Device used for overhead trolley wires, method for manufacturing the device, and method for operating the device.

Abstract

The present invention is a device for fixing to an overhead wire, particularly an overhead wire of a line. The device includes a fixture configured to fix the device to the overhead wire, and a power supply device for supplying power to an electrical load portion of the device. The power supply device is a coil in which a voltage is induced when an electric current flows through the overhead wire, and the coil enables the electrical load portion to be supplied. The power supply device further includes a magnetic core. The magnetic core is an open-type magnetic core having two legs. Each of the two legs forms a free end of the magnetic core. The two legs extend from the top to the bottom in a state where the device is assembled. By each of the two legs approaching one of a plurality of grooves of the overhead wire at a transition portion between the upper and lower portions of the overhead wire, the overhead wire or the space above the overhead wire is positioned between the free ends of the two legs. The two legs are connected to each other by a connecting portion of the magnetic core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device used for an overhead wire, i.e., a trolley wire (contact wire), and more particularly to a device for fixing a trolley wire (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a predetermined device or simply a device). In particular, it relates to a device used for an overhead wire of a railway line in a tram or the like and fixed thereto. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a device that can be used for an overhead wire of a trolleybus, for example, as another vehicle. Furthermore, as yet another vehicle, it may be directed to an automated guided vehicle or the like, that is, an automated guided vehicle used in a warehouse or an industrial plant. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a predetermined device used for such an overhead wire, i.e., a trolley wire, and an operation method of the predetermined device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various devices attached to and fixed to trolley wires, which are various overhead wires, are known. For example, an arrangement structure for a device for transmitting data from and / or to a track element of a transportation vehicle on a track has been proposed. In such an arrangement structure of the device, a power supply device arranged in the region of an electric traction current conductor is included (see, for example, Patent Document 1). And for the purpose of communication using such an arrangement structure, a transmission device connected to a track element has been used for wireless transmission of data to the power supply device and / or wireless transmission of data from the power supply device. And the power supply device has been designed and arranged for wireless transmission of data from a track element, wireless transmission of data to a track element, and wireless transmission of data into and / or power supply of data from an electric traction current conductor.

[0003] On the other hand, although the device of the present invention preferably includes a transmission device for wirelessly transmitting data and / or other signals, this is merely an optional configuration and not an essential configuration. Rather, it is preferable that the device of the present invention allows for the occasional reading of data stored within a predetermined device, which may optionally be done via electrical contact.

[0004] Furthermore, it is generally known that devices used on overhead power lines, such as trolley wires, require energy to operate. In particular, when a device attached to an overhead line receives little to no sunlight as energy, one way to generate energy is to extract magnetic field energy from the electromagnetic field of the overhead line through which the electric current flows and utilize that energy. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] EP2616305A2 (Claims, etc.) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for use on overhead trolley wires, which have a compact structure and are capable of efficient power generation and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, a device is provided for use by attaching it to an overhead wire, such as a trolley wire, and more particularly to an overhead wire of a railway line, and fixing it therein. Here, such a device comprises a fixing device configured to be fixed to a trolley wire, and a power supply device for supplying power to at least one electrical load section of the device. Furthermore, the power supply device includes a coil that induces a voltage when current flows through the trolley wire, enabling the supply of at least one electrical load, and a magnetic core. The magnetic core is an open-type magnetic core having two legs, each of which forms a free end of the magnetic core, and the two legs extend from the top to the bottom when the device is assembled, and each of the two legs is configured to approach one of the multiple grooves of the trolley wire at the transition between the upper and lower parts of the trolley wire. Therefore, it is preferable that the trolley wire or the space above the trolley wire is located between the free ends of the two legs, and that the two legs are connected to each other by a connecting portion of the magnetic core (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a connecting means, etc.).

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a device for fixing to an overhead wire, which is an overhead wire, and in particular to an overhead wire of a railway line. Therefore, according to this manufacturing method, a step is included in which a fixing device is prepared as part of the apparatus, and such fixing device can be provided so that the apparatus can be fixed to the trolley wire by the fixing device. Furthermore, the process preferably includes a step of preparing a power supply device as part of the apparatus, and the power supply device is configured to supply power to at least one electrical load section of the apparatus. Here, as components of a power supply device, a coil or magnetic core is provided, which induces a voltage when current flows through a trolley wire, and which enables the supply of at least one electrical load. The magnetic core is formed as an open-type magnetic core having two legs, each of which forms a free end of the magnetic core, and the two legs extend from the top to the bottom when the device is assembled, and each of the two legs approaches one of the grooves of the trolley wire at the transition between the upper and lower parts of the trolley wire. Therefore, it is preferable that the trolley wire or the space above the trolley wire is located between the free ends of the two legs. That is, it is preferable that the two legs are connected to each other by a connecting portion of the magnetic core.

[0009] Furthermore, a magnetic core configuration with a free end that has legs approaching the trolley wire, forming an open-type magnetic core, is a compact and efficient solution. In principle, a magnetic core can improve power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the free end of the magnetic core may be close to the trolley wire, or even mechanically in contact with it, and it is preferable that the coil be positioned close to the trolley wire. This makes it easy to create a compact structure, and because the coil is located at a short distance from the trolley wire, it is positioned in the electromagnetic field region where the magnetic field strength is high, making it particularly efficient. In addition, positioning the coil close to the trolley wire has the advantage that the magnetic core can be made smaller in the circumferential direction of the trolley wire or coil. Therefore, it is preferable to position the coil at the height of the lower half of the device, and more preferably at the lower part of the device, at one-third of the height. Here, "half" and "one-third" refer to the height of the coil position relative to the height of the device attached to the trolley wire.

[0010] Further features and embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention and a method for manufacturing such an apparatus are described below. In particular, in the case of a method for manufacturing a device, it is preferable that the device be manufactured in such a configuration that it can be given the corresponding individual characteristics.

[0011] In particular, the two legs and / or connecting parts are preferably made of sheet metal. Such sheet metal is preferably made of a magnetic and / or magnetizable material, such as a so-called electric sheet. The advantages of sheet metal are its lighter weight compared to thicker materials and its space-saving properties. In particular, each of the two legs may be formed from multiple sheet metal pieces, and it is preferable that the sheet metal pieces are joined together.

[0012] In particular, it is preferable that the connecting portion extends through the coil. Therefore, it is preferable that at least some of the multiple electrical lead wires of the coil are wound, and more preferably that they are wound in such a way that free space for the connection is formed. Here, the free space is preferable because, in the assembled state of the device, it is located above the trolley wire, and the connecting portion extends laterally through the free space relative to the longitudinal spread of the trolley wire, thereby enabling the two legs of the magnetic core to be connected to each other. Therefore, the term "connect" means that the two legs and connecting portion of the magnetic core are made of a continuous, unjointed half, for example, a continuous metal sheet or made from half pieces, or made by joining multiple pieces together.

[0013] In particular, the two legs may have a longer length at their free ends than the connecting portion, that is, they may be manufactured to accommodate such a configuration. Here, the length of the assembled device should be considered in the direction of the longitudinal spread of the trolley wire. Therefore, the length is measured along the trolley wire in the installed state. Due to the length of the legs, the space-saving and lightweight design of the coil can improve the guidance performance of the magnetic field lines close to the trolley wire and the bundling performance of the magnetic field lines. This, in turn, increases the efficiency of the power supply.

