Current collector having sensor device, and method for operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a current collector (10, 33), wherein: a contact strip (14, 17, 27) can be moved relative to the contact wire and pressed against the contact wire with a contact pressure in a sliding contact position by means of a positioning device (13, 56); the contact pressure can be applied to the contact strip by means of a drive apparatus (73) and / or spring apparatus (74) of the positioning device; the current collector comprises a power-supply unit (50) and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) having a measuring device (38, 44, 59); at least two sensors (47, 48) of a sensor device (46) are comprised; at least the electric power required to supply power to the sensor device is obtained by means of the power-supply unit (50); measured values are gathered by means of each of the sensors; the measured values are processed by means of a processing device (37, 49); and the processing device correlates the measured values and determines a characteristic value describing an operating state of the current collector and / or of the overhead line. The invention also relates to a current collector and to a monitoring system.

Description

[0001] Pantograph with sensor device and method for operation

[0002] The invention relates to a current collector and a method for operating a current collector which can be arranged on a roof of a rail vehicle for transmitting energy from a contact wire of an overhead line to the rail vehicle, wherein the current collector comprises a positioning device with a contact strip arranged thereon, wherein by means of the positioning device the contact strip can be moved relative to the contact wire and can be pressed against the contact wire with a pressing force in a sliding contact position to form a sliding contact, wherein the pressing force on the contact strip can be formed by means of a drive device and a spring device of the positioning device.

[0003] Carbon contact strips are regularly used to supply power to rail-bound and non-rail-bound vehicles via a contact wire. Such contact strips are always subject to wear due to abrasion of the carbon material. When such contact strips are used, for example on locomotives of trains, they must be replaced before they reach a final wear limit in order to avoid dangerous operating conditions, defects or breakdowns. Although an emergency shutdown function is regularly integrated into contact strips, which lowers the contact strip when a final level of wear is reached, or even earlier if the contact strip is damaged, for example by breakage, once such an emergency shutdown has been triggered, further power supply and thus further operation of the vehicle using this contact strip is no longer possible.To avoid such situations, contact strips are regularly inspected for their degree of wear. These inspections are carried out regularly by personnel, but this is laborious because the contact strips are mounted on the roof of a vehicle, such as a locomotive, and special safety precautions must be observed due to the high voltage applied to the overhead wire. Such inspections are therefore carried out at specific intervals in railway depots. To avoid these time-consuming checks, partially automated wear monitoring systems are known that can signal when a wear limit has been reached. For example, WO 2014 / 173798 A2 discloses a contact strip with a wear indicator marking that can be detected by an infrared camera.When the camera positioned along a track passes, the contact strip can be captured by the camera, and the wear indicator mark can be detected using image processing. Based on the appearance of the wear indicator mark, conclusions can be drawn about the degree of wear on the contact strip. The disadvantage here is that continuous monitoring of the wear status of the contact strip is not possible, and the technical effort required to establish such monitoring in a rail network is comparatively large and therefore costly.

[0004] Furthermore, the positioning device can regularly have a swing arm, a

[0005] Rocker device, articulated device and / or a pantograph, via which the contact strip is pressed against the contact wire by means of the spring device, thus applying the necessary pressure force to form a secure sliding contact. The spring device can be formed by an air bellows, tension and / or compression springs. Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable for an air bellows to form the drive and spring device. The spring device also compensates for movements of the rail vehicle as well as a changing course of the contact wire. Depending on the relative distance between a travel path of the rail vehicle and the contact wire and the speed of the rail vehicle, strongly changing forces can act on the contact strip, which places considerable stress on the contact strip. The contact strip itself or the positioning device can also be caused to oscillate.If the contact strip is lifted off the contact wire, an arc can occur, increasing wear on the contact strip due to electrical burn-off. This results in increased expenditure for pantograph maintenance and contact strip replacement, which depends on the condition of the overhead line. It is therefore common practice to inspect sections of overhead lines as part of test or measurement runs with a rail vehicle. For this purpose, the specially designed rail vehicle must be equipped with dedicated measuring technology, such as cameras for recording images of the contact wire. Such tests are therefore cost-intensive and only provide a snapshot of the overhead line's operating condition.

[0006] However, such measurement runs for monitoring infrastructure such as overhead lines are only carried out at regular intervals and are therefore temporary. In order to be able to regularly check even maintenance-intensive components of a rail vehicle, efforts are being made to permanently monitor these components using sensors mounted on the rail vehicle for at least one maintenance cycle, which for a pantograph, for example, may be eight years. However, relatively expensive sensors such as optical components and / or fiber sensors are often used in generic methods. Another disadvantage of the known monitoring systems is that no pre-processing of the data takes place locally, i.e. directly on the rail vehicle and / or in the area of ​​the attachment to be monitored, and thus a large volume of data must be transmitted and further processed.

[0007] Also, in keeping with the generic approach, only individual sensors and their measured values ​​are considered in isolation and are not combined with other measured values, in particular the measured values ​​of different sensor types, so that the advantages of a swarm effect or swarm intelligence can only be used inadequately or not at all.

[0008] Another disadvantage of known monitoring systems and methods is that they cannot be operated in an energy-autonomous manner over the desired periods, especially over several years. Depending on the sensors and the location of the installation on the rail vehicle, the known monitoring systems require an external power supply, for example, via the rail vehicle itself. This disadvantageously requires interventions in the rail vehicle electronics or connections to the rail vehicle electronics.

[0009] Therefore, there is a great need for a method for operating a pantograph as well as a monitoring system with a pantograph that can be operated in an energy-autonomous manner and can reliably record and process sensor data from multiple sensors.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a method for operating a pantograph, a pantograph, and a monitoring system with a pantograph, which enables improved operation, in particular energy-autonomous monitoring, of the pantograph. A method for operating a pantograph that can be arranged on the roof of a rail vehicle for transmitting energy from a contact wire of an overhead line to the rail vehicle can be carried out with a pantograph, wherein the pantograph comprises a positioning device with a contact strip arranged thereon, wherein the contact strip can be moved relative to the contact wire by means of the positioning device and can be pressed against the contact wire with a pressure force in a sliding contact position to form a sliding contact.wherein the pressure force on the contact strip can be formed by means of a drive device and / or a spring device of the positioning device, wherein the current collector has a power supply unit arranged on the positioning device and a measuring unit with a measuring device, wherein at least two sensors of a sensor device of the measuring device are arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, and wherein at least the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors of the sensor device is obtained by means of the power supply unit, and wherein measured values ​​are recorded in the sliding contact position by means of the sensors.

[0011] The measured values ​​can be processed by means of a processing device of the measuring device, wherein it is conceivable that the processing device can relate the measured values ​​to one another and determine a characteristic value describing the operating status of the pantograph and / or the overhead line.

[0012] The contact strip comprises a contact element, usually made of carbon, which can rest against a contact wire and thus establish an electrical connection with it. This contact element is held by a contact strip carrier, which in turn is attached to an articulated device, which can be designed as a so-called pantograph or as a rocker. This pantograph or rocker, together with a base frame, forms a positioning device for the contact strip and thus, together with the contact strip, a so-called current collector. This, in turn, is then attached to a roof of a vehicle, preferably above the base frame, in order to contact the contact wire located above the vehicle. Within the scope of the invention, the positioning device can preferably have a base frame, an articulated device, and a rocker device. The base frame can be arrangeable on the rail vehicle.The rocker device can carry the contact strip. The joint device can be arranged between the base frame and the rocker device and can be hinged to the base frame and / or the rocker device. The joint device can preferably have an upper arm and a lower arm that are hinged to one another. The upper arm and lower arm can also be designed as upper scissors and lower scissors. The upper arm can be hinged to the rocker device and / or the lower arm can be hinged to the base frame. The hinged connection point between the upper arm and lower arm of the joint device can also be referred to as the knee of the joint device or the positioning device.

[0013] Using the positioning device, the contact strip can be pressed against the contact wire and the required pressure force can be applied to form a secure sliding contact. The pressure force can be applied by an air bellows, tension and / or compression springs. However, it is also conceivable for the pressure force to be applied motorically using an electric motor and / or an actuator. In this case, it has proven advantageous if at least one sensor, for example a current sensor and / or a voltage sensor, is arranged on the electric motor and / or actuator and interacts with it to measure current and / or voltage. Since the electric motor and / or the actuator are usually arranged at the potential of the rail vehicle, data can be transmitted to an evaluation unit, a processing device and / or a base unit wirelessly, preferably via Bluetooth.

[0014] The positioning device can be operated and / or controlled electrically or pneumatically and can be monitored accordingly by means of voltage and current measurements (electrically) and / or by means of at least one pressure sensor (pneumatic / hydraulic).

[0015] In the method, it can be provided that the pantograph comprises a measuring unit with a measuring device, which in turn has a sensor device with at least two sensors. The sensors can be arranged on the positioning device and / or contact strip, but can also, in principle, be arranged at any desired point on the pantograph. By means of the sensor device or the sensors, different measured values ​​of the positioning device and / or the contact strip can be recorded in the sliding contact position. These measured values ​​are physical quantities that have a direct interaction with the positioning device, the contact strip or the overhead line and are variable during operation of the pantograph.

[0016] The processing device can process the measured values ​​or variables measured by the sensors and determine a characteristic value suitable for describing an operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line. The base unit can comprise a processing device.

[0017] Advantageously, the processing device can relate the respective measured values ​​of the sensors to one another to determine the characteristic value. This makes it possible to obtain further information in the form of the characteristic value about the operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line. The processing device can perform a calculation using at least two measured values ​​from at least two sensors. Depending on the type of sensor, the measured values ​​can be of the same or different types. For example, a first sensor can measure a vertical movement of the positioning device and a second sensor can measure a vertical movement of the contact strip.The processing device then correlates the two measured values, for example, by taking into account a relationship between the two measured values ​​when calculating the characteristic value, such as an unevenness in a guideway relative to a flat contact wire, or vice versa. If the vertical movement of the contact strip and the positioning device is identical, the movement is induced by the path of the contact wire, not the guideway.

[0018] The characteristic value can be a parameterized value, a characteristic quantity, a characteristic number, or a data set. The characteristic value can also be contained within a data set. In particular, the measured values ​​are digitally processed by the processing device in order to obtain a characteristic value that can be further processed digitally. The processing device is therefore designed as at least one digital electronic circuit that can process analog and / or digital signals from the sensor. The processing device can also be, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an integrated circuit (IC), or a computer.

