Railway switch with a splitting mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a railway switch having an actuating apparatus (AMSM) which is configured to actuate the railway switch via an actuating slider. The railway switch has a splitting mechanism with a spring element (FE) that is configured to protect the railway switch drive from damage after splitting via the actuating slider. The spring element (FE) comprises a structural unit or an assembly having a torsion spring (TF) and optionally a further torsion spring (WTF) and a bending spring (BF). The torsion spring (TF) and the bending spring (BF) are mechanically coupled to one another in a torsionally rigid manner such that a torque on account of a force being introduced into the bending spring (BF) in a manner perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotation spring is transmitted between the rotation spring and the bending spring (BF). The invention further comprises an actuating apparatus (AMSM) for a railway switch.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Switch with ramp mechanism

[0003] The invention relates to a switch with an actuating device which is designed to actuate the switch with a drive via an actuating slide, the switch having a travel mechanism with a mechanical coupling and a spring element, the coupling being designed to decouple the drive from the actuating slide when the actuating slide leaves a desired position when traveling up, and the spring element being designed to couple the drive to the actuating slide when the actuating slide is in the desired position. The invention also relates to an actuating device for a switch, having a spring element, the actuating device being designed to be installed in a fallback switch according to one of the preceding claims.

[0004] When a train is driven over a switch from an unpredictable direction, a movable switch drive must allow the movement of the switch blades forced by the approaching wheel, starting at a specified drive force, without causing any damage. This drive mechanism must also be reversible, so that the switch drive is subsequently ready for use again and can return to its original end position or be guided back. These properties are provided by a switch fallback function, which can be implemented by a switch drive.

[0005] A mobile switch is described, for example, in WO 9629227 A1. When the switch, which is normally controlled by the switch machine (only possible when controlling switch tongues, not possible when controlling a frog), is moved up, considerable forces are introduced into the switch machine from the switch side via the control slide. As soon as the holding force of a holding coupling on the control slide is exceeded, the control slide starts moving in one direction or the other under the influence of the external force acting on it (depending on the end position from which the switch is moved up). The blocking slide is moved out of the recess against the force of a pressure spring acting on it via start-up bevels on the blocking slide and corresponding start-up bevels on a recess in the control slide.If the locking slide is finally fully disengaged from the recess of the adjusting slide, the axial fixing of the adjusting slide is removed, so that it can follow the further movement of the switch tongue which has been moved away by the opening.

[0006] The impact mechanism used can, for example, use a coil spring or a stack of disc springs held in a suitable housing that stores energy to reset the switch when it is opened. In the impact mechanism, the impact force must overcome a resistance force that is determined, for example, by a preload force via an adjusting screw. In the impact mechanism, a vertical force resulting from the preload force is transferred to the control slide. Accordingly, the resistance force to be overcome is ideally a function of the vertical force and the friction coefficient on the control slide.

[0007] Both the vertical force of the impact coupling and the friction coefficient vary over time (corrosion, contamination, wear). The adjusting screw is subject to settling effects, which can lead to a loss of force. The friction coefficient on the adjusting slide depends on many parameters, including the lubricant condition, the surface quality of the friction contact, and coatings.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a switch with a ramp mechanism which ensures that the ramp mechanism's properties remain as constant as possible over the operating time with regard to the forces required for ramping up.

[0009] This task is carried out with the

[0010] The subject matter of the claim (switch) is achieved according to the invention in that the spring element consists of a structural unit or an assembly comprising a torsion spring and a bending spring, wherein the torsion spring and the bending spring are mechanically coupled to one another in a torsionally rigid manner in such a way that a torque is transmitted between the rotation spring and the bending spring due to a force introduction into the bending spring perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotation spring.

