Point machine with variably adjustable actuating slide

Abstract

A point machine (100) is described that comprises: i) an elongate actuating slide (110), the elongate actuating slide (110) being designed such that the length is variably adjustable; ii) a drive device (120), which is coupled to the elongate actuating slide (110) and which is designed to adjust the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; and iii) a control device (130), which is coupled to the drive device (120) and which is designed to provide and / or determine the predetermined position.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Switch drive with variably adjustable slide valve

[0003] The invention relates to a point machine with an elongated control slide. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a point machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a control slide with variable length. The invention can thus relate to the technical field of rail vehicles, in particular to point machines for corresponding rails.

[0004] Switches are generally known as transition devices to enable a rail vehicle to change from one track to another. The actual switch (or change) position is accomplished by a so-called switch machine. Switch machines have the task of changing switches, i.e. moving the switch blades to one of two end positions (left or right, or retracted or extended). For this purpose the switch machine usually has an axially movable throw bar which is connected to the switch blades via an external rod system. The throw bar must transmit the setting forces and also have the correct length for the required setting stroke (for example in the range 150-220 mm).

[0005] Conventionally, rigid rods of a fixed, defined length are used as control slides. These control slides have grooves that mark end positions into which a locking disc can engage. In this way, an end position and also the actuating stroke are determined. Figures 6 and 7 show the operation of such a prior art switch drive 200.

[0006] Figure 6: The switch drive 200 has a housing 205 in which the control slide 210 is mounted with a defined length. By means of a retaining coupling 240, the control slide 210 is arranged in a first position and secured by a locking slide 250. The locking slide 250 can engage in a respective groove of the control slide 110.

[0007] Figure 7: Manually or motor-driven, the adjusting slide 210 can be moved axially into a second position via the retaining coupling 240. The locking slide 250 also changes from a first position to a second position, defining the new end position of the adjusting slide 210 and re-engaging in a corresponding groove. Because the length of the adjusting slide 210 is fixed, a relatively large installation space 206 is required.

[0008] The defined length and the corresponding grooves of the control slide result in a large variety of variants. Railway operators therefore require a wide range of setting strokes and installation positions depending on the design of the switch. Due to the fixed length of the control slide, more installation space is required on the side of the point machine facing away from the switch in the retracted end position in order to avoid collisions between the control slide and the housing. However, this part of the control slide cannot be omitted because it still has to be seated in the plain bearing in the extended end position (positioning and absorption of any small transverse forces that may occur). Document EP 2960134 A1 describes a point machine for switches on railways, trams or the like, which has a housing for the operating units that is the same size as a sleeper.

[0009] There may be a need to design a switch drive in a flexible and space-saving manner.

[0010] A switch drive, a method, and a use are described below.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a switch drive is described which comprises: i) an elongate adjusting slide, wherein the elongate adjusting slide is designed such that the length is variably adjustable; ii) a drive device which is coupled to the elongate adjusting slide and which is designed to set the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; and iii) a control device which is coupled to the drive device and which is designed to provide and / or determine the predetermined position.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for operating a point drive is described, the method comprising: i) providing a predetermined position with respect to the length of a control slide; and then ii) variably adjusting the length of the control slide to the predetermined length by means of a mechanism. According to a third aspect of the invention, a use of a control slide with a variably adjustable length in a point drive is described, wherein the length is adjusted electromechanically until an end position is reached.

[0013] In the context of the present document, the term "adjusting slide" can refer in particular to an elongated element which can be used mechanically to move a switch tongue, in particular from a first position to a second position. While a conventional adjusting slide has a defined length and is designed, for example, as a rigid rod, the elongated adjusting slide according to the invention has a variable length. In one example, the length can be varied stepwise. In a preferred example, however, the length can be varied continuously. Various implementations of the variable length are possible, some of which are described below as examples.

[0014] In a first example, the adjusting slide has at least two parts, one with an external thread and one with an internal thread. In this embodiment, the length can be continuously varied by turning the thread. In a second example, the adjusting slide can be telescopically constructed so that an inner part can be pushed out of an outer part (or vice versa). In a third example, the adjusting slide can have a (rolled-up) push chain, the length being varied when the push chain is unrolled or rolled up.

