Device and method for measuring the clearance of a locking slider in a locking recess of a testing slider

Abstract

Device for determining the play of a locking slide (14, 15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a switch-setting device (1), comprising at least one displaceable first test slide (13) with at least one locking recess (21) that can be coupled to a movable switch part, at least one first locking slide (15) that is displaceable transversely to the direction of movement of the first test slide (13) and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess (21) in an end position of the first test slide (13), a locking slide support (17) in which the first locking slide (15) is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit (24) for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide (13) relative to the first locking slide (15), which can be actuated by a first driver (23) arranged on the first test slide (13),wherein a first actuator (31) is arranged between the first driver (23) and the first measuring unit (24) for actuating the first measuring unit (24), which is guided in a guide element (29) in a direction parallel to the displacement direction of the first test slide (13) and is driven by the first driver (23) against a first energy storage device (30) in the last part of the displacement, wherein a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit (24) and the clearance to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and wherein means for calibrating or adjusting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit (24) are provided.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for determining a play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a point setting device, comprising at least one displaceable first test slide which can be coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, and has at least one locking recess, at least one first locking slide which can be displaced transversely to the direction of displacement of the first test slide and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess in an end position of the first test slide, a locking slide support in which the first locking slide is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the first locking slide, which measuring unit can be actuated by a first driver arranged on the first test slide.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining a play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a point setting device, in which a first test slide is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog tip, a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a first actuator to a first measuring unit for actuation thereof, wherein the first measuring unit detects a displacement of the first actuator between an initial position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and that the first measuring unit outputs a presettable measured value in the initial position.

[0003] Setting devices for movable switch components, such as in particular tongue rails or movable frogs, which are equipped with an integrated end position testing device, are generally known as part of the state of the art. In the known switch setting devices, the mechanical switching of the movable switch component is carried out with the aid of an electromechanical or hydraulic drive unit that drives an operating rod. A locking device integrated into the switch drive for locking the operating rod end positions and an end position testing device are provided. Such an end position testing device serves to mechanically scan the current state of the switch and to generate a test signal, which can be used to reliably determine whether the switch has been correctly switched and whether the adjacent and adjacent tongue rails are in their respective correct end positions.The end-position test device has two test slides that extend essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rail and are moved in the longitudinal direction of the respective test slide when the switch is switched. The position of the test slides is detected using electromechanical transducers, for example, in the form of limit switches or tongue test contacts, which can be integrated into the switch setting device.

[0004] To lock the control rod in the end positions of the movable switch parts, known switch operating devices are provided with two locking slides that can be moved transversely to the direction of movement of the control rod and, in the respective locking position, each engage positively in a locking recess of the control rod. A first locking slide is provided to lock the control rod in one end position, and a second locking slide is provided to lock the control rod in the other end position. In switch operating devices of the type mentioned above, the locking slides are further designed such that, in the locking position, they simultaneously engage in a respective locking recess of the checker slides in order to lock them in the respective end position. One such design is shown, for example, in DE 19525012 A1.

[0005] Locking slides must have a certain amount of play in their locking recesses, which must be maintained within narrow tolerances. This play is also referred to as test clearance in technical terms. Therefore, it is common practice to place markings in clearly visible positions on the mechanical components connected to the locking slides and the locking recesses, allowing the clearance to be read.

[0006] Furthermore, devices for electrically detecting the locking slide play have also become known. For example, JP 2016-101917 A discloses a linear sensor that is fixed to the housing and actuated in the direction of displacement by a driver attached to the test slide. Such a linear sensor can be electrically calibrated, but due to its direct mechanical coupling to the driver rigidly attached to the test slide, it is unable to perform additional functions.

[0007] For example, it would be desirable to also detect negative play, i.e., a condition in which the locking slide cannot engage the locking recess when the test slide is in its end position. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a functional test of the measuring unit that detects the play, and in particular, to check whether the measuring unit has returned to its initial position after the test slide has been reset.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to further develop a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that these requirements can be taken into account.

