Device and method for indicating the position of the frog of a railroad switch

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for indicating the position of a switch frog (2) of a switch (3) that can be switched between a first and a second travel path (4, 5), wherein the switch frog (2) is adjustable between a first end position and a second end position, comprising a portable sensor unit (11) which has at least one sensor (131, 132) for detecting the position of the switch frog (2) and for each sensor (131, 132) a fastening means (141, 142) for detachably mounting the sensor (131, 132) on or next to the switch frog (2), and a portable display unit (12) connected to the sensor unit (11) which has at least one optical display (171, 172) that can be arranged next to or between the rails (16) of the switch (3) for indicating the position of the switch frog (2) detected by the at least one sensor (131, 132). The invention further relates to a method (25) for indicating the position of the switch frog (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for indicating the position of a switch frog of a switch that can be switched between a first and a second route, wherein the switch frog is adjustable between a first end position in which the first route is released and the second route is blocked, and a second end position in which the second route is released and the first route is blocked.

[0002] Adjustable frogs between (at least) two end positions are frequently used on turnouts that are traversed at high speed and / or have a small turnout angle ("slim turnouts"), firstly to prevent the wheels of a train from running onto the frog point and secondly to ensure the most closed possible rail profile on the respective rail leg of the frog, thus enabling the most uninterrupted contact of the wheels when passing the frog and thereby protecting the turnout and the running gear of the train.

[0003] In normal operation, the frog of the turnout is usually moved together with, or synchronously with, the switch blade. The position of the entire turnout is determined and displayed based on the position of the switch blade, which is detected by so-called end-position sensors. The end-position sensor signals the detected position of the switch blade to a signal box, which then either clears or blocks the respective route. This is generally indicated by signal lights permanently mounted next to or above the track. The position of the frog is not displayed separately.

[0004] In construction site operations, the simultaneous or synchronous adjustment of the switch blade and frog is often not guaranteed, for example, if the switch itself is being serviced or is still under construction. Furthermore, the electrical connection to the signal box is frequently interrupted during construction site operations, meaning the signal lights do not indicate the switch position at all—or not reliably. For this reason, the position of the frog is checked visually during construction site operations by the driver of a (construction) vehicle or by a person stationed next to the switch. This requires construction vehicles to drive very slowly, at low speed, in the area of ​​the frog, which delays construction work.

[0005] Nevertheless, especially in poor visibility conditions, e.g., due to precipitation, mirages, or driver glare, it is often difficult to discern the final or intermediate position of the switch frog, even more so with small switch angles where the frog's final positions differ only slightly. This creates a risk of misidentification and resulting personal injury and property damage.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to increase safety in the switch area during construction site operations and to accelerate the operation of an established construction site.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a device mentioned at the outset, comprising a portable sensor unit, which has at least one sensor for detecting the position of the switch frog and for each sensor a fastening means for detachably mounting the sensor on or next to the switch frog, and a portable display unit connected to the sensor unit, which has at least one optical display that can be arranged next to or between the rails of the switch for displaying the position of the switch frog detected by the at least one sensor.

[0008] With its portable sensor and display units, the device according to the invention can be easily transported, e.g., in a case or bag, and quickly mounted on a switch, for example, to secure a construction site. When mounted, the at least one sensor detects the switch frog position separately, i.e., completely independently of any end-position sensors on the switch blade, for example, one of the two end positions and / or an intermediate position. The at least one optical display immediately and reliably shows the detected position to construction site personnel and the driver of a (construction) vehicle, so that every (construction) vehicle can pass the switch frog safely and quickly, and no personnel need to be stationed near the switch frog for visual inspection. As a result, the device according to the invention increases safety in the switch area during construction site operations and speeds up construction site operations themselves.

[0009] The sensor unit and the display unit, i.e., their sensor(s) and optical display(s), can be powered via the mains electricity supply. To enable particularly flexible and mobile operation of the device, it is advantageous if the device also includes a self-contained power supply unit for the sensor unit and the display unit. This avoids long cable runs and complex installation of the device and ensures a reliable display of the current switch point position even in the event of a (temporary) power outage.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means of the sensor unit includes a magnet or a clamp for quick mounting of the respective sensor. Using the magnets and / or clamps, the sensor(s) can be easily and quickly mounted and dismounted, making the sensor unit quick and easy to use and particularly mobile.