[0019] Because the processing device can determine the characteristic value that is suitable for describing the operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line, it is possible to determine the operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line, to monitor this state and / or to influence the operating state of the pantograph. An operating state is understood to be a structural, variable property of the pantograph or the overhead line that exists during operation. Since the operating state of the pantograph is also significantly dependent on the nature or operating state of the track, the characteristic value can also describe the operating state of the track. Overall, targeted maintenance of the pantograph, the overhead line and the track can be carried out without having to adhere to regular maintenance intervals or conduct test runs with a rail vehicle.Overall, this makes it possible to operate a pantograph or overhead line more cost-effectively and thus a rail vehicle more economically overall.

[0020] The power supply unit according to the invention generates the energy required at least to power the sensors of the sensor device directly at the current collector, so that the measuring unit can be operated independently of energy even over a longer period of time, for example, several years, and no intervention in the electronics of the rail vehicle is necessary. Preferably, the power supply unit generates the energy required to power the entire measuring unit, consisting at least of the measuring device and the processing device. It is conceivable that the processing device additionally comprises a data concentrator device, and that an evaluation unit and a control device are also integrated into the measuring unit.If an evaluation unit, control device, and / or data concentrator device are provided on the current collector, the power supply unit preferably also generates the energy required for the operation of the evaluation unit, control device, and / or data concentrator device. The power supply unit preferably has at least one power supply device.

[0021] As previously described, a multitude of characteristic values ​​or a group of characteristic values ​​can be determined from the measured values ​​of at least two sensors. For example, by evaluating a group of characteristic values, a model of the route traveled by the rail vehicle can be determined, and / or a fingerprint dependent on the recorded measured values ​​can be assigned to the route section. The determination of the fingerprint of the route traveled is based on the fact that the overhead line has an individual profile at every point, which can be recorded using sensors. In order to be able to reliably assign the individual profile at every point to a geographical position, a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, can be provided, whose data can be linked to the profile of the overhead line.Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that typical components of the overhead line infrastructure, such as masts, hangers, anchors, separators, and / or transitions, can influence and / or generate a characteristic fingerprint of the overhead line or the rail network. Thus, a characteristic fingerprint of an overhead line section or a track section can be generated when driving over this track section or overhead line section. Based on the unique characteristics of the overhead line, after recording the fingerprint of the overhead line, a defect in the overhead line can be assigned to a location of the defect.Particularly when traveling over the same overhead line section multiple times, it is possible to determine whether the cause of a defect is attributable to the overhead line or the pantograph by comparing the measured fingerprints of the overhead line sections with previously measured fingerprints of the overhead line sections and / or by comparing them with the measured values ​​of other sensors that, for example, record measured values ​​on the status of the pantograph. It is also conceivable that, as part of the recording of the fingerprint of an overhead line section and / or independently of the recording of a fingerprint of an overhead line section, the height of the overhead line, both under contact and freely suspended, can be recorded and / or derived from the measured values.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the characteristic value determinable by means of the method according to the invention describes a degree of wear of the contact strip, such as, for example, regular wear during operation and / or unwanted or unplanned wear, such as breakages on the contact element. Furthermore, contact pressure, raising times, and / or lowering times of the current collector can be determined. It is also conceivable that the condition of individual components of the current collector, in particular the positioning device, be described by a characteristic value. Thus, according to one embodiment, the characteristic value can describe the operating condition of a rocker, a rocker, an articulated guide, a pantograph, and / or a spring device.

[0023] Additionally, it is conceivable that the characteristic value describing the operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line is determined from measured values ​​of the current and / or voltage drop across the pantograph. These measured values ​​can be fed to the processing device, correlated by the processing device, and thus a characteristic value describing the operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line can be determined.

[0024] Due to the self-contained design of the pantograph and, in particular, the measuring unit based on the power supply unit arranged on the pantograph, the measuring unit can be operated independently of the rail vehicle. The measuring unit preferably uses wireless data transmission to transmit measured values ​​and / or characteristic parameters. The measuring unit and power supply unit can thus also be advantageously retrofitted or installed on a pantograph and operated independently of information and electrical power from the rail vehicle. The basic functions of a pantograph are therefore not affected by the measuring unit and the power supply unit, and intervention in other components of the rail vehicle is also unnecessary.To ensure this advantageous independence from the rail vehicle, the power supply unit harvests at least the energy required to operate the sensors of the sensor device, preferably the energy required to operate the entire measuring unit. By using energy-efficient processors in conjunction with intelligent processing algorithms, the measuring unit requires an average of approximately 0.5 to 5 watts of electrical power, preferably only approximately 1 watt. This low power consumption is negligible compared to the power transferred via the pantograph.

[0025] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Furthermore, all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures fall within the scope of the invention. It is understood that the statements made regarding the method relate equivalently to the pantograph according to the invention and the monitoring system, without being mentioned separately for these. In this context, it is particularly understood that customary linguistic transformations and / or a corresponding replacement of respective terms within the framework of common linguistic practice, in particular the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are encompassed by the present disclosure content without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulation.

[0026] The electrical energy required at least to power the sensors of the sensor device can be obtained by means of a first power supply device from an alternating current applied to the pantograph and / or by means of a second power supply device from a direct current applied to the pantograph. The pantograph preferably has a first and a second power supply device. This advantageously ensures the energy-autonomous operation of the measuring unit regardless of the type of power supply to the rail vehicle—for example, this can be provided via an alternating current network or a direct current network.Thus, when the current collector is operated in an alternating current network, the first energy supply device can be used, which is also referred to as an alternating current energy supply device within the scope of the invention, and when the current collector is operated in a direct current network, the second energy supply device, which is also referred to as a direct current energy supply device within the scope of the invention, can be used to generate at least the electrical energy required to supply the sensors of the sensor device with energy.

[0027] Thus, in order to ensure a self-sufficient power supply to the measuring unit when both direct current and alternating current are present at the current collector, the power supply unit can comprise two power supply devices based on different principles arranged on the current collector. Preferably, a direct current power supply device (DC energy harvester) and an alternating current power supply device (AC energy harvester) are arranged on the current collector.

[0028] If the pantograph is operated in an alternating current network, i.e. if alternating voltage is applied to the pantograph, the alternating current is used within the power supply device to induce an alternating current in a toroidal coil, which is converted by the power supply unit and / or in a base unit of the measuring unit into a direct voltage that can be used by the measuring unit. To transmit the current from the overhead line to the rail vehicle, the pantograph can have at least one current strip, preferably four current strips, in a known manner. Within the scope of the invention, it has proven advantageous if, at the point at which the current is transferred from the joint device of the pantograph to the base frame by means of at least one current strip, a bolt is arranged on the base frame, over which bolt a toroidal coil is pushed and which can be connected to the current strip, for example by means of a cable lug.The alternating current thus flows through the bolt and also induces an alternating current in the toroidal coil, which can be converted into a direct current usable by the measuring unit. The bolt is preferably designed such that the current flow through the current strips from the overhead line to the rail vehicle is not impaired. It is conceivable that an alternating current power supply device is connected to each of the current strips of a pantograph. For example, a pantograph can have four current strips and four alternating current power supplies, with each of the alternating current power supplies being assigned to a current strip of the pantograph.

[0029] The energy generation when operating a current collector in direct current networks using a direct current power supply device is based on a voltage drop due to the resistance of the current strips of the current collector. In the context of the invention, it was recognized that the current collector, in particular the current strips of the current collector, have a resistance, usually of only a few milliohms (mΩ). When operated in a direct current network, a voltage drop across this resistor depends on the current strength and is due to the resistance of the current collector. This voltage can be, for example, a few hundred millivolts (mV). The voltage drop across the current collector or the current strips due to the resistance of the current collector or the current strips can be tapped and used to supply energy to the measuring unit.It has proven particularly advantageous if the direct current power supply device comprises an electrical line that is laid along the current collector, in particular along the joint device of the current collector, from the rocker device to the base frame of the current collector. This first electrical line can be referred to as a bypass line and can end, for example, in a base unit arranged on the base frame. Via a further, second electrical line, the base unit can again be contacted with a section of a current strip that rests on the base frame of the current collector. This results in a parallel connection of the current strip of the current collector and the first and second electrical lines that run parallel to it via the base unit.It was recognized as essential that the first electrical line leading from the pantograph's rocker device to the base unit has a resistance, in particular a significantly higher one, than the current strip of the pantograph.

[0030] The power supply unit can comprise a voltage converter, such as a boost converter and / or a buck converter. Furthermore, the power supply unit can comprise an energy storage device that enables staggered energy delivery depending on the needs of the measuring unit. As a result, the device according to the invention enables autonomous, high-quality monitoring of the interaction between the pantograph and the overhead line or contact wire of the overhead line, as well as their states, which can be output as a characteristic value, with low hardware costs.

[0031] An angular position of the positioning device, an acceleration, a speed, a rotation, a frequency, a temperature, an illuminance, a force, an current, a voltage, an electrical resistance, a distance, a mass, an air pressure, a sound, a wear and / or a spatial position can be continuously or discontinuously recorded and processed as a measured value. Acceleration can be easily measured using a gyro sensor. The angular position of the positioning device can be used to measure the deflection of a rocker mechanism or a pantograph relative to the rail vehicle at a pivot point of the rocker mechanism or the pantograph. For this purpose, a rotary potentiometer at the pivot point or another suitable sensor, such as a gyro sensor for measuring an angle of inclination or rotation, can be used.A temperature can be measured with a temperature sensor on the positioning device, or on a rocker device or a pantograph, or the contact strip, so that it can be determined, for example, whether there is a risk of icing on the contact wire. Illuminance can be measured using an optical sensor or a camera, which then forms the sensor. This can be used to detect, for example, irregularities on the surface of the contact wire or arcs. A force can be determined using a strain gauge, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. For example, a contact force can then be measured as a function of the air pressure in a cylinder of the positioning device. A current or voltage can be measured using an ammeter or a voltmeter as a sensor.Resistance can be determined from current and voltage and can be a measure of contact quality, as well as provide information about the wear status of the contact strip. For example, the quality of energy transfer between the contact strip and the contact wire can then be determined. Mass can also be determined using a force sensor. Air pressure can be measured on an air bellows or a pressure cylinder used to apply the contact force. The location of the pantograph can easily be determined using a satellite navigation system, such as GPS. Sound can be measured using a microphone, so that noises can be evaluated as measured values. Wear can be measured using a sensor with which the height or thickness of a contact strip can be measured. The measured values ​​can be determined and processed continuously.It is also possible to record and process the measured values ​​discontinuously, for example at set times or on specific occasions.