[0014] For example, each leg may be made from a single sheet metal piece in the longer portion of its length, and may also be made from at least one other sheet metal piece in the shorter portion of its length. These sheet metal pieces are preferably joined to each other using a suitable joining process, such as welding. In particular, it is preferable that the shorter sections of each leg are formed from multiple stacked sheet metal pieces. Furthermore, the longer regions of each leg may preferably be formed from a single sheet metal piece, or from a laminate of sheet metal pieces having a thinner thickness.

[0015] In particular, each of the two legs may extend such that their free ends are within one of the plurality of grooves of the trolley wire. This means the state when the device is attached to the trolley wire. And by adopting such a configuration, the guiding performance and the bundling performance of the magnetic field lines on the trolley wire are improved, and thus the efficiency of the power supply is further enhanced.

[0016] Also, the two legs preferably have flexibility, at least in the region of their free ends. By having such flexibility, it becomes even easier to attach the device to the trolley wire. In particular, when the two legs are elastically deformable in the region of their free ends, the distance between the free ends may increase due to elastic deformation during the assembly of the device. Therefore, the free ends may be arranged on the trolley wire in the form of a spring clip. Also, it is preferable that the free ends in the region of each individual groove of the trolley wire contact the surface of the trolley wire during attachment, that is, the distance between the free ends in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal spread of the trolley wire is smaller than the width of the trolley wire at the contact point. However, it is also preferable that at least one of the free ends does not contact the surface of the trolley wire during assembly. When such contact occurs, the guiding performance and the bundling performance of the magnetic field lines may be further improved, and a clamping effect may be achieved. Thereby, unintentional detachment of the legs from the trolley wire is prevented, or the frequency of unintentional detachment is reduced. Although optional, the clamping effect improves the safety when fixing the device to the trolley wire.

[0017] So far, assuming the adoption of an open magnetic core, a device suitable for or configured accordingly to attach and fix to an overhead trolley wire has been described. However, in this specification, a further device for fixing to an overhead line, which can be fixed at least partially or completely to the suspension cable of the overhead line, is also preferred.

[0018] In particular, it is preferable that the device equipped with an open magnetic core be modified as appropriate according to the application, such as so that it can be fixed to the suspension cable of an overhead line, and so that the open magnetic core can be supplemented to form a closed magnetic core.

[0019] In particular, the device may have an auxiliary piece as part of the magnetic core, and the auxiliary piece may be connected to the free end of the leg, or preferably connected in such a way, so that when the device is fixed to the suspension cable of an overhead line, the auxiliary piece, the two legs, and the connecting part form a magnetic core that extends around the suspension cable in a closed manner. This means that the same device can be used even when it is slightly modified and fixed to a suspension cable. In particular, such configuration changes to the device, although optional, may affect the fixing devices; that is, it is preferable to appropriately change the fixing devices included in the predetermined device in order to secure it to the suspension cable.

[0020] This includes, in particular, a predetermined device having the characteristics of the device described above, namely a device including a fixing device. Therefore, it is preferable that the device includes a fixing device for fixing to a suspension cable, a coil and a magnetic core, and a power supply device in which such a magnetic core is closed and thus surrounds the overhead line.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable to include a device having a fixing device for securing it to the overhead trolley wire. Such fixing device may be part of any device described herein, particularly for fixing the device to the trolley wire. The device to be fixed may, for example, be a device equipped with a power supply device having a magnetic core. In other words, such a device may be any other device described herein and in the appended claims, or any other device to be fixed to the trolley wire of an overhead contact line.

[0022] In addition, methods for fixing such devices have been proposed, and it is preferable that the fixing device be used to fix the device to the overhead trolley wire.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fixing device also has a clamp bracket. Here, the clamp bracket is basically a configuration having two halves (divided configuration), and it is preferable that these two halves are fixed in place, extend to opposing sides of the trolley wire, and are connected to each other at their tops. Therefore, it is preferable that the configuration defines an inner and outer area between the two halves.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable that each of the two halves has a free bracket end (sometimes simply referred to as a free end), and that the free bracket end is fixedly engaged with one of the two opposing grooves of the trolley wire and fixedly clamped to the trolley wire. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the fixing device also has clamping means for clamping the bracket end into the trolley wire groove.

[0025] Therefore, when fixed in this manner, a part of the device is fixed to the clamp bracket. This part may be, for example, the housing of the device and / or part of the support structure of the device. In particular, the optional mating parts described later may be provided in addition to the part of the device, or may form part of the device.

[0026] Optionally, the fixing device may include an insert member, which, when fixed, is preferably positioned at the top inside between the two halves and in full contact with the surface of the clamp bracket on its inside. Therefore, it is preferable that such a clamp bracket is equipped with a connecting device, which connects the insert member in a fixed state to a part of the device fixed to the clamp bracket via and / or through the upper region of the clamp bracket.

[0027] Furthermore, such insert members may be composed of parts separate from the clamp bracket, and are particularly preferably positioned inside the clamp bracket during the process of fixing the device to the trolley wire. For example, in such a case, it is preferable that the insert member be connected to the part of the device to be fixed by at least one fixing screw or another fixing bolt. According to one embodiment, the insert member preferably has a recess, in particular a hole, for example, a screw hole in the case of a fixing screw. In all cases, and even in cases where no insert member is provided, it is preferable that at least one fixing bolt extends through a through-opening at the top of the clamp bracket to the portion of the device to be fixed.

[0028] Alternatively, the insert member may also be permanently connected to the clamp bracket, regardless of whether the free end of the clamp bracket is clamped to the trolley wire. In this case, for example, although there is no recess for the fixing bolt on the insert member, it is preferable that the fixing bolt is securely connected to the insert member, for example, as a bolt with a male thread. In that case, the bolt may extend to the part of the device to be fixed, or further, it may extend within the part, or even entirely through the part, and in the case of a threaded bolt, it may be securely fastened by, for example, at least one screw.

[0029] On the other hand, the insert member can be omitted. In this case, the clamp bracket may have a screw hole at the top, for example, and it is preferable that a screw is screwed into the hole from above during assembly.

[0030] Preferably, the halves of the clamp bracket are formed such that they are mirror images of each other with respect to the central plane of the clamp bracket. Therefore, when such a clamp bracket is attached to a trolley wire, the central surface extends perpendicularly through the trolley wire and also extends in the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire.

[0031] It is also preferable to have at least one fixing bolt as a clamping means for clamping the bracket end into the trolley wire groove. Therefore, it is preferable that the fixing bolt extends through the opening of at least one half of the clamp bracket when it is being fixed. In specific embodiments, the fixing bolt may have a male thread and may extend through through-openings in each of the two halves of the clamp bracket when it is being fixed. In such cases, at least one threaded nut may be screwed onto the fixing bolt on the outside of at least one half. The end of the stirrup may be clamped into the trolley wire groove by screwing it in. If the threaded nut is screwed onto the outside of only one half, the threaded bolt may have, for example, its head on the outside of the other half.