[0015] In the context of the present document, the term "drive device" can refer in particular to a device which is designed to move the above-described adjusting slide in such a way that its length is varied in a controlled manner. In one embodiment, the drive device can be designed as an electric motor which is coupled to the adjusting slide. By activating the electric motor, for example, an extension / shortening of the adjusting slide can be achieved via the thread. Various designs of the power transmission are conceivable here. In a further example, an electric motor can trigger the telescopic displacement. In yet another example, the drive device can have a drive wheel for a push chain. In particular, the drive device can be configured such that the predetermined position cannot be exceeded.For example, the electric motor can be switched off when the predetermined position is reached. In the following examples, an electric motor is generally used as the drive device. However, the drive device is not limited to this; other types of mechanical power transmission can also be used as the drive, e.g., an internal combustion engine.

[0016] In the context of the present document, the term "control device" can refer in particular to a device which is suitable for controlling and / or regulating the length variation of the control slide via the drive device described above. In one example, the drive device and control device are designed separately from one another, for example as an electric motor and processor. In this case, spatial separation can also be possible, e.g. the control device can communicate with the drive device via radio and / or a network. In a further exemplary embodiment, the drive device and control device can also be installed in the same unit. In a simple example, the control device can have one or more processors and specify the predetermined position or end position of the drive device. The predetermined position can, for example, be entered or selected by an operator.In a more complex example, the control device can be embedded in a network, e.g., an Internet of Things (IoT) environment. Based on the data from this network, the control device can then (itself) determine the predetermined position. In another example, the control device can have artificial intelligence, which can be trained to determine the predetermined position and / or the time or duration of the switch setting.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the invention can be based on the idea that a switch drive can be provided in a flexible and space-saving manner if a control slide is used which is variable in length and which is extended by an (electromechanical) drive into a predetermined position which is specified or determined by a control device.

[0018] Conventionally, a control slide has a certain length and is fixed in one of two end positions by means of specific grooves.

[0019] However, a completely different approach is now proposed: grooves and fixed length are omitted, as is a retaining coupling and a locking slide (see Figures 6 and 7). Instead, the control slide, which is variable in length, can cover all required actuating strokes with just one design and can therefore be used extremely flexibly. The control device can be viewed as a smart controller that assigns a desired length to the control slide (and a corresponding end position) as needed. The drive can make it possible to set the actuating stroke without mechanical grooves in the control slide.

[0020] Instead, the control device of the drive device can specify the end position by not setting any further extension of the control slide, e . g . via the number of revolutions of the driving electric motor in a slip-free system .

[0021] In addition, an actively adjustable control slide can significantly reduce the required installation space for the switch drive, as the length of the control slide can be reduced in the retracted end position. With the same connection dimensions as the current drive, the required installation space is thus reduced, allowing the switch drive to be installed by more users without protruding into the clearance profile of rail vehicles or trains.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises an electric motor and is configured to perform the length adjustment electromechanically. This can have the advantage that established technology can be used directly. Electric motors as such are known and can be used flexibly to vary the length of the adjusting disc. Various couplings between the adjusting disc and the electric motor can also be implemented.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the length adjustment is performed mechanically or non-hydraulically. With the aid of a motor, e.g., the electric motor mentioned above, the length adjustment can be performed mechanically. In one example, an end position can thus be reached particularly reliably and precisely. In one example, the terms "mechanical" or "electromechanical" exclude hydraulics. In the latter case, the length variation of the control slide is not achieved via hydraulics.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the predetermined position is an end position of the elongated control slide. According to a further embodiment, the drive device and / or the control device is configured to ensure that the end position is not exceeded. This can have the advantage of increasing safety.

[0025] In the area of ​​rail vehicles, particularly passenger trains, safety can play a much more important role than in other technical fields. Safety aspects can therefore be given considerably greater weight. The drive device can preferably block the adjusting disk at a certain length setting, so that further lengthening (but also shortening) is excluded. Unlike in the prior art, a tongue and groove solution is not preferred; instead, the drive device should provide this function. In one example, this can be implemented by stopping an electric motor. In a further example, the control device controls the drive device accordingly.