[0032] It is conceivable that at least one acceleration sensor is used as a sensor, which can be arranged on the contact strip and / or the positioning device. The sensor can be a rotational or translational acceleration sensor or vibration sensor, which can be used to measure a movement or acceleration of the positioning device and / or the contact strip. For example, a movement of the contact strip on the contact wire can be detected using the acceleration sensor, and conclusions can then be drawn about the shape of the contact wire and / or the contact strip from the movement. For example, a step in the course of the contact wire, which could cause the contact strip to lift off the contact wire, can be easily identified. Special test runs or on-site inspections of the overhead line to identify such defects are then no longer necessary.Furthermore, a change in the contact strip due to wear or abrasion causes a geometric change in the contact strip. This can result in a difference between a new and a worn contact strip. Since the contact strip is regularly in contact with the contact wire and is brushed by it while the rail vehicle is in motion, the processing device can derive a change in the contact strip from a movement of the contact strip together with another measured value, e.g. a movement of the positioning device. It can also be provided that movement profiles of new and worn contact strips are stored in the processing device, whereby the processing device can carry out a comparison and determine the state of wear or consumption of the contact strip. This wear can then also be output in the form of a characteristic value.In addition, a break or deformation of the contact strip as well as damage to the overhead line can be easily detected.

[0033] Furthermore, at least one sensor can be used, which can be arranged within the contact strip, on the contact strip, on a mounting bearing of the contact strip, or on a rocker device of the positioning device holding the contact strip. Consequently, the sensor can be arranged, for example, in a recess in the contact strip or a contact element of the contact strip. Furthermore, the sensor can also be attached directly to the contact strip or a contact strip holder of the contact strip. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor can be designed as a vibration sensor and arranged on the mounting bearing of the contact strip. The contact strip can, for example, have two mounting bearings by means of which the contact strip is attached to the positioning device.In addition, another contact strip, which also has a sensor, can be arranged on the rocker device, so that this contact strip can also be monitored by the measuring unit. It is also possible for the sensor device to comprise more than two sensors arranged at the aforementioned points in order to determine the characteristic value even more precisely.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, recesses such as bores made in the contact strip, in particular in the contact element of the contact strip, can be detected by means of an abrasion sensor. The abrasion sensor can have an acceleration sensor. Parallel to the direction of travel, at least three recesses can be made at a horizontal distance in the contact element of the contact strip, preferably extending through the contact element of the contact strip, at the level of a wear limit. These recesses are exposed when the wear limit is reached and, due to contact with the overhead line, cause vibrations that are characteristic of the train speed, taking into account the train speed. These vibrations can be detected, for example, using at least one acceleration sensor. The recesses preferably have a diameter of 2 to 5 mm. More preferably, the recesses have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0035] The positioning device can have a rocker device holding the contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated device arranged between the base frame and the rocker device. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, at least one sensor arranged on the rocker device and at least one power supply device arranged on the articulated device and / or the base frame can be used. By arranging a sensor on the rocker device, measured values ​​can be recorded near the contact element and the contact wire of the overhead line, for example by means of an acceleration or vibration sensor. Preferably, a first electrical line of a direct current power supply device is arranged on the articulated device and an alternating current power supply device is arranged on the base frame of the positioning device.The power generated by a first and / or second power supply device, for example an alternating current power supply device and a direct current power supply device, can be fed to a base unit, preferably attached to the base frame, where it can be converted and / or further distributed.

[0036] As already described above, the positioning device can have a rocker device holding the contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated device arranged between the base frame and the rocker device. The measured values ​​of at least two sensors can then be transmitted to a data concentrator device arranged on the articulated device and / or the rocker device for data concentration. The transmission is preferably via cable. By using data concentrator devices, a plurality of sensors of a measuring unit and / or several measuring units can be linked via a tree structure of the bus cabling. Within the scope of the present invention, it was recognized that cabling in a tree structure is advantageous compared to a linear structure, such as in a known linear CAN bus.In particular, the tree structure can be formed using simple and symmetrical cabling and offers significantly greater flexibility than linear cabling. The use of data concentrator devices also allows the data volume to be concentrated or reduced, so that only selected and / or already further processed data needs to be transmitted. This significantly reduces the data transfer effort. In order to form a tree structure of the cabling according to the invention, a data concentrator device can be provided on a rocker device and / or a contact strip or a contact element. Preferably, two data concentrator devices can be provided per rocker device. Alternatively or additionally, a data concentrator device can be provided on the joint device, in particular in the region of the knee of the joint device, i.e., in the region of the joint between the upper arm and forearm.Thus, a first data concentration can take place directly at the rocker device and a further data concentration at the joint device. It is conceivable for the data concentrator device to have an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope, and / or a rotation sensor. For example, a knee data concentrator device provided at the knee of the joint device can determine the height of the rocker device relative to the rail vehicle via at least one gyroscope and one acceleration sensor as well as via the analytics of the angle measurement at the knee. In addition, the data concentrator device arranged at the knee can record information about a lateral deflection of the joint device and thus of the pantograph. The data concentrator device at the knee of the joint device can also be used to activate a measuring unit.The data concentrator device can be used to determine whether the contact strip is in contact with the contact wire due to the distance between the rocker device and the rail vehicle and / or whether the train is moving. The measuring unit can be activated when the train is moving and / or the contact strip is in contact with the contact wire of the overhead line. Activation can be achieved alternatively or additionally using a pressure sensor mounted on a spring device of the positioning device or a voltage sensor mounted on an electric motor-driven drive device of the positioning device.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the voltage applied to an electrical line of the pantograph and / or the current strength in an electrical line of the pantograph can be measured by means of at least one sensor of a base unit of the measuring unit arranged on the base frame. The electrical line is preferably formed from a metal profile, a conductor rail and / or a current strip through which and / or through which the current required by the rail vehicle flows from the contact strip to the rail vehicle. By means of the sensors arranged on the base unit, vibrations and / or inclinations of the train, for example, can be detected and / or calculated. The recording of measured values ​​on the base unit arranged on the base frame can advantageously make the assignment of fault patterns and / or the determination of characteristic values ​​more precise.The measured values ​​determined by the base unit located on the base frame connected to the rail vehicle can allow conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which faults or anomalies are attributable to the rail vehicle itself, the condition of the tracks on which the rail vehicle travels or, in fact, to the pantograph and / or the contact wire.

[0038] The pressure of a pressure line of the positioning device can be measured by means of a pressure sensor arranged on the base frame. The pressure of a pressure line of the positioning device is preferably measured by means of at least one pressure sensor which is connected to the base unit of the measuring unit arranged on the base frame. A pressure line of the positioning device is preferably monitored by means of the pressure sensor in air flow collectors which are typically used in long-distance transport (heavy rail and high-speed). The static contact pressure and / or dynamic fluctuations can be determined from the pressure values ​​measured on a pressure line in the positioning device. The pressure sensor orThe measured values ​​recorded by the pressure sensor can also be used to put the measuring unit into standby mode and / or to reactivate the measuring unit in the event of movements and / or pressure changes that indicate a movement of the rail vehicle. For example, an increase in pressure in the pressure line of the positioning device allows a conclusion to be drawn that the rocker mechanism has been raised by the positioning device and thus that the rail vehicle is moving.

[0039] The processing device can perform an analysis of the measured values ​​while the contact strip is guided along the contact wire. Consequently, the processing device can perform this analysis while the rail vehicle is traveling. Within the scope of the method, it can also be provided that measured values ​​are analyzed while the rail vehicle is stopped, for example, at a station or a stop. In particular, characteristic values ​​regarding the operating state of the overhead line can preferably only be obtained when the contact strip is guided along the contact wire.

[0040] The processing device can record and store the measured values ​​from sensors and / or the characteristic values ​​at regular intervals, when there is a change, or continuously. Accordingly, it can be provided that the measured values ​​and / or the characteristic values ​​are only recorded and stored when the values ​​change in order to keep the amount of data to a minimum. Alternatively, continuous, i.e. ongoing, recording and storage is possible. By storing the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values, it is possible to carry out processing even after recording. For example, measured values ​​can then be recorded while the rail vehicle is traveling, but the characteristic value(s) can only be determined during maintenance of the rail vehicle in a depot. For example, the condition of an overhead line along a route of the rail vehicle can be determined in this way after a journey.

[0041] The measuring device can have a control device by means of which an actuator for actuating the positioning device can be controlled, wherein the actuation of the positioning device can be regulated by means of a control device of the control device according to a measured value and / or a characteristic value. The drive device can comprise the actuator, which can be connected to a rocker device or rocker device of the positioning device such that a linear movement of the actuator can cause a movement of the contact strip between the sliding contact position and a storage position. The actuator can be formed, for example, by a linear drive or a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated cylinder or bellows. It can also be provided that the contact pressure is changed via the actuator or that the actuator generates the contact pressure. The actuator then forms the spring device or is combined with it.The control device can then receive signals, measured values, and / or characteristic values ​​from the measuring device and use these via the control unit to control the drive system. For example, if the processing device detects a break in the contact strip, the contact strip can be pivoted into a storage position on the rail vehicle using the actuator. Furthermore, the contact force can be controlled via the actuator. In principle, such a control device can also be present independently of the measuring device as a component of the rail vehicle.

[0042] The contact pressure can be controlled by the control device depending on the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. For example, the contact pressure can be made essentially constant, regardless of the angular position and movement of the positioning device. This can then largely prevent the contact strip from lifting off the contact wire as a result of unevenness or other influences. For example, the processing device can output a characteristic value to the control device after the contact strip is accelerated away from the contact wire, whereby the control device can then apply a counterforce to a rocker device, for example, via the control device or the actuator, which prevents lifting off. However, it is also possible to control the contact pressure in such a way that excessive wear on the contact strip does not occur as a result of increased contact pressure.The contact force can then also be reduced comparatively if an improved electrical contact with the contact wire can be established.