[0009] To achieve this object, according to a first aspect of the invention, in a device of the type mentioned at the outset, it is essentially provided that for actuating the first measuring unit, a first actuator is arranged between the first driver and the first measuring unit, which is guided in a guide element that can preferably be supported on the locking slide support in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first tester slide and is driven by the first driver in the last partial range of the displacement against a first energy accumulator, that a displacement of the first actuator between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit and the play to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and means are provided for calibrating the first measuring unit or for setting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit.

[0010] Preferably, the means for calibrating the first measuring unit comprise a first adjustable stop element and / or adjustment element arranged on the first actuator.

[0011] The fact that the measuring unit is not actuated directly by the driver attached to the test slide, but rather with the interposition of an actuator, creates an additional adjustment option, which, for example, also allows negative play to be easily detected. In particular, this enables mechanical, rather than exclusively electrical, calibration of the measuring unit. For this purpose, the actuator is mounted so that it can be moved between a starting position and an end position and comprises an adjustable stop element and / or adjustment element for calibrating the measuring unit. The stop element is preferably adjustable towards and away from the driver in the direction of displacement of the actuator, so that the effective distance between the driver and the measuring unit can be adjusted. The adjustable stop element can be arranged on the driver or the actuator.A particularly preferred embodiment is that the first adjustable stop element is formed by a screw that can be adjusted in the displacement direction of the first actuator. The actuator is a separate component from the measuring unit and is not formed, for example, by the measuring plunger of a linear potentiometer.

[0012] In addition, the adjustable stop allows for compensation for any gap that might otherwise exist between the actuator and the driver. Such a gap would result in a measurement being taken axially laterally. Especially when retrofitting existing switch control devices with the measuring unit, larger deviations must be expected in practice.

[0013] The calibration using the calibration or adjustment means, such as the adjustable stop, is carried out, for example, in such a way that in an initial calibration process the actuation of the first measuring unit is set so that a measured value corresponding to the observed play is output, and that in a subsequent measuring process the switch setting device is brought into an end position and the position of the first test slide in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit by the actuator, and the play is determined by reading the measurement signal of the first measuring unit.

[0014] In order to be able to measure the play not only in the first test slide, but also in switch-setting devices with a second test slide, the device according to the invention, according to a preferred development, further comprises a second locking slide, which is guided in the locking slide support and is displaceable transversely to the direction of displacement of the first or a displaceable second test slide that can be coupled to a movable switch part and can be inserted into at least one locking recess of the test slide in an end position of the first or second test slide, a second measuring unit for measuring a final partial range of a displacement of the first or second test slide relative to the second locking slide, a second driver arranged on the first or second test slide, a second actuator between the second driver and the second measuring unit for actuating the second measuring unit,which is guided in the guide element in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first or second test slide and is driven by the second driver against a second force accumulator, wherein a displacement of the second actuator between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the second measuring unit and the play to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and means for calibrating the second measuring unit or for setting a pre-actuation of the second measuring unit are provided.

[0015] If the movable switch part is a switch tongue rail, a separate check valve is connected to each of the switch tongue rails, each of which has a locking recess for engaging a respective locking valve. If the movable switch part is a movable frog point, two check valves are also provided, but the end positions are locked via a single check valve, so the corresponding locking recesses are only formed in this check valve.

[0016] According to a preferred development, the first and, if applicable, the second actuator, in the initial position, are located in an end position mediated by the first and second energy storage devices, respectively. This means that the energy storage device pushes the actuator back to its initial position after the test slide has been reset.

[0017] Different types of measuring units can be used within the scope of the present invention. The measuring unit can be adapted to the respective requirements of inspection reliability and can comprise both electrically or electronically operated sensors that can be read remotely, as well as simple displacement scales that can be read visually by appropriate personnel during an on-site inspection. According to a preferred development of the device according to the invention, the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer, which outputs a measured value other than zero in the initial position of the actuator, and / or the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have a mechanically displaceable display element for visually displaying the play on a scale.A particular advantage of the actuator according to the invention is that it can also be used with a plurality of different measuring units that can be actuated simultaneously and in parallel by the actuator.

