Deactivation device, arrangement comprising a deactivation device, and method for operating same

Abstract

The invention relates inter alia to a deactivation device (51-54) for a brake unit (21-24) of a vehicle, having a shut-off unit (110) which in a passive setting allows braking operation of the brake unit (21-24) and in a deactivation setting prevents braking operation of the brake unit (21-24). According to the invention, the deactivation device (51-54) comprises: a first terminal contact (A1) for connection to a first electrical potential (P1); a second terminal contact (A2) for connection to a second electrical potential (P2); a first onward transmission terminal (W1) to which, for onward transmission of the first electrical potential (P1) prevailing at the first terminal contact (A1), a first terminal contact (A1) of a deactivation device (51-54) positioned downstream with respect to the first potential (P1) is connectable; a second onward transmission terminal (W2) to which, for onward transmission of the second electrical potential (P2) prevailing at the second terminal contact (A2), a second terminal contact (A2) of a deactivation device (51-54) positioned downstream with respect to the second potential (P2) is connectable; and a locking device (100), which in its unlocking setting separates the shut-off unit (110) from an energy supply and thus keeps said shut-off element in the passive setting and allows the two potentials (P1, P2) prevailing at the terminal contacts (A1, A2) to be transmitted onward to the onward transmission terminals (W1, W2), and in its locking setting connects the shut-off unit (110) to the energy supply and prevents the two potentials (P1, P2) prevailing at the terminal contacts (A1, A2) from being transmitted onward to the onward transmission terminals (W1, W2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Deactivation device, arrangement with deactivation device and method for its operation

[0003] The invention relates, among other things, to a deactivation device for a brake unit of a vehicle, comprising a shut-off unit that permits braking operation of the brake unit in a passive position and prevents braking operation of the brake unit in a deactivation position. Such deactivation devices are known, for example, in the field of rail vehicle technology; in pneumatic brake units, the shut-off units are usually designed in the form of shut-off or venting valves.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of specifying a deactivation device with which a switching off, i.e. a so-called locking or emergency release, of brake units beyond a predetermined level can be particularly reliably avoided.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a deactivation device having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the deactivation device according to the invention are specified in subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, the deactivation device comprises: a first connection contact for connection to a first electrical potential, a second connection contact for connection to a second electrical potential, a first forwarding connection, to which a first connection contact of a deactivation device arranged downstream with respect to the first potential can be connected for forwarding the first electrical potential applied to the first connection contact, a second forwarding connection, to which a second connection contact of a deactivation device arranged downstream with respect to the second potential can be connected for forwarding the second electrical potential applied to the second connection contact

[0007] Deactivation device can be connected, and a locking device which, in its unlocking position, separates the shutdown unit from a power supply and thus holds it in the passive position and enables the two potentials present at the connection contacts to be passed on to the forwarding connections, and in its locking position connects the shutdown unit to the power supply and prevents the two potentials present at the connection contacts from being passed on to the forwarding connections.

[0008] A significant advantage of the deactivation device according to the invention is that it can prevent deactivation of brake units assigned to other deactivation devices as soon as it has itself deactivated a brake unit assigned to it.

[0009] It is advantageous if at least the power supply of the shutdown unit or the locking device is based on an electrical voltage applied between the first and second connection contacts, which corresponds to the potential difference between the first and second potentials. In such a configuration, deactivation of braking units can be enabled by externally applying the two potentials, and deactivation of braking units can be prevented by externally switching off the two potentials.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the locking device comprises: a first normally closed contact arranged between the first connection contact and the first forwarding connection, a second normally closed contact arranged between the second connection contact and the second forwarding connection, a normally open contact which, in its open position, disconnects the switch-off unit from the power supply, and an adjusting device which, in the unlocking position of the locking device, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts closed and the normally open contact open, and in the locking position of the locking device keeps the first and second normally closed contacts open and the normally open contact closed.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the locking device comprises: a first normally closed contact arranged between the first connection contact and the first forwarding connection, a second normally closed contact arranged between the second connection contact and the second forwarding connection, a third normally closed contact arranged between the first connection contact and the first forwarding connection, a fourth normally closed contact arranged between the second connection contact and the second forwarding connection, a first adjusting device which, in the unlocking position of the locking device, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts closed and a second normally open contact open, and in the locking position of the locking device, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts open and the second normally open contact closed, and a second adjusting device,which, in the unlocking position of the locking device, leaves the third and fourth break contacts closed and a first make contact open, and in the locking position of the locking device, keeps the third and fourth break contacts open and the first make contact closed.

[0012] The first normally closed contact is preferably electrically connected between the third normally closed contact and the first terminal contact; the second normally closed contact is preferably electrically connected between the fourth normally closed contact and the second terminal contact.

[0013] In the latter embodiments, it is advantageous if the first adjusting device is arranged electrically upstream of the second adjusting device, an adjustment of the second adjusting device depends on a previous adjustment of the first adjusting device, and an activation of the switch-off unit depends on a previous adjustment of the second adjusting device.

[0014] It is also advantageous in the latter embodiments if the first and second normally open contacts are electrically connected in series with respect to the power supply of the shutdown unit and the shutdown unit is only supplied with power when both normally open contacts are closed.

[0015] In all embodiments, it is advantageous if a first series connection terminal of a series circuit comprising at least the switch-off unit and the normally open contact or the first and second normally open contact is electrically connected to the first connection contact or to a connection point located electrically between the first connection contact and the first normally closed contact, and a second series connection terminal of the series circuit is electrically connected to the second connection contact or to a connection point located electrically between the second connection contact and the second normally closed contact.

[0016] Alternatively, it can be provided that a first series connection terminal of a series connection comprising at least the switch-off unit and the normally open contact can be electrically connected to a first external supply connection, and a second series connection terminal of the series connection can be electrically connected to a second external supply connection.

[0017] It is advantageous if the adjustment device or the first adjustment device, the first and second normally closed contacts, and the associated normally open contact are components of a relay that, when de-energized, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts closed and the associated normally open contact open. When energized, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts open and the associated normally open contact closed. The relay is preferably a positively driven relay, in which either the normally closed contacts are closed or the normally open contacts, but never the normally closed and normally open contacts simultaneously.