[0043] The measuring device can transmit the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​to an evaluation unit, wherein the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be stored in a database of the evaluation unit and / or further processed by an evaluation device of the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can therefore comprise the database and the evaluation device. The evaluation unit can therefore serve to collect and further process the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and can be embodied by a computer. The evaluation unit can be a computing device spaced apart from the measuring unit and / or the rail vehicle, which, for example, enables a cloud service. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be transmitted automatically and / or at the request of the evaluation unit. For example, the evaluation device can be used to display or output the result of an evaluation to an operator.The evaluation unit can have a range of functions that goes beyond the range of functions of the processing device. By combining the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from several measuring units, the evaluation unit can increase the quality of the statements regarding the condition of the monitored components of the pantograph and can clearly identify the causes of damage to the overhead line or pantograph and their effects, for example, specific characteristic values. This is because for each component of the pantograph, several characteristic values ​​and / or measured values, for example from several measuring units and / or measuring devices, can be combined and processed in a swarm intelligence manner. By combining different sensor types, "virtual sensors" can also be generated.In the context of the invention, the swarm effect is to be understood as a combination of the data from different sensors and / or different sensor devices and / or different measuring devices and / or different measuring units and / or different monitoring systems.

[0044] In principle, however, it is also possible to integrate the processing unit into the evaluation unit and vice versa. Such an evaluation unit can also be present independently of the pantograph as a component of the rail vehicle.

[0045] The measuring device can have a transmission device by means of which the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring device can be transmitted to the evaluation unit and / or the control device via a data connection, wherein the evaluation unit and / or the control device can be arranged at a spatial distance from the measuring unit or integrated into the measuring unit. If the control device or the evaluation unit is integrated into the measuring unit, the data connection can simply be formed by a cable connection. It is then also possible to install parts of the measuring device, such as the processing device and the control device as well as the evaluation unit, at another location on the rail vehicle. When transmitting the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values, data can be exchanged, for example based on a transmission protocol.The data connection can be established continuously, at regular intervals, or event-based. This makes it possible to collect and evaluate data collected by the measuring device. A wide range of evaluation options then open up the analysis of specific conditions and events, which can be used to optimize the operation of the pantograph, the overhead line, or the rail vehicle.

[0046] The data connection can be established via an external data network. The data connection can be established via a cellular network, WLAN, a satellite connection, the Internet, or any other radio standard, either alone or in combination. If the evaluation unit and / or the control device are arranged at a spatial distance from the measuring unit, they can also be arranged outside the rail vehicle, remotely from the rail vehicle, for example, in a building. In particular, this makes it possible to monitor and / or control a function of the pantograph on the rail vehicle without this task having to be performed by a person on the rail vehicle itself.

[0047] The evaluation unit can process measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from measuring units of multiple pantographs. This means that the evaluation unit can process measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from multiple pantographs arranged on a single rail vehicle. By comparing the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the pantographs, the accuracy of a measurement or monitoring can be further increased. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can process characteristic values ​​from pantographs arranged on different rail vehicles. This can also significantly improve the accuracy of measurements and monitoring of the rail vehicles or the respective overhead lines. Among other things, this makes it possible to obtain an up-to-date and constantly changing status overview of a route network and the rail vehicles traveling on it. The resulting optimization of an operating status can significantly reduce operating costs.Regular and frequent inspections of the infrastructure and rail vehicles are also no longer entirely necessary, significantly increasing vehicle safety during operation. Furthermore, special test runs can be dispensed with.

[0048] A user unit can be used to establish a data connection to the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit, whereby the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be transmitted to the user unit and output. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​as well as the results of the evaluation of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be made available to an end user via the user unit. The user unit can be a computer that is independent of the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit. This computer can be a stationary computer, a mobile device or the like, with which a further data connection can be established for data exchange with the evaluation unit and / or the measuring unit. The data exchange can take place, for example, via an external data network, such as the Internet. In this way, data processed with the evaluation unit orMeasured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​further processed with the evaluation device are made available to a wider group of users. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​or the results of the evaluation of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be made available individually to an end user via the user unit. The evaluation unit can, for example, be embodied by a server with software that transmits the information contained in the evaluation unit's database to the user unit. This transmission can consist of the provision of a website with selected information, for example the current wear status of the contact strip. Such a website or a web interface can be provided to make data visually accessible to the end user. The website or the web interface can be tailored to the end user and their application cases.The evaluation unit, the measuring unit, and / or the user unit can transmit data to various end-user systems, e.g., to existing systems of an end user, such as a rail network operator. Alerts, warning messages, and / or information messages can also be sent and / or output via an evaluation unit and / or user unit.

[0049] The processing device or the evaluation unit can evaluate a temporal progression of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and determine the wear status of the pantograph and / or the overhead line, taking into account a time-dependent component relevant to wear and / or a measured variable-dependent component. This not only makes it possible to make a statement about the current state of wear, but also to approximately determine at what point in time, for example, a contact strip or contact wire is likely to be worn out. This makes it possible to precisely define a maintenance interval for the pantograph and / or the overhead line and to optimize the timing, for example by adapting it to the actual condition of the pantograph and / or the overhead line. Furthermore, the temporal progression can also be used to determine at what point in time certain events occurred.If events occur repeatedly, a systematic pattern can be derived. For example, poor electrical contact or increased wear may be observed when driving along a particular section of track.

[0050] By means of the sensor device, a vibration of the contact strip can be detected, wherein the processing device or the evaluation unit can determine a state of wear of the contact strip and / or the overhead line. If the contact strip wears, a shape, in particular a height of the contact strip, can be changed, wherein the change in shape can also change a vibration behavior of the contact strip. For example, a natural frequency and / or a resonance frequency of the contact strip and / or the positioning device can be determined as a vibration using the processing device. By means of the processing device, a degree of wear of the contact strip, the positioning device and / or the overhead line can be determined from the vibration. If a vibration behavior is associated with increasing abrasion of material on the contact strip orof a component of the positioning device or the contact wire changes, this change can be used to draw conclusions about the degree of wear of the contact strip, the positioning device and / or the contact wire. For example, it is not only possible to determine whether the contact strip is new or completely worn, but also to what extent the contact strip is used up. The shape of the contact strip is essentially determined by the abrasion of the carbon material of the contact element on the contact strip. This can essentially result in a difference in the height of the contact strip or contact element between a new and a worn contact strip. Since the contact strip is regularly contacted by the contact wire along a length of the contact strip in a continuous alternation during the travel of a rail vehicle.is coated, wear of the contact strip can be uneven along its length. This means that abrasion of the contact strip can be greater in the middle of the contact strip than at its edges. Depending on the condition of the overhead line, grooves can also form on the contact strip. The height of the contact strip can therefore change unevenly depending on use, which affects the shape of the contact strip. Furthermore, the constant regular change of contact wire along the length of the contact strip can be recorded while a rail vehicle is traveling, and this can also be used to determine the condition of the contact strip.

[0051] The processing device can calculate the shape using the finite element method. For example, it can be provided that the processing device calculates a possible shape of the contact strip using a computational model based on the finite element method from the vibration behavior of the contact strip. In particular, the previously described potential abrasion of the contact strip can be taken into account. This makes it possible to determine the wear status of the contact strip even more precisely.

[0052] The processing device or the evaluation unit can determine an arc on the contact strip and / or the contact wire, a zigzag pattern of the contact wire, icing of the contact wire and / or defects in the contact wire from an operating state. In the context of the invention, the term "defects in the contact wire" can include not only damage and / or defects in the contact wire but also incorrect laying and / or positioning of the contact wire. The arc can be determined, for example, by measuring a current transmitted at the contact strip. Furthermore, illuminance or luminance in the area of ​​the contact wire can be measured, so that the presence of an arc can be determined with a high degree of certainty from both measured values ​​if measurement peaks occur simultaneously.Since the contact wire is regularly arranged in a zigzag pattern along a route, this zigzag pattern of the contact wire can also be determined. For example, using acceleration sensors and / or inductive sensors. This then makes it possible to create a profile of the overhead line along the route. The profile of the overhead line can be saved in the evaluation unit in the form of a map of the overhead line or the route of the contact wire. Any defects detected on the overhead line or contact wire can then be precisely assigned to a clearly specified point on the overhead line. Icing on the contact wire can also be easily detected using a plurality of sensors or measured values, for example by measuring the outside temperature and the air humidity in the area of ​​the contact wire. This way, areas or regions can also be identified along the route.Sections of the overhead line can be identified where icing is more or less likely, for example near bodies of water. This data can also be stored in the evaluation unit. In addition, defects in the contact wire or the overhead line can be detected using sensors, for example an acceleration sensor can detect an impact on the contact strip as a result of a defect in the contact wire, and a pressure sensor can detect a changing contact force at the same time. Overall, this makes it possible to draw conclusions about the operating status of the overhead line by combining several measured values ​​from sensors of the same or different types, and to document this operating status in the form of key figures and / or other data that are suitable for describing the operating status.In particular, no dedicated measurement run is required for this purpose, since the measured values ​​can be recorded easily and repeatedly during normal operation.