[0011] The sensor (or at least one sensor) can be mounted in many locations near the frog, e.g., on (wing) rails, sleepers, track fasteners, the superstructure, etc. In a favorable embodiment, the sensor (or at least one sensor) can be detachably mounted on a stop for one of the frog's end positions. The stop allows the sensor to be mounted particularly close to the frog, thus enabling especially precise detection of its position. Furthermore, the stop is easily accessible, which facilitates the (dis)assembly of the sensor.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the sensor unit comprises a contact sensor, distance sensor, and / or proximity sensor as sensor(s). Such sensors are space-saving, reliable, and durable, especially in harsh outdoor construction site environments.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor unit has one or more sensors each for the left and right sides of the switch frog, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rail. In this arrangement, the position of the switch frog is detected from two sides simultaneously, e.g., by means of distance and / or proximity sensors or alternately by means of contact sensors, thereby achieving high accuracy and / or increased reliability of the device through redundancy.

[0014] The display unit can be freestanding, for example, mounted on integrated feet, i.e., without being fixed to the tracks or a mast. Alternatively, the display unit can have a mounting device for each optical indicator, allowing for detachable installation next to or between the rails of the turnout, for example, to be temporarily anchored to the tracks during construction work. In this way, the optical indicator is stably positioned directly on the track, without the risk of a passing train changing its position. For quick mounting of the optical indicator, a mounting device with a magnet or a clamp can preferably be provided.

[0015] For clear indication of the switch frog position, it is advantageous if the display unit has one or more lights as visual indicators. Lights, especially LED lights, can provide a high directional light intensity, so that they are reliably perceived even in poor visibility conditions, e.g., in fog, and / or at greater distances, e.g., over 70 m. Using flashing lights, colors, and / or indicator symbols, lights can clearly indicate the switch frog position. It is preferred if at least one of the lights is designed to emit light in two opposite directions in order to indicate the switch frog position to (construction) vehicle operators in both directions of travel.

[0016] In a favorable embodiment, the display unit has one or more optical indicators for the left and right sides of the switch frog, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rail. In such an arrangement, the position of the switch frog is displayed on two sides simultaneously, e.g., alternately, for example, if only the indicator light on the cleared or locked side illuminates, or simultaneously with different symbols indicating the switch frog position (such as arrows or the like) or with different colors, etc. This further increases the visibility and reliability of the display unit.

[0017] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided, which comprises: Detachable mounting of at least one sensor of a portable sensor unit next to or on the frog of the switch using a fastening means of the sensor unit for each sensor; arrangement of at least one optical display of a portable display unit connected to the sensor unit next to or between the rails of the switch; detection of the position of the frog of the switch by means of the at least one sensor; and display of the position of the frog of the switch detected by the at least one sensor by means of the at least one optical display.

[0018] Regarding the advantages and preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, reference is made to the above statements concerning the device according to the invention.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1a switch with an adjustable frog, the position of which is indicated by means of a device according to the invention, in a top view; Fig. 2 an enlarged section A of the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 section A of the Fig. 1 with a different position of the switch frog; Fig. 4 the switch and the switch frog of the Fig. 3 in a perspective view in the longitudinal direction of the rails; and Fig. 5 a method according to the invention for indicating the position of the switch frog of the Fig. 1 to 4 in a flowchart.

[0020] The Fig. 1 to 4Figure 1 shows a mobile device 1 which displays the position of a switch frog 2 in a switch 3 during construction work on the switch 3. The switch 3 can be switched between a first route 4 (here: between the switch beginning 3A and the lower switch end 3E,u, i.e., from the main track to the branch track or vice versa) and a second route 5 (here: between the switch beginning 3A and the upper switch end 3E,o, i.e., on the main track). For this purpose, the switch 3 has a first drive 6 for adjusting the switch blade 7 and a second drive 8 for adjusting the switch frog 2. The drive 8 can adjust the switch frog 2 by bending or pivoting it between a first end position ( Fig. 2 ) and a second end position ( Fig. 3 and 4 ) adjust. In the in Fig. 2 In the first depicted end position, the switch frog 2 releases the first route 4 and simultaneously blocks the second route 5, whereas in the Fig. 3In the second end position shown, the frog 2 releases the second route 5 and blocks the first route 4.

