Points or crossing component with releasable connection and method and arrangement for monitoring the releasable connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a points or crossing component (200), comprising a basic component (202), an exchangeable component (206), at least one releasable connection (216, 218, 220) by means of which the exchangeable component (206) can be connected to the basic component (202) and at least one sensor (244) for monitoring the quality of the releasable connection, wherein, in the sensor (244), when a rail vehicle travels over the points or crossing component (200), a signal is generated that is representative of the quality of the releasable connection. For reliably detecting a connection that is in the process of becoming released, the invention proposes that the sensor (244) is arranged in the basic component (202) and is fixedly connected thereto.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Switch or crossing component with detachable connection and method and arrangement for monitoring the detachable connection

[0003] The present invention relates to a switch or crossing component, in particular a grooved rail switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, comprising a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, at least one detachable connection, such as a screw connection and / or clamp, by means of which the replaceable component can be connected to the base component, in particular in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, and at least one sensor for monitoring the quality, in particular of the force transmission and / or the form-locking, of the detachable connection, wherein a signal is generated in the sensor when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing component,which is representative of the quality of the detachable connection.

[0004] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the detachable connection of a switch or crossing component, in particular a grooved rail switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the detachable and clamping connection a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, and wherein by means of a sensor a signal for checking the quality, in particular the force transmission or the positive connection, of the detachable connection is detected, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle drives over the switch or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection.

[0005] The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

[0006] FR 2 745 543 A1 describes a remote monitoring system for a railway network for monitoring operating parameters of at least one switch system of the railway network. Each switch system comprises a set of sensors, each adapted to measure a property value representative of a property. The sensors are each connected to a data acquisition unit storing an algorithm for managing the acquired measurement data. Furthermore, means are provided for comparing the measurement data with at least one threshold value representative of the limit value for a corresponding operating parameter.

[0007] The known arrangement comprises, for example, a replaceable component in the form of a check rail, which is connected to a base component in the form of a track via a detachable connection. A sensor is provided to monitor the clamping of the check rail to the track, which is achieved by the detachable connection. This sensor is located in the check rail, which means that when the check rail is replaced, the sensor must also be replaced or removed. This involves increased effort.

[0008] The method also provides for monitoring the quality of the clamping of the check rail using measurement signals supplied by an acceleration sensor which detects the shocks generated by a wheel on the check rail.

[0009] DE 200 16674 U1 concerns a system for measuring the approach to the frog of a switch. The system features a structure-borne sound sensor mounted on a wing rail bolted to the frog of the switch. The sensor on the wing rail is freely accessible and thus exposed to dirt and the risk of damage. The sensor would be inaccessible on track, which is typically covered in trams. If the wing rail needs to be replaced, the sensor is removed at the same time.

[0010] The subject of DE 10 2004 014 282 B4 is a method for diagnosis and condition monitoring in the overrun area of ​​a switch and / or a crossing and / or a crossing switch of a railway line. When a train passes over the switch and / or the crossing and / or the crossing switch in a specific direction of travel, a measurement of the accelerations of the switch or the crossing point is performed at the rigid frog or crossing point at at least one location on the frog or crossing point in at least one spatial direction, which are generated by the train passing over the switch or crossing point. A detachable connection is not monitored.

[0011] EP 2 103 738 Bl (Dl) relates to a frog having a frog insert.

[0012] The present invention is based on the object of developing a switch or crossing component, a method, or an arrangement of the type mentioned above in such a way that the monitoring of a detachable connection, such as a fastening or clamping, of replaceable components is simplified and improved using sensors. A loose screw connection and / or clamping should be reliably signaled / detected.

[0013] It should also be possible to replace a defective replaceable component without major effort, in particular without replacing the sensor or the sensor.

[0014] The object is achieved according to the invention, inter alia, essentially by a switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, comprising a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter, a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, at least one detachable connection, such as a screw connection and / or clamping, by means of which the replaceable component can be connected to the base component, in particular by force transmission and / or positive locking, as well as at least one sensor for monitoring the quality, in particular of the force transmission and / or positive locking, of the detachable connection, wherein in the sensor when a rail vehicle drives over the switch or crossing component, in particular the replaceable component,a signal is generated that is representative of the quality of the detachable connection, solved by arranging the sensor in the base component and firmly connecting it.,

[0015] Typically, the replaceable component lies flat on the base component and is driven over by a rail vehicle.