[0018] It is advantageous if the second adjustment device, the third and fourth normally closed contacts, and the associated normally open contact are components of an additional relay that, when de-energized, keeps the third and fourth normally closed contacts closed and the associated normally open contact open. When energized, keeps the third and fourth normally closed contacts open and the associated normally open contact closed. The additional relay is preferably a positively driven relay, in which either the normally closed contacts are closed or the normally open contacts, but never the normally closed and normally open contacts simultaneously.

[0019] It can also be advantageously provided that a first power supply connection of the locking device is electrically connected to the first connection contact or to a connection point located electrically between the first connection contact and the first break contact, and a second power supply connection of the locking device is electrically connected to the second connection contact or to a connection point located electrically between the second connection contact and the second break contact.

[0020] The locking device preferably comprises a triggering unit with which the or the first adjusting device can be adjusted in an externally controlled manner.

[0021] It is advantageous if the deactivation device comprises a first single-pole or double-pole self-holding switching device which, in the closed position, can keep the adjusting device or the first adjusting device connected to the first and second connection contact regardless of the working state of a triggering unit assigned to the adjusting device or the first adjusting device, and the adjusting device or the first adjusting device sets its first self-holding switching device to the closed position after being activated by the triggering unit.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the deactivation device comprises a second single-pole or double-pole self-holding switching device which, in the closed position, can keep the second adjusting device connected to the first and second connection contact independently of the working state of the first adjusting device, and the second adjusting device sets its self-holding switching device to the closed position after being activated by the first adjusting device.

[0023] The power supply to the adjustment device(s) and / or the triggering unit is preferably provided via the first and second power supply connections of the locking device, particularly preferably exclusively via the first and second power supply connections of the locking device. The power supply to the series circuit comprising the shut-off unit and the normally open contact(s) is also particularly preferably provided exclusively via the first and second power supply connections of the locking device.

[0024] Alternatively, it can be provided that the power supply of the adjustment device(s) and / or the triggering unit is via a first external supply connection and a second external supply connection.

[0025] The shut-off unit can be or comprise a switchable valve which, in the passive position of the shut-off unit, leaves a pressure-actuated brake of the brake unit connected to a supply pressure connection and, in the deactivation position, disconnects the brake from the supply pressure connection. Alternatively, the shut-off unit can be or comprise an electrical switching element which, in the deactivation position of the shut-off unit, switches off an electrical brake of the brake unit. The shut-off unit can be or comprise a switching element contained in an electrical brake of the brake unit or a switching element separate therefrom. The invention also relates to an arrangement with a deactivation device. According to the invention, with regard to such an arrangement, it is provided that it comprises a cascade of deactivation devices.It is advantageous if at least one middle deactivation device of the cascade, preferably all middle deactivation devices of the cascade, is a deactivation device as described above.

[0026] It is advantageous, for example, if the arrangement comprises a cascade with at least a first deactivation device and a last deactivation device, wherein a first cascade connection is designed to feed in the first potential and a second cascade connection is designed to feed in the second potential, wherein the first deactivation device of the cascade is connected with its first connection contact to the first cascade connection, is connected with its first forwarding connection to a first connection contact of the deactivation device of the cascade arranged downstream in the cascade, and is connected with its second connection contact to a second forwarding connection of the deactivation device arranged downstream in the cascade,and wherein the last deactivation device of the cascade is connected with its first connection contact to a first forwarding connection of the cascade-arranged upstream deactivation device of the cascade, with its second forwarding connection to a second connection contact of the cascade-arranged upstream deactivation device of the cascade, and with its second connection contact to the second cascade connection.

[0027] The arrangement may comprise only a single central deactivation device, which is arranged immediately downstream of the first deactivation device and immediately upstream of the last deactivation device. Alternatively, the arrangement may comprise two or more central deactivation devices, one of which is arranged immediately downstream of the first deactivation device and another of which is arranged immediately upstream of the last deactivation device.

[0028] A voltage sensor is preferably connected between the first forwarding terminal of the last deactivation device and the second forwarding terminal of the first deactivation device.

[0029] The voltage sensor is preferably a relay or preferably comprises a relay that closes a relay switch of the relay when a voltage above a predetermined minimum voltage is applied and otherwise leaves it open. Alternatively, the voltage sensor can be an optocoupler or comprise an optocoupler that generates an output-side control signal when a voltage above a predetermined minimum voltage is applied.

[0030] One or more of the deactivation devices is preferably assigned an additional device which enables external activation of the respective shutdown unit from the outside, regardless of the locking state of the respective assigned locking device and regardless of the state of the triggering unit of the respective assigned deactivation device.

[0031] The invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a rail vehicle, which is equipped with an arrangement as described above.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for operating an arrangement as described above.

[0033] It is advantageous if the method concludes that there is an error if the voltage at a voltage sensor exceeds a predetermined minimum voltage, although a potential is applied to only one of the cascade terminals.

[0034] It is advantageous if, in the method, a deactivation position of one of the deactivation devices is inferred when the voltage at the voltage sensor falls below the predetermined minimum voltage, although the first and second potentials are applied to the arrangement.

[0035] It is advantageous if the method concludes that all deactivation devices are in a passive position when both the first and second potentials are present at the arrangement and the voltage at the voltage sensor corresponds to the voltage difference between the first and second potentials.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments, which show, for example:

[0037] Fig. 1-3 a first embodiment of a multi-unit

[0038] Rail vehicle equipped with an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, as well as its mode of operation in the event of an emergency release requirement, Fig. 4-5 an embodiment of a deactivation device in which the energy supply of both the triggering unit and the disconnection unit depends on the switching state of other deactivation devices, wherein Figures 4 and 5 show different operating states of the deactivation device,

[0039] Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a deactivation device in which the power supply of the trigger unit, but not that of the disconnection unit, depends on the switching state of other deactivation devices,

[0040] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a deactivation device in which the power supply of the shutdown unit, but not that of the triggering unit, depends on the switching state of other deactivation devices,

[0041] Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of a multi-unit

[0042] Rail vehicle equipped with a second embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 9 a third embodiment of a multi-unit

[0044] Rail vehicle equipped with a third embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention,

[0045] Fig. 10 a fourth embodiment of a multi-unit

[0046] Rail vehicle in which locking devices or deactivation devices alone prevent the switching off of two or more brake units,

[0047] Fig.11-14 Variants of the deactivation device according to Figure 4, and

[0048] Fig.15-17 Arrangements with deactivation devices and a

[0049] Additional device that is connected to one or more shutdown units and enables activation of these shutdown units regardless of the locking state of the locking devices.

