Portable control device for a drive of a route setting device in a rail network

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a route setting device (1) in a rail network, comprising - a frequency converter device (23), with which a single-phase or multi-phase operating voltage can be generated from a supply voltage applied at an input terminal (21), which operating voltage is designed optionally for a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203), - and a switching device (24) with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to an output terminal (18), including the rotational direction set by the operating voltage, can be controlled, and correspondingly an actuating current of a drive (3; 103, 203) connected to the output terminal (18) can be controlled, at least with the following control functions: function 1) manual transition of the route setting device (1) in a first and second direction, wherein, according to the duration of a manual actuation of a first or second actuation function, an actuating current is connected to the output terminal (18) with the first or second rotational direction set by the operating voltage; function 2) controlled transition of the route setting device (1), wherein an actuating current is connected to the output terminal (18) for a duration specified by the switching device, after a manual triggering of a third actuation function. The invention facilitates the control of the drive within the scope of new installations, maintenance, repair or replacement.

Description

[0001] Portable control unit for a drive of a track control device in a rail network

[0002] The invention relates to a control device for a drive of a track control device in a rail network, in particular for a drive of a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog point.

[0003] In rail networks, trains run on tracks to transport goods and passengers between different locations. For this purpose, the route within the rail network must be set for the trains, for which various route setting devices, in particular switches, are used. The route setting devices are mechanically changed by drives, for example a switch between a first end position (for travel to the left) and a second end position (for travel to the right). A typical drive for a switch, for example, comprises an electric motor that drives a hydraulic system with which the route setting device can be changed. In normal operation, the drives are controlled from a signal box, with the signal box generally switching a single- or multi-phase operating voltage to the drive of the route setting device for a predetermined duration.

[0004] The drive of a track control device must be reinstalled, serviced, or, in the event of a defect, repaired or replaced. For this, a technician (or a team of technicians) visits the location of the track control device on the rail network and carries out the work on the drive there. For this work, the drive is typically disconnected from the interlocking system, particularly for safety reasons. In the case of a newly installed track control device, a control function for this track control device may not yet be configured in the interlocking system.

[0005] During the course of new installation, maintenance, repair or even replacement of the drive, it is usually necessary or helpful to activate the drive temporarily, for example as part of a troubleshooting process, and in particular to check an electric motor or a hydraulic system installed in the drive in parts or as a whole, the mechanical coupling of the drive to the travel setting device and the sequence of the changeover process.

[0006] To enable this temporary operation, it is known to temporarily reconnect the drive to the interlocking and ask the signalman to activate the drive from the interlocking as required. However, this is very time-consuming and often causes waiting times because the usually very busy signalman must be involved. If the technician wants to check that the track setting device has reached its end position using the usual monitoring signal, they must request this information from the signalman, who must then read this information from their display in the interlocking and transmit it to the technician, for example, via radio or mobile phone, which is also time-consuming.If, in the case of a new installation of a drive for a track setting device, the corresponding control function has not yet been set up in the interlocking system, the control function must first be set up in the interlocking system itself for the temporary operation of the drive for the track setting device via the interlocking system, which can delay the new installation for a long time, often for many weeks.

[0007] With some drives, it is possible to connect the drive directly to a construction site generator and activate the drive by switching the construction site generator on and off, thus improvising a simple manual change of the track setting device. However, a construction site generator is expensive and difficult to transport, and the improvised manual change achieved with it does not correspond to the subsequent control within the framework of a controlled change by the interlocking system. Furthermore, the reaching of end positions with the construction site generator cannot be verified in the usual way using a monitoring signal.

[0008] Before the track setting device can be integrated back into regular operation, the drive of the track setting device must also be tested using a prescribed test sequence, usually by performing a large number of manual and / or controlled changes of the track setting device using the drive according to a prescribed test sequence. To perform these changes, the drive is usually reconnected to the interlocking system, and the signalman controls the corresponding changes. The necessary involvement of the signalman is complex and often causes waiting times. In addition, information from monitoring signals regarding the reaching of end positions is initially only available to the signalman, so that this information must again be transmitted to the technician, which is a time-consuming process, or the signalman must document it.In the case of a new installation of the drive of a track control device, it may be necessary to wait for the corresponding control function to be set up in the interlocking system for the prescribed test procedure. FR 1 406 992 A discloses a switching device for an electric motor that can move a moving rail between two opposite extreme positions. A spring-actuated coupling comprising two moving elements is arranged between the electric motor and the moving rail. Various limit switches are provided for control.

[0009] DE 10 2007 003 637 A1 relates to a method for setting an electrically operated switch. A mobile control unit determines its current position. The determined position and a switch control command are transmitted via a wireless interface to a switch control unit of the switch. If the position of the mobile control unit lies within a switch-specific activation range, the switch control unit transmits a control signal to the switch.

[0010] The object of the invention is to simplify the control of drives of track control devices in a rail network during new installation, maintenance, repair or replacement of the drives.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a portable control device for a drive of a track control device in a rail network, in particular for a drive of a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog point, wherein the control device comprises at least: an input connection for a supply voltage; a frequency converter device with which a single-phase or multi-phase operating voltage can be generated from the supply voltage applied to the input connection, which operating voltage is optionally configured for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor used in the drive; an output connection for the generated operating voltage, to which the drive can be connected;a switching device with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to the output terminal, including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage, can be controlled, and an actuating current of a drive connected to the output terminal can be controlled accordingly, the switching device having at least the following control functions:;

[0012] Function 1) Manual switching of the travel path setting device in a first direction and manual switching of the travel path setting device in a second direction, wherein according to the duration of a manual actuation of a first actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a first actuation button of the control unit, an actuation current with the first direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output connection, and according to the duration of a manual actuation of a second actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a second actuation button of the control unit, an actuation current with the second direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output connection, without prejudice to any safety shutdowns;

[0013] Function 2 Controlled changeover of the travel path setting device, wherein after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, in particular after a manual actuation of a third actuating button of the control unit, an actuating current is switched to the output terminal for a duration predetermined by the switching device, without prejudice to any safety shutdowns.

[0014] Using the portable control unit according to the invention, a technician can control the drive of a guideway control device on-site, i.e., at the location of the guideway control device. For this purpose, the portable control unit is connected to the drive of the guideway control device at its output terminal instead of the signal box. Using the portable control unit, the technician can then perform manual changes according to function 1), with the first actuation function in the first direction of rotation of the drive, and with the second actuation function in the second direction of rotation of the drive. The actuation current remains switched to the drive for as long as the technician desires (as specified by maintaining manual actuation). Likewise, technician-controlled changes according to function 2) can be performed.After manually triggering the third actuation function, the actuation current (also called the control signal or control current) remains switched to the drive for a specified duration. With function 2), the drive can be controlled in the same way as the interlocking system does during normal operation. A typical duration of the actuation current, which is controlled by the interlocking system and can be set by the switching device of the portable control unit, is 6 seconds, for example.