[0016] In particular, the basic component is a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, in which or in which at least one sensor is integrated or firmly connected thereto.

[0017] In particular, the at least one sensor is arranged in a recess of the base component, which is covered by a replaceable component.

[0018] In order to enable a replacement of a component of a grooved rail track to be made easy, i.e. without destroying a track covering or without dismantling the intact sensor from the component to be replaced, the sensor is arranged in the base component and firmly connected to it.

[0019] When replacing a replaceable component, both the sensor and the supply line remain unaffected by the change of component, as the sensor is not in contact with the replaceable component.

[0020] According to an advantageous further development, the sensor is preferably designed as an acceleration sensor or structure-borne sound sensor.

[0021] Preferably, the sensor is arranged in the base component for transmitting accelerations and mechanical vibrations such that when a rail vehicle passes over it, in particular over an insufficiently fastened replaceable component, it detects at least one impact exerted by the insufficiently fastened replaceable component on the at least one detachable connection and / or the base component as an acceleration and / or mechanical vibration.

[0022] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the switch or crossing component is a frog, wherein the base component is a frog block and the replaceable component is a frog insert, which is connected to the frog block by means of the detachable connection, preferably in the form of a screwable clamp connection.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the frog insert is arranged in a recess of the frog block which is accessible without destruction when the frog is covered, wherein the sensor is arranged in the recess, preferably in the vertical direction below the replaceable frog insert and is preferably covered by the latter without contact with the sensor.

[0024] The sensor is arranged in a groove formed in a bottom of the recess, wherein the groove forms at least a portion of a water drain and opens into a drain.

[0025] Furthermore, the sensor has a supply line that leads out of the frog block through the outlet formed in a base of the recess, preferably designed as a vertical bore, and / or through a channel formed transversely to the direction of travel in the frog block, preferably into a cable duct connected to the frog. The sensor with supply line is designed to be watertight.

[0026] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the switch or crossing component is a tongue device, wherein the base component is a tongue rail adapter and the replaceable component is a tongue rail, which is connected to the tongue rail adapter by means of the detachable connection in the form of a screwable clamp connection. The detachable connection preferably has at least one clamping wedge, wherein the clamping wedge is penetrated by a clamping screw that can be screwed into a thread formed in the base component, preferably a blind hole thread.

[0027] Preferably, at least one clamping disk, in particular two clamping disks, are arranged between the head of the clamping screw and the top side of the clamping wedge, which provide preload. A sealing element, in particular a closed-cell sealing element, such as foam rubber, is arranged between the underside of the clamping wedge and the base component. This sealing element creates a seal between the screw element penetrating the wedge element and the bore in the base element with an internal thread, thus preventing moisture penetration and thus preventing corrosion.

[0028] It should also be emphasized that the basic component can be a tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed located in an upper part or upper section thereof. Monoblock construction means that the tongue device has a one-piece block with a tongue bed as the upper part, in which the tongue rail is arranged in an adjustably sliding manner. The upper part of the tongue device, which has the tongue bed, is made in particular of a high-strength steel with a strength preferably up to 1600 N / mm 2 or more, in particular a strength between 1200 N / mm 2 and 1600 N / mm 2 Examples include steels known as Dillidur, Xar, Hardox, or Bainit. The upper part of the tongue device is supported by a lower part, which can also be block-shaped or designed as a support. The lower part of the tongue device is preferably made of structural steel.

[0029] Of course, the upper and lower parts can also be a single monolithic body.

[0030] The tongue device can be designed such that the tongue bed extends over the entire length of the tongue rail. In this respect, reference is made to a design described in EP 2 569485 B1.

[0031] For clamping the tongue rail, the upper part has internally threaded holes into which the screws can be screwed, which pass through the clamping wedges for clamping the tongue rail. At least one sensor is then arranged in the area of ​​the clamping wedges in the upper part of the monoblock tongue device. This sensor generates signals to check the quality of the connection, such as the clamped connection.