[0050] For the sake of clarity, the same reference symbols are always used in the figures for identical or comparable components.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a multi-unit rail vehicle 10 comprising two carriages 11 and 12. The rail vehicle 10 is equipped with a first, a second, a third, and a fourth brake unit 21-24, each of which is assigned, for example, to a bogie of the rail vehicle 10.

[0052] The brake units 21-24 are each controlled by an associated brake control unit; the brake control units are connected to a central device 40 via a central data bus, not shown in Figure 1 for reasons of clarity. In Figure 1, the first brake control unit associated with the first brake unit 21 is designated by reference numeral 31, the second brake control unit associated with the second brake unit 22 is designated by reference numeral 32, the third brake control unit associated with the third brake unit 23 is designated by reference numeral 33, and the fourth brake control unit associated with the fourth brake unit 24 is designated by reference numeral 34.

[0053] The brake units 21-24 can be deactivated or their brakes released in the event of an error or malfunction. A malfunction can occur, for example, if the affected brake units 21-24 build up their braking force untimely, build up an undesirably high brake pressure, have a defective anti-skid device, an axle braked by the brake unit is blocked, or the associated brake control unit is defective.

[0054] To deactivate each of the brake units 21-24, a respective shutdown unit is assigned to it, which is marked with the reference numeral 110 in Figure 1. The shutdown units 110 are triggered by individually assigned trigger units 120, which can be controlled by the respective brake control unit 31-34.

[0055] In the case of a pneumatic brake unit, the brake can be released, for example, by venting or shutting off the compressed air supply. For this purpose, the associated shut-off unit 110 can be or comprise a switchable valve (see Figure 4) that, in the passive position of the shut-off unit 110, leaves a pressure-actuated brake of the brake unit connected to a supply pressure connection and, in the deactivation position, disconnects the brake from the supply pressure connection. In the case of an electric brake unit, the shut-off unit 110 can, for example, be or comprise an electrical switching element that switches off an electric brake of the brake unit in the deactivation position of the shut-off unit 110.

[0056] Each of the shutdown units 110, with its associated triggering unit 120, is in turn assigned to a deactivation device. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1, four deactivation devices are accordingly provided, namely a first, which is designated by the reference numeral 51 and is assigned to the first brake control unit 31 and the first brake unit 21, a second, which is designated by the reference numeral 52 and is assigned to the second brake control unit 32 and the second brake unit 22, a third, which is designated by the reference numeral 53 and is assigned to the third brake control unit 33 and the third brake unit 23, and a fourth, which is designated by the reference numeral 54 and is assigned to the fourth brake control unit 34 and the fourth brake unit 24.

[0057] Each of the deactivation devices 51-54 comprises a first connection contact A1 for connection to a first electrical potential P1, a second connection contact A2 for connection to a second electrical potential P2, a first forwarding connection W1, to which a first connection contact A1 of a deactivation device arranged downstream with respect to the first potential P1 can be connected in order to forward the first electrical potential P1 applied to the first connection contact A1, and a second forwarding connection W2, to which a second connection contact A2 of a deactivation device arranged downstream with respect to the second potential P2 can be connected in order to forward the second electrical potential P2 applied to the second connection contact A2.

[0058] The deactivation devices 51-54 are arranged in the form of a cascade, wherein a first cascade terminal K1 is suitable for feeding the first potential P1 and a second cascade terminal K2 is suitable for feeding the second potential P2.

[0059] In the embodiment according to Figure 1, the first deactivation device 51 forms the first deactivation device of the cascade, and the fourth deactivation device 54 forms the last deactivation device of the cascade. For this purpose, the first deactivation device 51 is connected with its first connection contact A1 to the first cascade connection K1, with its first forwarding connection W1 to a first connection contact A1 of the cascade-connected second deactivation device 52 of the cascade, and with its second connection contact A2 to a second forwarding connection W2 of the cascade-connected second deactivation device 52.

[0060] The last deactivation device 54 of the cascade is connected with its first connection contact A1 to a first forwarding connection W1 of the cascade-arranged third deactivation device 53 of the cascade, with its second forwarding connection W2 to a second connection contact A2 of the cascade-arranged third deactivation device 53 of the cascade, and with its second connection contact A2 to the second cascade connection K2.

[0061] The first cascade terminal K1 is connected to the first potential P1 via a first power supply switch 41, which can be switched by the central device 40, and to the second potential P2 via a second power supply switch 42, which can be switched by the central device 40. A supply voltage U is applied between the two potentials, which corresponds to the potential difference between the two potentials P1 and P2.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a voltage sensor 200 is connected between the first forwarding terminal W1 of the last deactivation device 54 and the second forwarding terminal W2 of the first deactivation device 51. This voltage sensor can be, for example, a relay that closes a relay switch of the relay when a voltage above a predetermined minimum voltage is present and otherwise leaves it open. Using the voltage sensor 200, the central device 40 can check the correct operation and switching state of the cascade, as will be explained below by way of example.

[0063] The brake units 21-24 are preferably each equipped with a sensor 60, wherein an evaluation of a sensor signal from the respective sensor 60 allows any malfunction to be detected. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1, the sensors 60 of the brake units 21-24 are each connected to the brake control unit controlling the respective brake unit and transmit their sensor signal to this brake control unit, or at least also to this brake control unit. Each of the sensors 60 preferably comprises a sensor system that detects and processes not just one measured variable, but two or more: For example, each sensor 60 can process the following measured variables to detect a malfunction of the respective brake: brake pressure and / or speed and / or temperature.

[0064] The rail vehicle 10 according to Figure 1 is preferably operated as follows:

[0065] If one of the brake control units 31-34, for example the second brake control unit 32, detects a fault in the second brake unit 22 based on the sensor signal SS2 of the associated sensor 60, it generates a shutdown request AF, which it transmits to the central device 40; this is shown by way of example in Figure 1.