[0011] A structural unit exists when the torsion spring and the spiral spring are permanently connected to one another (for example by welding). An assembly exists when the torsion spring and the spiral spring represent two components that are connected to one another, for example by a detachable splined shaft connection. In any case, the connection between the spiral spring and the torsion spring is torsionally rigid. In the context of the invention, this means that a bending moment that is introduced into the torsion spring via the spiral spring is transferred completely or at least predominantly to the torsion spring. Of course, every connection between two components is not absolutely rigid.What is meant, however, is a connection whose elasticity is negligibly small compared to the technical spring properties of the torsion spring and the bending spring (elasticity which is described by a spring constant CB of the bending spring, CT of the torsion spring) and can therefore be technically described as rigid.

[0012] In the context of this invention, torsionally rigid also means that a torque, for example due to a force being introduced into the spiral spring perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotational spring, can actually be transferred between the rotational spring and the spiral spring. The advantage of the rigid connection is that the forces introduced into the spring element lead to a deformation of the spring element as a whole without friction losses (which would have a damping effect). This can also reduce wear effects that would negatively influence the properties and thus the behavior of the drive mechanism during operation. The advantageous consequence is that the spring element has consistent properties even over longer periods of operation, which in particular reduces the maintenance effort for the point drive.

[0013] The spring element, consisting of a torsion spring and a bending spring, also represents the central functional element of a very compact structural mechanism, whereby the required spring stiffness, i.e., a sufficiently soft spring, is achieved by a mechanical coupling of the torsion spring and the bending spring. This mechanical coupling causes the springs to be connected in series, so that the spring stiffness of the spring element is reduced compared to the torsion spring and the bending spring, considered individually, according to the formula:

[0014] CR = (CB • CT) / (CB + CT) with

[0015] CR resulting spring stiffness

[0016] CB spring stiffness of the bending spring

[0017] CT spring stiffness of the torsion spring

[0018] This advantageously results in a division of tasks within the spring element. The torsion spring can be designed to be comparatively soft, primarily to absorb the energy introduced into the spring element when the adjusting slide is opened. The bending spring must deform sufficiently to allow the spring element to be released from the receptacle provided in the adjusting slide (e.g., recess). The deformation of the torsion spring can also play a supporting role here.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the spiral spring is coupled with a free end to the adjusting slide in such a way that a displacement of the adjusting slide bends the spiral spring.

[0020] In other words, this means that a displacement of the adjusting slide must act in a direction that causes a deflection of the bending spring in the direction of deformation (more on this below). This advantageously allows a design of the

[0021] This is possible thanks to a travel mechanism which is geometrically very simple and therefore particularly robust.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical coupling is formed by a positive connection between the free end of the spiral spring and the adjusting slide.

[0023] A positive connection has the advantage that the spring element can be easily mounted in the opening mechanism. A mechanical coupling to the control slide is then also easily possible and reversible, i.e., the mechanical coupling can be released and subsequently re-established when the switch is opened.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the free end of the bending spring engages in a recess in the adjusting slide.

[0025] In other words, this means that the control slide is arranged in such a way that the end of the bending spring projects into a direction of movement (normally linear) of the control slide. This causes the bending spring to move along with the control slide when the switch is opened. The deformation of the bending spring (and the torsion spring) then causes the end of the bending spring to move out of the recess, thereby creating a mechanical decoupling between the spring element and the control slide. This protects the control device from mechanical damage.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the free end of the spiral spring has play in the recess.

[0027] A recess that allows for play between the control slide and the spring element facilitates movement between these two components, as long as there is still a mechanical connection between the two components in the direction of movement of the control slide when the switch is opened. Specifically, the spiral spring can, as it bends, undergo an angular change between its end and the control slide without the two components becoming jammed. This allows the behavior of the spring element during opening to be better predicted, and wear during opening is advantageously reduced.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one roller is attached to the end of the spiral spring, which roller is designed to support itself on the spiral spring when the switch is opened.