[0032] However, it is also preferable to use other clamping means, for example, clamping means that extend around the two halves of the clamp bracket and thus connect the halves to each other via two different parts.

[0033] Optionally, the fixing device has a mating portion for the insert member, the mating portion is positioned above the clamp bracket when the device is fixed, and is preferably connected to the clamp bracket and directly connected to the insert member via at least one fixing bolt when the device is fixed. In such cases, it is preferable that the mating part is connected to the part of the device to be fixed. In particular, the mating part may have a channel-shaped receiving portion for receiving the upper region of the clamp bracket. In this way, the upper region of the clamp bracket is embedded within the mating surface, and in particular, it makes full contact with the surface portion of the upper region of the clamp bracket, that is, not only at points present on the surface portion of the mating surface, but preferably linearly or across the entire surface. Particularly preferable is that there are not just one linear contact area or a total surface contact area, but multiple such areas.

[0034] It is also preferable that the insert member and / or mating part have their free ends brought from above to the mounting position on the trolley wire when the clamp bracket is in the first state. However, since the free ends still have a first large distance from each other, it is preferable that the system be configured to be able to reach a second state, i.e., a state in which the free ends have a second small distance from each other. This second distance corresponds to the distance when the clamp bracket is mounted. Therefore, the second state is particularly preferably the state in which the clamp bracket is mounted on the trolley wire. Furthermore, it is preferable to control the dimensions of the insert member so that the free ends of the clamp bracket halves move toward each other, enabling the clamp bracket to be mounted on the trolley wire, and more preferably, to match the dimensions of the clamp bracket so that it is located inside the upper region. Furthermore, it is preferable that the clamp bracket may not be constrained in the first state and therefore be mechanically relaxed. Alternatively, it is preferable that a weaker clamping force is exerted on it in the first state. On the other hand, when the clamping means brings about the second state, it is also preferable that a stronger clamping force is exerted thereon.

[0035] Fixing devices equipped with clamp brackets have the advantages of being easy to manufacture and highly reliable. In particular, the clamp bracket may be formed as a clamp bracket for securing the trolley wire to the suspension cable. However, if the trolley wire is fixed to the suspension cable, it is preferable that no other components of the fixing device are provided. Rather, the suspension cable may extend through the space between the halves of the clamp bracket. In that case, other components would not necessarily be required.

[0036] Another device that may be fixed to the trolley wire is described below. The features of this apparatus may optionally be present in any other apparatus described herein and / or in the appended claims. Conversely, these other features of the apparatus may be present in any combination in the apparatus described below; however, these features are not necessarily required to be present in the apparatus described below.

[0037] One purpose of the device described below is to enable the detection of trolley wire wear in a simple manner. Furthermore, a further objective is to identify the corresponding operating method and manufacturing method. Such wear is caused by friction between the vehicle's pantograph and the underside of the trolley wire.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide at least two magnetometers as part of the device to be fixed to the trolley wire. This is because the magnetic field generated by the trolley wire changes in two different ways as the trolley wire wears down. Therefore, it is preferable that the device includes more than two magnetometers. Even in that case, it is preferable that at least two of the magnetometers are arranged such that the magnetic field strength measured by them over time changes in various ways depending on the wear of the trolley wire. This can also apply to configurations involving more than two magnetometers, where the magnetic field strength changes in various ways at more than two measurement locations, depending on the wear of the trolley wire.

[0039] If two magnetometers are positioned symmetrically with respect to the plane perpendicular to the trolley wire, it is possible that both magnetometers will detect the same magnetic field strength. To avoid this, it is preferable, for example, to position one magnetometer lower than the other, and therefore closer to the underside of the trolley wire. For example, an arrangement in which one magnetometer is positioned above the trolley wire and the other magnetometer is positioned next to the trolley wire is considered sufficiently suitable and preferable. Depending on the position and type of wear, a magnetometer located near the bottom surface may measure a higher magnetic field strength or a lower magnetic field strength for the same current intensity as wear progresses. This depends on the individual position.

[0040] For example, wear on the underside of the trolley wire typically creates a bent surface, which results in a locally stronger magnetic field than when the trolley wire is not worn. However, wear on the trolley wire may result in a sloped bottom surface instead of a horizontal one. Therefore, changes in magnetic field strength may depend on the type of wear.

[0041] Therefore, it is proposed that the time curve of the magnetic field strength be predetermined for different types of wear, and such a configuration is preferable. In that case, it is preferable that the corresponding time profile is taken into consideration when analyzing the values ​​measured by at least two magnetometers and the corresponding wear. When determining wear, it is suggested that multiple values ​​measured by a magnetometer, namely at least three, preferably more, should be considered, but this configuration is not solely for this procedure. For example, a magnetometer repeatedly generates measurement values ​​over time, and it is preferable that the entire history of the measurement values, i.e., the time course of the measurement values ​​or the history of measurement values ​​over a specified period, is taken into consideration when determining wear.

[0042] With regard to positioning, more generally, it is preferable that at least two magnetometers be positioned at different locations, particularly with respect to the circumference around the trolley wire and / or the distance from the trolley wire. In other words, it is preferable that the components be positioned at different distances from the center of the trolley wire, as different distances from the trolley wire. Here, the center of the trolley wire is defined by the longitudinal axis of the trolley wire's center. More specifically, it is preferable that it is positioned at different distances from the center of gravity, which corresponds to the center of the trolley wire in the cross-section. Furthermore, the circumference extends around the trolley wire on any plane that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire. It is preferable that the magnetometer be positioned only above the underside of the trolley wire, as the magnetometer would collide with the vehicle's pantograph. In other words, by placing two magnetometers at different positions relative to the circumference, different effects of trolley wire wear on the local magnetic field can be detected. Different arrangements with respect to the trolley wire also include cases where at least two magnetometers are not positioned on the same plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire. To determine or display the positions on a common plane, for example, the position of one magnetometer may be projected perpendicularly onto the plane on which the other magnetometer is located. When referring to a predetermined position on such a surface, this means, for example, a specific reference point such as the center of gravity of a magnetometer. Therefore, it means the center of gravity defined with respect to the area, that is, based on the cross-section.

[0043] Regarding the operation of a device fixed to the trolley wire of an overhead contact line, a method has been proposed that includes the steps of repeatedly measuring the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the energized trolley wire at different positions on the circumference of the trolley wire, and analyzing the magnetic field strength measurements obtained at the device location or at a remote location.

[0044] Furthermore, a manufacturing method is proposed for producing devices for fixing overhead wires, particularly overhead wires on railway tracks. Here, it is preferable that at least two magnetometers are provided as part of the apparatus and are positioned at different locations with respect to the circumference around the trolley wire.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that the embodiments of the manufacturing method be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus having at least two magnetometers.

[0046] In other words, it is also preferable to use a single magnetometer to measure the effect of trolley wire wear on the magnetic field strength. However, in reality, the current flowing through the trolley wire can vary considerably. According to the solutions described herein, since at least two magnetometers are present, it is preferable to use the measured magnetic field strength generated by at least one of the magnetometers as a reference for the instantaneous current strength, and it is also preferable to use the operating method for this purpose. Therefore, for example, the ratio of magnetic field strengths measured by two magnetometers can be calculated and controlled. However, this is only one method that uses one measurement from the magnetometer as a reference. Therefore, another method is to calculate the difference between the two magnetometer readings and then normalize that difference. For example, this could be done by dividing by one of the readings.