[0026] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the elongated control slide has, along the longitudinal direction: a first part and a second part. In a first operating state, the second part is arranged at least partially around the first part (in a transition region). In a second operating state, the second part is arranged less around the first part than in the first operating state. This can have the advantage that the parts of the control slide can be stored in a space-saving manner (in terms of installation space) and, if necessary, the control slide can be extended by being pushed apart. Two embodiments described below comprise the parts of a telescopic control slide and the parts of an external and an internal thread.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the first part and the second part each have a thread. According to a further embodiment, the first part has an external thread, and the second part has an internal thread. This can have the advantage that the extension can be precisely adjusted. Furthermore, the end position can be securely fixed.

[0028] Specifically, such a mechanism can be implemented using a driven threaded rod and a slide valve with a threaded hole. The thread can be self-locking, e.g., against the axial forces in the end position caused by spring forces from the switch blades (residual blade tension) and transverse forces from overrunning trains. The extended end position is reached by unscrewing the threaded rod, and the retracted end position is reached by screwing it in.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the elongated adjusting slide is telescopic. In this example, the adjusting slide can comprise a plurality of parts that can be pushed into one another to save space, but can also achieve a great length when pushed apart. This embodiment can be used particularly flexibly.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the elongated control slide comprises a push chain. This can have the advantage that an established technology can be implemented directly. While conventional chains can pull, a push chain can both pull and push. In this way, a forward and backward movement can be generated with just one drive (e.g., a drive (gear) wheel). The push chain can be rolled up to save space and rolled out or in depending on the operating mode. In one example, an elongated element is mounted on a push chain as the control slide tip. In another example, the control slide is formed entirely from the push chain. In this document, the term "push chain" can specifically refer to a mechanical component of conveyor technology that can be rolled up when de-tensioned, but can transmit push and push forces when tensioned.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the elongated adjusting slide is substantially free of a locking region, in particular a groove. As explained above, a locking slide is conventionally used to fix the adjusting slide in a specific end position via its grooves. According to the invention, such a blocking is preferably achieved by the drive device, so that additional effort can be saved.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the point drive further comprises: a housing in which the elongated control slide is at least partially arranged. In particular, wherein the elongated control slide is (substantially) arranged in the housing for a first length setting, and wherein the elongated control slide is arranged partially outside the housing for a second length setting. In this example, installation space can be saved because the control slide practically extends out of the housing without requiring a retraction area (e.g. for a rigid rod). According to a further embodiment, the point drive further comprises: a sensor which is coupled to the control device and which is designed to detect at least one parameter relating to the setting of the length of the elongated control slide.This can have the advantage that feedback control can be implemented, particularly by means of the control device. Based on the measured sensor data, the control device can determine the end position and control / regulate the drive device accordingly. The control device can be configured to incorporate the sensor data accordingly. Furthermore, the time of the switch position or the duration of the switch position can also be determined based on sensor data.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the parameter includes at least one of speed, torque, actuating stroke, force, and an electrical parameter, in particular one of current, voltage, power factor, or power. Thus, various mechanical and electrical aspects can be incorporated to ensure the most efficient and safe use of the actuator.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the control device further comprises: a communication device configured to communicate with another control device regarding the predetermined position and / or the parameter. This has the advantage that the control device can use additional information and / or is embedded in a larger infrastructure.

[0035] In this document, the term "communication device" can refer in particular to a device which is configured to send and / or receive signals or data. The communication can be wired or wireless. Preferably, the communication device is configured for both operating modes. For wireless operation, the communication device can have one or more antennas. With regard to wired operation, the communication device can have one or more connections (e.g. Ethernet, power cable, USB, etc.). In one example, the communication device can be provided as a radio transmitter / receiver. In a further example, the communication device can be designed as a router, in particular a WLAN router.