[0029] The addition of a roller advantageously reduces friction as the end of the spiral spring moves out of the recess. Even if the spiral spring subsequently moves relative to the control slide as the switch continues to open, i.e., during a further linear movement of the control slide, while the spiral spring has already moved out of the recess, the roller, as it rolls along the control slide, reduces the friction between the end of the spiral spring and the control slide. In this way, wear can be advantageously further reduced.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring is designed as a torsion bar.

[0031] Torsion springs designed as torsion bars have advantageous design features that make the spring insensitive to stress concentrations during deformation. This allows the spring to reliably fulfill its function even over extended periods of use. For example, torsion springs have a reduced-diameter torsion zone that transitions into a thickened portion at the ends of the torsion bar. This thickened portion serves to mechanically connect the ends of the torsion bar to adjacent components (in this case, a clamping element in the housing and a connection to the bending spring).

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the torsion spring is held in a torsionally rigid manner with a fixed end in a holder of the adjusting device. This advantageously ensures that the torsion spring exhibits highly predictable spring behavior. The torsionally rigid holder in the adjusting device creates mechanically predictable conditions in this regard. As already mentioned, such a holder is not absolutely torsionally rigid, but compared to the spring stiffness of the torsion spring, it can be described as torsionally rigid from a technical perspective.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the torsion spring is connected with a coupling end in a torsionally rigid manner to a coupling end of the bending spring, forming a coupling point.

[0034] The torsionally rigid connection between the respective coupling ends of the spiral spring and the torsion spring also creates clear and easily predictable conditions. The division of functions between the two springs—namely, the spiral spring bends primarily and the torsion spring twists primarily—is determined by the design when a load is transferred to the spring by the adjusting slide during opening.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bending spring and the torsion spring, in the relaxed state, form the legs of a right angle in the coupling point.

[0036] This geometric design of the spring element advantageously ensures that the introduction of a torsional moment into the torsion spring by the bending spring at the coupling point can occur with a comparatively high degree of mechanical certainty. Naturally, when the torsional torque is introduced, the torsion spring is also subjected to a transverse force, which will lead to a certain bending of the torsion spring. However, due to its geometry, the deformation of the torsion spring will primarily be characterized by torsion, which is why it technically exhibits the properties of a torsion spring.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that on the opposite side of the bending spring, a further torsion spring is connected, which lies on the same torsion axis as the torsion spring.

[0038] In other words, the spring element created in this way has the shape of a large T, with the bending spring being the vertical beam of this T and the torsion spring being the crossbeam of the T. This arrangement has the advantage that the introduction of a bending moment at the ends of the two torsion springs takes place simultaneously. From a mechanical point of view, the two torsion springs therefore also form a bending beam which is loaded in the middle and firmly clamped at both ends. This structure is considerably stiffer with regard to the introduced bending moment than if only one torsion spring was connected at the coupling point to the end of the bending spring. Therefore, the restriction of the stress on the torsion spring to torsion can advantageously be even more effectively isolated from unwanted bending stress.

[0039] As mentioned, the two torsion springs are firmly clamped at their respective opposite ends. This creates a parallel connection of the torsion springs, so that their individual spring stiffnesses must be halved compared to the desired spring stiffness of the torsion spring assembly in order to achieve the desired resulting overall spring stiffness of the torsion spring combination.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the bending spring and the adjusting slide form the legs of a right angle when the switch is not in the open state.

[0041] This advantageously creates well-defined kinematic relationships between the bending spring and the control slide when the switch is opened. The control slide then engages with its connection point at a right angle to the end of the bending spring with regard to its direction of movement and can deform this in a defined manner. At the same time, the bending spring transfers a torsional moment to the torsion spring connected to the coupling point. The bending spring oscillates in the lateral direction of the control slide and at the same time away from it, thus releasing the mechanical connection between the spring element and the control slide (at least in the axial direction of the control slide).