[0047] Preferably, at least one of the magnetometers in the apparatus, preferably all of the magnetometers in the apparatus, is configured to be either a single Hall sensor or multiple Hall sensors. The advantages of such Hall sensors are their simple structure and their operation with very low energy consumption.

[0048] A further feature of the device, which may be positioned on an overhead contact line, particularly on a trolley wire or trolley wire support cable, is that at least one transceiver may be present. In other words, it is preferable that the device attached to the trolley wire includes at least one transceiver. This is a configuration applicable to each apparatus described in this specification and the appended claims. Therefore, it is preferable that such a device includes a signal acquisition device, for example, at least one sensor, and more specifically, the magnetometer described above. However, it is preferable that, alternatively or additionally, the device is configured to transmit, for example, measurements from a temperature sensor and / or another sensor, to one or more transceivers via the device's signal lines and / or wirelessly. Furthermore, conventionally known devices can be applied as equipment for use on overhead lines equipped with such communication devices. Furthermore, it is preferable to transmit signals received internally from at least one predetermined device of a communication device such as a transceiver, and / or signals received from another transceiver of the device, and / or signals received from another device or the environment, to, for example, a remotely located device on the same overhead line or the same part of the track for a vehicle, or to a base station on or adjacent to the track. Furthermore, at least one transceiver enables the transmission of signals, thereby allowing measurements from the device's sensors, such as magnetic field strength, to be sent to an external device that analyzes the measurements. In particular, when there are multiple devices, i.e., more than two devices, and each device is fixed to a trolley wire or trolley wire suspension cable and / or positioned adjacent to a contact wire, it is preferable that all of these devices have at least one transceiver for transmitting, and especially for retransmitting, a signal. However, such a configuration may be referred to as a network or a transmitting network. Therefore, individual devices may also be referred to as network devices.

[0049] In particular, the determination of wear and tear may be performed by the device itself, or alternatively or additionally by an external device. As already described, trolley wire wear is determined not only based on the measured magnetic field strength, but may also be determined by taking into account, alternatively or additionally, at least one of the temperature measurements of the overhead contact wire. This is based on the idea that the temperature of the trolley wire depends on its degree of wear. However, since this idea and its effects are already known, they will not be described in detail herein.

[0050] It should be noted that each apparatus described herein and in the appended claims preferably has at least one temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the trolley wire. Therefore, it is preferable that one temperature sensor, or at least one of multiple temperature sensors, is an infrared sensor. In other words, it is preferable that the sensor receives infrared radiation emitted by the trolley wire and uses it to determine the temperature of the trolley wire, or to provide a measurement value from which the temperature can be directly determined.

[0051] Particularly preferable is a configuration that is advantageous when both the arrangement of the magnetometer described above and at least one temperature sensor are part of the device. Accordingly, according to one embodiment of the apparatus and operating method, the measured temperature values ​​and / or their time dependence, repeatedly provided over time by the temperature sensor, can be analyzed by at least one of the methods described below. In other words, it can be concluded that the electrical resistance of the trolley wire increased due to long-term temperature fluctuations occurring over a longer period, i.e., prolonged temperature increases, and therefore the contact wires wore down. On the other hand, in the case of short-term temperature fluctuations occurring over a shorter period, i.e., both short-term temperature increases and short-term temperature decreases, the current intensity increases. Therefore, an increase in the current in the trolley wire increases the amount of heat generated per unit time due to its electrical resistance. Alternatively, it can be used to conclude that a decrease in current intensity, and therefore a decrease in the current in the trolley wire, reduces the amount of heat generated per unit time due to its electrical resistance.

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device be configured to measure the ambient temperature using at least one additional temperature sensor. This configuration allows evaluation equipment for the device, or evaluation equipment located away from the device, to take ambient temperature into consideration when determining current and / or wear. Furthermore, this configuration is based on the idea that the trolley wire releases heat into the environment per unit time, depending on the ambient temperature. The greater the temperature difference between the trolley wire and the environment, the greater the heat loss. This means that it has an effect on the temperature of the trolley wire. For example, in winter, assuming the strength of the current flowing through the trolley wire is the same, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the trolley wire is the same, and therefore the degree of wear is the same, the temperature of the trolley wire is expected to be lower than in summer because more heat is lost to the environment per unit time.

[0053] A further feature of a device that may be placed on an overhead contact line of a railway line, in particular on a trolley wire or trolley wire carrier cable, is that it may include at least one power generation device. This applies to each apparatus described herein and in the appended claims. In other words, each power generation device is usable, and preferably in a form that is used for the operation of the device. Furthermore, it is preferable that the device is configured to generate energy at a predetermined location. Such a power generation device may be the power supply device described above or a part thereof. However, such power supply equipment may be of a different nature, as can be understood from the following explanation.

[0054] One type of power generation equipment that can be used for this purpose is preferably one that operates on the principle of photovoltaics and therefore converts incident electromagnetic radiation, particularly incident electromagnetic radiation from the sun, into electrical energy. However, alternatively or additionally, such a device may include at least one example of another type of power generation equipment, namely, induction power generation equipment. During operation, this can generate electrical energy through magnetic induction from the magnetic field generated by the overhead lines through which the electric current flows. Power supply equipment equipped with the magnetic core described above is one example of this.

[0055] The apparatus described below may be one of the apparatuses described before or after this specification, and it is preferable that its features may be present in one or more of these apparatuses. However, the devices described below may not be one of the devices described above or below, and therefore may not have those features, or may simply be fixed to the overhead line.

[0056] The apparatus and corresponding manufacturing methods described below are based on the objective of providing an apparatus that may be fixed to an overhead line. Here, the specified equipment of the apparatus may be fixed in a stable manner, and it is preferable that it be compact and space-saving.

[0057] Therefore, it is preferable that the device has a support structure to which the predetermined equipment of the device is fixed, and which is fixed and supported by it. In this case, it is preferable that the support structure is attached to the trolley wire or overhead wire and fixed to the trolley wire or overhead wire via fixing devices. Therefore, it is preferable that such a support structure has a lower part that is closer to the trolley wire when assembled, and an upper part that is further away from the trolley wire when assembled. At least one receptacle is provided at the bottom, or it is preferable that such a receptacle is provided. Furthermore, it is preferable that the receptacle houses an energy storage device for storing energy necessary to operate a specific component of the apparatus.

[0058] In particular, it is preferable that at least a portion of the power supply for a predetermined device of the apparatus, such as at least one of the multiple sensors described herein, and / or a portion of the control of the operation of the predetermined device, be located on and / or above the upper part of the support structure. For example, the circuit board may be fixed to the top, and it is also preferable that a circuit board mounting and / or having one electrical component and / or multiple electronic components is supported by the support structure of the device itself, rather than being part of the support structure of the device. However, it is also preferable to mount other components of the device on the circuit board.