[0018] In the case of an electrical displacement sensor, such as in particular a potentiometer, a preferred embodiment provides that an adjustment element is provided for setting a pre-actuation of the electrical displacement sensor in the starting position, so that in the starting position a measured value other than zero can be set or output. The measured value other than zero can be a voltage other than zero and / or a current other than zero. If the electrical displacement sensor is pre-actuated in the unactuated position, i.e. in the starting position of the actuator, a connected evaluation unit can check whether the actuator has actually returned properly to the starting position after the test slide has been returned from the locked end position. This can detect any malfunction. If the electrical displacement sensor does not deliver a measured value in the starting position as intended, i.e.If the voltage were set to zero, this condition would be indistinguishable from a malfunction of the measuring unit and such a malfunction would not be detectable.

[0019] In the case of the measuring unit being designed as a mechanically displaceable display element, this can preferably be formed by an optically perceptible element, such as a marking, a disc or a ring, on a first or second rod coupled to the first and possibly second actuator, wherein the optically perceptible element is preferably visible through a window of the guide element.

[0020] In order to ensure that the driver interacts positively with the respective test slide, according to a preferred development it is provided that the first and possibly the second driver are supported on a respective axial stop of the first or second test slide.

[0021] To ensure reliable measurement values ​​from the measuring unit, appropriate positional securing of the measuring unit is advantageous, with the measuring unit being rigidly mounted in the guide element. Preferably, the guide element is supported in a form-fitting manner on the locking slide support in the displacement direction of the first or second actuator.

[0022] The guide element can preferably be arranged fixed to the housing or form part of the housing of the switch setting device itself.

[0023] A particularly robust construction is preferably further achieved in that the guide element has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and, if applicable, the second actuator in the direction of the starting position.

[0024] Preferably, the locking slide support also has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and possibly the second actuator, which is preferably aligned with the respective stop of the guide element.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining the play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a point setting device, which method can be carried out in particular with a device according to the first aspect of the invention. The method provides that a first test slide is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, a final partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a first actuator to a first measuring unit for actuation, wherein the first measuring unit detects a displacement of the first actuator between an initial position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and that the first measuring unit outputs a preset measured value in the initial position.As already explained in connection with the device according to the invention, the output of a presettable measured value in the initial position allows the correct reset of the actuator to be checked.

[0026] Preferably, a second test slide is coupled to a movable switch part and a final partial range of a displacement of the second test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a second actuator to a second measuring unit for actuation thereof, wherein the second measuring unit detects a displacement of the second actuator between an initial position and an end position and outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured depending on the displacement and the second measuring unit outputs a presettable measured value in the initial position.

[0027] The presettable measured value can preferably be set by adjusting a first and possibly second adjustable stop element on the first or second actuator or an adjusting element for setting a pre-actuation of the first or second measuring unit.

[0028] In order to be able to reliably detect even a negative play, it is preferable to proceed in such a way that in the displacement direction of the first or second test slide, the first or second driver makes contact with the first or second actuator at least 1 mm, preferably 3 mm, particularly preferably 7 mm before the first or second locking slide is inserted into the locking recess to displace the first or second actuator.

[0029] Preferably, the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer, which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position, and / or the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have a mechanically displaceable display element for optically displaying the play on a scale.

[0030] Preferably, the first or second actuator is moved into the initial position by a force accumulator when the first or second test slide is reset, whereupon the first or second measuring unit outputs the presettable measured value.

[0031] Particularly advantageously, the measured values ​​of the first and the second measuring unit are fed to a joint evaluation, wherein in an end position of the first test slide, the first measuring unit outputs the measured value corresponding to the play to be measured and a check is carried out to determine whether the second measuring unit outputs the presettable measured value.