[0042] The stated object is alternatively achieved according to the invention with the subject matter of the claim specified at the outset (adjusting device) in that the spring element consists of a structural unit or an assembly comprising a torsion spring and a bending spring, wherein the torsion spring and the bending spring are mechanically coupled to one another in a torsionally rigid manner in such a way that a torque is transmitted between the rotation spring and the bending spring due to a force being introduced into the bending spring perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotation spring.

[0043] The adjusting device allows the advantages already explained in connection with the switch described in more detail above to be achieved. The information provided regarding the switch according to the invention also applies accordingly to the adjusting device according to the invention.

[0044] Further details of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing. Identical or corresponding elements of the drawings are provided with the same reference numerals and are explained repeatedly only to the extent that differences arise between the individual figures.

[0045] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another. These features also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus to be considered as part of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described components can also be combined with the features of the invention described above.

[0046] Shown are: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the switch according to the invention with its functional relationships schematically,

[0047] Figure 2 shows a spring element schematically in a three-dimensional view, as it can be installed in an embodiment of the switch according to the invention or the actuating device according to the invention,

[0048] Figure 3 schematically shows a section showing a locking mechanism between the spring element with its bending spring and the adjusting slide, whereby these two components are shown in different stages of opening and in the closed (installed) state,

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show examples of spring elements whose spiral springs are provided with rollers at the free end to reduce friction in the RT grid and during parallel displacement of the spring element and the adjusting slide,

[0050] Figure 6 shows a switch drive with an embodiment of the actuating device according to the invention in a first drive end position with the locking device according to the invention in a first position - equipped with a further embodiment of a spring element in the form of a T.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a switch in a conventional manner as a schematic view from above. Rails SN can be seen on the switch which define a first track FW1 and a second track FW2. The first track FW1 is the one which, when the switch is set accordingly, leads away from the track in a curve, while the second track FW2 runs straight ahead. In order to set the switch, a switch machine 1 is provided with a control slide 14 which can be moved in the lateral direction LR and is attached to an inner switch blade WZ1 and an outer switch blade WZA. In this way, the switch blades can be deformed, whereby the tracks FW1, FW2 are set (the target positions of the control slide can be seen in Figure 1 as they are predetermined by the end positions of the switch blades, which are indicated by solid lines for the first track and by dash-dotted lines for the second track).Figure 1 shows the position for the first track FW1, with the position of the switch blades for the second track FW2 being indicated by dotted lines.

[0052] For additional guidance, check rails RDL and a frog HZ are provided on the switch. These reduce the risk of a vehicle derailing at the switch. This applies in particular when the switch is crossed by a vehicle from a first approach direction AFR1 along the first track FW1 or from a second

[0053] A track FW2 is driven onto in the direction of travel AFR2. A track drive occurs when a vehicle approaches from the second approach direction AFR2 even though the switch has set the first track FW1, or the other way around, a vehicle approaches from the approach direction AFR1 even though the switch has set the track FW2. Whilst the tracks FW1 and FW2 can be used in both directions (double arrow), the approach directions AFR1 and AFR2 only apply from the end of the switch to the frog, as a switch cannot be driven onto from the start of the switch (in this direction the track FW1 and FW2 is defined by the position of the switch blades WZ I and WZA).

[0054] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the spring element according to the invention. This consists of a torsion spring TF and a spiral spring BF, which are connected to one another at a coupling point KPS. The coupling point consists, for example, of a splined shaft connection (not shown in detail), but could also consist of an interference fit or be a welded connection. In any case, the coupling end of the torsion spring KPT is connected at the coupling point KPS to the coupling end KPB of the spiral spring BF in such a way that the introduction of an upward force F in the control slide, which is introduced at a right angle (angle 5) to the course of the spiral spring BF, transmits a torque M to the torsion spring TF. For a length 1 of the spiral spring BF, the torque is:

[0055] MF • 1 The force F is introduced at the free end of the bending spring ERB. Since the torsion spring is clamped with a free end of the torsion spring FTT in a holder HT of the switch machine 1 (not shown in detail), this will result in torsion of the torsion spring TF and bending of the bending spring BF (the torsion spring TF will also bend to a certain extent, although this actual deformation is not taken into account in the model analysis according to Figure 2).