[0066] After receiving the shutdown request AF, the central device 40 checks whether shutdown of the second brake unit 22 affected by the shutdown request AF is permissible. If shutdown is permissible, the central device 40 sends an enable signal FS back to the second brake control unit 32 for shutdown of the second brake unit 22 affected by the shutdown request AF; this is shown as an example in Figure 2.

[0067] As part of the decision regarding the possible output of the release signal FS, i.e., as part of the deactivation admissibility check, the central device 40 preferably checks whether a brake unit other than the second brake unit 22 affected by the deactivation request AF has already been deactivated. If a brake unit other than the second brake unit 22 affected by the deactivation request AF, i.e., the first, third, or fourth brake unit, has already been deactivated, the central device 40 considers deactivation of the second brake unit 22 to be impermissible and accordingly does not send a release signal FS back to the brake control unit 32.

[0068] In the event that a brake unit other than the second brake unit 22 affected by the shutdown request AF has already been switched off, the central device 40 can alternatively also check whether, according to a predefined prioritization specification, switching off the second brake unit 22 affected by the current shutdown request AF has a higher priority than maintaining the switched-off state of the previously switched-off brake unit. If the second brake unit 22 currently to be switched off has a higher priority or the previously switched-off brake unit has a lower priority, it triggers a re-switching on of the switched-off brake unit and then sends the enable signal FS back to the second brake control unit 32 for switching off the second brake unit 22 affected by the current shutdown request AF.For example, the priority specification can stipulate that a brake unit that blocks an axle should be switched off with a higher priority than a brake unit in which only the anti-skid device is defective.

[0069] After receiving the release signal FS sent by the central device 40, the second brake control unit 32 checks whether the need to deactivate the second brake unit 22 still exists at the time the release signal FS is received. If the need still exists, the second brake control unit 32 attempts to trigger the deactivation of the brake unit 22 and otherwise refrains from doing so. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1, the deactivation of the second brake unit 22 is triggered by the second brake control unit 32 controlling the triggering unit 120 of the second deactivation device 52 with a triggering signal AS, as shown in Figure 3, whereby the deactivation unit 110 of the second deactivation device 52 is activated, or at least intended to be activated, directly or indirectly.The trigger unit 120 of the second deactivation device 52 can, for example, be a switchable digital output of the second brake control unit 32, i.e. a component of the second brake control unit 32.

[0070] Alternatively, the second brake control unit 32 can attempt to trigger the shutdown in the manner described immediately after receiving the release signal FS sent by the central device 40 - i.e., even without checking whether the shutdown is still necessary.

[0071] To make an impermissible shutdown of one of the brake units 21-24 very unlikely, the central device 40 alone is designed and authorized, in the event that shutdown is permissible, to provide the shutdown energy that is energetically necessary to shut down the brake unit 22 affected by the shutdown request AF. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figures 1 to 3, the central device 40 provides the shutdown energy by closing the two power supply switches 41 and 42, i.e., by applying the supply voltage U to the two cascade connections K1 and K2. The shutdown energy is preferably necessary to supply only the trigger unit 120, only the shutdown unit 110, or both the trigger unit 120 and the shutdown unit 110 with the energy required to release the respective brake units 21-24.

[0072] Figure 4 shows in more detail a first exemplary embodiment of a deactivation device that can be used in the rail vehicle according to Figures 1 to 3 as the second deactivation device 52 of the cascade and is accordingly also designated by reference numeral 52 in Figure 4. The deactivation device 52 shown in Figure 4 can also be used as the first, third, and / or fourth deactivation device in the cascade according to Figures 1 to 3.

[0073] The deactivation device 52 according to Figure 4 includes a locking device 100 which, in its unlocked position, separates the shutdown unit 110 from the power supply or the power supply terminals EV1 and EV2 of the locking device, thus keeping it in the passive position and enabling the forwarding of the two potentials present at the connection contacts A1 and A2 to the corresponding forwarding terminals W1 and W2 (see Figure 4); in its locked position, it connects the shutdown unit 110 to the power supply and prevents the forwarding of the two potentials present at the connection contacts A1 and A2 to the corresponding forwarding terminals W1 and W2 (see Figure 5).

[0074] For this purpose, the locking device 100 comprises a first normally closed contact 101 arranged between the first connection contact A1 and the first forwarding connection W1, a second normally closed contact 102 arranged between the second connection contact A2 and the second forwarding connection W2, a normally open contact 103 which, in its open position, disconnects the switch-off unit 110 from the power supply, and an adjusting device 104 which, in the unlocked position of the locking device 100 (cf. Figure 4), keeps the first and second normally closed contacts 101 and 102 closed and the normally open contact 103 open, and in the locked position of the locking device 100 (cf. Figure 5), keeps the first and second normally closed contacts 101 and 102 open and the normally open contact 103 closed.A first power supply connection EV1 of the locking device 100 is electrically formed by the first connection contact A1 or a connection point located electrically between the first connection contact A1 and the first break contact 101, and a second power supply connection EV2 of the locking device 100 is electrically formed by the second connection contact A2 or a connection point located electrically between the second connection contact A2 and the second break contact 102. The first power supply connection EV1 is thus fed by the potential P1 applied to the first connection contact A1, provided that this potential is switched through by upstream deactivation devices, and the second power supply connection EV2 is thus fed by the potential P2 applied to the second connection contact A2, provided that this potential is switched through by upstream deactivation devices.

[0075] A first series connection terminal R1 of a series circuit comprising at least the shutdown unit 110 and the normally open contact 103 is electrically connected to the first power supply connection EV1, i.e., to the connection contact A1 or to a connection point electrically located between the first connection contact A1 and the first normally closed contact 101. A second series connection terminal R2 of the series circuit is electrically connected to the second power supply connection EV2, i.e., to the second connection contact A2 or to a connection point electrically located between the second connection contact A2 and the second normally closed contact 102.

[0076] Since in the embodiment according to Figure 4 both the series circuit formed by the normally open contact 103 and the shutdown unit 110 and the series circuit formed by the trigger unit 120 and the adjustment device 104 are connected to the power supply terminals EV1 and EV2, the operability of both series circuits depends on the operating states or locking states of the other deactivation devices.