[0032] As already mentioned at the beginning, measuring the play of the locking slide in the locking recess of the test slide requires prior calibration. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, this is done in such a way that, in an initial calibration process, the actuation of the first measuring unit is adjusted so that a measured value associated with the observed play is output. In a subsequent measuring process, the switch setting device is moved to an end position, and the position of the first test slide in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit by the actuator. The play is determined by reading the measurement signal from the first measuring unit by an evaluation unit.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be carried out in such a way that in a first end position of the switch setting device it is measured whether the first locking slide, which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess of the first test slide, and whether the second test slide, which is not locked by the second locking slide, does not actuate the second measuring unit, so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

[0034] The same procedure can also be followed with regard to the second end position of the point setting device, namely in such a way that after a changeover from the first to a second end position of the point setting device, after completion of the changeover, it is measured whether the second locking slide, which is in a locked position, has a required play of 0-5 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess of the second test slide, and whether the first test slide, which is not locked by the first locking slide, does not actuate the first measuring unit, so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

[0035] Another possibility for evaluating the measured values ​​of the two measuring units is to determine the setting direction of the switch setting device from the order in which the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit are actuated.

[0036] Furthermore, it is also possible to conclude that a malfunction is due to a lower or higher measured value in the non-actuated position than the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position.

[0037] Finally, it is also possible to repeat the determination of the play several times after a change in the switch setting device and to evaluate changes in the play preferably as a function of temperature measurement data.

[0038] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a switch setting device with open cover, Fig. 2 a simplified partial view of the switch setting device according to Fig. 1 in a right end position, Fig. 3 a representation according to Fig. 2 with locked left end position, Fig. 4 , 5 and 6a partial view of the switch setting device in various shifting states, Fig. 7 an alternative embodiment of the device according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 8 a further alternative embodiment of the device according to Fig. 4 , Fig. 9 a modified training and the Fig. 10-13 Diagrams of measured value recordings.

[0039] In Fig. 1 a point setting device 1 is shown, in whose housing 2 all components required for driving and transmitting the setting movement, for locking the end positions, for testing the end positions and for enabling the point to be driven up are arranged. A drive unit is provided which comprises an electric motor 3 and a spindle gear driven by the electric motor 3 with the interposition of a gear 4, which provides a linear setting movement in the direction of the axis of the spindle 5. For this purpose, an engagement piece 6 equipped with a spindle nut interacts with a carriage 7 in a manner described in more detail below in order to transmit the setting movement to the carriage 7. The carriage 7, in turn, is coupled via a drive coupling 8 to the setting rod 9, via which the setting movement is transmitted to the tongue rails (not shown) in accordance with the double arrow 10.The slide 7 and the engagement piece 6 are preferably guided in rolling grooves in the housing base.

[0040] The hand crank 11 is part of a manual drive with which the drive unit can be operated manually if necessary.

[0041] To check that the end positions have been correctly adopted, test slides 12 and 13 are connected to the tongue rails, which are also mounted in the housing 2 so as to be movable as indicated by the double arrow. Furthermore, a first locking slide 14 and a second locking slide 15 are provided, which are guided transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal extent of the actuating rod 9 and the test slides 12, 13, separately from one another, between a release position and at least one locking position. In the locking position, the corresponding locking slide 14, 15 locks the actuating rod 9 and the test slides 12, 13 in the corresponding end position, as will be explained in more detail in the following figures. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first and second locking slides 14, 15 are positively received in a locking slide support 17 and are guided there in the direction of displacement.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a simplified representation showing the changeover device in the right end position. To lock this end position, the first locking slide 14, acted upon by the force of a spring 22, engages with a locking lug into a left, first recess 16a of the slide 7. For locking the left end position, a mirror-image design of the described components is provided on the right side of the slide 7 with a second recess 16b. In the Fig. 2 In the end position shown, a locking lug of the first locking slide 14 engages in first recesses 18 and 19 of the first and second test slides 12 and 13, respectively, in order to also test and lock the test slides 12, 13 in their end position.

[0043] If the control rod 9 is locked in the left end position, as shown in Fig. 3 As shown, a locking lug of the second locking slide 15 engages in the second recesses 20 and 21 of the test slides 12 and 13, respectively.