[0032] To prevent fluid from accumulating in the sensor connection area, the connection runs in an opening which in turn merges into a drainage opening in the lower part of the monoblock tongue device.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the detachable connection a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, and wherein by means of a sensor a signal for checking the quality, in particular the force transmission and / or the positive connection, of the detachable connection is detected, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle drives over the switch or crossing component, in particular the replaceable component, and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection.

[0034] According to the invention, the signal is generated when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on the detachable connection and / or on the base component and is detected in the base component by means of the sensor arranged in the base component.

[0035] In a preferred method, the signals generated when the rail vehicle passes over due to a relative movement or a displacement of the replaceable component, and / or due to a replaceable component being displaced from the optimal position with respect to the detachable connection and / or the base component are evaluated.

[0036] Tests have shown that a relative movement or displacement between the components due to an inadequately clamped connection causes characteristic accelerations and / or characteristic structure-borne noise. Therefore, an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne noise sensor is preferably used as the sensor. When the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component, the sensor detects at least one characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne noise exerted by an inadequately secured replaceable component on the at least one detachable connection and / or base component.

[0037] A further development provides that the signal generated by the passage of the rail vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to detect a signal exhibiting the characteristic acceleration or the characteristic structure-borne noise. If the actual value signal deviates from the reference signal or the limit value, a message is generated indicating insufficient quality of the power transmission and / or the mold closure of the detachable connection.

[0038] In order to exclude interference signals which are generated, for example, by a flat spot on a wheel of a rail vehicle, at least two measurements are carried out during one crossing of the rail vehicle or during two consecutive rail vehicles and the message is only triggered if at least two events are detected per crossing or consecutive crossings, whereby the event is the detection of a characteristic signal.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the detachable connection an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is connected to a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock design with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, and wherein the arrangement has a sensor connected to an evaluation unit for monitoring the quality, in particular a force transmission and / or a form fit, of the detachable connection, by means of which a signal is detected which is generated when a rail vehicle drives over the exchangeable component and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection.According to the invention, the arrangement is characterized in that the sensor is exclusively connected to the base component or integrated therein and is designed such that it detects the signal generated by at least one impact exerted on the base component by the detachable connection and / or the replaceable component.

[0040] The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation unit via a supply line. The evaluation unit preferably has a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

[0041] The core of the invention can also be considered to be a detachable connection, such as a clamp or screw connection, for an exchangeable component, such as an interchangeable frog or tongue rail, of a tram switch, comprising a base element in the form of a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, wherein the detachable clamp comprises at least one tensioning wedge which is connected to a spacing screw in the base element, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter, and has a sensor, preferably an acceleration sensor, which is designed to record an acceleration exerted on the clamp or screw connection by an insufficiently clamped exchangeable component, such as an interchangeable frog or tongue rail, when a rail vehicle passes over it.

[0042] The invention is also characterized by a method for monitoring a detachable connection of a switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the detachable connection a replaceable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a base component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or an upper part of a tongue device in monoblock design having a tongue bed, and wherein by means of a sensor a signal for checking the quality, in particular the power transmission or the form fit, of the detachable connection is detected, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle drives over the switch or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection,which is characterized in that the signal is generated when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on the detachable connection and / or on the base component and is detected by means of the sensor arranged in the base component.

[0043] Further details, advantages and features of the invention emerge not only from the claims and the features derived therefrom - individually and / or in combination - but also from the following description of preferred embodiments derived from the drawings and their explanations.

[0044] They show:

[0045] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a frog with a detachable connection for a replaceable frog insert,

[0046] Fig. 2a shows a section of the frog according to Fig. 1 along a section line AC-AC,

[0047] Fig. 2b a section through an embodiment of a clamping device,

[0048] Fig. 3 a plan view of the frog according to Fig. 1 without frog insert,

[0049] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the core according to Fig. 1,

[0050] Fig. 5 shows an arrangement for checking a detachable connection of a frog,

[0051] Fig. 6 a perspective view of a tongue rail adapter,

[0052] Fig. 7a a side view of the tongue rail adapter according to Fig. 6,

[0053] Fig. 7b a section through an embodiment of a clamping element of the

[0054] Tongue rail adapter,

[0055] Fig. 8 is a side view of the tongue rail adapter according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 is a plan view of the tongue rail adapter according to Fig. 6,

[0056] Fig. 10 shows a preferred further embodiment of a clamping element for clamping a replaceable component to a base component,

[0057] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a tongue device in monoblock design,

[0058] Fig. 12 shows a section of Fig. 11 in the area of ​​a clamping fixation of a tongue rail in the tongue device,

[0059] Fig. 13 is a section along the line AA in Fig. 12 and

[0060] Fig. 14 shows section B from Fig. 13.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a switch or crossing component in the form of a grooved rail frog 10, comprising a base component in the form of a frog block 12 with intersecting grooves 14, 16. Arranged in the frog center region 18 is a replaceable component in the form of a frog insert 20, which is clamped in the frog block 12 in the use position.