[0053] The processing device or the evaluation unit can perform a pattern analysis or statistical evaluation of the measured values ​​and / or key figures stored over a period of time and derive a key figure from the pattern analysis or statistical evaluation. This makes it possible to use the pattern analysis to determine an interrelationship between measured values, key figures, or data sets, if one exists. Causal relationships can usually be derived from interrelationships. In the simplest embodiment of the method, correlations discovered through the pattern analysis can be used to determine causal relationships, knowledge of which can in turn be used to optimize the operation of rail vehicles. For example, the occurrence of a fault in a section of an overhead line can correlate with a specific type of rail vehicle or pantograph.This makes it possible to determine the cause of the fault or the causal relationship between the rail vehicle and the fault and to eliminate it in a targeted manner. If a sufficient amount of data is available, this can be examined using statistical analysis to ensure, for example, that the events were not detected randomly. Nevertheless, it is possible to use the statistical analysis to calculate a weighting, for example, of a fault or a frequency, as well as a probability of the fault occurring. The processing device or the evaluation unit can relate the measured values ​​of different sensors and / or characteristic values ​​to one another and derive functional dependencies between the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​using artificial intelligence. It can also be planned to carry out the pattern analysis using artificial intelligence.Artificial intelligence can, for example, be used in the context of machine learning or deep learning or data classification. According to a preferred embodiment, statistical models can be created using machine learning (ML). The determined parameters can be used in machine learning as so-called features or training data, whereby patterns and / or regularities in the training data can be recognized. Functional dependencies between the sensors can also be examined. For example, a transmitted current can be related to a temperature and it can possibly be determined that a contact wire is icy. Furthermore, for example, a pattern analysis of the measured values ​​and / or parameters can be used to detect a thinner section of a contact wire compared to an intact or new contact wire, and thus to draw conclusions about potential sources of error and / or failure.In this way, a series of other operating states and events can be detected and interpreted as a result of functional dependencies, for example changes along a contact wire and their relative position, a gradient and number, a lifting of the contact strip from the contact wire and possibly sparking or arcing, wear of the contact strip as a result of mechanical friction on the contact wire or electrical burn-off as a result of contact pressure or contact force, in particular averaged wear over a route, route sections with particularly high or particularly low wear, a wear rate depending on driving behavior, such as acceleration or standstill current load, damage and / or position deviations from the overhead line orthe contact wire; a current load such as a short-term overcurrent, short-circuit current, the triggering of a protective fuse or short-circuiter in the event of a fault; the condition of wear components of the pantograph, such as bearings, joints, structural elements; a break in the contact strip, for example, as a result of impact with an obstacle; the position, speed, acceleration, and direction of travel of the rail vehicle. These conditions and events, mentioned above as examples, can be responded to appropriately through maintenance measures, adjustments to the driving behavior of the rail vehicle, or other suitable measures.

[0054] In addition, the processing device or the evaluation unit can be used to correlate signals or measured values ​​from sensors not associated with the pantograph and / or characteristic values ​​with signals or measured values ​​from sensors and / or characteristic values ​​associated with the pantograph. For example, by additionally considering signals or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from sensors of a grounding contact, wheel flange lubrication, shaft grounding, etc. In principle, it is possible to process all signals or measured values ​​that can be determined on the rail vehicle in this way using the processing device.

[0055] A position sensor in the sensor device can be used to determine the location of the pantograph, which can be assigned to the characteristic values ​​or measured values ​​of another sensor in the sensor device, and the evaluation unit can determine the status of the overhead line. The position sensor can, for example, use satellite navigation to determine the position of the pantograph and thus of the vehicle. This makes it possible, among other things, to determine at which point along a route a specific measured value from another sensor in the sensor device was recorded. This makes it possible to assign the relevant location to an event or measured value. Furthermore, the evaluation unit can be used to determine the status of the overhead line, for example by evaluating vibrations of the pantograph or a rocker device along the overhead line.For example, the rocker mechanism may exhibit altered vibration behavior if the contact wire is severely worn. Steps, breaks, and ramps in the contact wire can also be detected and assigned to a position along the route. This can be used to influence the speed of the rail vehicle in the thus located sections of the route.

[0056] The evaluation unit can create a data model of the overhead line along at least one section of a track of the rail vehicle, wherein the data model can comprise a plurality of different locations of the track section, each with associated measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. The data model can be stored in the evaluation unit and comprise data or files describing a course of the overhead line. The data model can be a graphical representation or mapping of the course of the overhead line along the track or, in a simpler embodiment, a list which, for example, comprises components of the overhead line. The data model can have the plurality of different locations of the relevant section of track or track as data sets, such that the structural properties of the overhead line are represented by the data model. The locations orMeasured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​can be assigned to each data set. For example, the data model can include information about a zigzag course of the contact wire with a length of each straight section of the contact wire. This zigzag course can be assigned a location or a length of the track relative to a reference point. If measured values ​​are determined using sensors or characteristic values ​​are determined using the processing device, these can be assigned to a location of the relevant section of track if the location is known or is determined during the measurement in question. In this way, any events or defects related to the overhead line can be documented and, thanks to knowledge of the location, can be precisely located on site if necessary, e.g. for repairs.

[0057] Furthermore, the data model can be adapted through continuous and repeated recording of measured values ​​and / or key figures as the rail vehicle travels along the section of track. For example, it can be planned that a route is repeatedly traveled with one or more pantographs on one or more different rail vehicles. If measured values ​​and / or key figures are recorded each time, the data model stored in the evaluation unit can be improved through continuous comparison. For example, one-off events are recognized as such and can be ignored, whereas constantly recurring events indicate a special property or problem with the overhead line or the pantograph or the rail vehicle at a specific location.Continuously adapting the data model also allows for documentation of usage intensity and associated wear, enabling improved planning of maintenance and repair measures. Continuously adapting the data model can also be used to determine the location of a pantograph, such that the location of a pantograph is determined by comparing the data obtained from the pantograph during a journey with the data model.

[0058] Furthermore, a measuring unit can be used that is designed on the pantograph independently of the rail vehicle. The measuring unit can then be arranged or integrated on the pantograph spatially and / or functionally independently of the rail vehicle. A connection between the measuring unit and the rail vehicle is therefore not mandatory. In particular, the measuring unit then does not have to be connected to a low-voltage network of the rail vehicle. The measuring unit and thus the pantograph can thus be used independently of the type of rail vehicle and without special certification from a rail vehicle manufacturer. Nevertheless, it can optionally be provided that the measuring unit is connected to the rail vehicle, for example to a control station of the rail vehicle, in order to signal measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​to a vehicle driver.In particular, a bidirectional data exchange can take place between the measuring unit and the rail vehicle. For example, wear can be signaled in a control station, or measured values ​​of the rail vehicle available in the control station, such as speed, can be processed by the measuring unit. Preferably, however, the measuring unit can be used independently of the rail vehicle.

[0059] The characteristic value can be determined during ferry operation of the rail vehicle when the contact strip is in contact with the contact wire. Alternatively or additionally, the characteristic value can be determined during stationary operation of the rail vehicle, where the contact strip can be positioned in a rest position or moved between a contact position on the contact wire and the rest position on the rail vehicle. The characteristic value can then only be determined on the basis of the measured values ​​recorded in the rest position. When the contact strip is released from the contact wire or when the contact strip moves from the rest position on the rail vehicle towards the contact wire, the contact strip is excited to oscillate, whereby the contact strip can then oscillate essentially unaffected by external influences. This makes it possible, for example, to use the vibration of the contact strip to determine the state of wear.

[0060] The current collector can be arranged on a roof of a rail vehicle and is designed to transmit energy from a contact wire of an overhead line to the rail vehicle, wherein the current collector comprises a positioning device with a contact strip arranged thereon, wherein the positioning device is designed such that the contact strip can be moved relative to the contact wire by means of the positioning device and can be pressed against the contact wire with a pressing force in a sliding contact position to form a sliding contact, wherein the positioning device has a drive device and / or a spring device by means of which the pressing force can be formed on the contact strip.According to the invention, the pantograph has a power supply unit and a measuring unit with a measuring device, wherein at least two sensors of a sensor device of the measuring device are arranged in the positioning device and / or the contact strip, and wherein the power supply unit obtains at least the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors of the sensor device, and wherein measured values ​​can be recorded in the sliding contact position by means of the sensors, wherein the measured values ​​can be processed by means of a processing device of the measuring device, wherein the measured values ​​can be related to one another by means of the processing device and a characteristic value describing an operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line can be determined. Regarding the embodiments and advantages of the pantograph, reference is made to the preceding description of the method.

[0061] It is understood that the statements made regarding the method relate in an equivalent manner to the pantograph according to the invention and the monitoring system according to the invention without being mentioned separately for this.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the positioning device of the pantograph can have a rocker device holding the contact strip and a base frame arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated device arranged between the base frame and the rocker device. With reference to the above method description, at least one sensor can be arranged in the rocker device and at least one energy supply device on the articulated device and / or on the base frame. Preferably, a first and a second energy supply device are arranged on the articulated device and / or on the base frame, wherein a first energy supply device obtains energy when the pantograph is operated in an alternating current network and a second energy supply device is designed to obtain energy when the pantograph is operated in a direct current network.

[0063] A data concentrator device can be arranged on the joint device and / or the rocker device of the positioning device. Data and / or measured values ​​can be processed and / or bundled in the data concentrator device to reduce the amount of data to be forwarded. A data concentrator device can be connected to at least two sensors and / or measuring devices. Furthermore, a data concentrator device can be connected to a plurality of additional data concentrator devices, whereby the amount of data from several upstream data concentrator devices can be further reduced by means of a single data concentrator device.

[0064] By concentrating data and using data concentrator devices, a tree-like connection structure can be created between the components of a measuring unit or monitoring system. Preferably, data transmission between measuring units, sensors, and data concentrator devices is via cable, resulting in a tree-like cabling structure. At least one data concentrator device can be connected to a base unit. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, four sensors can be arranged on the rocker device, with two sensors preferably being assigned to a contact strip, with two sensors each being assigned to a data concentrator device. In other words, this means that two data concentrator devices are arranged on the rocker device, each of which is connected to two sensors and reduces their data volumes.Another data concentrator device can be located at the knee of the joint device. This data concentrator device, located at the knee of the joint device, is connected to the base unit via a cable. The data or measured values ​​arriving at the base unit are further processed, reduced, and / or forwarded in the base unit. Data from the base unit is preferably forwarded wirelessly.

[0065] It is conceivable that the base unit of the measuring unit comprises a pressure sensor, a current sensor, and / or a voltage sensor. Thus, in addition to processing and forwarding the data received from other sensors, the base unit can also record data regarding pressure, voltage, and current. It is also conceivable that a pressure sensor, a current sensor, and / or a voltage sensor are arranged on the base frame and / or the positioning device, and their measured values ​​are transmitted to the base unit for evaluation and / or forwarding.

[0066] A monitoring system can comprise a plurality of rail vehicles, each with at least one pantograph, wherein the monitoring system comprises an evaluation unit for processing measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring units of a plurality of pantographs. As already described above, this makes it possible to monitor a plurality of pantographs of a rail vehicle or a plurality of rail vehicles with pantographs or to control the respective pantographs with a single evaluation unit. However, it can be provided that each pantograph has an evaluation unit. The rail vehicles can also each have a plurality of pantographs. Overall, it is therefore possible to use the monitoring system to collect and evaluate data records from the pantographs, regardless of the type of data connection. The monitoring system can alsoThe rail vehicles have an evaluation unit that is spatially separated from the rail vehicle and can be located stationary, for example, in a building. The data stored in the evaluation unit can then, for example, also yield correlations between a location, a recording time, and any detected pantograph faults. For example, a comparatively increased wear or a specific fault in the pantograph or overhead line can then be assigned to a season or a route.