[0021] During normal operation of switch 3, the switch blade 7 and the adjustable frog 2 are moved together or simultaneously. The position of the switch blade 7 is detected by an end-position sensor (not shown), signaled to a control unit, and usually indicated by permanently mounted signal lights (not shown). In construction work, i.e., when work is being carried out on switch 3 or on one of the routes 4 or 5, this is very often not possible. Therefore, according to... Fig. 1 In the construction site operation of the switch 3, the position of the switch frog 2 is indicated separately to the construction site personnel (here: a construction worker 9) and the driver of a (construction) vehicle (here: a train 10) by means of the mobile device 1.

[0022] The device 1 comprises a portable sensor unit 11 and a portable display unit 12 connected to it (here: via cable K; alternatively: wirelessly). The sensor unit 11 has one or more sensors 13, here: two sensors 131, 132, which detect the position of the switch frog 2, and a corresponding mounting element 141, 142 for each sensor 131 or 132. Each mounting element 141, 142 is optionally integrally formed with the respective sensor 131, 132. The respective sensors 131, 132 are detachably mounted on or next to the switch frog 2 by means of the mounting elements 141, 142 (here: on a stop 15 for the switch frog 2). The display unit 12 has one or more optical indicators 17 (here: two optical indicators 171, 172 designed as lights) arranged next to or between the rails 16 of the switch 3. The optical indicators 171, 172 show the position of the switch frog 2 detected by the sensors 131, 132.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 and 2 In the depicted case, the frog 2 is in its first end position, which is detected by at least one of the sensors 131, 132 of the sensor unit 11. The optical indicator 171 of the display unit 12, located here on the second track 5 and connected to the sensor unit 11, consequently indicates that the (here: upper) second track 5 is blocked or the (here: lower) first track 4 is released. The train 10 approaching the frog 2 from the (here: lower) switch end 3E,u can thus pass the frog 2 unhindered without danger of colliding with the frog 2 or a wing rail 18 of the switch 3. Likewise, the construction worker 9 can carry out his work without being endangered by a train approaching from the switch beginning 3A.

[0024] In the Fig. 3 and 4In the depicted case, the frog 2 assumes its second end position, in which the first route 4 is blocked and the second route 5 is clear. This is again detected by at least one of the sensors 131, 132 of the sensor unit 11, and the display unit 12 connected to the sensor unit 11 indicates this via an optical display 172 (here: located on the first route 4). In this case, the train 10 would wait and the construction worker 9 would move away from route 5.

[0025] The sensor unit 11 can have any number and type of sensors 13, which together can detect one or more end and / or intermediate positions of the switch frog 2 for the display unit 12, e.g., any combination of one or more contact, distance, and proximity sensors. In the example of the Fig. 1 to 4The sensor unit 11 has two contact sensors 131, 132, which detect the first and second end positions of the switch frog 2, respectively, by touching the frog. For this purpose, the multiple sensors 131, 132 of the sensor unit 11 are mounted on both the left side 19 and the right side 20 of the switch frog 2, viewed in the longitudinal direction R of the rail. Alternatively, the sensor unit 11 has a single contact sensor, which is mounted on one side and detects by touch only whether the switch frog 2 is, for example, in the first end position or not, and / or one or more distance and / or proximity sensors 13, which detect the end and / or intermediate positions of the switch frog 2 by measuring a distance between the sensor 13 and the switch frog 2 and / or an approach of the switch frog 2.

[0026] The sensors 13 can be detachably mounted in many different ways and at different locations on or next to the frog 2 to detect its position, e.g., on the wing rails 18, the rails 16, on sleepers 21, on anchoring devices such as small iron parts (not shown), on ribbed plates (not shown) of the rails 16, etc. The detachable mounting of each sensor 13 1 , 13 2 can be carried out using tools, e.g., if the respective fastening device 14 1 , 14 2 includes a screw or thread, or without tools, e.g., if the respective fastening device 14 1 , 14 2 includes a magnet or a quick-mounting clamp.

