for a maximum power of 5-10 kW, preferably 8 kW.The operating voltage is applied to an output terminal 18 according to the specifications of the switching device 24. The drive of the travel path adjusting device is connected to the output connection 18 via a connecting cable 17 (the latter not shown in more detail). The output connection 18 can be configured, for example, by connection terminals and / or a three-phase socket.The switching device 24 has various operating elements and display elements, for example operating buttons and LED lights (not shown in more detail, but see FIG. 7 ).A monitoring signal generating device 26 also generates two DC monitoring signals here, which are likewise conducted to the drive via the output connection 18. These can be used to electrically check the reaching of the end positions of the travel path adjusting device.For operation of the portable control unit 16 as a master control unit, the control unit 16 has a relay device 27 which, here, transmits control commands input at the control unit 16 (for example at an operator console of the switching device 24) by radio to one or more remote slave control units with a radio module integrated into the relay device 27. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the relay device 27 also has a connection 27 afor a cable connection, with which control commands can alternatively be relayed from the relay device 27 to one or more remote slave control devices in a cable-bound manner.For operation of the portable control unit 16 as a slave control unit, the control unit 16 additionally has a take-over device 28, which here can receive control commands transmitted by radio from a remote master control unit using a radio module integrated into the take-over device 28 and can pass them on to the switching device 24. In addition, in the embodiment shown, the take-over device 28 also has a connection 28 afor a cable connection, with which control commands from a remote master control device can alternatively be fed to the take-over device 28 in a cable-bound manner and passed on to the switching device 24.The portable control device 16 according to the invention is accommodated in a carrying case 19 in a preferred embodiment shown here. FIG. 3 shows the control device 16 when the carrying case 19 is closed and FIG. 4 when the carrying case 19 is open.With the carrying case 19 closed, typical dimensions for length L, width B and height H are 36 cm≤L≤56 cm, preferably 42 cm≤L≤50 cm, furthermore 27 cm≤B≤40 cm, preferably 30 cm≤B≤37 cm, and furthermore 10 cm≤H≤22 cm, preferably 14 cm≤L≤18 cm. The volume of the carrying case is preferably 50 dm 3 or less, preferably 40 dm 3 or less, most preferably 30 dm 3 or less. A typical weight of the control unit 16 together with the carrying case 19 is 15 kg or less, preferably 12 kg or less.When the carrying case 19 is open, i.e. its upper flap 31 is folded upwards / backwards, an operating console 20 becomes accessible, on which various operating elements, display elements and / or connections are set, depending on the embodiment. In the closed state of the carrying case 19, the control panel 20 is well protected from mechanical damage.FIG. 5 schematically shows a displacement force measuring device 14 for use with the invention. The adjusting force measuring device 14 has a measurement sensor 15 which is arranged on a connecting unit (coupling device) between the drive and the travel path adjusting device. In the illustrated design, the adjusting force measuring device 14 can also be opened, and in the opened state, various control elements and display elements are accessible. With the adjusting force measuring device 14, forces detected at the measuring sensor 15 can be measured and recorded as a function of time. Typically, measured values can be temporarily stored in the adjusting force measuring device 14 for at least one test sequence, preferably a plurality of test sequences. Measurement values of the power measuring device 14 can typically be displayed on an optical display of the power measuring device 14, and / or digitally read out by a connected computer via a data socket, e.g. a USB connection, on the power measuring device 14, and / or digitally transmitted wirelessly to a remote computer.FIG. 6 shows schematically and by way of example a track switch device 1 here in the form of a switch 2 which requires (for example on account of its large length) two drives 103, 203, here in the form of switch drives 104, 204. The drives 103, 203 together move the rails 5, 6 and in the process engage locally at different points along the rails 5, 6. The drives 103, 203 respectively change over local rail parts of the rails 5, 6 between local end positions. Each drive 103, 203 is also assigned its own local adjusting force measuring device 14 (see above).In the context of reinstallation, maintenance, repair or replacement of the drives 103, 203, a control device arrangement 60 is used for controlling the drives 103, 203 according to the invention, which control device arrangement comprises two portable control devices 16 here, namely a master control device 61 and a slave control device 62. The master control device 61 controls the drive 103 here, and the slave control device 62 controls the drive 203. If control commands are input at the master control unit 61, these are activated at the drive 103 on the one hand and transmitted with a relay device of the master control unit 61 here by radio to a take-over device of the slave control unit 62 on the other hand. The control commands received from the take-over device of the slave control unit 62 are then also controlled at the drive 203.It should be noted that, alternatively, the control commands can also be transmitted by cable via an electrical line (not shown in more detail).FIG. 7 shows schematically and by way of example an operator console 20 of a portable control unit according to the invention, with which a travel path setting device, here a switch, is actuated (cf., for example, FIG. 1 in this respect).The control device is connected to the public power network via an input connection, not shown in FIG. 7.Furthermore, the control device is connected via an output connection to the drive of the travel path adjusting device to be controlled (the latter not shown in more detail). This can be configured via the connection terminals 70 configured on the control panel 20, or via a plug connection configured on the outer side of the carrying case, for example a commercially available three-phase flush box (not shown in more detail).To activate the control unit, in the illustrated