[0067] The monitoring system can comprise one or a plurality of user units that are spatially spaced from one another. The data connection(s) to the respective user units can be established via an external data network. The user unit can be a computer that is independent of the monitoring system. This computer can be a stationary computer, a mobile device, or the like, with which the data connection for data exchange with the monitoring system can be established. The data exchange can take place, for example, via an external data network, such as the Internet. In this way, data processed by the evaluation unit can be made available to an expanded group of users via an output device.The output device can, for example, be implemented as a server with a software application that transmits the results calculated by the evaluation unit and the information contained in the database to the respective user unit. This transmission can be achieved by providing a website with selected information, for example, a current overview of a current inventory of pantographs, overhead line sections, and rail vehicles. The information can be made available to companies operating rail vehicles in an individually customized manner. Further advantageous embodiments of a monitoring system emerge from the feature descriptions of the method.

[0068] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] They show:

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a pantograph on a rail vehicle in a side view;

[0071] Fig. 2a a front view of an unused contact strip;

[0072] Fig. 2b a front view of the worn contact strip;

[0073] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a section-by-section course of a contact wire;

[0074] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a monitoring system with a rail vehicle;

[0075] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a measuring unit;

[0076] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a measuring unit;

[0077] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another monitoring system;

[0078] Fig. 8 shows a pantograph in perspective view;

[0079] Fig. 9 shows the current collector according to Fig. 8 in side view;

[0080] Fig. 10 shows the pantograph according to Fig. 8 in front view;

[0081] Fig. 11 shows the current collector according to Fig. 8 in plan view; Fig. 12 shows the current collector according to Fig. 8 in a further perspective view;

[0082] Fig. 13 the base frame of the pantograph according to Fig. 8;

[0083] Fig. 14 shows a section of the articulation device of the pantograph according to Fig. 8;

[0084] Fig. 15 shows a section of the rocker device of the pantograph according to Fig. 8 in a perspective view from below;

[0085] Fig. 16 shows a section of the rocker device of the pantograph according to Fig. 8 in a perspective view from above;

[0086] Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of a data concentrator device arranged on the joint device of the pantograph according to Fig. 8;

[0087] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram of a direct current power supply device;

[0088] Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of an AC power supply device arranged on the base frame of the pantograph according to Fig. 8;

[0089] Fig. 20 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an abrasion sensor;

[0090] Fig. 21 shows a cross section through a contact strip with a second embodiment of an abrasion sensor;

[0091] Fig. 22 is a schematic representation of a tree structure of a measuring unit;

[0092] Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the base unit of a measuring unit; and Fig. 24 shows a schematic representation of the applications of an external data network.

[0093] Fig. 1 shows a current collector 10 on a roof 11 of a rail vehicle (not shown in detail here), with a positioning device 13 designed as a pantograph 12. On the pantograph 12, two contact strips 14 are arranged on a rocker device 15 transversely to a contact wire 16. The rocker device 15 is arranged on the articulation device 72. The base frame 71 connects the positioning device 13 to the roof 11 of the rail vehicle. The rail vehicle moves at a travel speed VF relative to the contact wire 16, wherein the contact strips 14 are pressed against the contact wire 16 with a pressing force FA transversely or orthogonally to the contact wire 16. The contact strip 14 is formed from a contact element (not shown in detail here) made of carbon and a contact strip holder, wherein the movement of the contact strip 14 on the contact wire 16, as described here, leads to abrasion of the carbon material.

[0094] A summary of Figs. 2a to 2b shows a contact strip 17 in various views and states of wear. The contact strip 17 is essentially formed by a contact element 18, which is made of carbon or graphite, and a contact strip holder 19. The contact strip holder 19 has a profile 20, which is usually made of aluminum, to which the contact element 18 is attached. Mounting bearings 21 are formed on the profile 20 and serve to connect the contact strip 17 to a positioning device (not shown here).

[0095] Fig. 2a shows the contact strip 17 in a new, i.e., unused, state, such that a height HCN of the contact element 18 or HTN of the contact strip 17 in the region of a center 22 of the contact strip 17 is unchanged or has a maximum value. Acceleration sensors of a sensor device of a measuring system (not shown in detail here) are mounted in the area of ​​the mounting bearings 21 and the center 22.

[0096] Fig. 2b shows the contact strip 17 in a worn state, such that a height HCW of the contact element 18 or a height HTW of the contact strip 17 in the region of the center 22 is significantly reduced due to abrasion of a surface 23 of the contact element 18. This results in a changed vibration behavior of the contact strip 17, since a section modulus or a mass of the contact strip 17 is changed or reduced. Abrasion of the contact element 18 is most severe in the region of the center 22, since a contact wire (not shown here) is designed in a zigzag pattern and, while the rail vehicle is traveling, sweeps against the contact strip 17 on the surface 23, alternating between the outer ends 24 of the contact element 18 and the surface 23.

[0097] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a contact wire 25 relative to a guideway 26 and contact strips 27 of a pantograph of a rail vehicle (not shown in detail here). The contact wire 25, shown here in sections, forms a zigzag course relative to the guideway 26. An overhead line (not shown in detail here) is designed such that the contact wire is held at attachment points 28 of the overhead line. Between the attachment points 28, the contact wire 26 runs in essentially straight sections 29. As the rail vehicle travels along the guideway 26, the contact wire 25 alternately contacts the contact strips 27 along their longitudinal extent. The pantograph is equipped here with a measuring unit with a measuring device and with at least two sensors of a sensor device of the measuring device.The sensors can detect vibrations of the contact strips 27, and these measured values ​​can be processed and correlated with one another using a processing device of the measuring device. The processing device can then determine or calculate an operating state of the overhead line or a zigzag pattern of the contact wire 25.

[0098] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a monitoring system 30 together with a rail vehicle 31. The rail vehicle runs on a track 32 and has pantographs 33 on a roof 34 of the rail vehicle 31, which can be contacted with a contact wire 35. The monitoring system 30 comprises a plurality of measuring units 36 on the pantographs 33, each with a processing device 37 and a measuring apparatus 38. The monitoring system further comprises an evaluation unit 39, which receives, stores and processes data records from the measuring units 36. The evaluation unit 39 can analyze the data records and output a result of the analysis. The measuring units 36 are connected to the evaluation unit 39 via data connections 40, by means of which data records are transmitted via radio signals, via an external data network 41. In this case, bidirectional transmission of the data records can also take place.The processing devices 37 record measured values ​​from the measuring unit 36 ​​or sensors (not shown in detail here) on the pantographs 33, relate them to one another, and determine an operating state of the pantographs 33 or the contact wire 35 as a result. This result is transmitted to the evaluation unit 39, as described above. In principle, a connection of the measuring units 36 to the external data network 41 via a single data connection is possible and sufficient. Optionally, it is also possible to exchange data sets directly between the measuring units 36 and the evaluation unit 39, bypassing the external data network 41. The measuring units 36 can also be connected to a control station 42 of the rail vehicle 31, such that the results and / or measured values ​​from the processing device 37 can be displayed to a vehicle driver in the control station 42. Fig.5 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a measuring unit 43. The measuring unit 43 is formed from a measuring device 44 and further comprises an evaluation unit 45. The measuring device 44 in turn comprises a sensor device 46 with a plurality of sensors 47, 48 and a processing device 49. In addition, a supply device 50 is provided by means of which the measuring device 44 is supplied with electrical energy. The supply device 50 can be an energy storage device, a generator or an external energy supply, for example via a rail vehicle or a contact wire. The evaluation unit 45 has a database 51 and an evaluation device 52 and receives data or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from the processing device 49. The processing device 49 receives measured values ​​from the sensors 47, 48 of the sensor device 46 and processes them. The measured values ​​relate to operating parameters orPhysical measured variables of a pressure device of a pantograph (not shown here), similar to the example shown in Fig. 1. The processing device 49 processes the measured values ​​in such a way that it correlates them and determines a characteristic value describing an operating state of the respective pantograph and / or overhead line. The respective determined characteristic values ​​are transmitted continuously or successively from the processing device 49 to the evaluation unit 45, where they are stored in the database 51 or further processed or prepared by the evaluation device 52.

[0099] Fig. 6 shows a further measuring unit 53, in which, in contrast to the measuring unit in Fig. 5, the processing device 49 transmits data to a control device 54. The control device 54 is formed from a control device 55 and a positioning device 56, wherein the control device 55 controls an actuator (not shown in detail here) of the positioning device 56 depending on the transmitted data. Thus, by means of the control device 55, a contact force of a contact strip of a current collector comprising the positioning device 56 is controlled in such a way that lifting of the contact strip from a busbar is essentially prevented.

[0100] Fig. 7 shows a monitoring system 57 with a measuring unit 58.

[0101] The monitoring system 57 can have a plurality of measuring units 58. In contrast to the measuring unit from Fig. 6, the measuring unit 58 has a measuring device 59 which includes a transmission device 60. The transmission device 60 receives data or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from the processing device 49 and transmits them to the control device 54. Furthermore, a data connection 62 exists between the transmission device 60 and an external data network 61, with which measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​are transmitted via radio signals. An evaluation unit 64 with a database 65 and an evaluation device 66 is connected to the external data network 61 via a further data connection 63 and exchanges data or measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​with the transmission device 60 via the external data network 61.In principle, it is also possible to exchange this data directly via a direct data connection 62, bypassing the external data network 61. In addition, a user unit 68 is provided, which is connected to the external data network 61 via a further data connection 69. The user unit 69 can thus exchange data with the evaluation unit 64, i.e. data from the measuring units 58 processed by the evaluation unit 64 can be output or displayed via the user unit 68 and made available for further use. The user unit 68 can also be directly connected to the evaluation unit 64 via a direct data connection 70. Overall, it is thus possible to obtain measured values ​​via sensors 47, 48 attached to current collectors (not shown here), and to use these values ​​for the direct control or regulation of the respective current collectors by means of the control device 54.Furthermore, this data can be transferred via the external data network 61, for example, the Internet, to the evaluation unit 64 for storage and evaluation. Functional relationships within the data can thus be utilized, evaluated, and interpreted. The results of these evaluations can be made available to an end user via the user unit 68.