[0044] For the safe engagement of the locking slides 14, 15 into the locking recesses of the test slides 12, 13, it is necessary that the locking slides 14, 15 engage with play in the respective locking recess. The components required for measuring this play during operation of the switch-setting device according to certain embodiments of the invention are shown in the following schematic drawings, whereby these embodiments are not limited to a design of the switch-setting device as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows the test slide 13 in a position shortly before it reaches the Fig. 3 shown left end position is reached. The test slide 13 carries a driver 23, which is intended to transmit the displacement movement of the test slide 13 in a final partial range of a displacement to a measuring unit 24. The measuring unit 24 comprises both a linear potentiometer 25 and a mechanically displaceable display element 27, visible through a window 28, for the optical display of the play on a scale 26. For the actuation of the measuring unit 24, an actuator 31 is arranged between the driver 23 and the measuring unit 24, which is guided in a guide element 29 in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the test slide 13 and is driven by the driver 23 in the final partial range of the displacement against a force accumulator 30. The actuator 31 is guided in the guide element 29 with the aid of two parallel rods 32 and 33 for tilt- and twist-free guidance. This makes it possible, for example, toIt is also ensured that, starting from the movable switch part via a test slide or its driver, no movements deviating from the direction of displacement are transferred to the measuring element or no loads normal to the direction of actuation of the measuring element, whereby the required accuracy and durability of the measuring elements are achieved even in conjunction with highly stressed switches or movable switch parts.

[0046] For the initial calibration of the measuring unit 24, the actuator 31 is provided with an adjustable stop element 34, which is arranged so as to be adjustable in the direction of the double arrow 35, i.e., parallel to the displacement direction of the test slide 13. By adjusting the adjustable stop element 34, it is possible to set the displacement position of the test slide 13 or the driver 23 at which the latter strikes the actuator 31 and begins to drive it along. In other words, by adjusting the adjustable stop element 34, the beginning of the last partial range of a displacement can be precisely adjusted, so that a positive play is always fully detected by the measuring unit 24.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a position in which the test slide 13 has not yet been moved far enough for the locking slide 15 to fall into the locking recess 21. As the test slide 13 is moved further, the locking slide 15 falls into the locking recess 21, as shown in Fig. 5 The stop element 34 was adjusted so that the actuator 31 is released from its Fig. 4 shown initial position, so that the measuring unit 24 indicates a play of zero. In the embodiment shown here, a negative play can therefore also be detected, as can be seen on the scale 26 by the value -1 mm. A negative play means that the locking slide 15 cannot fall into the locking recess 21 after the test slide 13 has been moved. If functioning correctly, the end position of the test slide 13 will be in the Fig. 6 shown position is reached, and the measuring unit 24 indicates a play of 2 mm, which corresponds to a substantially central arrangement of the locking slide 15 in the locking recess 21 and to an inserted or immersed arrangement.

[0048] In parallel with the actuation of the optical display element 27, the potentiometer 25 is also actuated. For this purpose, the actuator 31 displaces a preferably spring-loaded measuring plunger 36 of the potentiometer 25, whereby the potentiometer 25 outputs a displacement-dependent electrical signal. An adjusting element 37 is assigned to the potentiometer 25, which serves to set a pre-actuation of the potentiometer 25 in the initial position of the actuator 31, so that a measured value other than zero can be output in the initial position.

[0049] In Fig. 7 An alternative embodiment is shown in which no negative play can be detected. The scale 26 therefore begins at the value zero, and the stop element 34 has been adjusted such that the actuation of the actuator 31 begins precisely when the locking slide 15 falls into the locking recess 21.

[0050] In Fig. 8 A further alternative embodiment is shown, which differs from that shown in the Fig. 4-7 illustrated embodiment in that the measuring unit 24 only has the potentiometer 25.

[0051] Fig. 9 shows training in accordance with Fig. 8 in a design for measuring the play in both end positions of the point setting device, i.e. for both the test slide 12 and the test slide 13. The device is a mirror image and comprises the components required for checking the left end position on the right-hand side and the components required for checking the right end position on the left-hand side. The device comprises separate components for the right and left end positions, which function independently of one another. Only a common guide element 29 is provided, on which the potentiometers 25 and 25' are arranged and in which the actuators 31 and 31' are slidably guided. Alternatively, separate guide elements can also be provided for the right and left end positions so that they can be attached locally to the respective locking slide.The measured values ​​of the two potentiometers 25 and 25' are fed to an evaluation unit 38.