[0036] In one example, the control device can receive data or instructions from other control devices and / or send them itself. In one example, the control device can be integrated into a network with the other control devices, e.g., an IoT network. In this way, smart control of multiple switch machines or even a train station can be achieved. Modern tools such as artificial intelligence algorithms can make the evaluation of data volumes efficient.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the control slide is mounted in a form-fitting manner, particularly in the housing of the switch drive. Preferably, the control slide can be secured against unwanted rotation. This can be achieved, for example, by an n-sided outer shape with, for example, n > 2 or two parallel flattened sections of a circular base. This measure can prevent the end position from rotating, thereby better securing the end position.

[0038] The above-defined aspects and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the examples of embodiments to be described below and will be explained with reference to the examples of embodiments. The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments to which the invention is not limited, however.

[0039] Short description of the drawings

[0040] Figure 1 shows a switch drive with a control slide, which is based on threads, in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0041] Figure 2 shows the switch drive with the adjusting slide, which is based on threads, in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a switch drive with a control slide, which has a push chain, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a switch drive with a telescopic control slide, in a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the switch drive with the telescopic control slide, in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0045] Figures 6 and 7 show a conventional switch drive.

[0046] The representations in the drawings are schematic. It should be noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements or features are provided with the same reference numerals or with reference numerals that differ from the corresponding reference numerals only within the first digit. To avoid unnecessary repetition, elements or features that have already been explained with reference to a previously described embodiment will not be explained again at a later point in the description.

[0047] Furthermore, spatially relative terms such as "front" and "back", "top" and "bottom", "left" and "right", etc. are used to describe the relationship of one element to another element, as shown in the figures. Thus, the spatially relative terms may apply to orientations used that differ from the orientation shown in the figures. Obviously, these spatially relative terms refer only to simplify the description and to the orientation shown in the figures and are not necessarily limiting, since a device according to an embodiment of the invention may assume orientations other than those shown in the figures, particularly when used.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a switch drive 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a first position. The switch drive 100 has a housing 105 in which an elongated adjusting slide 110 is mounted. The elongated adjusting slide 110 is configured such that its length is variably adjustable axially (here along X). Plain bearings 115 support the fastening and movement of the adjusting slide 110.

[0049] A drive device 120, in this case an electric motor, is connected to the elongated control slide 110 so that the electric motor can set the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position or end position. Furthermore, the switch drive 100 has a control device 130, which in turn is coupled to the drive device 120 and provides the electric motor with the predetermined position as a target. The control device 130 can determine the preferred position based on environmental data, e.g. within a network. The drive device 120 and / or the control device 130 are configured to ensure that the end position is not exceeded. In the case of the electric motor, this can, for example, stop operation when the end position is reached.

[0050] The adjusting slide 110 has, along the longitudinal direction X: a first part 111 and a second part 112. In the first operating state shown, the second part 112 is arranged in a transition region 113 around the first part 111. In the example shown, the first part 111 has an external thread (is designed as a threaded rod, so to speak), while the second part 112 has an internal thread (implemented as a threaded bore, so to speak). At the transition region 113, the external thread 111 and the internal thread 112 are screwed into one another. In this way, the adjusting slide 110 is present in a shortened length and is arranged within the housing 105 essentially with this length setting.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a point machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in a second position. In this second operating state, the second part 112 is arranged less around the first part 111 than in the first operating state. In other words, the outer thread 111 and the inner thread 112 are turned out to a predetermined position relative to one another. In this way, the adjusting slide 110 is in an extended length setting and is arranged partially outside the housing 105 in order to thereby enable the movement of the point tongue. Reference numeral 106 schematically shows that a significant amount of installation space can be saved compared to the prior art (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0052] Figure 3 shows a switch drive 100 with a control slide 110 having a push chain 121, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the example shown, the control slide 110 has a rod-shaped element that is coupled to the push chain 121. In another example, however, the entire control slide 110 can also be realized by the push chain 121.