[0056] Figure 2 shows a torsion angle a resulting from a torsion of the torsion spring TF. In addition, the bending spring BF bends along a bending line BL, which is drawn in Figure 1 taking into account the torsion angle a. It can be seen in Figure 2 that in the lateral direction LR, in which the impact force F also acts, a deflection of the free end of the bending spring ERB occurs by an amount x, which results from a superposition of the torsion of the torsion spring TF by an amount

[0057] 1 • sin a and the displacement v of the bending spring at the free end ERB ( which is included in the displacement x with an amount of v • sin a ) .

[0058] The deformation of the spring also causes the free end of the bending spring ERB to deflect perpendicular to the lateral direction LR by the amount y, which is why it moves away from the control slide and in this way a mechanical decoupling of these two components can occur (more on this below). At the same time, the spring element FE stores energy through the deformation so that after the point drive is to be put back into operation, the spring element FE is absorbed back into the control slide to create a mechanical coupling. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of how a drive can occur. The mechanical coupling in Figure 3 is provided by a recess VT into which the bending spring BF projects with its free end FRB, forming a play SP.The play SP is necessary so that when the adjusting slide 14 is moved in the lateral direction LR, a tilting movement of the free end FRB of the spiral spring BF can occur without the end FRB of the recess VT becoming jammed. This is shown in Figure 3, where the spiral spring BF is shown in state a undeformed and in state b slightly deformed during the opening. In state b, the free end FRB of the spiral spring BF is supported on the edge of the recess VT and, due to the play SP, is slowly pressed out of the recess VT without jamming.

[0059] Upon further travel in the lateral direction LR, the bending spring, as shown in state c, detaches completely from the recess VT and rests on an upper side OS of the adjusting slide 14. The adjusting slide 14 can now slide under the bending spring BF, allowing the switch to be opened without damaging other parts of the switch drive 1 via a mechanical coupling.

[0060] Figures 4 and 5 show that the free end FRB of the spiral spring BF can be provided with a roller RL in order to prevent the friction that occurs when the spiral spring BF is pulled out of the recess VT (state b according to Figure 3) as well as when the spiral spring BF slides on the upper side OS of the adjusting slide 14 (state c according to Figure 3). For better understanding, the free end FRB of the spiral spring BF is shown in section so that the rollers RL with their bearings LG can be seen.

[0061] Figures 4 and 5 differ in that in Figure 4, two rollers RL are arranged at the edges of the spiral spring perpendicular to the lateral direction, with one or the other of the rollers being used depending on the direction of travel. In Figure 5, a central roller is arranged that is sufficiently large to support travel in both directions. The recess VT is accordingly adapted to the roller RL.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the point machine 1 with an actuating device AMSM consisting of a drive module AM ​​and an actuating module SM in a first drive end position, from which it can be transferred to a second drive end position. The point machine 1 according to the invention can be positioned to the right or left of a point on a track and is suitable for connection to movable point parts that can be moved back and forth, namely both point tongues and a movable frog (the drive mechanism according to the invention, however, only functions when mounted on point tongues). In the following, it is therefore assumed that the point machine 1 is connected to two point tongues of a point (see Figure 1).

[0063] A drive housing 2 of this point machine 1 consists of a preferably metallic housing pan 3 and a crush-resistant and non-crashable cover (not shown here), both of which together accommodate essential parts of the point machine. A drive motor 4 of a drive module AM, designed for example as a three-phase motor, moves a ball screw drive 8 via a gear stage 5 with a pinion, an intermediate gear and a large gear or a chain drive (both not shown in detail). This ball screw drive 8 consists of a spindle 7, a spindle nut guided on the spindle 7 and an adjustable actuating force coupling 6 surrounding the spindle nut. The actuating force coupling 6 acts on a drive mechanism 9 (also called a holding coupling device) of a setting module SM. The drive mechanism 9 comprises a coupling housing 10 and an adjustable holding coupling 11 which accommodates the spring element according to the invention.