[0062] Fig. 2a shows a sectional view of the frog 10 along a section line AC-AC according to Fig. 1. The frog insert 20, hereinafter also referred to as the interchangeable frog, is embedded in a recess 22 formed in an upper side 24 of the frog block 12. It is provided that an upper side 26 of the interchangeable frog 20 and the upper side 24 of the frog block 12 lie in one plane. The interchangeable frog 20 is attached to the frog block 12 via at least one detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. The detachable connections 28, 30, 32, 34 each comprise clamping wedges 34, 36, 38, 40, which are secured in the frog block 12 with clamping screws 42, 44, 46, 48 in corresponding blind hole receptacles or blind hole threads 50, 52, 54, 56. Due to its design, the overflow area in the frog 12 is subject to particularly high loads.To make the service life of the entire crossing 12 independent of that of the overflow area, the overflow area is designed to be replaceable in the form of the removable crossing 20. The removable crossing 20 also allows the overflow area of ​​the crossing 10 to be replaced without damaging a ceiling connection. This minimizes costs and ensures largely trouble-free rail or tram traffic. It also allows for extended downtimes and shortened maintenance times.

[0063] The clamping may become loose due to the varying load acting on the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 when passing over the frog insert 20. Therefore, the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 must be checked regularly.

[0064] According to the invention, monitoring of the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 for securing the removable frog 20 to the frog block 12 is carried out by means of a sensor system or a sensor 58. The sensor system 58 detects a signal that is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component in the form of the removable frog 20 and is representative of the quality of the power transmission of the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. If the quality of the power transmission falls below a limit value, a loosening connection or a loosening of the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 is signaled and displayed to a track system operator.

[0065] Fig. 2b shows, by way of example, a section through a first embodiment of the clamping device 34 with the clamping wedge 40, wherein the clamping wedge 40 is penetrated by the clamping screw 48, which is screwed into the threaded bore 56 formed in the base component 12, such as a blind threaded bore. Between a head 48.1 of the clamping screw 48 and an upper side 40.1 of the clamping wedge 40, at least one clamping disk 41 and optionally a first sealing ring 43 are arranged. The clamping disk 41 prevents undesired loosening of the clamping screw 48 during operation by means of an elastic preload. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 45 is preferably arranged between an underside 40.2 of the clamping wedge and the base component. The seal is intended to ensure that the screw connection, ieClamping screw 41 in blind hole, is protected against corrosion, so that the base component can be reused as often as possible when replacing the replaceable component, i.e. the frog insert 20.

[0066] A clamping device that is particularly noteworthy and can be described as inventive, which is used in the implementation of the teachings of the invention, can be seen in Fig. 10. The detachable connection consists - as in Fig. 2b - of a clamping wedge 340, through which a clamping screw 348 passes and which can be screwed into a threaded bore 356 formed in a base component 312.

[0067] In order to prevent the clamping screw 348 from coming loose when it is screwed in, two clamping washers 341.1 and 341.2 are arranged between the underside of the head 348.1 of the clamping screw 348 and a support surface 340.1 running in a recess of the clamping wedge 340.

[0068] Between the underside 340.2 of the clamping wedge 340 and the upper side 312.1 of the base component 312, a sealing element surrounding the clamping screw 340 is arranged, which consists of a closed-cell sealing material, such as foam rubber, so that when the screw 348 is tightened, the sealing material seals around the shaft of the clamping screw 348 and seals the bore having the internal thread 356.