[0052] Fig. 10 shows, as an example, the measured values ​​output by potentiometers 25 and 25' over a large number of switchover processes of the point operating device, along with the simultaneously recorded temperature curve. The tester's clearance was measured regularly and after each switchover. This allows the identification of different error patterns to differentiate between faults and provides the opportunity to issue alarms and initiate maintenance measures in a timely manner before the point machine fails. By simultaneously measuring the temperature, this can be taken into account in the alarm (in the mathematical model). Especially at high temperatures and large temperature gradients, the influence on the tester's clearance is so significant that this must be taken into account.

[0053] Fig. 11 shows detail I from Fig. 10 If the values ​​for the tester play in the right end position and in the left end position change simultaneously in different directions (Trend 1 and Trend 2), this indicates a loose screw connection between the switch drive and the switch.

[0054] Fig. 12 shows detail II from Fig. 10 If only one of the tester's clearances, i.e., either the one in the right end position or the one in the left end position, changes over time, this indicates that the tester rods need to be readjusted. Especially if the tester's clearance is already close to the limit values, the temperature influence can be critical.

[0055] Fig. 13 shows detail III from Fig. 10 It turns out that temperature has a significant influence. Pattern 1: At low temperatures and low temperature variation, the tester clearance hardly changes. Pattern 2: At high temperatures, the tester clearance value changes in the form of an offset, by which the value changes in relation to the temperature variation.

Claims

1. Device for determining a play of a locking slide (14, 15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a switch setting device (1), comprising at least one displaceable first test slide (13) which can be coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, and has at least one locking recess (21), at least one first locking slide (15) which can be displaced transversely to the direction of displacement of the first test slide (13) and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess (21) in a first end position of the first test slide (13), a locking slide support (17) in which the first locking slide (15) is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit (24) for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide (13) relative to the first locking slide (15), which is determined by a (13) arranged first driver (23) can be actuated, characterized in thatfor actuating the first measuring unit (24), a first actuator (31) is arranged between the first driver (23) and the first measuring unit (24), which is guided in a guide element (29) which can preferably be supported on the locking slide support (17) in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first tester slide (13) and is driven by the first driver (23) in the last partial range of the displacement against a first energy accumulator (30), that a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit (24) and the play to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and that means for calibrating the first measuring unit or for setting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit (24) are provided.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe means for calibrating the first measuring unit (24) comprise a first adjustable stop element (34) arranged on the first actuator (31).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second locking slide (14) guided in the or a further locking slide support (17) and displaceable transversely to the direction of displacement of the first or a displaceable second tester slide (12) that can be coupled to a movable switch part, and in a second end position of the first or second tester slide (12) can be inserted into at least one locking recess (18) of the first or second tester slide (12, 13), a second measuring unit (24') for measuring a final partial range of a displacement of the first or second tester slide (12, 13) relative to the second locking slide (14), a second driver (23') arranged on the first or second tester slide (12, 13), a second actuator (31') between the second driver (23') and the second measuring unit (24') for actuating the second measuring unit (24'),which is guided in the guide element (29) in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first or second test slide (12, 13) and is driven by the second driver (23') against a second energy accumulator (30'), wherein a displacement of the second actuator (31') between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the second measuring unit (24') and the play to be measured can be detected as a function of the displacement, and means for calibration, in particular a second adjustable stop element (34'), or for setting a pre-actuation of the second measuring unit are provided.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first and optionally the second adjustable stop element (34, 34') is each formed by a screw adjustable in the displacement direction of the first or second actuator (31, 31').

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe first and possibly the second actuator (31, 31') is in the initial position in an end position mediated by the first or second energy accumulator (30, 30').