[0053] The drive device 120 has a drive wheel which can move the push chain 121 back and forth. It is shown schematically that the push chain 121 can be rolled up to save space. When the length setting changes from the first position to the second position, the drive wheel 122 can unroll the rolled-up push chain 121, as a result of which the adjusting slide 110 is continuously extended. When the drive wheel stops, the push chain 121 is fixed in the predetermined position. When it is desired to return to the first position, the drive wheel 122 runs in the opposite direction to before, as a result of which the push chain 121 is rolled up again.

[0054] Figure 4 shows a switch drive 100 with a telescopic adjusting slide 110 in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this length setting, the adjusting slide 110 is shortened, and the telescopic parts are pushed into one another, creating a transition region 113. For example, a second part 112 is arranged around a first part 111. In this exemplary embodiment, a retaining coupling 140 and a locking slide 150 can additionally be implemented.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the switch drive 100 with the telescopic adjusting slide 110 in a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this length setting, the telescopic parts are pushed apart, and the second part 112 is arranged closer to the first part 111 than in the first position.

[0056] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the use of the article "a" does not preclude a plurality. Elements described in connection with different embodiments may also be combined. It should also be noted that reference signs in the claims should not be construed to limit the scope of the claims.

[0057] Reference sign

[0058] 100 switch drive

[0059] 105 housings

[0060] 106 Saved installation space

[0061] 110 Elongated slide valve

[0062] 111 Part One

[0063] 112 Part Two

[0064] 113 Transition area

[0065] 115 warehouses

[0066] 120 Drive device, electric motor

[0067] 121 Push chain

[0068] 122 Drive wheel push chain

[0069] 130 Control device

[0070] 140 Holding coupling

[0071] 150 gate valves

[0072] State of the art

[0073] 200 switch machine

[0074] 205 housings

[0075] 206 Required installation space

[0076] 210 control slide

[0077] 240 holding coupling

[0078] 250 gate valves

Claims

Patent claims 1. A switch drive (100), comprising: an elongated adjusting slide (110), wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) is configured such that the length is variably adjustable; a drive device (120) which is coupled to the elongated adjusting slide (110) and which is configured to set the variably adjustable length to a predetermined position; and a control device (130) which is coupled to the drive device (120) and which is configured to provide and / or determine the predetermined position, wherein the length is adjusted mechanically and non-hydraulically.

2. The switch drive (100) according to claim 1, wherein the drive device (120) comprises an electric motor and is configured to perform the adjustment of the length electromechanically.

3. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined position is an end position of the elongated adjusting slide (110), and wherein the drive device (120) and / or the control device (130) is arranged to ensure that the end position is not exceeded.

4. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) comprises along the longitudinal direction: a first part (111) and a second part (112), wherein, in a first operating state, the second part (112) is arranged at least partially around the first part (111), and wherein, in a second operating state, the second part (112) is arranged less around the first part (111) than in the first operating state.

5. The switch drive (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first part (111) and the second part (112) each have a thread, in particular wherein the first part (111) has an external thread, and wherein the second part (112) has an internal thread.

6. The switch drive (100) according to claim 4, wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) is telescopic.

7. The switch drive (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongated control slide (110) comprises a push chain.

8. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) is substantially free of a locking region, in particular a groove.

9. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a housing (105) in which the elongated adjusting slide (110) is at least partially arranged, in particular wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) is arranged in the housing (105) at a first length setting, and wherein the elongated adjusting slide (110) is arranged partially outside the housing (105) in a second length setting.

10. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a sensor which is coupled to the control device (130) and which is configured to detect at least one parameter relating to the adjustment of the length of the elongated control slide (110), in particular wherein the parameter comprises at least one of speed, torque, control stroke, force, an electrical parameter, in particular one of current, voltage, power factor, power.

11. The switch drive (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (130) further comprises: a communication device configured to communicate with another control device regarding the predetermined position and / or the parameter.

12. A method for operating a switch drive (100), the method comprising: Providing a predetermined position with respect to the length of a control slide (110); and then variably adjusting the length of the control slide (110) to the predetermined length by means of a mechanism.

13. Use of a control slide (110) with variably adjustable length in a switch drive (100), wherein the length is adjusted electromechanically until an end position is reached.

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