[0069] This ensures that liquid cannot penetrate into the bore 356, thus preventing corrosion.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of the frog 10 according to Fig. 1, wherein the interchangeable frog 20 is not inserted. According to the invention, the sensor system 58 preferably comprises an acceleration sensor which is arranged in the base component in the form of the frog block 12 and is designed such that, when a rail vehicle passes over, it detects at least one acceleration exerted by the possibly insufficiently fastened interchangeable frog 20 on the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and / or the base component, i.e., the frog block 12.

[0071] The sensor 58 is firmly connected to the frog block 12 in the bottom area 68 of the recess 22 such that the sensor detects the signal generated by at least one force exerted on the frog block 12 by the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and / or the interchangeable frog 20. The sensor 58 is connected to the interchangeable component

[0072] Form of the interchangeable frog 20 not in direct contact.

[0073] The sensor, such as acceleration sensor 58, is arranged in a groove 64 extending along the longitudinal axis 62 in the frog block 12, i.e., the area that defines the recess 22 at the bottom. A connecting line 66 of the sensor 58 can be led out of the bottom through a bore 68 formed in the vertical direction, i.e., along a vertical axis 70 of the frog block 12. Alternatively, the connecting line 66 can be led out of the frog block 12 laterally via a channel 72 extending along a transverse axis 74 of the frog block 12.

[0074] This arrangement ensures that the sensor 58 and the connecting line 66 are connected exclusively to the frog block 12 and are spaced apart from the replaceable component in the form of the interchangeable frog 20.

[0075] The arrangement of the sensor 58 below the interchangeable frog 20 ensures effective force transmission from the interchangeable frog 20 or the detachable connection to the sensor 58.

[0076] The replaceable frog 20 allows non-destructive access to the sensor 58 in the covered track. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 22 with bore 68 also serves as a water drain for the frog block 12.

[0077] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the frog 10 with the interchangeable frog 20 inserted. To protect the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34, it is covered with a cover 76, 78. The cover 76, 78 lies in a plane spanned by the top side 24 of the frog block 12 and the top side 26 of the interchangeable frog 20. The top sides should lie in a common plane.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows an arrangement 80 for monitoring the detachable connections 28, 30, 32, 34 of the frog 10, wherein the replaceable component in the form of the interchangeable frog 20 is connected to the base component in the form of the frog block 12 by means of the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. The sensor 58, which is permanently integrated in the frog block 12 or connected thereto, is connected via the connecting line 66 to a

[0079] Evaluation unit 82 connected.

[0080] The sensor 58, which is or should be designed as an acceleration sensor, can detect accelerations in at least one direction, preferably accelerations in three directions, ie, in the direction of the longitudinal axis 62, the transverse axis 74 and the vertical axis 70 of the frog 12.

[0081] The invention is based on the idea that a loose, i.e. insufficiently clamped, replaceable component impacts the base component, i.e. the frog block 12 and / or the detachable connection 28, 30, 32, 34, as the rail vehicle passes over it, thereby generating or causing characteristic accelerations which are measured by the sensor 58 and subsequently evaluated by the evaluation unit 82, in particular compared with a limit value. Depending on the comparison between the measured signal and the stored reference signal, if the limit value is exceeded, an alarm signal is generated which indicates an insufficiently clamped or loose connection 28, 30, 32, 34.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a switch component in the form of a tongue rail device 200. The

[0083] Tongue rail device 200 comprises a base component in the form of a

[0084] Tongue rail adapter 202 to which a replaceable component in the form of a tongue rail 206 is attached, such as clamped, by means of a detachable connection 204. The tongue rail adapter 202 is attached, for example, by welding, to the base 208 of a connecting grooved rail 210, which is aligned with the tongue rail 206 along the longitudinal axis 212. An integral construction of the tongue rail adapter 202 and the grooved rail 210 is also possible.

[0085] Fig. 7a shows a side view of the tongue rail device 200. The tongue rail 206 is subjected to force by means of the detachable connection 204 against a stop 214 of the tongue rail adapter 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the detachable connection 204 comprises three clamping elements 216, 218, 220, each consisting of a clamping wedge 222, 224, 226, which can be clamped by means of a screw 228, 230, 232 against a stop 234 of the tongue rail adapter 202 and a side surface 236 of the tongue rail. The screws 228, 230, 232 are each received in blind hole threads 238, 240, 242.