design a first actuation button WU L and a second actuation button WU R are simultaneously pressed for three seconds. Alternatively, a separate actuation button can also be provided for switching on the control unit. When the control device is switched on, the LED light ON lights up in the field Master.At the operating console 20, a manual change-over of the travel path adjusting device in a first direction (toward the first end position / toward the left switch position) can take place as function 1 via the manual actuation of the first actuating button WU L. The actuating current or the operating voltage, respectively, set up for the first direction of rotation required for this for the electric motor, is maintained as long as the first actuating button WU L remains pressed, but longest until the first end position has been reached. The latter can be detected by a monitoring signal.In a corresponding manner, by manually operating the second operating button WU R, a manual change-over of the travel path adjusting device in a second direction (toward the second end position / toward the right switch position) can take place. The actuating current or the operating voltage, respectively, set up for the second direction of rotation required for this for the electric motor, is maintained as long as the second actuating button WU R remains pressed, but longest until the second end position has been reached. The latter can in turn be detected by means of a monitoring signal.In a function 2), a controlled changeover of the travel path adjusting device can take place. After manual triggering (brief pressing) of a third actuating button WU, the actuating current or the operating voltage is maintained for a predefined duration, but longest until the end position has been reached. The latter can be detected by a corresponding monitoring signal. The predefined duration (also referred to as the changeover time or drive changeover time) is predefined here on the operator console 20 by means of a selection element USZ, in this case a rotary controller 71 a. The change-over time can be selected (continuously set) arbitrarily here with the rotary controller 71 abetween one second and 15 seconds; in the depicted state, a change-over time of one second is selected. In function 2), the actuating current or the operating voltage is set up here in each case such that a direction of rotation set up in the case of a last changeover of the switch is reversed in the case of the current controlled changeover. Alternatively to a rotary regulator, a slide regulator can also be used, for example.The control device of the control panel 20 is used here as a master control device. If the actuation current is just switched on during function 1) or function 2), the LED light Run lights up in the field Master. As soon as the end position of the travel path adjusting device has been reached, the LED light EP in the field Master lights up.On the display element UvA, the current currently drawn by the frequency converter device (in particular a power stage of a current inverter) can be displayed during a changeover. This makes it possible to detect whether current peaks occur during the course of the changeover of the switch at specific times (that is to say at different points of the adjustment path), which peaks indicate increased friction. The display element UvA can display the current in an analog or digital manner depending on the design.A function 3) can be triggered by the fourth actuation button ÜDT being additionally pressed during the actuation of the function 1) by the actuation buttons WU L or WU R. In this case, the actuating current for the drive or the operating voltage does not switch off when the end position is reached, but rather remains active. As a result, the pressure in the hydraulic system of the drive rises. If the function is correct, pressure relief valves of the hydraulic system should then open after a few seconds, which the engineer can easily hear. If the pressure relief valves do not open within the expected time, the assembler aborts the pressure relief test and subjects the pressure relief valves to maintenance and / or readjustment, optionally also to replacement.Via the two first measuring connections M 1, here designed as measuring sockets, a resistance measurement of the monitoring circuit for the first monitoring signal can take place, which checks that the travel path adjusting device has reached the first end position. Via the two second measuring connections M 2, here likewise embodied as measuring sockets, a resistance measurement of the monitoring circuit for the second monitoring signal can take place, which checks that the travel path adjusting device has reached the second end position.The control device of the control panel 20 can be connected here to up to eight slave control devices. In the associated fields S 1 to S 8, it is respectively indicated via the LED lights Run that a drive controlled by the respective slave control device is currently receiving actuating current, and it is indicated via the LED lights EP that the end position of the travel path adjusting device has been locally reached in each case. The latter information is fed back here from the slave control units to the master control unit.The actuation button NOT of the operator console 20 can be used to switch off the control unit of the operator console 20 in an emergency manner. The operating voltage is then immediately switched off at the output connection (here at the connection terminals 70 and the plug connection, if present), in particular wherein the power stage of the frequency converter device is switched off and disconnected from the output connection.In the embodiment shown, the control device also switches off automatically if no change-over of the travel path setting device on the control panel 20 is actuated for more than 5 minutes. Alternatively, the control device can also be switched off by pressing the actuation button NOT.FIG. 8 shows, by way of example, an operator console 20 of a portable control unit according to the invention, with which a travel path setting device, in this case a switch, is actuated, in a similar manner to that illustrated in FIG. 7. Only the essential differences will be explained.In the illustrated configuration, in the function 2), the predetermined period of application of the operating current to the output terminal is selected from two discrete periods of time by a simple selection switch 71 b. The one selectable time duration here is two seconds, the other selectable time duration six seconds. The selection