[0015] Using functions 1) and 2), a technician can activate the drive without involving the signalman during a new installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of the drive, in particular by specifying the direction of rotation of the electric motor or the changeover direction of the route setting device (first or second direction, for example, "left" or "right" for a switch). The technician can use the activation with the portable control unit, in particular, for troubleshooting or functional tests. The control system installed in the signal box is then generally no longer required by the technician for their work. Repeated connection of the drive to the signal box and disconnection of the drive from the signal box ("temporary connection") during new installation, maintenance, or repair is no longer necessary.In particular, there are no longer any waiting times due to the technician having to contact the signalman to activate the drive, and the signalman then having to find an opportunity to activate the drive and actually do so. Furthermore, in the case of a new drive installation for a track control device, the drive can be activated with the portable control unit even before the corresponding control function has been configured in the signal box.

[0016] Should problems arise during new installation, maintenance, repair, or installation, they can be quickly identified by the technician thanks to the immediate activation of the drive. The required, mandatory test procedure for commissioning the wayfinding device, including its drive (i.e., the release for commencement of regular rail traffic operation on the rail network), can be completed by the technician himself with minimal time expenditure and, in particular, without the need for coordination with the signalman. This allows commissioning to be achieved much more quickly than with the previous process involving the signal box, with estimated time savings of up to 80%.

[0017] The portable control unit, which can also be referred to as an assembly control unit, can save time, especially for maintenance staff, installers, and commissioning engineers. The portable control unit can also be used in training courses for railway personnel.

[0018] The control unit requires only a few and relatively inexpensive components, so that the control unit can be designed to be comparatively small and lightweight, and within the scope of the invention, it is designed to be portable (for a technician). The portable control unit typically has a volume of 50 dm 3 or less, preferably 40 dm 3 or less, particularly preferably 30 dm 3 or less. The weight is typically 15 kg or less, preferably 12 kg or less. Typically, the control unit is equipped with at least one carrying handle. Preferably, the control unit can be folded open like a suitcase ("carrying case").

[0019] The operating voltage generated by the frequency converter device is a single- or multi-phase electrical voltage with frequencies required for the first or second direction of rotation ("left / right rotation") of the electric motor used in the drive. The operating voltage is provided according to the requirements of the drive to be connected; depending on the type of drive, different electrical voltages in different frequency ranges can be used. The controlled drives are typically designed for a mains supply of up to 400 V and for a frequency range of up to 60 Hz. If necessary, an adaptation adapter (so-called phase plug) can be used to adapt to a specific type of drive.

[0020] The operating voltage can be, for example, a three-phase alternating voltage, and the set direction of rotation of the electric motor of the drive can be determined, for example, by the direction of rotation of the three-phase alternating voltage.

[0021] The switching device can essentially be constructed using switches and relays, including rotary switches, selector switches, pushbuttons, and contactors, and simple electronic components. Various display elements, such as LED lights, are also typically provided. Preferably, the switching device also comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC). If desired, the portable control unit, e.g., using a PLC, can also be used to set up a timing sequence for ramping up the operating voltage according to a control curve predetermined by the switching device, which corresponds to a control curve for the control by the interlocking system during normal operation. This is preferably configured for controlled changeover, but can also be configured for manual changeover. This allows testing of the drive to be carried out particularly closely resembling practical normal operation.

[0022] The portable control unit may also include connector plugs, connector sockets, and / or terminals for establishing the input connection and the output connection, and possibly additional measurement connections. Furthermore, the portable control unit preferably has a protective housing that allows the control elements and / or display elements to be covered during transport.

[0023] The portable control unit can have a wired or wireless interface for data exchange, in particular for outputting and / or logging input and / or executed control commands and any detected monitoring signals. The portable control unit is preferably connected to a 230 V AC, 50-60 Hz power source, such as the public power grid. However, a connection to a railway power grid or another local power source (power generators, power inverters, power packs, batteries, especially rechargeable batteries) can also be provided.

[0024] The track setting device, which can be adjusted between a first and a second end position via the drive, mechanically sets / provides / defines the track path for a train on the rail network (possibly in conjunction with other track setting devices), including the option of blocking the track. The track setting device can, for example, position moving rail components. The track setting device can, in particular, be a switch, a hold-down device, a track lock, a frog point, or another technical device of the rail infrastructure of the rail network.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the control unit according to the invention is one in which the predefined duration for function 2) is adjustable on the control unit. Accordingly, an adjustment can be made to a typical duration of a changeover process for the track control device being tested, as used by the interlocking system in regular operation, in order to obtain realistic test conditions. The intended end position should be reached at the end of the predefined duration at the latest, which can be confirmed by a monitoring signal (see below). This can be easily verified using controlled changeover, with the correctly set duration of the changeover process, as in regular operation at the interlocking system.

[0027] In a preferred development of this embodiment, it is provided that the predetermined duration can be switched between at least two different, discrete durations, in particular wherein the predetermined duration can be switched between the different, discrete durations using a selector switch, and in particular wherein the predetermined duration on the control unit can be switched between at least the following different, discrete durations:

[0028] Duration 2 seconds,

[0029] Duration 6 seconds.

[0030] Setting discrete time periods is easy to implement, and checking the actual time period is not necessary. Time periods of 2 seconds and 6 seconds are particularly commonly used by signal boxes.

[0031] In a further advantageous development, the specified duration is adjustable at least within a range between 1 second and 15 seconds, in particular with the specified duration being continuously adjustable on the control unit. This allows for particularly high flexibility in adapting to the duration of the changeover applied by the interlocking system.

[0032] Particularly preferred is an embodiment which provides that the switching device is designed, in function 2), to automatically select the actuating current with the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage such that the travel path setting device is transferred from its last assumed end position to its other end position and / or the established direction of rotation is changed compared to the established direction of rotation of a last manual or controlled changeover. This makes the controlled changeover particularly convenient to use, especially when many changes are to be carried out in quick succession. Information about a last assumed end position can be obtained, for example, by means of monitoring signals (see below). A last established direction of rotation can also be stored in the switching device.

[0033] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the control unit further comprises a monitoring signal generating device with which at least one monitoring signal, in particular a direct current monitoring signal, can be provided, which can be passed to the drive via the output connection and with which it is possible to check whether an end position of the travel path adjustment device has been reached. This makes it particularly easy to check whether the end position has been reached, in particular without having to directly view the travel path adjustment device. Typically, when the end position is reached, an electrical circuit for the monitoring signal is closed; for this purpose, a switch (in particular a relay) can be arranged on the travel path adjustment device for a respective end position, which is closed when the end position is reached. The monitoring signal can be additively superimposed on the control signal (which operates the electric motor in the drive).Preferably, separate monitoring is set up for both end positions.