[0086] Since the detachable connection 204, consisting of the individual clamping elements 216, 218, 220, can come loose during operation, the screw connection or clamping must be checked regularly. According to the invention, a sensor 244 for monitoring a force transmission or clamping force applied by the detachable connection is integrated into the tongue rail adapter 202. The invention is based on the idea that a tongue rail 206, which is loose or insufficiently fixed due to an insufficiently tensioned connection 204, impacts the tongue rail adapter 202 and / or the detachable connection 204 as the rail vehicle passes over it, causing characteristic accelerations that are measured by the sensor and compared with a limit value by an evaluation unit.

[0087] The sensor 244 is designed as an acceleration sensor and measures accelerations in direction and magnitude in a coordinate system spanned by axes 212, 246, 248.

[0088] Fig. 7b shows a detailed section through the clamping element 216 with the clamping wedge 222, wherein the clamping wedge 222 is penetrated by the clamping screw 228, which is screwed into the threaded bore 238 formed in the base component 202, such as a blind threaded bore. A clamping disk 223 and a first sealing ring 225 are arranged between a head 228.1 of the clamping screw 228 and an upper side 222.2 of the clamping wedge 222. The clamping disk 223 prevents unwanted loosening of the clamping screw during operation by means of elastic preload. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 227 is preferably arranged between an underside 228.2 of the clamping wedge 222 and the base component 202. The seal is intended to ensure that the screw connection, ie clamping screw 228 in the blind hole, is protected against corrosion so that the base component can be reused as often as possible when replacing the replaceable component.

[0089] Preferably, however, the detachable connection is configured as shown in Fig. 10, which, as mentioned, has its own inventive content. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 244 is arranged along an axis 250 (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8), which runs parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 of the rails or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the clamping elements 216, 218, 220 (detachable connection 204). Alternatively, the sensor 244 can also be arranged below the tongue rail 206 in the tongue rail adapter 202 or below the detachable connection 204.

[0090] The signal detected by sensor 244 is fed to an evaluation device, as already described in connection with Fig. 5. The evaluation device comprises a computing unit and a comparator, wherein the signal detected by the sensor is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal. If a limit value is exceeded, a message is generated indicating a release of the connection 204 or at least one of the clamping devices 216, 218, 202.

[0091] Figures 11 to 14 show a further embodiment of the teaching according to the invention which is worth highlighting and which has its own inventive content.

[0092] Thus, the embodiment relates to a tongue device 500 of monoblock construction, i.e., one consisting of a monolithic upper part 502 and a lower part 504, which may also be monolithic. Optionally, the lower part 504 may also have the form of a raised support, as can be seen, for example, in EP 2 569 485 B1.

[0093] The upper part of the tongue device, which has the tongue bed, consists in particular of a high-strength steel with a strength preferably up to 1600 N / mm 2 or more, in particular a strength between 1200 N / mm 2 and 1600 N / mm 2 Examples of steels known under the names Dillidur, Xar, Hardox or Bainit are:

[0094] A tongue bed 506 is machined into the upper part 502, for example, by thermal cutting such as oxyacetylene cutting, plasma cutting, or laser cutting, or by CNC milling, in which a tongue rail 508 is slidably adjustable. The tongue bed 506 is delimited by a stock rail 510 and a side rail 512, which are consequently also integral components of the upper part 502.

[0095] In order to connect the tongue rail 506 to a section of a connecting rail 514 formed integrally in the upper part 502, clamping wedges are used, as have been described in particular in connection with Fig. 10 and are also illustrated by Figs. 13 and 14.

[0096] Thus, the upper part 502 has bores 516, 518, 520 with internal threads into which clamping screws 522, 524, 526 can be screwed, which in turn pass through clamping wedges 528, 530, 532 in order to move the screws 522, 524, 526 along the inclined web of the tongue rail when tightening them and to fix them by clamping between the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532 and the connecting rail 514 or the auxiliary rail 512.

[0097] The lower part 504 of the tongue device 500 has a corresponding recess below the clamping screws 522, 524, 526. Otherwise, the upper part 502 rests flat on the lower part 504 and is connected to it, particularly by welding.

[0098] As the detailed illustration B of Fig. 14 illustrates, each clamping wedge 530 has a recess extending from the top side with a support surface 534 on the bottom side.