switch 71 bis designed here as a slide switch; alternatively, a tap changer, a rocker switch or switching panel can also be provided, for example. Instead of two selectable specific time periods, three or more selectable specific time periods can also alternatively be provided.In summary, the invention relates to a portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a track setting device (1) in a rail network, comprisinga frequency converter device (23), with which a single- or polyphase operating voltage can be generated from a supply voltage present at an input connection (21), which operating voltage is optionally set up for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203),a switching device (24), with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to an output connection (18), including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage, can be controlled, and an actuating current of a drive (3; 103, 203) connected to the output connection (18) can be controlled accordingly, at least with the following control functions:function 1) manual change-over of the travel path adjusting device (1) in a first and second direction, wherein an actuating current is switched to the output connection (18) with the first or second rotational direction established by the operating voltage in accordance with the duration of a manual actuation of a first or second actuating function;Function 2) Controlled changeover of the travel path adjusting device (1), wherein, after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, an actuating current is switched to the output connection (18) for a duration predefined by the switching device. The invention simplifies the control of the drive in the context of reinstallation, maintenance, repair or replacement.List of reference characters1 Track-adjusting device 2 Switch 3 Drive 4 Switch drive 5- 8 Rails 9 Electric motor of the drive 10 Hydraulic system 11 First linkage 12 Connecting unit 13 Second linkage 14 Actuating force measuring device 15 Measuring sensor of the actuating force measuring device 16 Portable control device 17 Connecting cable 18 Output connection 19 Carrying case 20 Operating panel 21 Input connection 22 Connecting cable 23 Frequency converter device 24 Switching device 26 Monitoring signal generating device 27 Relay device 27 aConnection for cable connection to the relay device 28 Take-over device 28 aConnection for cable connection to the take-over device 30 Carrying handle 31 Flap 60 Control device arrangement 61 Master control device 62 Slave control device 70 Connecting terminals (of the output connection) 71 a Rotary controller for change-over time 71 bSelector for change-over time 103 Drive (on the master control unit) 104 Switch drive (on the master control unit) 203 Drive (on the slave control unit) 204 Switch drive (on the slave control unit) B Width EP LED light for end position reaches H Height L Length Master display field for functions of the master control unit M 1 First measurement connections M 2 Second measurement connections NOT Actuating button for emergency shutdown ON LED light for control unit in the switched-on state Run LED light for applied actuating current S 1-S 8 Display fields for functions of the connected slave control units UDT Fourth actuating button for overpressure test USZ Selection element for the changeover time UvA Display element for changeover operation WU Third actuating button for changeover operation Controlled Changeover WU L First Operating Button for Manual Changeover (to the left) WU R Second Operating Button for Manual Changeover (to the right)

Claims

Portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a track-setting device (1) in a rail network, in particular for a drive (4; 104, 204) of a switch (2), of a hold-down device, of a track lock or of a movable frog tip, wherein the control device (16) at least comprises: - an input connection (21) for a supply voltage; - a frequency converter device (23), with which a single- or polyphase operating voltage can be generated from the supply voltage present at the input connection (21), said operating voltage being selectively configured for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203), - an output connection (18) for the generated operating voltage, to which the drive (3; 103, 203) can be connected; a switching device (24), with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to the output connection (18), including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage, can be controlled, and correspondingly an actuating current of a drive (3; connected to the output connection (18); 103, 203), wherein the switching device (24) has at least the following control functions: - function 1) Manual switching of the travel path device (1) in a first direction and manual switching of the travel path device (1) in a second direction, wherein, corresponding to the duration of a manual actuation of a first actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a first actuation button (WU L) of the control unit (16), an actuation current is switched to the output connection (18) with the first rotational direction established by the operating voltage, and, corresponding to the duration of a manual actuation of a second actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a second actuation button (WU R) of the control unit (16), an actuation current is switched to the output connection (18) with the second rotational direction established by the operating voltage, irrespective of any safety shutdowns that may be present; Function 2) Controlled changeover of the travel path actuating device (1), wherein, after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, in particular after a manual actuation of a third actuating button (WU) of the control unit (16), an actuating current is switched to the output connection (18) for a duration predefined by the switching device (24), without damaging any safety shutdowns.Control device (16) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the predefined duration can be adjusted on the control device (16) for the function 2).Control device (16) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the predefined duration can be changed over between at least two different, discrete time periods, in particular wherein the predefined duration can be changed over between the different, discrete time periods by means of a selection switch (71b), and in particular wherein the predefined duration can be changed over at the control device (16) between at least the following different, discrete time periods: - time period 2 seconds, - time period 6 seconds.Control device (16) according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the predefined duration can be adjusted at least in a range between 1 second and 15 seconds, in particular wherein the predefined duration can be adjusted continuously on the control device (16).Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (24) is designed to automatically select, in the function 2), the actuating current with the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage in such a way that the travel path adjusting device (1) is transferred from its last assumed end position into its other end position and / or the established direction of rotation is changed compared to the established direction of rotation of a last manual or controlled change.Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that control device (16) furthermore has a monitoring signal generating device (26), with which at least one monitoring signal, in particular a DC monitoring signal, can be provided, which can be conducted to the drive (3; 103, 203) via the output connection (18), and with which the reaching of an end position of the travel path adjusting device (1) can be checked.Control device (16) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the control device (16) has a display, in particular an LED light (EP), with which it is possible to display an end position of the travel path adjusting device (1) which has been detected by means of the monitoring signal on the control device (16).Control device (16) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the switching device (24) is configured to perform a safety shutdown of the actuating current in the function 1) and the function 2) if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path adjusting device (1) has reached an end position to be approached, even if the manual actuation in function 1) and the predefined duration in function 2) have not yet been completed.Control device (16) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the switching device (24) furthermore has the following switching function: - Function 3) checking the functionality of pressure relief valves, wherein, when the function 3) is activated, in particular with a fourth actuating button (ÜDT) of the control device (16), the actuating current is also maintained manually by switching the travel path actuating device (1) in the first direction or the second direction in accordance with Function 1), if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path actuating device (1) has reached the end position to be approached.Control device (16) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the control device (16) has two first measurement connections (M1), in particular first measurement sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a first end position of the travel path control device (1) can be measured, and in that the control device (16) has two second measurement connections (M2), in particular second measurement sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a second end position of the travel path control device (1) can be measured.Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (16) is formed in a carrying case (19), in particular wherein the carrying case (19) has a volume of 40 dm 3 or less, preferably 30 dm 3 or less.Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (16) has a first, second and third actuating button (WU L, WU R, WU) at least for the first, second and third actuating functions.Control device arrangement (60) for a plurality of drives (103, 203) of the same travel path adjusting device (1) in a rail network, in particular for a plurality of drives (104, 204) of the same switch (2), comprising a master control device (61) and at least one slave control device (62), wherein the master control device (61) and the at least one slave control device (62) are each designed as a portable control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, and further wherein the master control device (61) has a forwarding device (27), by means of which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation functions carried out on the master control device (61) and manual triggering of the third actuation function, referred to below as control commands, can be reported to the at least one slave control device (62), and wherein the at least one slave control device (62) has a take-over device (28), with which the control commands can be obtained from the relay device (27) and can be relayed to the switching device (24) of the respective slave control device (62) for execution.Control device arrangement (60) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the forwarding device (27) and the respective take-over device (28) are set up for wireless communication, in particular by radio.Use of a portable control device (16) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 or of a control device arrangement (60) according to one of Claims 13 or 14, wherein the portable control device (16) is connected to a drive (3) of a track-adjusting device (1) in a rail network or the master control device (61) and the at least one slave control device (62) are each connected to another drive (103, 203) of the same track-adjusting device (1) in a rail network, and wherein a multiplicity of manual changeovers and / or controlled changeovers of the track-adjusting device (1) takes place with the portable control device (16) or the master control device (61) in a test sequence.Use according to Claim 15, characterized in that the input connection (21) for a supply voltage of the portable control unit (16) or of the master control unit (61) and of the at least one slave control unit (62) is connected to: - a mains voltage of 230 V AC of a public supply network, or - a mains voltage of a railroad power network, or - a power inverter, or - a mobile current generator, or - a powerpack, or - a battery system.Use according to either of Claims 15 and 16, characterized in that an adjusting force measuring device (14) is provided for at least one drive (3; 103, 203), wherein a measurement sensor (15) of the adjusting force measuring device (14) is arranged on a connecting unit (12) between the drive (3; 103, 203) and the travel path adjusting device (1), and in that measurements of adjusting forces are carried out during the test sequence with the adjusting force measuring device (14) during the adjustments of the travel path adjusting device (1) and are logged with the adjusting force measuring device (14).

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