[0102] Fig. 8 shows a current collector 10, which is essentially constructed from a base frame 71, a positioning device 13, and a rocker device 15 supporting the contact strips 14. The positioning device 13 comprises a joint device 72 having an upper arm 84 and a lower arm 85, which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The lower arm 85 is connected in an articulated manner to a base frame 71 of the current collector 10, while the upper arm 84 is connected to the rocker device 15. Furthermore, the current collector 10 has a drive device 73 and a spring device 74 arranged on the base frame. The current tapped from the contact wire by the contact strips 14 is transmitted via an electrical line 78 designed as a current strip, which is laid via the rocker device 15, the upper arm 84, the lower arm 85, and the base support 71 to the rail vehicle to be supplied with power (not shown here). The current flowing through the current strip 78, orThe applied voltage is used by a power supply unit 50 to supply power to the sensors 47 arranged on the current collector 10. The power supply unit 50 can comprise a first power supply device 75 and a second power supply device 76. The first power supply device 75 is designed to obtain the electrical energy required at least to supply power to the sensors 47 of the sensor device 46 from an alternating current. The second power supply device 76 obtains the electrical energy required to supply power to the sensors 47 of the sensor device 46 from a direct current applied to the current collector 10. The first power supply device 75 is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 19, while the second power supply device 76 is explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 18.8 also shows the base unit 80, which, according to the present embodiment, has at least one connection for a data line 88 coming from the lower arm 85 of the positioning device 13, a connection for the power supply unit 50, and a connection for a data line 88 coming from a pressure sensor 81. The pressure sensor 81 is arranged on a pressure line 79 of the positioning device 13, whereby pressure changes in the pressure line 79 detected by the pressure sensor 81 allow conclusions to be drawn about the operation of the positioning device 13 and / or the height of the contact strips 14 connected to the positioning device 13. The second power supply device 76 comprises a bypass line 87 connected to the base unit 80.

[0103] 9 to 17 show, in conjunction with FIG. 8, the structure of a current collector 10 according to the invention. It can be seen in particular from FIGS. 9 to 13 that a base unit 80 is arranged on the base frame 71 of the current collector 10, via which the current collector 10 is connected to the roof 34 of a rail vehicle. The data line 88 and the bypass line 87 of the second power supply device 76 run along the joint device 72 via the base frame 71 to the base unit 80. In order to reduce data transfer to the base unit 80, three data concentrator devices 77, which are designed for data concentration, are arranged on the current collector 10. Specifically, one data concentrator device 77 is arranged in the region of the joint between the upper arm 84 and the lower arm 85 of the joint device 72. Two further data concentrator devices 77 are arranged on the rocker device 15.In the data concentrator devices 77, which are arranged on the rocker device 15, the data from at least two sensors 47, which are connected to a data concentrator device 77 via a data line 88, can be concentrated. The sensors 47 are designed as motion sensors, with two sensors 47 each arranged on a contact strip. The sensors 47 designed as motion sensors can measure at least accelerations and rotations in three axes. In addition to data concentration, the data concentrator device 77 can also be used to record measured values. Thus, the data concentrator device 77 can have a motion sensor that measures accelerations and rotations in three axes. In addition, the base unit 80 can also have a motion sensor that measures accelerations and rotations in three axes.In total, at least eight motion sensors can be arranged on the pantograph 10, which are connected in a tree structure via data lines 88. This is described again with Fig. 22. The base unit 80 can comprise the processing device 37, in which the measured values ​​of the measuring unit 36 ​​or the sensors 47 and the data concentrator device 77 are put into relation with one another and an operating state of the pantograph 10 or of a contact wire 25 (not shown here) is determined. The measuring unit 36 ​​can further comprise a pressure sensor 81, which is arranged on the base frame 71. The pressure sensor 81 measures the pressure in a pressure line 79 of a drive device 73 or spring device 74 of the pantograph 10. The data from the pressure sensor 81 is fed to the base unit 80 via a data line 88.The base unit 80 can forward the measured values ​​or the characteristic values ​​determined by the processing device 37 to an external data network 41 (not shown here) or to an evaluation unit 39. The power supply of the monitoring system, in particular the power supply of the sensors 47 and data concentrator devices 77 included in the measuring unit 36, can be provided via the first power supply device 75 or the second power supply device 76, depending on the operation of the current collector 10. The first power supply device 75 is designed as an AC power supply device and is used when the current collector 10 is operated in an AC network. The first power supply device 75 is arranged on the base frame 71 and comprises at least one toroidal coil 93 and a bolt 94. The first power supply device 75 is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 19.To operate the current collector 10 in a direct current network, the second power supply device 76, designed as a direct current power supply device, is used. The second power supply device 76 comprises a bypass line 87 running from the rocker device 15 to the base unit 80. The second power supply device 76 is described again with reference to Fig. 18.

[0104] The attachment of a data concentrator device 77 to the positioning device 13 can be described by way of example with reference to Fig. 17. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 17, the data concentrator device 77 is arranged on the lower arm 85, in the region of the articulated connection to the upper arm 84 of the articulated device 72. The plate-shaped mounting device 90, via which the data concentrator device 77 is connected to the lower arm 85, is fastened to the lower arm 85 by means of clamps 89. Furthermore, it can be seen from Fig. 17 that a data line 88 coming from the rocker device 15 and guided over the upper arm 84 ends in the data concentrator device 77 and a further data line branches off from the data concentrator device 77 in the direction of the base frame 71 (not shown here) and the base unit 80.

[0105] Fig. 18 schematically shows the mode of operation of the second power supply device 76, which, as is particularly evident from a view together with Figs. 8 to 13, is arranged on the positioning device 13. It is known that, in order to supply power to a rail vehicle (not shown here) by transferring energy from the contact wire to the rail vehicle, an electrical line 78, in this case designed as a current strip, leads from the rocker device 15 to the base frame 71 and from there on to the rail vehicle. This electrical line 78 has a relatively low resistance, preferably in the milliohm range, and during operation, due to this resistance, a voltage of several hundred millivolts can drop across this electrical line 78, depending on the current intensity flowing through the electrical line 78.This voltage can be tapped by the second power supply device 76 and used to supply power to the monitoring system 30, in particular to the measuring unit 36. For this purpose, the second power supply device 76 comprises a bypass line 87, which is preferably designed as a cable with a cross-section of 16 mm. 2 is designed. According to the invention, the bypass line 87 is laid along the joint device 72 from the rocker device 15 to the base unit 80. A further contact line 91 designed as a cable, which is preferably shorter than the bypass line 87, is used to electrically contact the base unit with the base frame 71. This results in a parallel circuit with a relatively high resistance compared to the electrical line 78 designed as a current strip, whereby a voltage sufficient to supply power to the measuring unit 36 ​​can be tapped.

[0106] Fig. 19, in conjunction with Figs. 8 to 13, shows the operation of the first power supply device 75, which is used when the current collector 10 is operated in an alternating current network. The toroidal coil 93 and the bolt 94 of the first power supply device 75 are fastened to the base frame 71 by means of a holding device. The fastening takes place at the point on the base frame at which the current is transferred from the lower arm 85 of the joint device 72 to the base frame 71 by means of the electrical line 78, designed as a current band. The toroidal coil 93 is pushed over the bolt 94, and the electrical line 78 is connected to the bolt 94 by means of a cable lug.Thus, when the current collector 10 is operated in an alternating current network, an alternating current flows through the bolt 94, which in turn induces an alternating current in the toroidal coil 93, which is conducted via another electrical line to the base unit 80 and converted there into a usable direct voltage. The current is discharged through the base frame via a current discharge line 92. The bolt 94 is designed such that the bolt 94 does not restrict the flow of current from the contact wire to the rail vehicle via the electrical line 78. If the current collector 10 has a plurality of electrical lines 78 designed as a current strip, each of the electrical lines 78 can be used for power supply by means of a first power supply device 75 and / or power supply device 76. Thus, a plurality of power supply devices 75 and / or power supply devices 76 can be provided on the current collector 10.Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 19, a data cable 88 for transmitting measured values ​​to the base unit 80 can be provided on the first power supply device 75.

[0107] To determine the wear condition of a contact element 18 of a contact strip 14, the measuring unit can have an abrasion sensor 86. The abrasion sensor 86 can be designed as shown in Fig. 20 or Fig. 21. According to the embodiment of the abrasion sensor 86 shown in Fig. 20, the forces F and FN acting between the contact wire 16 and the contact element 18 are taken into account, which vary depending on the position of the contact wire 16 and the wear condition of the contact element 18. Within the scope of the invention, it was recognized that, depending on the position of the contact wire 16 and the wear condition of the contact element 18, characteristic vibrations or accelerations are induced at the contact element 18, which can be detected by a sensor 47, which is preferably designed as an acceleration sensor. The wear condition of the contact element 18 can be determined via these characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations.

[0108] Alternatively and / or additionally, the abrasion sensor system 86 according to Fig. 21 can be used to determine the condition of the contact element 18 of a contact strip 14. For this purpose, a recess 95 is made in the contact element 18, the upper edge of which defines the wear limit 96. As soon as the contact element 18 has been worn down to the wear limit 96, the recess 95 is open and causes characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations that can be detected by the sensor 47. Based on these characteristic vibrations and / or accelerations, a characteristic value describing the wear condition can be determined, and reaching the wear limit 96 can be indicated.

[0109] Fig. 22 schematically shows the tree structure of the cabling of the measuring unit 36 ​​on a current collector 10. As can also be seen from the combination of Figs. 8 to 16, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 22, two sensors 47 are arranged on each of the two contact strips 14. The sensors 47 are preferably designed as motion sensors that can detect accelerations and vibrations in three axes. Two of the sensors 47 are each connected to a data concentrator device 77. The data concentrator devices 77 can also have motion sensors. The two data concentrator devices 77 connected to the sensors 47 are connected to another data concentrator device 77 via a data line 88 for further data concentration. This transmits the data to the base unit 80 via another data line 88.The base unit 80 can have a processing device 37 and / or transmit the data to an evaluation unit 39 or an external data network 41 via a wireless connection 97. Furthermore, the base unit is configured to receive and further process data from a pressure sensor 81 and / or an electrical measuring sensor 82 received via a data line 88. The electrical measuring sensor 82 can comprise a voltage sensor and / or a current sensor, with which the voltage of the current collector present on the electrical line 78 and / or the current flowing through the electrical line 78 can be measured. Furthermore, the base unit 80 is configured to wirelessly receive and further process data from an abrasion sensor 86. Fig. 23 shows a schematic structure of a base unit 80.The base unit includes a logic board 99, a power supply board 100, and a circuit board 98 of the power supply unit 50. To form a wireless connection 97, the base unit 80 further includes a wireless module.