[0077] In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the adjusting device 104, the two normally closed contacts 101 and 102, and the normally open contact 103 are components of a relay which, when current is not applied, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts 101, 102 closed and the normally open contact 103 open, and when current is applied, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts 101 and 102 open and the normally open contact 103 closed. Figure 4 shows the state without current application, and Figure 5 shows the state with current application for comparison. The movement of the contacts 101-103 controlled by the adjusting device 104 is indicated in Figures 4 and 5 by arrows with the reference symbols B1-B3.

[0078] The trigger unit 120 can be a component of the associated brake control unit 32, for example a switchable digital output of the brake control unit 32, or at least be connected thereto.

[0079] The functioning of the adjustment device 104 will be explained in more detail below by way of example in connection with the second brake control unit 32 and the second deactivation device 52 according to Figures 1 to 3:

[0080] In the normal state, i.e., when the associated second brake unit 22 is ready to brake, i.e., should not be forced to release, the brake control unit 32 will not output a trigger signal AS to the trigger unit 120, so that the adjustment device 104 remains de-energized: The normally open contact 103 thus remains open and the normally closed contacts 101 and 102 remain closed. The closed normally closed contacts 101 and 102 enable the first potential P1 to be forwarded to the third deactivation device 53, which is arranged downstream of the first potential P1, and the second potential P2 to be forwarded to the first deactivation device 51, which is arranged downstream of the second potential P2.

[0081] In the release or activated state of the adjustment device 104, i.e., when the associated second brake unit 22 is to be forcibly released, the second brake control unit 32 will output a trigger signal AS to the trigger unit 120, so that the adjustment device 104 is energized, provided the central device 40 provides the two potentials P1 and P2 by closing the power supply switches 41 and 42 and all other deactivation devices switch through the potentials P1 and P2: The normally closed contacts 101 and 102 are opened, and the normally open contact 103 is closed (see Figure 5). The open normally closed contacts 101 and 102 prevent the first potential P1 from being passed on to the third deactivation device 53, which is arranged downstream of the first potential P1, and the second potential P2 from being passed on to the first deactivation device 51, which is arranged downstream of the second potential P2.All deactivation devices 51 and 53-54, with the exception of the activated deactivation device 52, are thus deactivated by the locking device 100 of the deactivation device 52 assigned to the second brake control unit 32, and their normally open contacts 103 are left open because they are separated from at least one of the two potentials P1 or P2.

[0082] The deactivation device 52 according to Figures 4 and 5 thus enables circuitry interlocking such that only a single brake unit can be deactivated at any one time. As soon as any of the four deactivation devices 51-54 of the cascade has deactivated its associated brake unit 21-24 or released its brake and opened the break contacts 101 and 102, all remaining deactivation devices are disconnected from either the first potential P1 or the second potential P2, so that the supply voltage U is absent and neither the adjustment devices 104 of the remaining deactivation devices nor the shutdown units 110 of the remaining deactivation devices can be activated, even if the corresponding enable signal FS of the associated brake control unit is present and the central device 40 has enabled the potentials P1 and P2.

[0083] Figure 6 shows in more detail a second embodiment of a deactivation device 52, which can be used in the rail vehicle according to Figure 1 as the second deactivation device of the cascade and is accordingly also designated by reference numeral 52 in Figure 6. The deactivation device 52 shown in Figure 6 can also be used as the first, third, and / or fourth deactivation device in the cascade according to Figures 1 to 3.

[0084] In the embodiment according to Figure 6, the series circuit consisting of the normally open contact 103 and the switch-off unit 110 with its two series connection terminals R1 and R2 is not connected to the two power supply terminals EV1 and EV2 or the connection contacts A1 and A2, but to a first external supply terminal X1 and to a second external supply terminal X2.

[0085] However, since the power supply of the trigger unit 120 and that of the adjustment device 104 depends on the potentials P1 and P2 applied to the connection contacts A1 and A2, the deactivation device 52 according to Figure 6 nevertheless allows a circuit-related interlock such that only a single brake unit of the cascade can be deactivated at any one time: As soon as the deactivation device 52 has switched off its associated brake unit 22 or released its brake, i.e. has closed the normally open contact 103 for this purpose, it separates all other adjustment devices from either the first potential P1 or the second potential P2.

[0086] At the same time, an adjustment of the deactivation device 52 also depends on the presence of both potentials P1 and P2, due to the connection of the trigger unit 120 and the adjustment device 104 to the power supply connections EV1 and EV2 or the connection contacts A1 and A2, so that the deactivation device 52 can only be activated if these potentials P1 and P2 are actually present and have not been switched off by other deactivation devices.

[0087] Figure 7 shows in more detail a third exemplary embodiment of a deactivation device 52, which can be used in the rail vehicle according to Figure 1 as the second deactivation device of the cascade and is accordingly also designated in Figure 7 by the reference numeral 52. The deactivation device 52 shown in Figure 7 can also be used as the first, third, and / or fourth deactivation device in the cascade according to Figures 1 to 3.

[0088] In the embodiment according to Figure 7, the series circuit consisting of the trigger unit 120 and the adjustment device 104 is not connected with its two connections to the power supply connections EV1 and EV2 or the two connection contacts A1 and A2 of the deactivation device 52, but to a first external supply connection X1 and to a second external supply connection X2.

[0089] However, since the power supply of the shutdown unit 110 depends on the potentials P1 and P2 applied to the connection contacts A1 and A2, the deactivation device 52 according to Figure 7 nevertheless ensures a circuit-related locking such that only one brake unit can be deactivated at a time:

[0090] As soon as the deactivation device 52 has deactivated its associated brake unit 22 or released its brake, i.e., has closed the normally open contact 103 for this purpose, it disconnects all other adjustment devices from either the first potential P1 or the second potential P2. At the same time, adjustment of the deactivation device 52 also depends on the presence of both potentials P1 and P2 due to the connection of the deactivation unit 110 to the power supply connections EV1 and EV2 or the connection contacts A1 and A2, so that the deactivation device 52 can only be activated if these potentials P1 and P2 are actually present and have not been deactivated by other deactivation devices.

[0091] Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a multi-unit rail vehicle 10 comprising two carriages 11 and 12. The rail vehicle 10 is equipped with four brake control units, which are designated by the reference numerals 31-34 and are each assigned to a bogie of the rail vehicle.