[0034] A preferred development of this embodiment is one in which the control unit has a display, in particular an LED light, with which the reaching of an end position of the travel path adjustment device, detected via the monitoring signal, can be indicated on the control unit. This simplifies the on-site check for the control unit operator (fitter) as to whether the end position has been reached. If desired, different displays can be provided for reaching the two opposite end positions; however, usually only one (common) display is provided.

[0035] A particularly advantageous development is one in which the switching device is configured to perform a safety shutdown of the actuating current in function 1) and function 2) when the monitoring signal detects that the travel adjustment device has reached a desired end position, even if the manual actuation in function 1) and the specified duration in function 2) have not yet been completed. The safety shutdown prevents overloading of the drive in a simple but effective way. It also saves energy.

[0036] In an advantageous further development of this refinement, the switching device further comprises the following switching function: Function 3) Checking the functionality of pressure relief valves, whereby upon activation of function 3), in particular with a fourth actuating button of the control unit, a manual change of the travel path adjustment device in the first direction or the second direction according to function 1), the actuating current is maintained even if the monitoring signal detects that the travel path adjustment device has reached the end position to be approached. Within the scope of function 3), it is possible to deliberately overload the electric motor despite the normally configured safety shutdown in order to test the function of pressure relief valves in a hydraulic system of the drive.The pressure relief valves open (when functioning correctly) when the actuator is slightly overloaded, typically a few seconds after reaching the end position, to protect the actuator from damage. Opening the pressure relief valves produces a noise that is clearly audible to a technician. If the pressure relief valves cannot be opened within a few seconds after reaching the end position during manual adjustment using function 3), the technician knows that the pressure relief valves must be serviced and, if necessary, readjusted.

[0037] In a further advantageous development, the control unit has two first measuring connections, in particular first measuring sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a first end position of the track setting device can be measured, and that the control unit has two second measuring connections, in particular second measuring sockets, with which the resistance of a circuit of the monitoring signal of a second end position of the track setting device can be measured. The measuring connections can be used to detect any electrical problems in the monitoring signal circuits, for example, contamination on (ohmic) contacts. If necessary, maintenance can be initiated to ensure that the end position check via the monitoring signals remains reliable. It should be noted that the monitoring signal circuits, insofar as they run in the drive and the track setting device, are also used by the interlocking system during normal operation.An embodiment is preferred in which the control device is designed in a carrying case, in particular wherein the carrying case has a volume of 40 dm. 3 or less, preferably 30 dm 3 or less. The control unit's compact carrying case facilitates transport by the technician. Typically, the control unit's control panel is accessible by opening the carrying case. This protects the control elements from damage during transport.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has a first, second, and third actuation button for at least the first, second, and third actuation functions. This enables simple operation and is cost-effective to set up.

[0039] Control unit arrangement according to the invention

[0040] The scope of the present invention further includes a control device arrangement for a plurality of drives of the same track control device in a rail network, in particular for a plurality of drives of the same switch, comprising a master control device and at least one slave control device, wherein the master control device and the at least one slave control device are each designed as a portable control device according to the invention as described above, and further wherein the master control device has a forwarding device with which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation function and manual triggering of the third actuation function, hereinafter referred to as control commands, carried out on the master control device can be reported to the at least one slave control device, and wherein the at least one slave control device has a takeover device,with which the control commands can be received from the relay device and forwarded to the switching device of the respective slave control unit for execution. With this control unit arrangement, a route setting device equipped with multiple drives, for example, a switch with multiple switch drives, can be switched easily and conveniently. For example, long switches for express train lines usually require multiple drives to switch the switch. The drives of the route setting device can be activated jointly (synchronized) via the master control unit. Preferably, the slave control units also report the reaching of the (local) end position back to the master control unit, and the master control unit indicates the reaching of the (local) end position on the slave control units with display elements on the master control unit. Please note,that the activation of the drives on the master control unit and the slave control units can often occur with a slight time offset.

[0041] An advantageous embodiment of the control unit arrangement according to the invention is one in which the forwarding device and the respective receiving device are configured for wireless communication, in particular via radio. This simplifies the establishment of communication between the control units of the control unit arrangement. Alternatively, wired communication can also be configured between the forwarding device and the receiving device.

[0042] Control unit system according to the invention

[0043] The scope of the present invention further includes a control device system for several drives of the same track control device in a rail network, in particular for several drives of the same switch, comprising at least one control device arrangement according to the invention as described above and a supervisor control device, wherein the supervisor control device is designed as a portable control device according to the invention as described above, wherein the supervisor control device has a forwarding device with which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation function and manual triggering of the third actuation function, hereinafter referred to as control commands, carried out on the supervisor control device can be reported to a respective master control device, wherein a respective master control device has a takeover device,with which the control commands can be received from the forwarding device of the supervisor control unit and forwarded to the forwarding device of the master control unit, and wherein the forwarding device of the respective master control unit can be used to report the control commands received from the forwarding device of the supervisor control unit to the at least one slave control unit of the associated control unit arrangement.

[0044] The control unit system makes it easy to synchronize the operation of a very large number of drives in a track control device. Each master control unit is configured to control a specific number of slave control units, e.g., three, four, or eight slave units. In some applications, however, even more drives must be controlled than can be controlled with a single control unit arrangement in master / slave mode. Very large switches (for very fast trains, e.g., ICEs) sometimes require ten drives or more. In this case, a large number of control unit arrangements can be easily controlled using the supervisor control unit.For example, if the supervisor control unit can control four master control units, and each master control unit can in turn control four slave control units, up to 21 drives can be controlled via the supervisor control unit (1 by the supervisor control unit itself, 4 by the master control units themselves, and 16 by slave control units).

[0045] Typically, a master control unit reports the reaching of the end position of the travel adjustment device for its control unit arrangement to the supervisor control unit when its assigned drive and the drives of all its slave devices have reached the end position.

[0046] Preferably, the forwarding device of the supervisor control unit and the takeover device of a respective master control unit are configured for wireless communication, in particular by radio.

[0047] If desired, the control unit system comprises a further control unit arrangement formed by the supervisor control unit and at least one further slave control unit, wherein the supervisor control unit additionally has the functionality of a master control unit for the further control unit arrangement.

[0048] Uses according to the invention

[0049] The scope of the present invention also includes the use of a portable control device according to the invention described above or a control device arrangement according to the invention described above or a control device system according to the invention described above, wherein the portable control device is connected to a drive of a track setting device in a rail network or the master control device and the at least one slave control device are each connected to a different drive of the same track setting device in a rail network or the supervisor control device and the at least one master control device and the at least one slave control device are each connected to a different drive of the same track setting device in a rail network,and wherein a plurality of manual adjustments and / or controlled adjustments of the track control device are carried out in a test sequence using the portable control unit or the master control unit or the supervisor control unit. With the portable control unit or the master control unit and the at least one slave control unit or the control unit system, the drive or drives can be activated in a simple manner, in particular without the involvement of a signal box, but if desired, corresponding to the control by a signal box, as would occur in normal operation. The portable control unit is typically brought by a technician to the location of the track control device and connected there locally to the drive of the track control device to be tested in order to carry out the test sequence. The test sequence can be specified by the technician; alternatively, the test sequence can also be partially or entirely determined by regulations,In particular, commissioning test specifications may be specified. If desired, the test sequence can be programmed into the portable control unit, and the control unit is configured to perform the test sequence automatically. While the portable control unit is connected to the drive, the drive is typically completely disconnected from the interlocking system and its operating currents.