[0059] In particular, the support structure is preferably connected to the housing of the device via at least one fixing means, for example, a rod-shaped and / or plate-shaped connector. Such a housing can protect all designated equipment and / or components of the device from external influences. In this case, the material of the enclosure, for example, plastic, may not be suitable for the operation of the infrared sensor described elsewhere in each specific device. Therefore, the housing preferably optionally has a through-opening, or more preferably a window, or is equipped with a window. In the case of an infrared sensor, it is also preferable that, for example, a window that transmits infrared rays is inserted into the housing.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the support structure may also preferably have at least one opening through which a fixing component, such as the leg of the magnetic core described above, extends. Therefore, it is preferable that such openings be located in the central part of the longitudinal direction of the housing and at the bottom of the device so that the inside of the housing is protected from environmental influences.

[0061] The accompanying drawings may be used to understand the structure of the present invention. However, each drawing is for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited by the descriptions in the drawings without particular reason. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an overhead wire, which is a trolley wire, and the equipment fixed to it. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a side view of a device for fixing to a trolley wire, where the device is not fully shown and is, for example, an embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, with one side of the device housing open in the side view to reveal the inside of the device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a top view of the internal components of the device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a front view of the clamp bracket, which is part of a fixing device for securing the device to the trolley wire, for example, the device shown in Figure 1 and / or Figures 2 and 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side view of the clamp bracket shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an insert member as a further component of the fixing device for the clamp bracket shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a mating part for the insert member shown in Figure 6, as a further component of the fastening device for the clamping bracket shown in Figures 4 and 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a fixing device comprising the clamp brackets of Figures 4 and 5, the insert member of Figure 6, and the mating part of Figure 7, further comprising additional screws and additional clamping means, where the fixing device is shown mounted on a trolley wire. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a first embodiment of a magnetic core, particularly the magnetic core shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of the magnetic core. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of the magnetic core. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a fourth embodiment of the magnetic core. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an arrangement in the first state of the trolley wire, with two magnetometers positioned at different locations relative to the circumference of the trolley wire. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the arrangement from Figure 13 in a second, more worn state of the trolley wire. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] Figure 1 schematically shows a portion of the trolley wire 1 and the device 11 fixed to the trolley wire 1 using dashed lines. The trolley wire 1 has grooves on opposite sides, one of which is labeled with reference numeral 3. The upper region of the trolley wire 1 is shown to indicate that the device 11 is fixed to the upper part of the trolley wire 1.

[0064] The side view shown in Figure 2 of the device 11 for fixing to the trolley wire, for example, the predetermined device shown in Figure 1, shows the housing 13 of the device 11. The support structure 15 of the device 11 is located inside the housing 13. In the simplified diagram, Figure 2 does not show the connection between the housing 13 and the support structure 15. The shape of the components shown in Figure 2 is also simplified. For example, the housing may not only simply have a rectangular shape, but may also, for example, taper towards its upper end and / or have an additional cover in the lower region for components that protrude downward.

[0065] Furthermore, if the device 11 shown in Figure 2 is fixed to the trolley wire, the trolley wire will extend under the device 11 from right to left, or vice versa, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, in the area of ​​the lower edge of the housing 13, as shown in Figure 2, there are fixing device components 21 and 22 on the left and right upper sides, and the device 11 may be fixed to the trolley wire by such fixing devices. The fixing device may also have additional components. Preferably, the illustrated components 21 and 22 are connected to the support structure 15 as schematically shown.

[0066] The support structure 15 is also shown in a schematic and simplified manner. Such a support structure 15 may consist of more parts than those shown in the illustration. Therefore, it is preferable that the support structure 15 supports the coil 25 inside the support structure 15, as also shown in Figure 3, which illustrates an arbitrary configuration of the support structure 15.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferable that the coil 25 has a through-opening that extends perpendicularly to the plane shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the magnetic core 27 is located on the front side of the coil 25 through the through-opening and extends downward from the coil 25. The magnetic core 27 preferably has an end region 28 at its lower part, and this end region 28 preferably forms a lower free end 30. Specifically, it is preferable that the free end 30 is formed by the leg portion 29 of the magnetic core located on the front side of the coil 25.

[0068] Furthermore, in the terminal region 28, the leg portion 29 is longer than the upper part of the terminal region 28, as can be seen in the horizontal direction in Figure 2. As a result, the magnetic field lines of the electromagnetic field present on the trolley wire during the operation of the device concentrate, and therefore the magnetic induction within the coil 25 increases. Figure 2 should also be used to schematically understand the dimensions between the coil and the upper part of the leg 29. In particular, the leg portion 29 at the entry point of the magnetic core 27 into the through-opening of the coil 25 is preferably configured to be longer than shown if the connection region, which is not visible in Figure 2, is located between the leg portion opposite to the illustrated leg portion 29 and the rear leg portion in Figure 2. Furthermore, particularly preferably, the through-opening of the coil 25 may be completely or almost completely partially filled in the longitudinal direction, which is the horizontal direction in Figure 2.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferable that the supports 16 and 17 are fixed to the left and right upper support structures 15 in Figure 2, and that predetermined devices 18 and 19 are fixed to each of them and therefore supported. Each of the specified devices 18 and 19 may be, for example, at least one sensor. Examples and embodiments of sensors have already been described. Such sensors are advantageously located in the terminal region of the device 11 as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire. This is the location where their functions are least obstructed. Individual sensors can also detect the trolley wire from there, i.e., the portion of the trolley wire directly below the sensor and / or the portion of the trolley wire that is away from or toward the device 11. In addition to those shown, certain devices 18, 19 equipped with supports 16, 17 may be located outside the housing.

[0070] Placing transceivers for signal transmission from and to predetermined equipment, particularly sensors and / or devices, at the end region when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire is not only preferable in the embodiment shown in Figure 2. In another embodiment, since power supply is provided by other means, such as a photovoltaic module, the support structure may be configured differently, for example, as a circumferential support frame or cage, and / or the coil and magnetic core may be omitted.

[0071] The specified device 19 is shown only on the right side of Figure 2 below the support 16 as a specific, arbitrary exemplary embodiment. Therefore, the specified device 19 may be an infrared sensor, for example, an infrared sensor that measures the temperature of the trolley wire directly below it. Although not shown in Figure 2, an infrared window may also be positioned within the housing 13 in the corresponding field of view direction of the infrared sensor. Furthermore, as merely a specific exemplary embodiment, it is preferable that the predetermined device 18 on the left side of Figure 2 is positioned above the support 17. The specified device 18 is, for example, a transceiver and / or a sensor that is looking at the trolley wire below it on the left side from an oblique angle.

[0072] A device for fixing to an overhead trolley wire or suspension cable may have only some of the features shown in Figure 2. For example, such a device may have a different support structure. Therefore, the coil may be supported in a different way and / or connected to an overhead line via a fixing device. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic core may be configured differently. Furthermore, the coils and magnetic core may be omitted, for example, if the power supply for the device is provided by electrical energy obtained by a photovoltaic module and temporarily stored in the device's energy storage equipment.