[0092] In addition to or as an alternative to the task of triggering the release of their own brake unit 21-24, as explained above in connection with Figures 1 to 7, the four brake control units 31-34 have the task of triggering the release of another brake unit, preferably the adjacent brake unit of their own car of the rail vehicle, if necessary.

[0093] Thus, as shown by way of example in Figure 8, the second brake control unit 32 can request the release of the brake of the first brake unit 21 from the central device 40 by means of a request signal AS and, after receiving a corresponding release signal FS, attempt to trigger it by means of a corresponding trigger signal AS if it has itself recognized a release of the first brake unit 22 as necessary by evaluating the sensor signal SS1 of the sensor 60 assigned to the first brake unit 22 and / or it has received a corresponding switch-off requirement signal ABS from the first brake control unit 32.

[0094] The first brake control unit 31 can transmit the ABS switch-off requirement signal to the second brake control unit 32 directly via a separate connection, as shown in Figure 8, and / or indirectly via the central device 40, i.e. via the central data bus not shown in the figures.

[0095] Furthermore, the above statements in connection with Figures 1 to 7 apply accordingly to the second embodiment according to Figure 8. In the embodiments described above, the central device 40 can use the voltage sensor 200 to check the correct operation and the switching state of the cascade, as follows:

[0096] Checking the switching state of the cascade:

[0097] If no voltage is applied to the voltage sensor 200 when the two power supply switches 41 and 42 are switched on, this means that at least one of the break contacts 101 and / or 102 of the cascade is open and one of the brake units 21-24 is deactivated.

[0098] If the supply voltage U is applied to the voltage sensor 200 when the two power supply switches 41 and 42 are switched on, this means that none of the break contacts 101 or 102 of the cascade is open and all brake units 21-24 are activated.

[0099] Checking the functionality of the cascade:

[0100] If only one of the two power supply switches 41 or 42 is switched on, no voltage may be present at the voltage sensor 200. If the voltage sensor 200 of the central device 40 nevertheless indicates a voltage, this indicates an undesirable short circuit with a third potential. In this case, the central device 40 preferably generates a warning signal WS (see, for example, Figure 3 or Figure 8).

[0101] Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a multi-unit rail vehicle 10 comprising two carriages 11 and 12. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the power supply switches 41 and 42 are missing, so that the cascade of deactivation devices 51 to 54 is continuously supplied with power.

[0102] Figure 10 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a multi-unit rail vehicle 10 comprising two carriages 11 and 12. In contrast to the exemplary embodiments described above, the brake control units 31 to 34 decide independently on the deactivation of brake units without the involvement of the control device 40. In this case, only the locking devices 104 of the deactivation devices 51 to 54 ensure that a maximum of one brake unit can be deactivated. Figure 11 shows an expanded variant of the first exemplary embodiment according to Figure 4. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment according to Figure 4, a second adjusting device 114 is provided in addition to the (first) adjusting device 104. The normally open contact 103 according to Figure 4 here belongs to the second adjusting device 114, and the first adjusting device 104 is equipped with a (second) normally open contact 113.

[0103] The function of the two adjustment devices 104 and 114 is to delay the activation of the shutdown unit 110, because the first adjustment device 104 must be activated first, and the second adjustment device 114 is then activated by the first adjustment device 104. This measure highly likely prevents two or more shutdown units 110 from being activated simultaneously, even briefly.

[0104] Figure 12 shows a different, expanded variant of the embodiment according to Figure 11. In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 11, a first single-pole self-holding switching device 106 and a second single-pole self-holding switching device 116 are additionally provided.

[0105] In the closed position, the first single-pole self-holding switching device 106 can keep the first adjusting device 104 connected to the first and second connection contacts A1 and A2 regardless of the operating state of a tripping unit 120 assigned to the first adjusting device 104.

[0106] In the closed position, the second single-pole self-holding switching device 116 can keep the second adjusting device 114 connected to the first and second connection contacts A1 and A2 independently of the operating state of the first adjusting device 104 and the tripping unit 120 associated therewith.

[0107] Figure 13 shows yet another expanded variant of the embodiment shown in Figure 11. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the normally open contact 113 of the first adjusting device 104 and the associated triggering unit, formed by the functional units 120-1 and 120-2, are each bipolar. The functional units 120-1 and 120-2 can be controlled by one and the same control device (not shown in the figures) or, alternatively, by two independently operating control devices.

[0108] Figure 14 shows yet another extended variant of the embodiment according to Figure 11.

[0109] In the variant according to Figure 14, two self-holding switching devices 106 and 116 are provided, as shown in Figure 12, but unlike in Figure 12, these are designed to be two-pole.

[0110] Furthermore, in the variant according to Figure 14—analogous to Figure 13—the normally open contact 113 of the first adjustment device 104 and the associated triggering unit, formed by the functional units 120-1 and 120-2, are each designed as two-pole. The functional units 120-1 and 120-2 can be controlled by one and the same control device (not shown in the figures) or, alternatively, by two independently operating control devices.

[0111] Figure 15 shows, for the cascade according to Figure 1, an embodiment of the locking devices 100 according to Figure 11 in combination with an additional device 300, which is connected to switches 107 and 108 integrated in one or more of the locking devices 100. It makes it possible to apply an additional voltage Uz applied between terminals ZP and ZM or applied by the additional device 300 to the second adjusting device 114 individually from the outside in order to close the respective first normally open contact 103 and thus supply the respective shutdown unit 110 with the additional voltage Uz and activate the shutdown unit 110 independently of any locking by one of the locking devices 100.

[0112] Figure 16 shows, based on the embodiment shown in Figure 11, a variant in which switches 107 and 108 directly determine the supply of the additional voltage to the respective shutdown unit 110. Furthermore, the explanations in connection with Figure 15 apply accordingly to the embodiment shown in Figure 16. Figure 17 shows an embodiment with an additional device 300 and switches 107 and 108 shown in Figure 16 for the embodiment of the locking device 100 shown in Figure 4.

[0113] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the above embodiments assume a rail vehicle with only two carriages. Naturally, the arrangements and methods described above can also be used in vehicles with only one carriage or in vehicles with more than two carriages. Vehicles can also be equipped with more than one arrangement of the described type, and two or more methods of the described type can be carried out independently of one another in parallel.