[0099] The shaft of the clamping screw 524 passes through two clamping washers 536, 538, which, when the clamping screw 524 is screwed in, extend between the support surface 534 and the head 540 of the clamping screw. Tightening the screw 524 and the clamping washers 536, 538 creates a preload force that prevents the screw 524 from loosening.

[0100] To prevent fluid from penetrating the bore 518 with the internal thread, the clamping shaft is surrounded by a closed-cell sealing material that is compressed when the screw 524 is tightened, creating a seal between the shaft and the bore 518 with the internal thread. This prevents fluid from penetrating and prevents corrosion. The design shown in Fig. 10 is thus used.

[0101] According to the teachings of the invention, a sensor 558 is integrated into the upper part 502 and is connected to an evaluation unit via a connector 560. The connector 560 extends into a recess 562 in the lower part 504 of the tongue device 500, which recess runs below the clamping screws 516, 518, 520 and is in turn connected to a drain opening passing through the lower part 504, so that fluid cannot accumulate.

[0102] Furthermore, in the bottom wall of the upper part 502, in the area of ​​the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532, there are recesses 566, 568, 570, 572 in which ejection stones are arranged which have an internal thread so that when screws are screwed in they are lifted off the bottom wall of the recess 566, 568, 570, 572 and thus enable the clamping wedges and thus the tongue rail 508 to be released.

[0103] It should be noted that the replaceable component rests flat on the base component and is driven over by a rail vehicle.

Claims

Patent claims Switch or crossing component with detachable connection and method and arrangement for monitoring the detachable connection 1. Switch or crossing component (10, 200, 500), in particular Grooved rail switch or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, comprising a base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504), such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, a replaceable component (20, 206, 508), such as a frog insert or tongue rail, which lies in particular on the base component and can be driven over, at least one detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), such as a screw connection or clamping, by means of which the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) can be connected to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504), in particular force-locking and / or form-locking, and at least one sensor (58, 244, 558) for monitoring the quality, in particular the force transmission and / or the form-locking, of the detachable connection, wherein in the sensor (58, 244,558) when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing component, a signal is generated which is representative of the quality of the detachable connection, characterized in that the sensor (58, 244, 558) is arranged in the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) and is firmly connected thereto. Switch or crossing component according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor (58, 244, 558) is designed as an acceleration sensor or structure-borne sound sensor. Switch or crossing component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor (58, 244, 558) is coupled to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) for transmitting accelerations and mechanical vibrations such that, when the rail vehicle passes over, in particular over an insufficiently fastened replaceable component (20, 206, 508), said sensor detects at least one impact exerted by the insufficiently fastened replaceable component (20, 206, 508) on the at least one detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or the base components as an acceleration and / or mechanical vibration.Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch or crossing component (10) is a frog, wherein the base component (12) is a frog block and the replaceable component (20) is a frog insert, which is connected to the frog block (12) by means of the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34), preferably in the form of a screwable clamp connection. Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably according to at least claim 4, characterized in that the frog insert (20) is arranged in a recess (22) of the frog block (12) that is non-destructively accessible when the frog (10) is covered, and in that the sensor (58) is arranged in the recess (22), preferably vertically below the replaceable frog insert (20), and is preferably covered by the frog without contact with the sensor (58).Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably according to at least claim 5, characterized in that the sensor (58) is arranged in a channel (64) formed in a region of the frog block (12) that delimits the bottom (60) of the recess (20), wherein the channel (60) preferably forms at least a portion of a water drain and opens into an outlet (68). Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (58) has a cable connection (66) that is led out of the frog block (12) through the outlet (68) formed in the region of the frog block (12) that delimits the bottom (60) of the recess (22) and / or through a channel (72) formed transversely to the direction of travel in the frog block (12), preferably into a cable duct connected to the frog block (12).Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, preferably according to at least claim 1, characterized in that the switch or crossing component (200) is a tongue device, wherein the base component (202) is a tongue rail adapter and the replaceable component (206) is a tongue rail which is connected to the tongue adapter (202) by means of the at least one detachable connection (216, 218, 220) in the form of at least one screwable clamp connection. Switch or crossing component according to at least claim 8, characterized in that the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34; 216, 218, 220) has at least one clamping wedge (34, 36, 38, 40; 222, 224, 226), wherein the clamping wedge is penetrated by a clamping screw (42, 44, 46, 48; 228, 230, 232) which can be screwed into a threaded bore (50, 52, 54, 56; 238) formed in the base component (12; 202), such as a blind threaded bore. Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch or crossing component (500) is a tongue device (500) in monoblock construction with a tongue bed (506) formed in a one-piece upper part (502) or upper section for slidingly adjusting a tongue rail (508), that the tongue rail can be fixed in the upper part or upper section via clamping wedges (528, 530, 532), which in turn can be fixed via clamping screws (522, 524, 526) that can be screwed into the upper part or into the upper section, and that the sensor (558) is arranged in the upper part (502) or upper section.Switch or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (58; 244) is arranged in an area, such as a recess (60, 64), of the base component (12; 202), which is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the replaceable component (20; 206).Switch or crossing component according to preferably at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) is connected to the base component (12, 202, 502) via a detachable connection (340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) which comprises a clamping wedge (340, 528, 530, 532) and a clamping screw (348, 522, 524, 526) passing through said wedge, which can be screwed into the base component, that the shaft of the clamping screw is surrounded by a closed-cell sealing element which extends between the wedge element and the base component in such a way that when the wedge element is fixed, the shaft is sealed off from the bore in the base component which receives it.