[0050] A preferred variant of the use according to the invention provides that the following is connected to the input connection for a supply voltage of the portable control unit or of the master control unit and the at least one slave control unit or of the supervisor control unit and the at least one master control unit and the at least one slave control unit: a mains voltage of 230 V AC from a public supply network, or a mains voltage from a railway power network, or a power inverter, or a mobile power generator, or a power pack, or a battery system. The portable control unit can basically be used with any power source. Typically, the portable control unit is designed for a 230 V, 50-60 Hz input voltage. To use a direct current source (such as a battery system), the portable control unit can additionally comprise an inverter.

[0051] A particularly advantageous variant is one in which a positioning force measuring device is provided for at least one drive, with a measuring sensor of the positioning force measuring device being arranged on a connecting unit between the drive and the track setting device. During the test sequence, the positioning force measuring device is used to measure the setting forces when the track setting device is switched and to record the results. The positioning force measuring device, in conjunction with the portable control unit, can be used to practically test the function of the drive when the track setting device is actuated. This allows for a simple recording of the test, which is often required as a prerequisite for the (re-)integration of the track setting device, including its drive(s), into regular rail traffic operation on the rail network.If an actuating force measurement is carried out on the individual drives of a control unit arrangement or a control unit system, information about the actuating force measurements is preferably passed on to the upstream control unit(s) (irrespective of any logging) so that if an excessive force (above a safety limit value) occurs on one of the drives, the ongoing changeover process as a whole (on all drives) can be automatically aborted by the front-order control unit (supervisor control unit in the case of a control unit system, master control unit in the case of only one control unit arrangement).

[0052] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in combination in any desired manner. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention.

[0053] Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0054] Fig. 1 illustrates, by way of example and schematically, a track control device, here a switch, with a drive which is operated with a portable control device according to the invention;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a simplified circuit diagram of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention;

[0056] Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective external view of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention in a carrying case, with the carrying case closed; Fig. 4 schematically shows the embodiment of Fig. 3 with the carrying case open;

[0057] Fig. 5 shows schematically a perspective external view of an actuating force measuring device for the invention;

[0058] Fig. 6 illustrates, by way of example and schematically, a track control device, here a switch, with several drives which are operated with a control device arrangement according to the invention;

[0059] Fig. 7 illustrates schematically and by way of example a control panel of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention, with a rotary control for setting a predetermined duration of the actuating current during the controlled changeover of the travel path setting device;

[0060] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a control panel of an embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention, with a slide switch for changing a predetermined duration of the actuating current during the controlled changeover of the travel path setting device;

[0061] Fig. 9 illustrates schematically and by way of example a control panel of a further embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention, for a connection of three slave control devices, in plan view;

[0062] Fig. 10 illustrates schematically the control panel of Fig. 9, in side view;

[0063] Fig. 11 illustrates schematically and by way of example an embodiment of a control unit arrangement comprising a master control unit and eleven slave control units;

[0064] Fig. 12 schematically and by way of example shows an embodiment of a control unit system comprising three control unit arrangements. Fig. 1 schematically shows a track control device 1 in a rail network. The track control device 1 is designed here as a switch 2. A train coming from the left in Fig. 1 (not shown) can, depending on the setting of the switch 2, either continue straight ahead in its direction of travel (onto the left-hand track, rails 7, 8) or turn right (onto the right-hand track, rails 5, 6).

[0065] The switch 2 can be switched between two end positions by a drive 3, in this case a switch drive 4. In a first end position, the train continues straight ahead (first end position / switch position "left"). In a second end position, the train continues turning to the right (second end position / switch position "right"). In a somewhat simplified representation, during switching, the two rails 5 and 6, with their left-hand ends in Fig. 1, are moved essentially transversely to the local direction of travel of the rails 5, 6, 7, 8. The drive 3 has an electric motor 9, which actuates a hydraulic system 10 of the drive 3, which in turn moves a first linkage 11.The hydraulic system 10 can, in particular, comprise a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic block, high-pressure hydraulic lines, and hydraulic cylinders with pistons that transmit pressure forces to a mechanism for transmitting forces to the first linkage 11 (the hydraulic system is not shown in detail). The first linkage 11 is coupled to the guideway adjustment device 1 via a connecting unit 12, here to a second linkage 13, which in turn is coupled to the two rails 5, 6.

[0066] In the illustrated example, a force measuring device 14 is also arranged on the travel path adjustment device 1. A measuring sensor 15 of the force measuring device 14 is installed on the connecting unit 12, with which the force exerted by the drive 3 on the travel path adjustment device 1 can be measured and recorded as a function of time.

[0067] The drive 3 is in turn connected to a portable control unit 16. Via a connecting cable 17, which is connected to an output terminal 18 of the control unit 16, the drive 3 receives actuating current (also called operating current) from the portable control unit 16. The actuating current is based on a single- or multi-phase operating voltage generated by the control unit 16, which also specifies the direction of rotation of the electric motor 9 of the drive 3, and thus the direction of adjustment of the travel path adjustment device 1 (in a first direction to the first end position, or in a second direction to the second end position). Via the same connecting cable 17, on the same lines as the actuating current, monitoring signals that check whether the end positions of the travel path adjustment device 1 have been reached can also be transmitted to the drive 3 and checked.

[0068] The portable control unit 16 is embodied in a carrying case 19. When the carrying case 19 is open, a control panel 20 of the control unit 16 is accessible to a technician.

[0069] A connecting cable 22 is connected to an input terminal 21 of the control unit 16, which is connected here with a plug (e.g. a Schuko plug) to the public power supply network (230V AC, 50-60 Hz) (the latter not shown in detail).

[0070] Using the portable control unit 16, the drive 3 of the track control device 1 can be activated on-site by a technician without the need for the signal box or signalman. In fact, while the portable control unit 16 is used to control the drive 3, the drive 3 is disconnected from the signal box, and in particular from the signal box's operating currents. The switch 2 can be switched by the technician as required for upcoming maintenance, repair (including troubleshooting), installation, or a prescribed test procedure (for recommissioning). Both manual switching and controlled switching can be used, and additional functions of the control unit 16 can also be used if necessary (see also Fig. 7). Fig. 2 shows a highly schematic representation of the essential components of an exemplary portable control unit 16 according to the invention.