[0064] When the drive motor 4 starts up, the actuating force coupling 8, which surrounds the spindle nut and is guided in a rotationally secure manner, moves from the illustrated first end position, in which it rests against a stop 12 of the coupling housing 10, over a free travel in an actuating direction RI on the spindle 7 until it reaches a stop 13 of the coupling housing 10 of the actuating module SM. This coupling housing 10 is structurally combined with the adjustable retaining coupling 11 of the drive mechanism 9.

[0065] The holding coupling 11 is positively connected to a control slide 14 of the switch drive 1 via the detent RT (see Figures 3 to 5). Until the stop of the

[0066] When the actuating force coupling 6 is pushed against the stop 13 of the coupling housing 10, the latter is taken from the illustrated first end position to the left in the actuating direction RI and, via the retaining coupling 11, moves the actuating slide 14 from the illustrated first end position, in which the actuating slide is largely located in the drive housing 2, into a second end position, in which it is furthest extended from the drive housing. Not illustrated here, the switch blades WZ1, WZA (see Figure 1), which can be moved back and forth in the actuating direction RI or R2, are connected to the end of the actuating slide 14 via an external lock.

[0067] When the point machine 1 returns to the first drive position shown in Figure 6, the actuating force coupling 6 first passes through the free space (free travel) between the stops 13 and 12 of the coupling housing 10 and, in doing so, takes the control slide 14 with it via the coupling housing 10 and the holding coupling 11 up to the stop 12. The respective end position reached by the control slide 14 and the respective position of the movable point blades controlled by the control slide 14 are monitored in the point machine 1 and reported to a control station. The monitoring process in detail will be explained later.

[0068] The holding coupling 11 is designed to protect the point machine 1 from damage when the point is opened. The holding coupling 11 responds and releases the control slide 14 when the point is opened and high forces are applied to the point machine 1 from the outside. The process of opening a point will be discussed in more detail later. The control slide 14 is fixed in its two end positions by a force and a form fit. This is achieved by a first locking slide 15 and a second locking slide 16 of a locking device referred to as a whole as SPV, wherein the first locking slide 15 can fall into a corresponding first recess (not shown here) in the control slide 14 and wherein the second locking slide 16 can fall into a corresponding second recess (likewise not shown) in the control slide 14.This occurs under the influence of spring devices, each of which is formed by two coil springs (not shown).

[0069] In the first drive end position of the point machine 1 shown in Figure 6, the locking slide 15 has fallen into the first recess (not shown) of the adjusting slide 14 under the influence of the helical springs of the spring device. In the process, a first drive contact (not shown) changed its switching position and interrupted the supply current circuit for the drive motor 4. When the point machine 1 is reversed into the second drive end position, wherein the locking slide 15 is disengaged from the first recess of the adjusting slide 14 and the first drive contact is reversed again, the locking slide 16 falls into its associated second recess, also not shown, of the adjusting slide 14, as soon as this recess is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the locking slide 16.In this case, a second drive contact which corresponds to the first drive contact and is controlled by the locking slide 16, changes its position and in turn interrupts the supply current circuit for the drive motor 4. Since this clearly limits the travel of the setting slide 14, an adjusting movement can be carried out in order to re-establish a positive connection between the driving mechanism and the setting slide 14 after the switch has been moved up (more on this below) and the holding coupling 11 has been released as a result. This is achieved in that the holding coupling 11 is always closed again when the driving mechanism 9 runs through the entire travel limited by the stops 12 and 13 and in the process passes the recess VT. In addition to the setting slide 14 for moving the switch tongues back and forth, the switch drive 1 according to the invention also has a test slide arrangement 21 with two test slides.One of the two test slides is visible in Figure 1 and is designated by the reference numeral 22. It is - not shown here - hinged to the adjacent switch blade of the switch not shown (cf. Figure 1). The other of the two test slides is arranged underneath and is therefore not visible. It is - also not shown here - hinged to the remote switch blade of the switch. The two test slides 22 serve to report the actual position of the switch blades controlled by the control slide 14 back to the switch machine 1. In this way, the breakage of the control slide 14, the loss of articulation of the control slide 14 to the switch blades or the breakage of the switch blades themselves can be detected. For this purpose, the test slides 22 are each hinged to one of the switch blades of the outdoor system to be moved.They are moved back and forth in the drive housing 2 in a similar way to the control slide 14, but not driven by the drive motor 4 like the control slide 14, but driven by the respective switch tongue to be monitored.