13. Switch or crossing component according to at least claim 12, characterized in that at least one, preferably two, tensioning discs (341.1, 341.2, 536, 538) generating a pretensioning force are arranged between the head (348.1, 540) of the tensioning screw (348, 522, 524, 526) and the tensioning wedge (528, 530, 532).

14. Method for monitoring a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) of a switch or crossing component (10, 200, 500, 502, 504), such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the detachable connection a replaceable, in particular traversable and lying on the base component component (20, 206, 508), such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a base component (12, 202, 502), such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in monoblock construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper section thereof, and wherein by means of a sensor (58, 244, 558) a signal is recorded to check the quality, in particular the force transmission or the form fit, of the detachable connection,which is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the switch or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection, characterized in that the signal is generated when the rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) by at least one impact exerted by the replaceable component on the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or on the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) and is detected in the base component by means of the sensor (58, 244, 558) arranged in the base component.

15. Method according to at least claim 14, characterized in that the signal is transmitted when the rail vehicle passes over by a relative movement of the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) and / or by a optimal position shifted replaceable component with respect to the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504).

16. Method according to at least claim 14 or 15, characterized in that an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne sound sensor is used as the sensor (58, 244, 558), wherein the sensor detects at least one characteristic acceleration or a characteristic structure-borne sound exerted by an insufficiently fastened replaceable component on the at least one detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) and / or base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) when the rail vehicle travels over the replaceable component (20, 206, 508).

17. Method according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the signal generated by the passage of the rail vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to detect a signal having the characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne sound.

18. Method according to at least claim 17, characterized in that if the actual value signal deviates from the reference signal or the limit value, a message is generated about an insufficient quality, in particular of the power transmission and / or the positive locking, of the detachable connection.

19. Method according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that at least two measurements are carried out during one passage of the rail vehicle or in the case of two successive rail vehicles and that the Message is only triggered if at least two events are detected per crossing or consecutive crossings, where the event is the detection of a characteristic signal.

20. Arrangement (80) with a switch or crossing component (10, 200) according to claim 1 for monitoring a detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532) thereof, wherein the replaceable component (20, 206, 508) is connected to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502, 504) by means of the detachable connection, and wherein the arrangement (80) has the sensor (58, 244, 558) connected to an evaluation unit (82) for monitoring the quality of the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), by means of which the signal is detected which is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the replaceable component (20, 206) and is representative of the quality of the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34, 216, 218, 220, 340, 348, 516, 518, 520, 528, 530, 532), characterized in that the sensor (58, 244, 558) is exclusively connected to the base component (12, 202, 500, 502,504) and is designed such that it detects the signal generated by at least one impact exerted by the detachable connection (28, 30, 32, 34; 216, 218, 220) and / or the replaceable component on the base component (12; 202).

1. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the evaluation unit (80) has a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

2. Arrangement according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the sensor (58, 244, 558) is arranged in an area, such as a recess (60, 64), of the base component (12, 202), which is at least partially, preferably completely, covered by the replaceable component (20, 206).

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