[0027] To indicate the position of the switch frog 2, the display unit 12 can have any number and type of optical indicators 17. Each optical indicator 171, 172 can, for example, be designed as an electromechanical pointer or, as shown, as a light, in particular an LED light. The lights can shine in only one direction or, as shown, in two opposite directions to indicate the position of the switch frog 2 in both directions of travel. The indication itself can be achieved in various ways, e.g., by activating the optical indicators 171, 172 alternatively (as shown) or by displaying different symbols, e.g., differently arranged arrows, and / or by the lights shining or flashing in different ways or colors.

[0028] The optical indicators 17 can be arranged at various locations next to or between the rails 16 to display the position of the switch frog 2 detected by the sensors 13. For example, each optical indicator 171, 172 can be located at the stop 15 or a support for the switch frog 2, or at a mounting 22 ( Fig. 4 ) of the rails 16. In the example shown, one of the optical indicators 17 1 , 17 2 is arranged on the left side 19 and on the right side 20 of the frog of the switch 2, respectively, in order to indicate the release or blockage for each route 4, 5.

[0029] Each optical display 17 1 , 17 2 can either be arranged freestanding or - as in Fig. 4 shown - can be detachably mounted with a fastening device (here: with a clamp 23, alternatively or additionally with a magnet, a screw, adhesive, etc.).

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 is also energy self-sufficient, since it has (at least) one energy supply unit 24, e.g., an optional rechargeable battery and / or a photovoltaic module, which powers the sensor and display units 11, 12. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 11 and / or the display unit 12 can have a connection for a power grid (not shown).

[0031] The mobile device 1 can be placed in a Fig. 5 The described method 25 for displaying the position of the switch frog 2 can be used as follows: In a first step 26 of method 25, at least one sensor 13 (in the Fig. 1 to 4The sensors 131, 132) of the portable sensor unit 11 are detachably mounted next to or on the frog 2 of the switch using the respective mounting means 141, 142 of the sensor unit 11, e.g., on the stop 15 for one of the end positions of the frog 2, on the (wing) rails 16, 18, on sleepers 21, on anchoring means such as rail fasteners, on ribbed plates of the rails 16, etc. Each mounting means 141, 142 of the sensor unit 11 optionally has a magnet or a clamp for quick mounting, or alternatively a screw or thread for tool-assisted mounting, etc. The multiple sensors 131, 132 of the sensor unit 11 shown in the example are optionally considered in the longitudinal direction R of the rail on opposite sides, i.e., to the left and right sides, 19, 20 of the frog. 2 detachably mounted.

[0032] In a further step 27 of the procedure 25, at least one optical display 17 (in the Fig. 1 to 4: the optical displays 17 1 , 17 2 ) of the portable display unit 12 connected to the sensor unit 11 are arranged next to or between the rails 16 of the switch 3, e.g. placed on a surface or using an optional fastening device e.g. the clamp 23 ( Fig. 4 ) or a magnet for quick mounting on the stop 15, a support for the switch frog 2, or on a fastening 22 of the rails 16, etc. The display unit 12 has one or more optical displays 171, 172, each of which is designed, for example, as an electromechanical pointer or light, as described above with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 explained.

[0033] In a next step 28 of the procedure 25, the position of the switch frog 2, e.g. one of its two end positions and / or an intermediate position, is detected by means of the sensors 13 1 , 13 2, for which the sensors 13 1 , 13 2 are optionally designed as contact, distance or proximity sensors.

[0034] In a further step 29 of the procedure 25, the position of the switch frog 2 detected by the sensors 13 1 , 13 2 is displayed by means of the optical indicators 17 1 , 17 2. For this purpose, the optical indicators 17 1 , 17 2 are optionally designed as lights that are configured to emit light in two opposite directions in order to indicate the switch frog position 2 bidirectionally.

[0035] If the position of the frog 2 no longer needs to be determined separately, the mobile device 1 can be dismantled in an optional step 30 of procedure 25 and moved to another turnout, e.g., to secure another construction site in another turnout area. Accordingly, steps 26-30 of procedure 25 can be repeated in a loop LP.