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer (25, 25'), which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position of the actuator (31, 31'), and / or the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have a mechanically displaceable display element (27) for optically displaying the play on a scale (26).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that an adjusting element (37) is provided for setting a pre-actuation of the electrical displacement sensor (25, 25') in the starting position, so that in the starting position a measured value different from zero can be set or output.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the mechanically displaceable display element (27) is formed by an optically perceptible element, such as a marking, a disc or a ring, on a first or second rod (32, 33, 32', 33') coupled to the first and optionally second actuator (31, 31').

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and, if applicable, the second driver (23, 23') is supported on a respective axial stop of the first or second test slide (12, 13).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the guide element (29) is supported in a form-fitting manner on the locking slide support (17) in the displacement direction of the first or second actuator (31, 31').

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thatthe guide element (29) has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and optionally the second actuator (31, 31') in the direction of the starting position.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking slide support (17) has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and optionally the second actuator (31, 31'), which is preferably aligned with the respective stop of the guide element (29).

13. Method for determining the play of a locking slide (15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a point setting device (1), in particular with a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which a first test slide (13) is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, a final partial range of a displacement of the first test slide (12, 13) relative to the locking slide (15) is transmitted via a first actuator (31) to a first measuring unit (24) for actuation thereof, wherein the first measuring unit (24) detects a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and in that the first measuring unit (24) outputs a presettable measured value in the initial position.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a second test slide (12) is coupled to a movable switch part, a final partial range of a displacement of the second test slide (12) relative to the locking slide (14) is transmitted via a second actuator (31') to a second measuring unit (24') for actuation thereof, wherein the second measuring unit (24') detects a displacement of the second actuator (31') between an initial position and an end position and outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured depending on the displacement, and the second measuring unit (24') outputs a presettable measured value in the initial position.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in thatthe presettable measured value is set by adjusting a first and optionally second adjustable stop element (34, 34') on the first or second actuator (31, 31') or an adjusting element (37, 37') for setting a pre-actuation of the first or second measuring unit (24, 24').

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that in the displacement direction of the first or second test slide (12), the first or second driver (23, 23') makes contact with the first or second actuator (31, 31') at least 1 mm, preferably 3 mm, particularly preferably 7 mm before the first or second locking slide (14, 15) is inserted into the locking recess (18, 21) to displace the first or second actuator (31, 31').

17. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in thatthe first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer (25), which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position, and / or the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have a mechanically displaceable display element (27) for optically displaying the play on a scale (26).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the first or second actuator (31, 31') is moved into the starting position by a force accumulator (30, 30') when the first or second test slide (12, 13) is reset, whereupon the first or second measuring unit (24, 24') outputs the presettable measured value.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in thatthe measured values of the first and the second measuring unit (24, 24') are fed to an evaluation, wherein in an end position of the first test slide (12, 13) the first measuring unit (24) outputs the measured value corresponding to the play to be measured and it is checked whether the second measuring unit (24') outputs the presettable measured value.

20. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that in an initial calibration process, the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) is set such that a measured value associated with the observed play is output, and in a subsequent measuring process, the switch setting device (1) is brought into an end position and the position of the first test slide (13) in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) by the actuator (31), and the play is determined by reading the measuring signal of the first measuring unit (24) by an evaluation unit (38).

21. Method according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that in a first end position of the switch setting device (1) it is measured whether the first locking slide (15), which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess (21) of the first test slide (13), and whether the second test slide (12), which is not locked by the second locking slide (14), does not actuate the second measuring unit (24'), so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

22. Method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in thatafter a changeover from the first to a second end position of the switch setting device (1), after completion of the changeover, it is measured whether the second locking slide (14), which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess (18) of the second test slide (12), and whether the first test slide (13), which is not locked by the first locking slide (15), does not actuate the first measuring unit (24), so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

23. Method according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the setting direction of the switch setting device (1) is determined from the sequence of actuation of the first measuring unit (24) and the second measuring unit (24').

24. Method according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in thata malfunction is concluded due to a lower or higher measured value in the non-actuated position than the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position.

25. Method according to one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that the determination of the play is repeated several times after a change of the switch setting device (1) and changes in the play are preferably evaluated as a function of temperature measurement data or train crossings.

Images