[0070] The drive housing 2 has a prepared installation space for the test slide assembly 21 to the left and right of the control slide 14. The installation of the test slide assembly 21 in one of the prepared installation spaces depends on the position of the switch drive 1 relative to the switch. The test slide assembly 21 is to be installed on the side of the control slide 14 that faces the switch tongue tips.

[0071] In the drive end position shown in Figure 6, it is assumed that not only has the setting slide 14 reached the first of its end positions in a predetermined manner, but that the switch tongues moved by it have also reached their first predetermined end position. If this is the case, one test slide 22 linked to the adjacent switch tongue is in a first end position, and the other test slide linked to the remote switch tongue is in a first end position. In the drive end position not shown in Figure 6 (other switch position), an analogous configuration results. If the switch is moved to the open position, the positions reported by the test slides 22 deviate from the target position associated with the current switch position. This can detect a switch being moved to the open position. This can generate an error message so that maintenance and safety measures can be initiated for the switch to prevent accidents.After maintenance of the switch, which also includes closing the holding coupling 11 as described above, the switch can be released for operation again, provided that no damage has occurred.

[0072] When the point controlled by the point machine 1 is opened (only possible when controlling point blades, not possible when controlling a frog), after a point lock has been released, considerable forces are introduced into the point machine 1 from the point side via the control slide 14. As soon as the holding force of the holding coupling 11 is exceeded, the control slide 14 starts moving in one direction or the other under the effect of the force acting on it from the outside, to the left in the present illustration in Figure 6. The spring element FE is disengaged from the recess VT of the control slide.

[0073] Figure 6 shows an alternative design of the retaining coupling compared to the geometric shape of the spring element FE shown in Figure 2. The spring element FE according to Figure 6 has a T-shaped configuration, whereby, according to Figure 6, the T is viewed from above, so to speak. The torsion spring TF and a further torsion spring WTF form the crossbeam of the T, which is firmly clamped at the edge in the upper region of the tubular coupling housing 10. In the middle, the bending spring BF is fastened to the two coupling ends of the torsion spring TF and the further torsion spring WTF pointing towards the center and projects downwards in the perspective shown, where the free end of the bending spring BF engages in a recess of the adjusting slide 14 in the manner described for Figures 3 to 5. List of reference symbols

[0074] AM drive module

[0075] SM actuator module

[0076] AMSM adjusting device

[0077] RT detent

[0078] WZ I inner switch tongue

[0079] WZA outer switch tongue

[0080] RDL handlebars

[0081] FE spring element

[0082] TF torsion spring

[0083] WTF additional torsion spring

[0084] BF bending spring

[0085] SN rail

[0086] LR lateral direction

[0087] FW1 ... FW2 track

[0088] AFR1 ... AFR2 Driving direction

[0089] HZ heart

[0090] SP game

[0091] RL role

[0092] LG storage

[0093] FRB free end bending spring

[0094] FTT fixed end torsion spring

[0095] KPT coupling end torsion spring

[0096] KPB coupling end bending spring

[0097] KPS coupling point

[0098] HT bracket

[0099] OS top

[0100] VT deepening

[0101] F Driving force v Displacement of the bending spring due to F x Resulting displacement in the direction of F y Resulting displacement perpendicular to F a Torsion angle in the direction of F ß Torsion angle (opposite direction)