[0110] Fig. 24 shows an example of data processing in an external data network 41 which, according to Fig. 24, is designed as a cloud service application, in particular as an Internet of Things hub 110. The measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​recorded at the current collector 10 by means of the monitoring system 30 are transmitted wirelessly to the external data network 41. In the external data network 41 designed as a cloud service application, messages can be split into measured values ​​or measured values ​​and messages can be linked in a step S1. The data can be further distributed in a step S2. For example, copies of a measured value and / or characteristic value can be created for each user in a step S4. In addition, the data can be saved in a step S3 before further processing and / or preparation of the data.In steps S5 to S8, the data can be prepared according to the user's requirements and / or managed by the user and / or used in different user-specific applications. This means that the user is given access to the data and can use it in different applications. For example, multiple users (S8) and / or the data of multiple pantographs, multiple rail vehicles or multiple trains can be managed (S5). For this purpose, various evaluation, sorting and / or classification suggestions or services can be offered to the user as part of so-called asset services (S6). After a data service (S7), different data models can be made available to the user according to their requirements. The user is given secure access to applications S5 to S8 via the access gateway 111.

Claims

Patent claims Method for operating a current collector (10, 33) which can be arranged on a roof (11, 34) of a rail vehicle (31) for transmitting energy from a contact wire (16, 25, 35) of an overhead line to the rail vehicle (31), wherein the current collector (10, 33) comprises a positioning device (13, 56) with a contact strip (14, 17, 27) arranged thereon, wherein by means of the positioning device (13, 56) the contact strip (14, 17, 27) can be moved relative to the contact wire and can be pressed against the contact wire with a contact force in a contact contact position to form a sliding contact, wherein the contact force on the contact strip can be formed by means of a drive device (73) and / or a spring device (74) of the positioning device, characterized in that the current collector has a Energy supply unit (50) and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) with a measuring device (38, 44,59), wherein at least two sensors (47, 48) of a sensor device (46) of the measuring device on the positioning device and / or the, contact strip are arranged, and wherein at least the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors of the sensor device is obtained by means of the energy supply unit (50), and wherein measured values ​​are recorded in the sliding contact position by means of the sensors, wherein the measured values ​​are processed by means of a processing device (37, 49) of the measuring device, wherein the processing device relates the measured values ​​to one another and determines a characteristic value describing an operating state of the current collector and / or the overhead line.Method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of a first energy supply device (75) of the energy supply unit (50) the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor device (46) is obtained from an alternating current applied to the current collector (10) and / or by means of a second energy supply device (76) of the energy supply unit (50) the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor device (46) is obtained from a direct current applied to the current collector (10).Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an angular position of the positioning device (13, 56), an acceleration, a frequency, a temperature, an illuminance, a force, a current, a voltage, an electrical resistance, a distance, a mass, an air pressure, a sound, a wear and / or a location position are continuously or discontinuously recorded and processed as measured values. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one acceleration sensor is used as a sensor (47, 48), which is arranged on the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and / or the positioning device (13, 56). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor (47, 48) is used, which is arranged within the contact strip (14, 17, 27), on the contact strip, on a fastening bearing (21) of the contact strip, or on a rocker device (15) of the positioning device (13, 56) holding the contact strip.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning device (13, 56) has a rocker device (15) holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated device (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker device (15), wherein at least one sensor (47, 48) arranged on the rocker device (15) is used and at least one energy supply unit (50) arranged on the articulated device (72) and / or the base frame (71) is used.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning device (13, 56) has a rocker device (15) holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle and an articulated device (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker device (71), wherein the measured values ​​of at least two sensors. (47, 48) are transmitted, preferably by cable, to a data concentrator device (77) arranged on the joint device (72) and / or the rocker device (15) for data concentration. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the voltage applied to an electrical line (78) of the current collector (10, 33) and / or the current intensity in an electrical line (78) of the current collector (10, 33) is measured by means of at least one sensor of a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) arranged on the base frame (71). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure of a pressure line (79) of the positioning device (13, 56) is measured by means of a pressure sensor (81) arranged on the base frame (71), in particular by means of at least one pressure sensor (81) of a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) arranged on the base frame (71).Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) performs an analysis of the measured values ​​while the contact strip (14, 17, 27) is guided along the contact wire (16, 25, 35). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) records and stores the measured values ​​of the sensors (47, 48) and / or the characteristic values ​​at regular intervals, upon a change, or continuously. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuator for actuating the positioning device (13, 56) is controlled by means of a control device (54) of the measuring device (38, 44, 59), wherein the actuation of the positioning device is regulated by means of a control device (55) of the control device according to a measured value and / or a characteristic value. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the pressing force is regulated by the control device (55) as a function of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device (38, 44, 59) transmits the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​to an evaluation unit (39, 45, 64), wherein the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​are stored in a database (51, 65) of the evaluation unit and / or further processed by means of an evaluation device (52) of the evaluation unit.Method according to claim 9, characterized in that by means of a transmission device (60) of the measuring device (38, 44, 59) via a data connection (40, 62, 63, 67, 69, 70) the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring device are transmitted to the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) and / or the control device (54), wherein the evaluation unit and / or the control device is arranged at a spatial distance from the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) or is integrated in the measuring unit. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the data connection (40, 62, 63, 69) is formed via an external data network (41, 61). Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) processes measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​from measuring units (36, 43, 53, 58) of a plurality of current collectors (10, 33). Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a data connection (40, 62, 63, 67, 69, 70) to the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) and / or the measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) is formed by means of a user unit (68), wherein the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​are transmitted to and output from the user unit.Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) evaluates a temporal progression of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​and determines a wear condition of the current collector (10, 33) and / or the overhead line, taking into account a time-dependent component relevant to the wear and / or a measured variable-dependent component. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that a vibration of the contact strip (14, 17, 27) is detected by means of the sensor device (46), wherein the processing device. (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines a wear condition of the contact strip and / or the overhead line. Method according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines an arc on the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and / or the contact wire (16, 25, 35), a zigzag pattern of the contact wire, icing of the contact wire, and / or defects in the contact wire as an operating condition. Method according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) carries out a pattern analysis or statistical evaluation of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​stored over a period of time and derives a characteristic number from the pattern analysis or the statistical evaluation.Method according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the processing device (37, 49) or the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) relates the measured values ​​of different sensors (47, 48) and / or characteristic values ​​to one another and derives functional dependencies of the measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​by means of artificial intelligence. Method according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that a spatial position of the current collector (10, 33) is determined by means of a position sensor of the sensor device (46), wherein the spatial position corresponds to the characteristic values ​​or the measured values ​​of a further sensor. Sensor (47, 48) is assigned to the sensor device, wherein the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) determines a state of the overhead line. Method according to one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that the evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) creates a data model of the overhead line along at least one section of a track (26) of the rail vehicle (31), wherein the data model comprises a plurality of different locations of the track section, each with associated measured values ​​and / or characteristic values. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the data model is adapted by continuously and repeatedly recording measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​as the rail vehicle (31) travels along the track section.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) is used which is designed on the current collector (10, 33) independently of the rail vehicle (31). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the characteristic value is determined during a moving operation of the rail vehicle (31) when the contact strip (14, 17, 27) is in contact with the contact wire (16, 25, 35), wherein alternatively or additionally the characteristic value is determined during a stationary operation of the rail vehicle, wherein the contact strip is positioned in a rest position. nated or is moved between a contact position on the contact wire and the rest position on the rail vehicle. A current collector (10, 33), wherein the current collector can be arranged on a roof (11, 34) of a rail vehicle (31) and serves to transmit energy from a contact wire (16, 25, 35) of an overhead line to the rail vehicle, wherein the current collector comprises a positioning device (13, 56) with a contact strip (14, 17, 27) arranged thereon, wherein the positioning device is designed such that the contact strip can be moved relative to the contact wire by means of the positioning device and can be pressed against the contact wire with a contact force in a contact position to form a sliding contact, wherein the positioning device has a drive device and / or a spring device by means of which the contact force can be formed on the contact strip, characterized in thatthat the pantograph has a power supply unit (50) arranged on the pantograph and a measuring unit (36, 43, 53, 58) with a measuring device (38, 44, 59), wherein at least two sensors (47, 48) of a sensor device (46) of the measuring device are arranged on the positioning device and / or the contact strip, wherein measured values ​​can be detected in the sliding contact position by means of the sensors, and wherein the power supply unit (50) obtains at least the electrical energy required to supply energy to the sensors (47, 48) of the sensor device (46), and wherein the measured values ​​can be processed by means of a processing device (37, 49) of the measuring device, wherein the measured values ​​can be related to one another by means of the processing device and a characteristic value describing an operating state of the pantograph and / or the overhead line can be determined. Current collector (10, 33) according to claim 24, characterized in that the positioning device (13, 56) has a rocker device (15) holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27) and a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle (31) and an articulated device (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker device (15), wherein at least one sensor (47, 48) is arranged on the rocker device (15) and at least one energy supply unit (50) is arranged on the articulated device (72) and / or the base frame (71).Current collector (10, 33) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the positioning device (13, 56) has a rocker device (15) holding the contact strip (14, 17, 27), a base frame (71) arranged on the rail vehicle (31), and an articulated device (72) arranged between the base frame (71) and the rocker device (15), wherein a data concentrator device (77) is arranged on the articulated device (72) and / or the rocker device (15). Current collector (10, 33) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that a pressure sensor (81), a current sensor, and / or a voltage sensor is included, which is in particular provided by a base unit (80) of the measuring unit (36) arranged on the base frame (71).Monitoring system (30) with a plurality of rail vehicles (31) each having at least one pantograph (10, 33) according to claim 24, wherein the monitoring system comprises an evaluation unit (39, 45, 64) for processing measured values ​​and / or characteristic values ​​of the measuring units (36, 43, 53, 58) of a plurality of pantographs.

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