[0073] The circuit board may also be omitted, and instead, the necessary electrical and / or electronic equipment may be located elsewhere within the enclosure. Alternatively, at least one additional circuit board may be placed above the circuit board shown in Figure 2. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure of the device can also form the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the device may not have a power generation device. Therefore, although an energy storage device is part of the device, if the stored energy is depleted and / or no longer sufficient to operate for the intended operating time, the energy storage device may have to be either replaced or recharged.

[0074] A special development of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, or another apparatus shown in Figure 3, is that it again has a support structure 15 in which the coil 25 is arranged. Supports 16 and 17 are shown for orientation. However, these may also be omitted depending on the embodiment.

[0075] Essential to the advanced form shown in Figure 3 are multiple receptacles 31 within the support structure 15. A more specific exemplary embodiment is four receptacles 31. Furthermore, each of the receptacles 31 may be fitted with an energy storage device, such as a supercapacitor, or an array of multiple energy storage devices. Such arrangement of at least one energy storage device within the receptacle of a support structure has the advantage that the energy storage device is housed safely and securely. Furthermore, a support structure equipped with at least one receptacle for energy storage can achieve high strength and dimensional stability on the one hand, while only requiring a small mass for the support structure on the other hand. When such receptacles are located at the bottom of a support structure, this results in a lower center of gravity, thereby increasing the stability of devices fixed to trolley wires or other overhead lines. In particular, when the center of gravity is close to the overhead line, the tilt moment around the overhead line is reduced. Furthermore, in particular, the special embodiment shown in Figure 3, and when a support structure like that shown in Figure 2 is provided, has the advantage that the area of ​​the support structure between the coil 25 and the end of the support structure is not required for other predetermined equipment of the predetermined device. In particular, as described in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, at least one predetermined device, such as a sensor, may be fixed to at least one of the ends of the support structure in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the receptacle is positioned longitudinally between the coil and one end of the support structure. This may also be the case for other embodiments of the device.

[0076] Figures 4 to 7 show the components of the fixing device used to secure the device to the trolley wire. Figure 8 shows the assembled fixing device with these components.

[0077] Specifically, Figure 4 shows a clamp bracket 41, which has two halves 43 and 44, these two halves 43 and 44 are shown on the left and right sides of the plane of symmetry of the clamp bracket 41. Therefore, it is preferable that the halves 43 and 44 are formed in a mirror image relationship with respect to the plane of symmetry. And, although optional, in embodiments other than those shown, there may be deviations from symmetry with respect to individual features, for example, with respect to individual features relating to through openings provided for clamping means. The symmetry of the fixing devices shown in Figures 4 to 8 is not given to the clamping means. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0078] Semi-halves 43 and 44 are connected to each other at the apex via an arch, or they join together within the arch. They extend from the end of the arch, from the apex to the base, and are initially in a straight line. Furthermore, halves 43 and 44 are angled at the bottom, extending close to the free ends 45 and 46, specifically angled inward. The interior of the clamp bracket 41 is located between halves 43 and 44. The terms "top" and "bottom" refer to the orientation of the clamp bracket 41 in its normal assembled state. In principle, the plane of symmetry of the clamp bracket 41 is in the direction extending vertically. However, there may be slight deviations from the perpendicular to the plane of symmetry. In principle, it is possible for the plane of symmetry to be significantly tilted relative to the perpendicular in the assembled state.

[0079] In the particular exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, each of the halves 43 and 44 has through openings 47 and 48, for example, holes, the diameter of which is preferably 10.5 mm, for example.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a side view of half of the clamp bracket 41, which is shown on the right side in Figure 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the through-opening 48 is located midway between the left outer end and the right outer end, and slightly below the midpoint between the highest and lowest points of the half 44.

[0081] The insert member 51 shown in Figure 6 is shown with its upper end facing downwards. The insert member 51 has two screw holes 53 and 54 extending from the bottom to the top, and it is preferable that they are open at least at the top. That is, although not visible in Figure 6, through holes are preferably used. In Figure 6, at the bottom end, i.e., the top end when assembled, the insert member 51 is curved when viewed in cross-section, and the center line of the curved surface has the highest point of the insert member 51 when assembled.

[0082] The mating part 61 shown in Figure 7 is any component of the fixing device. Alternatively, a region of the support structure of the device may also take over the function of the mating part, or the mating part may be formed differently on the bottom side shown in Figure 7. Similar to the insert member 51, the mating portion 61 may appear in the figure to have its upper end at the bottom. As can be seen in Figure 7, the lower side of the mating portion 61 has a channel shape. Two through holes 63 and 64 are formed at the bottom of the channel, that is, starting from the center line of the bottom surface which is at the top when assembled. Therefore, similar to the screw holes 53 and 54 of the insert member 51, it is preferable that these through holes 63 and 64 extend vertically in the normal assembled state.

[0083] The vertical cross-section in Figure 8, through the fully assembled fastener, shows the arrangement of the components shown in Figures 4-7, along with additional clamping and fastening means. Compared to Figure 4, the clamp bracket is in a tensile state, and therefore its free ends 45 and 46 at the bottom are at a smaller distance than in the illustrated state of Figure 4. Furthermore, it is preferable that these free ends 45 and 46 engage with opposing grooves 3 of the trolley wire 1. Thus, there is a form-fit connection to the trolley wire 1. The required tension is applied by a clamping means in the form of a screw 75, which comprises a screw head 76 and a screw nail 77 screwed thereon. Therefore, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the screw nail 77 can contact the right half 44, and the screw head 76 can contact the left half 43.

[0084] An optional insert member 51 is located at the inner top of the clamp bracket 41. Its curved surface is in contact with the underside of the arch at the transition between halves 43 and 44 of the clamp bracket 41. It should be noted that the curved surface may optionally come into full contact with the underside of the arch during installation.

[0085] However, this does not apply to the relaxed state of the clamp bracket 41 shown in Figure 4. The insert member 51 must allow the halves 43 and 44 to move toward each other, at least in their lower regions, by tightening the clamping means. Furthermore, if the arch shape at the top of the clamp bracket 41 cannot be changed by the insert member 51, then attaching the fixing device may become more difficult, even if it is not impossible.

[0086] The insert members 51 are fixed to the mating portion 61 and the housing portion 62 by screwing in screws 65, each having a screw head 66. Since the screws 65 are screwed into the screw holes 53, 54 having their screw heads 66 at the top of the mating portion 61, they can be easily installed from above. As shown in the illustration, in addition to the mating part 61, a part of the device, namely the housing part 62 in the specific exemplary embodiment shown, is fixed between the screw head 66 and the upper surface of the mating part 61. As an alternative to the specific embodiment shown in the illustration, this part may be part of a support structure, or a part that is rigidly connected to it entirely.

[0087] Alternatively, as has already been pointed out, the mating part 61 itself may be a component of another part of the device, such as a housing and / or support structure. In other words, the clamp bracket 41, and in the specific exemplary embodiment shown, the mating portion 61 and the housing portion 62, each have at least one corresponding through-opening for the screw 65, preferably two through-openings. The through-opening will be located either in front of or behind the plane shown in Figure 8 when the fixing device is assembled. However, it is also preferable that three screws are provided, and that both the insert member and the mating part have three holes. In this case, one of these three holes, and therefore one of the screws, can be located on the plane corresponding to the cross-section in Figure 8. In another modified example of the fastening device shown in Figures 4 to 8, it is preferable that there are two through holes through each half of the clamp bracket, and therefore the clamping means has two fastening bolts. In other embodiments, the number of holes and through-holes may differ from those described above. For example, there may be only one through-hole per half and four holes at the top, or there may be three through-holes per half and two holes at the top.