[0102] Y right angle between torsion spring and

[0103] Bending spring 5 right angle between bending spring and

[0104] control slide

[0105] BL bending line of the bending spring

[0106] 1 switch machine

[0107] 2 Drive housing of the switch machine 1

[0108] 3 Housing tray of the drive housing 2

[0109] 4 electric motor

[0110] 5 gear stage

[0111] 6 ball screw

[0112] 7 spindle

[0113] 8 Actuating force coupling

[0114] 9 Holding coupling device

[0115] 10 Clutch housing of the holding clutch device 9

[0116] 11 Holding clutch of the holding clutch device 9

[0117] 12 , 13 Stops of the clutch housing 10 for the

[0118] Actuating force coupling 8

[0119] 14 control slides

[0120] 15 , 16 locking slide

[0121] 17 , 18 spring devices with two

[0122] Screw springs

[0123] 19 , 20 guide bolts

[0124] 21 Test slide arrangement with two test slides

[0125] 22 test slides of the test slide arrangement

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switch with an actuating device (AMSM) which is configured to actuate the switch with a drive via an actuating slide (14), wherein the switch has a launching mechanism with a mechanical coupling and a spring element (FE), wherein • the clutch is designed to decouple the drive from the actuating slide (14) when the actuating slide (14) leaves a target position during approach, • the spring element (FE) is configured to couple the drive to the actuating slide (14) when the actuating slide (14) is in the target position, characterized in that the spring element (FE) consists of a unit or assembly comprising a torsional spring (TF) and a bending spring (BF), wherein the torsional spring (TF) and the bending spring (BF) are mechanically torsionally rigidly coupled to each other, such that a torque is transmitted between the bending spring and the bending spring (BF) due to a force being introduced into the bending spring (BF) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotational spring.

2. Switch according to claim 1 characterized in that the bending spring (BF) is coupled to the actuating slide (14) at a free end in such a way that a displacement of the actuating slide (14) during approach bends the bending spring (BF).

3. Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanical coupling is formed by a positive locking between the free end of the bending spring (BF) and the actuating slide (14).

4. Switch according to claim 3, characterized in that the free end of the bending spring (BF) engages in a recess (VT) in the actuating slide (14).

5. Switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the free end of the bending spring (BF) has play (SP) in the recess (VT).

6. Switch according to one of claims 3-5, characterized in that at least one roller (RL) is attached to the end of the bending spring (BF), which is designed to support itself on the bending spring (BF) when the switch is driven up.

7. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion spring (TF) is designed as a torsion bar.

8. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion spring (TF) is held with a fixed end in a torsionally rigid manner in a holder (HT) of the actuating device (AMSM), in particular of the drive.

9. Switch according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the torsion spring (TF) is rigidly connected to a coupling end of the bending spring (BF) by forming a coupling point (KPS).

10. Switch according to claim 9, characterized in that a further torsion spring (WTF) is attached to the opposite side of the bending spring (BF), which lies on the same torsion axis as the torsion spring (TF).

11. Switch according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the bending spring (BF) and the torsion spring (TF) form the legs of a right angle in the coupling point (KPS) in the relaxed state.

12. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending spring (BF) and the actuating slide (14) form the legs of a right angle in the switch's unmoved state.

13. Actuating device (AMSM) for a switch, comprising a drive and a spring element (FE), wherein the actuating device (AMSM) is configured to be installed in a switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (FE) consists of a unit or assembly comprising a torsional spring (TF) and a bending spring (BF), wherein the torsional spring (TF) and the bending spring (BF) are mechanically torsionally rigidly coupled to each other, such that a torque is transmitted between the bending spring and the bending spring (BF) due to a force being introduced into the bending spring (BF) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotational spring.

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