[0071] An input voltage, for example from a public supply network (230 V AC, 50-60 V, not shown in detail), is applied to an input terminal 21, connected here via a connecting cable 22. The input terminal 21 is connected to a frequency converter device 23, which generates a three-phase alternating voltage ("three-phase current") as the operating voltage from the single-phase alternating voltage provided at the input terminal 21, in this case, according to the specifications of a switching device 24. The specification of the switching device 24 also includes a direction of rotation of the generated phases of the three-phase operating voltage in order to specify a direction of rotation of the electric motor of the connected drive. The frequency converter device 23 is typically designed for a maximum power of 5-10 kW, preferably 8 kW.

[0072] The operating voltage is applied to an output terminal 18 according to the specifications of the switching device 24. The drive of the travel path adjustment device is connected to the output terminal 18 via a connecting cable 17 (the latter not shown in detail). The output terminal 18 can be configured, for example, using connecting terminals and / or a three-phase socket.

[0073] The switching device 24 has various operating elements and display elements, such as operating buttons and LED lights (not shown in detail, but see Fig. 7).

[0074] A monitoring signal generating device 26 also generates two DC monitoring signals, which are also fed to the drive via output terminal 18. These signals can be used to electrically check whether the travel path adjustment device has reached its end positions.

[0075] For operation of the portable control unit 16 as a master control unit, the control unit 16 has a relay device 27, which wirelessly transmits control commands entered here on the control unit 16 (for example, on a control panel of the switching device 24) to one or more remote slave control units via a radio module integrated into the relay device 27. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the relay device 27 also has a connection 27a for a cable connection, with which control commands from the relay device 27 can alternatively be forwarded via cable to one or more remote slave control units.

[0076] For operation of the portable control unit 16 as a slave control unit, the control unit 16 also has a transfer device 28, which can receive control commands transmitted wirelessly from a remote master control unit with a radio module integrated into the transfer device 28 and forward them to the switching device 24. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the transfer device 28 also has a connection 28a for a cable connection, with which control commands from a remote master control unit can alternatively be transmitted via cable to the transfer device 28 and forwarded to the switching device 24.

[0077] The forwarding device 27 can also be used to operate the control unit 16 as a supervisor control unit. In this case, the forwarding device 27 forwards control commands entered or triggered at the control unit 16 to one or more downstream master control units. The master control unit(s) then each receive the control commands with their transfer device 28 and forward them to their downstream slave control units with their respective forwarding device 27. Typically, the supervisor control unit, the master control unit(s), and the slave control unit(s) are of identical design.However, it is generally set by programming and / or switching buttons on the respective control unit 16 whether it is currently operating as a supervisor control unit, master control unit or slave control unit, i.e. in particular whether control commands are to be entered / triggered on the control unit 16 itself or are to be received and accepted by the takeover device 28 from an upstream control unit, and whether existing control commands are to be forwarded to downstream control units via the forwarding device 27.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment shown here, the portable control unit 16 according to the invention is housed in a carrying case 19. Figure 3 shows the control unit 16 with the carrying case 19 closed, and Figure 4 shows the control unit 16 with the carrying case 19 open. The carrying case 19 has at least one carrying handle 30.

[0079] When the carrying case 19 is closed, typical dimensions for length L, width B and height H are 36cm <L<56cm, bevorzugt 42cm<L<50cm, weiterhin 27cm<B<40cm, bevorzugt 30cm<B<37cm, und weiterhin 10cm<H<22cm, bevorzugt 14cm <L< 18cm. Das Volumen des Tragekoffers beträgt bevorzugt 50 dm 3 or less, preferably 40 dm 3 or less, most preferably 30 dm 3 or less. A typical weight of the control unit 16 including the carrying case 19 is 15 kg or less, preferably 12 kg or less.

[0080] When the carrying case 19 is opened, i.e., its top flap 31 is folded upwards / backwards, a control panel 20 becomes accessible, on which, depending on the design, various control elements, display elements, and / or connections are located. When the carrying case 19 is closed, the control panel 20 is well protected against mechanical damage.

[0081] Fig. 5 schematically shows a positioning force measuring device 14 for use with the invention. The positioning force measuring device 14 has a measuring sensor 15, which is arranged on a connecting unit (coupling device) between the drive and the travel path adjustment device. In the design shown, the positioning force measuring device 14 can also be folded open, and in the folded open state, various operating elements and display elements are accessible. With the positioning force measuring device 14, forces detected at the measuring sensor 15 can be measured and recorded as a function of time. Typically, measured values ​​can be temporarily stored in the positioning force measuring device 14 for at least one test sequence, preferably a plurality of test sequences. Measured values ​​of the positioning force measuring device 14 can typically be displayed on an optical display of the positioning force measuring device 14, and / or wired via a data socket, e.g.a USB port, on the actuating force measuring device 14 with a connected computer, and / or transmitted digitally to a remote computer wirelessly.

[0082] Fig. 6 shows a schematic and exemplary track control device 1, here in the form of a switch 2, which (due to its considerable length, for example) requires two drives 103, 203, here in the form of switch drives 104, 204. The drives 103, 203 jointly move the rails 5, 6, acting locally at various points along the rails 5, 6. The drives 103, 203 accordingly each switch local rail sections of the rails 5, 6 between local end positions. Each drive 103, 203 is also assigned its own local actuating force measuring device 14 (see above).

[0083] During new installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of the drives 103, 203, a control unit arrangement 60 is used to control the drives 103, 203 according to the invention. This control unit arrangement here comprises two portable control units 16, namely a master control unit 61 and a slave control unit 62. The master control unit 61 controls the drive 103, and the slave control unit 62 controls the drive 203. When control commands are entered at the master control unit 61, they are firstly activated at the drive 103 and secondly transmitted wirelessly to a transfer unit of the slave control unit 62 using a transfer unit of the master control unit 61. The control commands received by the transfer unit of the slave control unit 62 are then also activated at the drive 203.

[0084] It should be noted that, alternatively, the control commands can also be transmitted via a wired electrical line (not shown in detail). Figure 7 shows a schematic and exemplary control panel 20 of a portable control device according to the invention, with which a track control device, in this case a switch, is controlled (see, for example, Figure 1).

[0085] The control unit is connected to the public power grid via an input connection not shown in Fig. 7.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit is connected via an output connection to the drive of the travel path adjustment device to be controlled (the latter not shown in detail). This can be done via the connection terminals 70 provided on the control panel 20 or via a plug connection on the outside of the carrying case, for example, a standard three-phase installation socket (not shown in detail).

[0087] To activate the control unit, in the design shown, a first actuation button WU L and a second actuation button WU R are pressed simultaneously for three seconds. Alternatively, a separate actuation button can be provided to turn on the control unit. When the control unit is switched on, the ON LED in the Master field lights up.

[0088] On the control panel 20, as function 1, the first operating button WUL can be used to manually switch the track setting device in a first direction (toward the first end position / toward the left turnout position). The operating current or operating voltage, set for the required first direction of rotation for the electric motor, is maintained as long as the first operating button WUL remains pressed, but at the latest until the first end position is reached. The latter can be detected via a monitoring signal.