[0088] Figures 9 to 12, described later, each show a cross-section through one of the various embodiments of the open-type magnetic core 27. The resulting cross-section is triangular, and since the magnetic core 27 is open, it is preferable that the two legs 29 do not join together to form a lower corner. However, the cross-section of the magnetic core may be formed differently. For example, only the lower part of the legs may converge downward within their path, as in the case of the basic triangular shape, and the upper part of the legs may have a different angle of inclination with respect to the vertical in cross-section. In particular, it may have a zero inclination angle, that is, it may extend vertically in each case. The lower approach of the leg does not need to be straight in cross-section. Rather, this path may be angled multiple times, and / or bend at least partially.

[0089] When mounting the device on an overhead suspension cable, it is also possible to configure the magnetic core as a closed-type magnetic core. In this case, the legs extend around the underside of the suspension cable or converge at the underside of the suspension cable. In this case, the two legs, or at least their lower parts, may be a single unit, for example, formed from a single sheet of metal.

[0090] In Figure 9 only, the possible positions of the coil 25 are schematically indicated by elliptical windings. The embodiment can be used, for example, as in the embodiment of the apparatus described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Each of the magnetic cores shown in Figures 9 to 12 preferably has two legs 29, and when the legs 29 are installed, they preferably have a free end 30 at the bottom. Furthermore, it is preferable that all magnetic cores also have connecting portions 91 that connect the leg portions 29 to each other. In particular, it is preferable that the connecting portion 91 extends through the inside of the coil or coil arrangement of the power supply equipment in all cases. However, since these are cross-sectional views, the length of each part of the individual magnetic core is not fixed, and it may be configured as shown in Figure 2, for example. Figures 9 to 12 show various configurations of the end regions 28 of the leg portion 29.

[0091] First, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the legs 29 in the upper region of the trolley wire 1 have a cross-section that is partially curved around the upper part, extending into individual grooves 3, and then emerging again from there, following the shape of the surface of the trolley wire 1 in a path that continues further downward. The free end 30 is preferably located, for example, at the transition point on the surface of the trolley wire 1 from the groove 3 to the widest part of the trolley wire 1. However, the free end may be located in front of this transition area on the surface, or it may extend further downward than shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, although the lower part of the leg portion 29 up to the free end 30 has the cross-sectional shape described and shown in Figure 9, it is possible that they are only mechanically in contact with the trolley wire 1 in places, or that they are not in contact at all. In particular, there may be gaps at any point between the leg portion 29 and the surface of the trolley wire 1.

[0092] In all embodiments shown in Figures 9 to 12, the leg portion 29 extends in a straight line in cross-section from the outer side of the top to the inner side of the bottom, approaching each groove of the trolley wire 1. However, such an approach does not necessarily mean that the free end 30 ends within the groove. That is, as already described with reference to Figure 9, the leg portion 29 may extend to about the same length as the free end 30, for example, into the groove 3 and then out again. The path of the leg does not necessarily have to be straight when approaching a groove. In particular, this path may be curved as it approaches the groove, or it may be partially straight. Furthermore, it may even be partially curved.

[0093] As shown in Figure 10, the leg portion 29 may not extend into the groove 3 of the trolley wire 1, or may not extend at least to the bottom of the groove. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the free end 30 is preferably located on the surface just before the transition portion of the surface that extends from the groove to the widest region of the trolley wire 1. In the illustrated specific embodiment, the free end 30 is in mechanical contact with the surface of the trolley wire 1. However, it is also preferable that the free end 30 ends before reaching the surface.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, it is also preferable that the free end 30 of the leg portion 29 is in contact with the surface at the transition portion to the widest area of ​​the trolley wire 1. In this modified example, the free end 30 may have the same path, but it is also preferable that it ends at a distance just before the surface of the trolley wire 1.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, it is preferable that the free end 30 is located slightly below the surface of the widest region of the trolley wire 1. In Figures 11 and 12, a dashed auxiliary line may be visible on the right side, but it is preferable that the auxiliary line extends from the surface of the trolley wire 1 to the height of the transition to the widest region.

[0096] When the device is mounted on an overhead suspension cable, it is also preferable to provide an optional auxiliary piece 93 for the magnetic core to capture the magnetic core 27 and form a closed magnetic core. The preference for this configuration is shown at the bottom of Figure 12. Therefore, to facilitate this objective, it is preferable that the end of the auxiliary piece be fixed to the free end 30 of the leg portion 29, for example, by a screw connection.

[0097] Figures 13 and 14, respectively, show cross-sections through an arrangement with two magnetometers 93 and 94 at different positions relative to the circumference around the trolley wire 1 and the distance from the trolley wire 1. The position relative to the circumference may be indicated in particular by an angle a, or optionally by the distance to a reference point P located within the trolley wire 1. Here, angle a is shown for one of the magnetometers 93 and 94, that is, for magnetometer 94. It refers to a reference point P as the center, specified, for example, from the vertical. In this notation, it is preferable that the corresponding angle of the position of the magnetometer 93 is smaller than angle a. Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance of the magnetometer 93 to the reference point P is greater than the distance of the magnetometer 94. In other words, the distances of the magnetometers 93 and 94 relative to the trolley wire 1 may be defined at the reference point P, that is, at each cross-sectional plane (in the case of Figures 13 and 14, the images are mirror images). Furthermore, the reference point P may be the center of the area in the non-wearing state, or its vicinity, etc.

[0098] The magnetometers 93 and 94 are part of an apparatus not shown in Figures 13 and 14, and may be, for example, an apparatus like the one shown in Figure 2.

[0099] In other words, Figures 13 and 14 show bundles of arrows schematically illustrating the paths and densities of magnetic field lines, and therefore the magnetic field strength, at the positions of magnetometers 93 and 94, respectively. In the trolley wire 1 shown in Figure 13, when it is unworn or slightly worn, the magnetic field lines extend through the magnetometer 94 in a different direction than the magnetic field lines in a more worn state. Therefore, in the specific cases shown herein, the magnetic field strength measured by the magnetometer 94 is greater when the trolley wire 1 is less worn than when the trolley wire 1 is more worn. Therefore, it should be noted that magnetometers 93 and 94 can only measure the components of the magnetic field strength vector that are perpendicular to their measurement planes. Therefore, in the cases shown herein, it is preferable that the magnetic field lines in the worn state shown in Figure 14, and thus the magnetic field strength vector, form a larger angle with respect to the normal to the measuring surface of the magnetometer 94 than the magnetometer 94 in the unworn state shown in Figure 13. In another exemplary embodiment, depending on the position of the magnetometer, a larger or smaller magnetic field strength may prevail at the position of the magnetometer located further down.