[0036] It is understood that step 27 of procedure 25 can be carried out before, at the same time as or after steps 26 and 28.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes all variants, modifications and combinations thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Device for indicating the position of a switch heart (2) of a switch (3) which can be switched between a first and a second travel path (4, 5), wherein the switch heart (2) is adjustable between a first end position, in which the first travel path (4) is released and the second travel path (5) is blocked, and a second end position, in which the second travel path (5) is released and the first travel path (4) is blocked, comprising a portable sensor unit (11) which has at least one sensor (131, 132) for detecting the position of the switch heart (2) and, for each sensor (131, 132), a fastening means (141, 142) for detachably mounting the sensor (131, 132) on or next to the switch heart (2), and a portable display unit (12) connected to the sensor unit (11) which has at least one optical display which can be arranged next to or between the rails (16) of the switch (3). (171, 172) for displaying the data from at least one sensor (131,132) detected position of the switch heart (2).

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a self-sufficient power supply unit (24) for the sensor unit (11) and the display unit (12).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening means (141, 142) of the sensor unit (11) comprises a magnet or a clamp for quick mounting of the respective sensor (131, 132).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sensor (131, 132) is detachably mountable on a stop (15) for one of the end positions of the switch heart (2).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor unit (11) has a contact sensor, distance sensor and / or proximity sensor as sensor(s) (131, 132).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor unit (11) for the left and right sides (19, 20) of the switch heart (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction (R) of the rail each has one or more sensors (131, 132).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display unit (12) has for each optical display (171, 172) a fastening means for detachably mounting the respective optical display (171, 172) next to or between the rails (16) of the switch (3), preferably a fastening means with a magnet or a clamp (22).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display unit (12) has one or more lights as optical displays (171, 172).

9. Device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the lights is designed to radiate in two opposite directions.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the display unit (12) for the left and right sides (19, 20) of the switch heart (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction (R) of the rail each has one or more optical displays (171, 172).

11. A method for indicating the position of a switch heart (2) in a switch (3) that can be switched between a first and a second travel path (4, 5), wherein the switch heart (2) is adjustable between a first end position, in which the first travel path (4) is enabled and the second travel path (5) is blocked, and a second end position, in which the second travel path (5) is enabled and the first travel path (4) is blocked, comprising: releasably mounting (26) at least one sensor (131, 132) of a portable sensor unit (11) next to or on the switch heart (2) using a fastening means (141, 142) of the sensor unit (11) for each sensor (131, 132); arranging (27) at least one optical display (171, 172) of a portable display unit (12) connected to the sensor unit (11) next to or between the rails (16) of the switch (3); Detecting (28) the position of the switch heart (2) by means of the at least one sensor (131, 132);and displaying (29) the position of the switch heart (2) detected by the at least one sensor (131, 132) by means of the at least one optical display (171, 172); 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the sensor unit (11) and the display unit (12) are powered by an autonomous power supply unit (24).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the fastening means (141, 142) of the sensor unit (11) comprises a magnet or a clamp for quick assembly, by means of which the at least one sensor (131, 132) is detachably mounted.

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one sensor (131, 132) is mounted on a stop (15) for one of the end positions of the switch heart (2).

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the sensor unit (11) has a contact sensor, distance sensor and / or proximity sensor as sensor(s) (131, 132).

16. Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the sensor unit (11) comprises a plurality of sensors (131, 132), of which at least one is detachably mounted on the left side (19) and at least one on the right side (20) of the switch heart (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction (R) of the rail.

17. Method according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the display unit (12) has a fastening means for each optical display (171, 172), by means of which, in the step of arranging (26), the respective optical display (171, 172) is detachably mounted next to or between the rails (16) of the switch (3), preferably a fastening means with a magnet or a clamp (23).

18. Method according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the display unit (12) has one or more lights as optical displays (171, 172).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the lights is configured to radiate in two opposite directions.

20. Method according to one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the display unit (12) has a plurality of optical displays (171, 172), of which at least one is arranged on the left side (19) and at least one on the right side (20) of the switch heart (2) viewed in the longitudinal direction (R) of the rail.

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