[0089] Similarly, the route setting device can be manually switched to a second direction (toward the second end position / toward the right-hand switch position) by manually pressing the second operating button WU. The operating current or operating voltage, configured for the required second direction of rotation of the electric motor, is maintained as long as the second operating button WU R remains pressed, but at the latest until the second end position is reached. The latter can, in turn, be detected via a monitoring signal.

[0090] In function 2), a controlled changeover of the travel path setting device can take place. After manual activation (brief press) of a third actuating button WU, the actuating current or the operating voltage is maintained for a specified period, at the latest until the end position is reached. The latter can be determined via a corresponding monitoring signal. The specified period (also called changeover time or drive changeover time) is set here on the control panel 20 using a selector element USZ, in this case a rotary control 71a. The changeover time can be freely selected (continuously set) between one second and 15 seconds using the rotary control 71a; in the state shown, a changeover time of one second is selected. The actuating current orFor function 2), the operating voltage is set in such a way that the direction of rotation set during the last switch change is reversed during the current controlled change. As an alternative to a rotary control, a slide control can also be used.

[0091] The control unit of control panel 20 is used here as the master control unit. When the operating current is switched on during function 1) or function 2), the Run LED in the Master field lights up. As soon as the end position of the travel path setting device has been reached, the EP LED in the Master field lights up.

[0092] The current currently drawn by the frequency converter device (in particular a power stage of a current inverter) during a changeover can be displayed on the display element UvA. This makes it possible to detect whether current peaks occur at certain times during the changeover of the switch (i.e. at different points along the adjustment path) which indicate increased friction. The display element UvA can display the current in analog or digital form, depending on the design. A function 3 can be triggered by pressing the fourth actuation button ÜDT while activating function 1) using the actuation buttons WU L or WU R. In this case, the actuation current for the drive or the operating voltage does not switch off when the end position is reached, but remains active. This causes the pressure in the hydraulic system of the drive to rise.If functioning correctly, the hydraulic system's pressure relief valves should open after a few seconds, which the technician should easily hear. If the pressure relief valves do not open within the expected time, the technician will abort the pressure test and have the pressure relief valves serviced and / or readjusted, or even replaced if necessary.

[0093] The two first measuring terminals M1, here designed as measuring sockets, can be used to measure the resistance of the monitoring circuit for the first monitoring signal, which checks whether the first end position of the travel path control device has been reached. The two second measuring terminals M2, here also designed as measuring sockets, can be used to measure the resistance of the monitoring circuit for the second monitoring signal, which checks whether the second end position of the travel path control device has been reached.

[0094] The control unit of control panel 20 can be connected to up to eight slave control units. In the corresponding fields S1 to S8, the Run LEDs indicate that a drive controlled by the respective slave control unit is currently receiving actuating current, and the EP LEDs indicate that the end position of the travel adjustment device has been reached locally. This latter information is reported back to the master control unit by the slave control units.

[0095] The EMERGENCY button on the control panel 20 can be used to perform an emergency shutdown of the control unit on the control panel 20. The operating voltage is then immediately switched off at the output connection (here at the connection terminals 70 and the plug connection (not shown), if present), in particular, the power stage of the frequency converter device is switched off and disconnected from the output connection.

[0096] In the embodiment shown, the control unit also switches off automatically if no adjustment of the travel adjustment device is activated on the control panel 20 for more than 5 minutes. Alternatively, the control unit can also be switched off by pressing the EMERGENCY actuation button.

[0097] Fig. 8 shows, by way of example, a control panel 20 of a portable control device according to the invention, with which a track control device, in this case a switch, is controlled, similar to that shown in Fig. 7. Only the essential differences are explained.

[0098] In the illustrated design, in function 2), the specified duration for applying the actuating current to the output terminal is selected from two distinct time periods using a simple selector switch 71b. One selectable time period is two seconds, the other six seconds. The selector switch 71b is designed as a slide switch; alternatively, a step rotary switch, a toggle switch, or a switch panel can be provided. Instead of two selectable specific time periods, three or more selectable specific time periods can also be provided.

[0099] Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a control panel 20 for another embodiment of a portable control device according to the invention; Fig. 10 shows the corresponding side view (to the left in Fig. 9) of the control panel 20. Only the essential differences from the embodiment of Fig. 7 are explained.

[0100] In the embodiment of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, a rocker switch 72 is provided on top of the control panel 20 to switch the control unit on and off. When the control unit is active, the ON LED indicator lights up at the bottom left. The control panel 16 or the control unit is designed here for the synchronous control of a group of four drives. The control panel 16 shown here belongs to a master control unit and its local drive (see the MASTER display field for the associated status), and three downstream slave control units can be controlled, and their achieved status displayed (display fields SI, S2, S3). The control unit here has an antenna 73 for wireless communication with the slave control units, or also for wireless communication with a supervisor control unit (see also Fig. 12).

[0101] The selection element for the changeover time USZ is designed here with a selector switch 71b, namely a rotary step switch, which allows selection between the changeover times 2s, 4s, 6s, 8s, and 10s. Other designs can provide other discrete changeover times, for example, 24 changeover times between 1s and 24s, selectable in 1s increments (not shown in detail; s=second).

[0102] An interface StD for data exchange is also provided on the control panel 16, typically designed for a cable plug connection.

[0103] On side 74 of the control unit, the output connection 18 for the drive connected locally to the control unit (master control unit) is located. The input connection 21 for the public power grid is also provided here, for example, in the form of a socket for a cold appliance plug.

[0104] A PLC interface (PLC = powerline communication) is also located on side 74 of the control unit. The measuring connections M1 and M2 are also located on side 74 of the control unit.

[0105] Figure 11 illustrates, by way of example, a control unit arrangement 60 for the synchronous control of twelve drives of the same track-setting device, which is designed as a switch (drives and switch not shown, but see Figure 6 for an analogous example). For very large switches, such as those for an ICE train, the synchronous control of such a large number of drives may be required to change the switch.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the control unit arrangement 60 comprises twelve portable control units 16. One control unit 16 functions as the master control unit 61, and eleven control units 16 function as slave control units 62a-62k. Each control unit 16 controls one of the drives. The control commands are input or triggered at the master control unit 61 (as previously described, in particular via function 1 or function 2), and transmitted wirelessly via the relay device of the master control unit 61 and received via the transfer devices of the slave control units 62a-62k (see Fig. 2 for this). Accordingly, all control units 16 can then execute the control commands in a synchronized manner.

[0107] Since the distances between the master control unit 61 and the slave control units 62a-62k can be considerable (in individual cases up to 500 m or more), or obstacles such as hills, bridges, or houses can impede radio communication, a repeater system 65 is provided to amplify the radio signals as needed. The repeater system 65 can also comprise several individual repeater stations (not shown in detail).

[0108] The slave control units 62a-62k each report back to the master control unit 61 when a specified end position has been reached locally. The reached end position is displayed on the control panel of the master control unit 61.