[0100] In contrast, it is preferable that the magnetic field strength at the magnetometer 93, which is further away from the trolley wire 1, does not change significantly. For example, the wear of the trolley wire 1 can be determined by calculating the ratio of the electric field strengths measured by magnetometers 93 and 94. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Trolley wire 3 grooves 11. Device for fixing to the trolley wire 13 cabinets 15 Support structure 16,17 Support 18,19 Prescribed equipment 20 Circuit boards 21,22 Part of the fixing device 25 coils 27 Magnetic core 28 End regions of the magnetic core 29. Legs of the magnetic core 30 free end 31 Receptacles for energy storage equipment 41 Clamp Bracket 43,44 half body 45,46 free end 47, 48 Through-opening 51 Insert Member 53, 54 screw holes 61 Opposing Department 62 Enclosure 63, 64 holes 65 screws 66 Screw head 75 screws 76 Screw head 77 Screws 91 Magnetic core connection 93,94 Magnetometer a angle P reference point

Claims

1. A device (11) for use in the overhead line of a railway track, which is an overhead line, trolley wire (1), The device (11) includes fixing devices (41', 51') configured to fix the device (11) to the trolley wire (1), The device (11) is further equipped with a power supply device for supplying power to at least one electrical load section, The power supply device comprises a coil (25) that induces a voltage when current flows through the trolley wire (1), enabling the supply of at least one electrical load unit, and a magnetic core (27). The magnetic core (27) is an open-type magnetic core (27) having two legs (29), each of the two legs (29) forming a free end (30) of the magnetic core (27), the two legs extending from the top to the bottom in the assembled state of the device (11), and each of the two legs approaching one of the plurality of grooves (3) of the trolley wire (1) at the transition between the upper and lower parts of the trolley wire (1), so that the trolley wire (1) or the space above the trolley wire (1) is located between the free ends of the two legs (29), and The two legs (29) are connected to each other by the connecting portion (91) of the magnetic core (27), The apparatus is characterized in that the two legs (29) have a longer length at their free ends (30) than the connecting portion (91), and in the assembled state of the apparatus (11), the length is measured along the longitudinal direction of the trolley wire (1).

2. A device (11) for use in the overhead line of a railway track, which is an overhead line, trolley wire (1), The device (11) includes fixing devices (41', 51') configured to fix the device (11) to the trolley wire (1), The device (11) is further equipped with a power supply device for supplying power to at least one electrical load section, The power supply device comprises a coil (25) that induces a voltage when current flows through the trolley wire (1), enabling the supply of at least one electrical load unit, and a magnetic core (27). The magnetic core (27) is an open-type magnetic core (27) having two legs (29), each of the two legs (29) forming a free end (30) of the magnetic core (27), the two legs extending from the top to the bottom in the assembled state of the device (11), and each of the two legs approaching one of the plurality of grooves (3) of the trolley wire (1) at the transition between the upper and lower parts of the trolley wire (1), so that the trolley wire (1) or the space above the trolley wire (1) is located between the free ends of the two legs (29), and The two legs (29) are connected to each other by the connecting portion (91) of the magnetic core (27), The device (11) is equipped with fixing devices (41', 51') for using the device on the overhead line, The aforementioned fixing device (41', 51') includes a clamp bracket (41), The clamp bracket (41) has two halves (43, 44), The two halves (43, 44) are fixed in place, extending to opposite sides of the trolley wire (1), and connected to each other at their tops, defining the inner and outer areas between the two halves (43, 44). Each of the two halves (43, 44) has a free bracket end (45, 46), which, in a fixed state, engages with one of the two opposing grooves (3) of the trolley wire (1) and is clamped to the trolley wire (1) in a fixed state. The fixing device (41', 51') further comprises clamping means (75, 77) for clamping the free bracket ends (45, 46) into the groove (3) of the trolley wire (1), The apparatus is characterized in that a part (62) of the apparatus is fixed to the clamp bracket (41) in a fixed state.

3. The device comprises an insert member (51), the insert member (51) is fixedly positioned on the top of the inside between the two halves (43, 44), and on the inside, it is in planar contact with the surface of the clamp bracket (41), The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamp bracket (41) is provided with a connecting portion, and the connecting portion connects the insert member (51) to the part (62) of the apparatus via and / or through the upper region of the clamp bracket (41).

4. A device (11) for use in the overhead line of a railway track, which is an overhead line, trolley wire (1), The device (11) includes fixing devices (41', 51') configured to fix the device (11) to the trolley wire (1), The device (11) is further equipped with a power supply device for supplying power to at least one electrical load section, The power supply device comprises a coil (25) that induces a voltage when current flows through the trolley wire (1), enabling the supply of at least one electrical load unit, and a magnetic core (27). The magnetic core (27) is an open-type magnetic core (27) having two legs (29), each of the two legs (29) forming a free end (30) of the magnetic core (27), the two legs extending from the top to the bottom in the assembled state of the device (11), and each of the two legs approaching one of the plurality of grooves (3) of the trolley wire (1) at the transition between the upper and lower parts of the trolley wire (1), so that the trolley wire (1) or the space above the trolley wire (1) is located between the free ends of the two legs (29), and The two legs (29) are connected to each other by the connecting portion (91) of the magnetic core (27), The device (11) is equipped with a support structure (15), and a predetermined piece of equipment of the device (11) is fixed to and supported by the support structure (15). The support structure (15) is attached to the trolley wire (1) or the overhead wire and is fixed to the trolley wire (1) or the overhead wire via the fixing devices (41', 51'). The support structure (15), when installed, has a lower part positioned close to the trolley wire (1) and an upper part positioned away from the trolley wire (1), and at least one receptacle is provided on the lower part. The apparatus is characterized in that an energy storage device for storing energy to operate a predetermined device of the apparatus (11) is housed within the receptacle.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two leg portions (29) and / or the connecting portion (91) are formed from sheet metal.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting portion (91) extends through the coil (25).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two legs (29), together with their respective free ends (30), extend into one of the plurality of grooves (3) of the trolley wire (1).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the magnetic core has an auxiliary piece, and the auxiliary piece can be connected to the free end (30) of the two legs (29) so that when the apparatus is used in an overhead suspension cable, the auxiliary piece, the two legs (29) and the connecting portion (91) are closed, forming a magnetic core that extends around the suspension cable.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two magnetometers (93, 94), and the at least two magnetometers (93, 94) are positioned at different locations with respect to the circumference around the trolley wire (1) and / or the distance from the trolley wire (1).

10. A method for manufacturing an apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The manufacturing method includes a step of preparing fixing devices (41', 51') as part of the apparatus (11), wherein the fixing devices (41', 51') are configured such that the apparatus (11) can be fixed to the trolley wire (1) by the fixing devices (41', 51'), A method for manufacturing an apparatus, comprising the steps of: preparing a power supply device as part of the apparatus (11), wherein the power supply device is configured to supply power to at least one electrical load section of the apparatus (11).

11. A method for operating the apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A step of repeatedly measuring the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying trolley wire (1) at different positions with respect to the circumference around the trolley wire (1), A method for operating the apparatus (11), characterized by including the step of analyzing a measurement of magnetic field strength obtained at the installation site of the apparatus (11) or at a remote location.

Images