[0114] In the figures, each brake control unit 31 to 34 and each brake unit 21 to 24 is assigned a bogie with two axles, for example. Alternatively, it can be provided that all or individual brake control units or

[0115] Brake units are assigned to only one axle, bogies with more than two axles and / or two or more bogie-independent axles; it can also be provided that all or individual brake control units or brake units are assigned to axles across all wagons or train sections.

[0116] Finally, it should be mentioned that the features of all embodiments described above can be combined with each other in any way to form further other embodiments of the invention.

[0117] All features of subclaims can also be combined individually with each of the independent claims, either individually or in any combination with one or more other subclaims, in order to obtain further other embodiments.

[0118] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female, or other gender identities are included.

[0119] 10 rail vehicles

[0120] 11 cars

[0121] 12 cars 1-24 brake unit

[0122] 31-34 Brake control unit 0 central device

[0123] 41 Power supply switch

[0124] 42 power supply switches

[0125] 51-54 Deactivation device

[0126] 60 sensors

[0127] 100 locking device

[0128] 101 Normally closed contact

[0129] 102 Normally closed contact

[0130] 103 Normally open contact

[0131] 104 Adjustment device

[0132] 106 Self-locking switching device

[0133] 107 switches

[0134] 108 switches

[0135] 110 Shutdown unit

[0136] 111 Normally closed contact

[0137] 112 Normally closed contact

[0138] 113 Normally open contact

[0139] 114 Adjustment device

[0140] 116 Self-locking switching device

[0141] 120 trip unit

[0142] 120-1 trip unit

[0143] 120-2 trip unit

[0144] 200 voltage sensor

[0145] 300 additional equipment

[0146] A1 first connection contact

[0147] A2 second connection contact

[0148] ABS shutdown request signal

[0149] AF shutdown request AS trigger signal

[0150] B1-B16Arrow

[0151] EV1 first power supply connection

[0152] EV2 second power supply connection

[0153] FS release signal

[0154] K1 first cascade connection

[0155] P1 first potential

[0156] P2 second potential

[0157] R1 first series connection

[0158] R2 second series connection

[0159] 551 Sensor signal

[0160] 552 sensor signal

[0161] U supply voltage

[0162] Uz additional voltage

[0163] W1 first forwarding connection

[0164] W2 second forwarding connection

[0165] WS warning signal

[0166] X1 first external supply connection

[0167] X2 second external supply connection

[0168] ZM connection

[0169] ZP connection

Claims

Patent claims 1. Deactivation device (51-54) for a brake unit (21-24) of a vehicle with a switch-off unit (110) which, in a passive position, allows braking operation of the brake unit (21-24) and, in a deactivation position, prevents braking operation of the brake unit (21-24), characterized in that the deactivation device (51-54) comprises: - a first connection contact (A1) for connection to a first electrical potential (P1), - a second connection contact (A2) for connection to a second electrical potential (P2), - a first forwarding terminal (W1), to which a first connection contact (A1) of a deactivation device (51-54) arranged downstream of the first potential (P1) can be connected in order to forward the first electrical potential (P1) applied to the first connection contact (A1), - a second forwarding connection (W2), to which a second connection contact (A2) of a deactivation device (51-54) arranged downstream of the second potential (P2) can be connected in order to forward the second electrical potential (P2) present at the second connection contact (A2), and - a locking device (100) which, in its unlocking position, separates the switch-off unit (110) from a power supply and thus holds it in the passive position and enables the two potentials (P1, P2) present at the connection contacts (A1, A2) to be passed on to the forwarding connections (W1, W2) and, in its locking position, connects the switch-off unit (110) to the power supply and prevents the two potentials (P1, P2) present at the connection contacts (A1, A2) from being passed on to the forwarding connections (W1, W2).

2. Deactivation device (51-54) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the power supply of the switch-off unit (110) or that of the locking device (100) is based on an electrical voltage applied between the first and second connection contact (A1, A2).

3. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (100) comprises: - a first normally closed contact (101) arranged between the first connection contact (A1) and the first forwarding connection (W1), - a second normally closed contact (102) arranged between the second connection contact (A2) and the second forwarding connection (W2), - a normally open contact (103) which, in its open position, disconnects the switch-off unit (110) from the power supply, and - an adjusting device (104) which, in the unlocking position of the locking device (100), keeps the first and second break contacts (101, 102) closed and the make contact (103) open, and in the locking position of the locking device (100), keeps the first and second break contacts (101, 102) open and the make contact (103) closed.

4. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the locking device (100) comprises: - a first normally closed contact (101) arranged between the first connection contact (A1) and the first forwarding connection (W1), - a second normally closed contact (102) arranged between the second connection contact (A2) and the second forwarding connection (W2), - a third normally closed contact (111) arranged between the first connection contact (A1) and the first forwarding connection (W1), - a fourth normally closed contact (112) arranged between the second connection contact (A2) and the second forwarding connection (W2), - a first adjusting device (104) which, in the unlocking position of the locking device (100), keeps the first and second break contacts (101, 102) closed and a second make contact (113) open, and in the locking position of the locking device (100), keeps the first and second break contacts (101, 102) open and the second make contact (113) closed, and - a second adjusting device (114) which, in the unlocking position of the locking device (100), closes the third and fourth break contacts (111, 112) and leaves a first make contact (103) open, and in the locking position of the locking device (100), closes the third and fourth Normally closed contact (111, 112) is opened and the first normally open contact (103) is kept closed.

5. Deactivation device (51-54) according to claim 4, characterized in that - the first adjusting device (104) is electrically arranged upstream of the second adjusting device (114), - an adjustment of the second adjustment device (114) depends on a previous adjustment of the first adjustment device (104) and - activation of the switch-off unit depends on a previous adjustment of the second adjustment device (114).

6. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the first and second normally open contacts (103, 113) are electrically connected in series with respect to the power supply of the shutdown unit (110) and the shutdown unit (110) is only supplied with power when both normally open contacts (103, 113) are closed.

7. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that - a first series connection terminal (R1) of a series circuit comprising at least the switch-off unit (110) and the normally open contact (103) or the first and second normally open contacts (103, 113) is electrically connected to the first connection contact (A1) or to a connection point electrically located between the first connection contact (A1) and the first normally closed contact (101), and - a second series connection terminal (R2) of the series connection is electrically connected to the second connection contact (A2) or to a connection point electrically located between the second connection contact (A2) and the second break contact (102).

8. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that - a first series connection terminal (R1) of a series connection comprising at least the switch-off unit (110) and the normally open contact (103) is electrically connectable to a first external supply connection (X1), and a second series connection terminal (R2) of the series connection is electrically connectable to a second external supply terminal (X2).

9. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the adjusting device (104) or the first adjusting device (104), the first and second normally closed contacts (101, 102) and the normally open contact (103, 113) associated therewith are components of a relay which, in the absence of current, keeps the first and second normally closed contacts (101, 102) closed and leaves the normally open contact (103, 113) associated therewith open, and when current is applied keeps the first and second normally closed contacts (101, 102) open and keeps the normally open contact (103, 113) associated therewith closed.

10. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the second adjusting device (114), the third and fourth break contacts (111, 112) and the make contact (103) associated therewith are components of a relay which, in the absence of current, keeps the third and fourth break contacts (111, 112) closed and the associated make contact (103) open, and when current is applied keeps the third and fourth break contacts (111, 112) open and the associated make contact (103) closed.

11. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - a first power supply connection (EV1) of the locking device (100) is electrically connected to the first connection contact (A1) or to a connection point electrically located between the first connection contact (A1) and the first break contact (101), and a second power supply connection (EV2) of the locking device (100) is electrically connected to the second connection contact (A2) or to a connection point electrically located between the second connection contact (A2) and the second break contact (102), and - the locking device (100) comprises a triggering device (120, 120-1, 120-2) with which the adjusting device (104) or the first adjusting device (104) can be adjusted in an externally controlled manner.

12. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the deactivation device comprises a first single-pole or double-pole self-holding switching device (106) which, in the closed position, can keep the adjusting device (104) or the first adjusting device (104) connected to the first and second connection contacts (A1, A2) regardless of the operating state of a trigger unit (120, 120-1, 120-2) associated with the adjusting device (104) or the first adjusting device (104), and - the adjusting device (104) or the first adjusting device (104) sets its first self-holding switching device (106) into the closed position after being activated by the triggering unit (120, 120-1, 120-2).

13. Deactivation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the deactivation device comprises a second single-pole or double-pole self-holding switching device (116) which, in the closed position, can keep the second adjusting device (114) connected to the first and second connection contacts (A1, A2) regardless of the operating state of the first adjusting device (104), and - the second adjusting device (114) sets its self-holding switching device (116) into the closed position after activation by the first adjusting device (104).

14. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply of the adjusting device (104) or adjusting devices (104, 114) and / or that of the triggering unit (120, 102-1, 120-2) is effected via the first and second power supply connection (EV1, EV2) of the locking device (100) or via a first and second external supply connection (X1, X2).

15. Deactivation device (51-54) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the shut-off unit (110) is a switchable valve or comprises such a valve which, in the passive position of the shut-off unit (110), forms a pressure-actuated brake of the leaving the brake unit (21-24) connected to a supply pressure connection and disconnecting the brake from the supply pressure connection in the deactivation position, and / or the switch-off unit (110) is or comprises an electrical switching element which switches off an electrical brake of the brake unit (21-24) in the deactivation position of the switch-off unit (110).

16. Arrangement, characterized in that the arrangement comprises a cascade of deactivation devices (51-54), wherein at least one middle deactivation device (52-53) of the cascade, preferably all middle deactivation devices (52-53) of the cascade, is a deactivation device according to one of the preceding claims.

17. Arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the arrangement comprises a cascade with at least a first deactivation device (51) and a last deactivation device (54), wherein a first cascade connection (K1) is designed to feed in the first potential (P1) and a second cascade connection (K2) is designed to feed in the second potential (P2), wherein the first deactivation device (51) of the cascade - is connected with its first connection contact (A1) to the first cascade connection (K1), - is connected with its first forwarding connection (W1) to a first connection contact (A1) of the cascade-connected deactivation device (52) of the cascade, and - is connected with its second connection contact (A2) to a second forwarding connection (W2) of the cascade-connected deactivation device (52), and wherein the last deactivation device (54) of the cascade - is connected with its first connection contact (A1) to a first forwarding connection (W1) of the cascade-arranged upstream deactivation device (53) of the cascade, - is connected with its second forwarding connection (W2) to a second connection contact (A2) of the cascade-arranged upstream deactivation device (53) of the cascade, and - is connected with its second connection contact (A2) to the second cascade connection (K2).

18. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 17, characterized in that - the arrangement comprises a single central deactivation device which is arranged immediately downstream of the first deactivation device (51) and immediately upstream of the last deactivation device (54), or - the arrangement comprises at least two middle deactivation devices (52-53), one of which is arranged directly downstream of the first deactivation device (51) and another of which is arranged directly upstream of the last deactivation device (54).

19. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a voltage sensor (200) is connected between the first forwarding connection (W1) of the last deactivation device (54) and the second forwarding connection (W2) of the first deactivation device (51).

20. Arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the voltage sensor (200) is or comprises a relay which closes a relay switch of the relay when a voltage above a predetermined minimum voltage is applied and otherwise leaves it open or the voltage sensor (200) is an optocoupler or comprises an optocoupler which generates an output-side control signal when a voltage above a predetermined minimum voltage is applied.

21. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, characterized in that one or more of the deactivation devices (51-54) is assigned an additional device (300) which enables external activation of the respective switch-off unit (110) from the outside, independently of the locking state of the respectively assigned locking device (100) and independently of the state of the triggering unit (120, 120-1, 120-2) of the respectively assigned deactivation device.

22. Method for operating an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 19 to 20, characterized in that - a fault is inferred if the voltage at the voltage sensor (200) exceeds a predetermined minimum voltage, although a potential (P1, P2) is applied to only one of the cascade connections (K1, K2), and / or - a deactivation position of one of the deactivation devices (51-54) is inferred if the voltage at the voltage sensor (200) falls below the predetermined minimum voltage, although the first and second potentials (P1, P2) are applied to the arrangement, and / or - a passive position of all deactivation devices (51-54) is concluded when both the first and second potentials (P1, P2) are applied to the arrangement and the voltage at the voltage sensor (200) corresponds to the voltage difference between the first and second potentials (P1, P2).

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