[0109] Please note that the master control unit 61 must be configured for a corresponding number of slave control units 62a-62k to be controlled.

[0110] Fig. 12 shows an example of a control unit system 63 according to the invention, which also enables synchronous control of twelve drives of the same track control device, which is designed as a switch (drives and switch not shown). The control unit system 63 in turn comprises twelve portable control units 16, here a supervisor control unit 64, three master control units 61a, 61b, 61c, and eight slave control units 62a-62h. Each control unit 16 in turn controls a drive. The master control unit 61a and the slave control units 62a-62c form a control unit arrangement 60a. The master control unit 61b and the slave control units 62d-62f form a control unit arrangement 60b. The master control unit 61c and the slave control units 62g-62h form a control unit arrangement 60c.

[0111] Control commands are entered or triggered at the supervisor control unit 64. The control commands are then forwarded via a forwarding device of the supervisor control unit 64 to transfer devices of the master control units 61a-61c. The control commands are then also transmitted from the transfer devices of the master control units 61a-61c via the transfer devices of the slave control units 62a-62h to the slave control units 62a-62h of the respective associated control unit arrangement 60a-60c. Accordingly, all control units 16 can then execute the control commands in a synchronized manner. A repeater system 65 can also be used if necessary.

[0112] The slave control units 62a-62h of a respective control unit arrangement 60a-60c report to their associated master control unit 61a-61c when a controlled end position has been reached locally. A respective master control unit 61a-61c then reports, for its respective control unit arrangement 60a-60c as a whole, that the controlled end position has been reached to the supervisor control unit 64 when the controlled end positions have been reached locally for itself and all of its associated slave control units 62a-62h. This is then displayed accordingly on the supervisor control unit 64. For this purpose, for example, the display fields otherwise provided for slave control units can be used on the supervisor control unit 64. For the control unit system 63 of Fig.12, the supervisor control unit 64 and the master control units 61a-61c only need to be configured to control one local drive and three subordinate drives (i.e., a total of four drives). Accordingly, a linking of the supervisor control unit 64 and the master control units 61a-61c can significantly simplify the structure of the individual control units 16 (compared to a single-stage linking of a master control unit with eleven slave control units as shown in Fig. 11).

[0113] In summary, the invention relates to a portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a track control device (1) in a rail network, comprising

[0114] - a frequency converter device (23) with which a single-phase or multi-phase operating voltage can be generated from a supply voltage applied to an input terminal (21), which is optionally configured for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203),

[0115] - a switching device (24) with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to an output terminal (18) including the

[0116] operating voltage set direction of rotation can be controlled, and accordingly a

[0117] Actuating current of a drive (3;

[0118] 103, 203) is controllable, at least with the following control functions:

[0119] - Function Manual switching of the travel path adjustment device (1) into a first and second direction, wherein, depending on the duration of a manual actuation of a first or second actuation function, an actuation current with the first or second direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output terminal (18);

[0120] - Function Controlled switching of the travel path adjustment device (1), wherein, after manual triggering of a third actuation function, an actuation current is switched to the output terminal (18) for a duration predetermined by the switching device. The invention simplifies the control of the drive during new installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement.

[0121] 1 travel path adjustment device

[0122] 2 switches

[0123] 3 Drive

[0124] 4 Point drive

[0125] 5-8 rails

[0126] 9 Electric motor of the drive

[0127] 10 hydraulic system

[0128] 11 first rod

[0129] 12 Connection unit

[0130] 13 second rod

[0131] 14 Actuating force measuring device

[0132] 15 Measuring sensor of the actuating force measuring device

[0133] 16 portable control unit

[0134] 17 connecting cables

[0135] 18 Output connector

[0136] 19 carrying cases

[0137] 20 Control panel

[0138] 21 Input connector

[0139] 22 connecting cables

[0140] 23 Frequency converter device

[0141] 24 switching device

[0142] 26 Monitoring signal generation device

[0143] 27 Transfer facility

[0144] 27a Connection for cable connection to the forwarding device

[0145] 28 Takeover facility

[0146] 28a Connection for cable connection to the transfer device

[0147] 30 carrying handle

[0148] 31 flap

[0149] 60, 60a-60c Control unit arrangement

[0150] 61, 61a-61c Master control unit 62, 62a-62k Slave control unit

[0151] 63 Control unit system

[0152] 64 Supervisor control unit

[0153] 65 Repeater System

[0154] 70 connection terminals (of the output connection)

[0155] 71a Rotary control for changeover time

[0156] 71b Selector switch for changeover time

[0157] 72 rocker switches for on / off

[0158] 73 Antenna

[0159] 74 Control unit side

[0160] 103 Drive (on the master control unit)

[0161] 104 Point drive (on the master control unit)

[0162] 203 Drive (on the slave control unit)

[0163] 204 Point drive (on the slave control unit)

[0164] B Width

[0165] EP LED light for end position reached

[0166] H Height

[0167] L length

[0168] Master display field for functions of the master control unit

[0169] Ml first measuring connections

[0170] M2 second measuring connections

[0171] EMERGENCY button for emergency shutdown

[0172] ON LED light for control unit when switched on

[0173] PLC PLC interface

[0174] Run LED light for applied actuation current

[0175] StD interface for data exchange

[0176] S1-S8 Display fields for functions of the connected slave control units

[0177] ÜDT fourth actuation button for overpressure test

[0178] USZ selection element for the changeover time

[0179] UvA display element for changeover process

[0180] WU third actuating button for controlled changeover

[0181] WU L first operating button for manual changeover (to the left)

[0182] WU R second operating button for manual changeover (to the right)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Portable control device (16) for a drive (3; 103, 203) of a track control device (1) in a rail network, in particular for a drive (4; 104, 204) of a switch (4), a hold-down device, a track lock or a movable frog point, wherein the control device (16) comprises at least: - an input terminal (21) for a supply voltage; - a frequency converter device (23) with which a single-phase or multi-phase operating voltage can be generated from the supply voltage applied to the input terminal (21), which operating voltage is optionally configured for a first direction of rotation or a second direction of rotation of an electric motor (9) used in the drive (3; 103, 203), - an output terminal (18) for the generated operating voltage, to which the drive (3; 103, 203) can be connected; - a switching device (24) with which the generation and / or connection of the operating voltage to the output terminal (18) can be controlled, including the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage, and correspondingly an actuating current of a drive (3; 103, 203) connected to the output terminal (18) can be controlled, wherein the switching device (24) has at least the following control functions: - Function 1) Manual switching of the travel path setting device (1) in a first direction and manual switching of the travel path setting device (1) in a second direction, wherein according to the duration of a manual actuation of a first actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a first actuation button (WU L) of the control device (16), an actuation current with the first set up by the operating voltage direction of rotation is switched to the output terminal (18), and according to the duration of a manual actuation of a second actuation function, in particular a manual actuation of a second actuation button (WU R.) of the control device (16), an actuation current with the second direction of rotation established by the operating voltage is switched to the output terminal (18), without prejudice to any safety shutdowns; - Function 2) Controlled changeover of the travel path setting device (1), wherein after a manual triggering of a third actuating function, in particular after a manual actuation of a third actuating button (WU) of the control device (16), an actuating current is switched to the output terminal (18) for a duration predetermined by the switching device, without prejudice to any safety shutdowns.

2. Control unit (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that for the function 2) the predetermined duration is adjustable on the control unit (16).

3. Control device (16) according to claim 2, characterized in that the predetermined duration can be switched between at least two different, discrete time durations, in particular wherein the predetermined duration can be switched between the different, discrete time durations using a selector switch (71b), and in particular wherein the predetermined duration on the control device (16) can be switched between at least the following different, discrete time durations: - Duration 2 seconds, - Duration 6 seconds.

4. Control device (16) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the predetermined duration is adjustable at least in a range between 1 second and 15 seconds, in particular wherein the predetermined duration is continuously adjustable on the control device (16).

5. Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching device (24) is designed to automatically select the actuating current with the direction of rotation established by the operating voltage in function 2) such that the travel path adjusting device (1) is transferred from its last assumed end position to its other end position and / or the established direction of rotation is changed compared to the established direction of rotation of a last manual or controlled changeover.

6. Control unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (16) further comprises a monitoring signal generating device (26) with which at least one monitoring signal, in particular a direct current monitoring signal, can be provided, which can be passed to the drive (3; 103, 203) via the output connection (18), and with which the reaching of an end position of the travel path adjusting device (1) can be checked.

7. Control unit (16) according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit (16) has a display, in particular an LED light (EP), with which the reaching of an end position of the travel path adjustment device (1) detected via the monitoring signal can be displayed on the control unit (16).

8. Control device (16) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the switching device (24) is designed to carry out a safety shutdown of the actuating current in function 1) and function 2) if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path adjusting device (1) has reached an end position to be approached, even if in function 1) the manual actuation and in function 2) the predetermined duration have not yet ended.

9. Control device (16) according to claim 8, characterized in that the switching device (24) further has the following switching function: - Function 3) Checking the functionality of pressure relief valves, wherein upon activation of function 3), in particular with a fourth actuating button (ÜDT) of the control unit (16), a manual change of the travel path adjusting device (1) in the first direction or the second direction according to function 1), the actuating current is maintained even if it is detected via the monitoring signal that the travel path adjusting device (1) has reached the end position to be approached.

10. Control device (16) according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the control device (16) has two first measuring connections (M1), in particular first measuring sockets, with which the resistance of an electrical circuit of the monitoring signal of a first end position of the travel path adjusting device (1) can be measured, and in that the control device (16) has two second measuring connections (M2), in particular second measuring sockets, with which the resistance of an electrical circuit of the monitoring signal of a second end position of the travel path adjusting device (1) can be measured.

11. Control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (16) is formed in a carrying case (19), in particular wherein the carrying case (19) has a volume of 40 dm 3 or less, preferably 30 dm 3 or less.

12. Control unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (16) has a first, second and third actuation button (WU L, WU R, WU) at least for the first, second and third actuation function.

13. Control device arrangement (60; 60a-60c) for a plurality of drives (103, 203) of the same track setting device (1) in a rail network, in particular for a plurality of drives (104, 204) of the same switch (2), comprising a master control device (61; 61a-61c) and at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k), wherein the master control device (61; 61a-61c) and the at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k) are each designed as a portable control device (16) according to one of the preceding claims, and further wherein the master control device (61; 61a-61c) has a forwarding device (27) with which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation function carried out on the master control device (61; 61a-61c) and manual triggering of the third Actuation function, hereinafter referred to as control commands, to which at least one slave control unit (62; 62a-62k) can be reported, and wherein the at least one slave control unit (62;62a-62k) has a transfer device (28) with which the control commands can be received from the forwarding device (27) and forwarded to the switching device (24) of the respective slave control device (62; 62a-62k) for execution.

14. Control device arrangement (60; 60a-60c) according to claim 13, characterized in that the forwarding device (27) and the respective transfer device (28) are set up for wireless communication, in particular by radio.

15. Control device system (63) for several drives (103, 203) of the same track setting device (1) in a rail network, in particular for several drives (104, 204) of the same switch (2), comprising at least one control device arrangement (60; 60a-60c) according to one of claims 13 or 14 and a supervisor control device (64), wherein the supervisor control device (64) is designed as a portable control device (16) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the supervisor control unit (64) has a forwarding device (27) with which at least one manual actuation of the first and second actuation function and manual triggering of the third actuation function, hereinafter referred to as control commands, carried out on the supervisor control unit (61; 61a-61c), can be reported to a respective master control unit (61; 61a-61c), wherein a respective master control unit (61; 61a-61c) has a transfer device (28) with which the control commands can be received from the forwarding device (27) of the supervisor control unit (63) and forwarded to the forwarding device (27) of the master control unit (61; 61a-61c), and wherein with the forwarding device (27) of the respective master control unit (60; 60a-60c) the control commands received from the forwarding device (27) of the Supervisor control unit (63) to the at least one slave control unit (62; 62a-62k) of the associated control unit arrangement (60;60a-60c) can be reported.; 16. Use of a portable control device (16) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or a control device arrangement (60; 60a-60c) according to one of claims 13 or 14 or a control device system (63) according to claim 15, wherein the portable control device (16) is connected to a drive (3) of a track setting device (1) in a rail network or the master control device (61; 61a-61c) and the at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k) are each connected to a different drive (103, 203) of the same track setting device (1) in a rail network or the supervisor control device (63) and the at least one master control device (61; 61a-61c) and the at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k) are each connected to a different drive (103, 203) of the same Track control device (1) are connected in a rail network, and wherein a plurality of manual adjustments and / or controlled adjustments of the travel path adjustment device (1) are carried out in a test sequence using the portable control device (16) or the master control device (61; 61a-61c) or the supervisor control device (63).

17. Use according to claim 16, characterized in that the input terminal (21) for a supply voltage of the portable control device (16) or the master control device (61; 61a-61c) and the at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k) or the supervisor control device (63) and the at least one master control device (61; 61a-61c) and the at least one slave control device (62; 62a-62k) is connected: - a mains voltage of 230V AC from a public supply network, or - a mains voltage of a traction power network, or - a power inverter, or - a mobile power generator, or - a power pack, or - a battery system.

18. Use according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that an actuating force measuring device (14) is provided for at least one drive (3; 103, 203), wherein a measuring sensor (15) of the actuating force measuring device (14) is arranged on a connecting unit (12) between the drive (3; 103, 203) and the travel path adjusting device (1), and that during the test sequence, measurements of actuating forces during the adjustments of the travel path adjusting device (1) are carried out with the actuating force measuring device (14) and are logged with the actuating force measuring device (14).

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