Device and method for measuring the play of a locking slider in a locking recess of a tester slider

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining the play of a locking slider (14, 15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a tester slider (12, 13) of a switch machine (1), comprising at least one displacable first tester slider (13) which can be coupled to a movable switch part and which has at least one locking recess (21), at least one first locking slider (15) which is displacable transverse to the displacement direction of the first tester slider (13) and, when the first tester slider (13) is in an end position, can be pushed into the at least one locking recess (21), a locking slider support (17) in which the first locking slider (15) is displacably guided, and a first measuring unit (24) for measuring a last partial region of a displacement of the first tester slider (13) relative to the first locking slider (15), which measuring unit can be actuated by a first driver (23) arranged on the first tester slider (13), wherein for the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) a first actuator (31) is arranged between the first driver (23) and the first measuring unit (24), which actuator is guided in a guiding element (29) in a direction parallel to the displacement direction of the first tester slider (13) and is driven by the first driver (23) in the last partial region of the displacement against a first force-storing means (30), wherein a displacement of the first actuator (31) between a starting position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit (24) and based on the displacement the play to be measured can be detected, and wherein means for calibrating or setting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit (24) are provided.

Description

[0001] Device and method for measuring the play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide

[0002] The invention relates to a device for determining the play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a point setting device, comprising at least one displaceable first test slide which can be coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog tip, and has at least one locking recess, at least one first locking slide which can be displaced transversely to the direction of displacement of the first test slide and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess in an end position of the first test slide, a locking slide support in which the first locking slide is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the first locking slide, which measuring unit can be actuated by a first driver arranged on the first test slide.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining the play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a switch setting device, in which a first test slide is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog tip, a final partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a first actuator to a first measuring unit for actuation, wherein the first measuring unit detects a displacement of the first actuator between an initial position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and that the first measuring unit outputs a preset measured value in the initial position.

[0004] Setting devices for movable switch components, in particular tongue rails or movable frogs, which are provided with an integrated end position testing device, are generally known as belonging to the state of the art. In the known switch setting devices, the mechanical setting of the movable switch component takes place with the aid of an electromechanical or hydraulic drive unit which drives a setting rod, wherein a locking device integrated into the switch drive for locking the setting rod end positions and an end position testing device are provided. An end position testing device of this type is used to mechanically scan the current state of the switch and to generate a test signal which can be used to reliably determine whether the switch has been correctly set and whether the adjacent and the adjacent tongue rail are in their respective correct end positions.The end-position testing device has two test slides that extend essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rail and that are moved in the longitudinal direction of the respective test slide when the switch is switched. The position of the test slides is detected with the help of electromechanical transducers, for example in the form of limit switches or limit switches.

[0005] Tongue test contacts, which can be integrated into the switch setting device.

[0006] In order to lock the actuating rod in the end positions of the movable switch parts, known switch operating devices are provided with two locking slides which can be moved transversely to the direction of movement of the actuating rod and which, in the respective locking position, engage positively in a locking recess in the actuating rod. A first locking slide is provided for locking the actuating rod in one end position and a second locking slide is provided for locking the actuating rod in the other end position. In switch operating devices of the type mentioned at the beginning, the locking slides are further designed such that, in the locking position, they simultaneously engage in a respective locking recess in the test slides in order to lock these too in the respective end position. A design of this type is shown, for example, in DE 19525012 A1.

[0007] Locking slides must have a certain amount of play in their locking recesses, which must be maintained within narrow tolerances. This play is also referred to as test clearance in technical terms. Therefore, it is common practice to place markings in clearly visible positions on the mechanical components connected to the locking slides and the locking recesses, allowing the play to be read.

[0008] Furthermore, devices for electrically detecting the locking slide play have also become known. For example, JP 2016-101917 A discloses a linear sensor which is fixed to the housing and actuated in the direction of displacement by a driver attached to the test slide. Such a linear sensor can be electrically calibrated, but is not capable of performing additional functions due to the direct mechanical coupling to the driver rigidly attached to the test slide. For example, it would be desirable to also detect negative play, i.e. a condition in which the locking slide cannot engage in the locking recess when the test slide is in an end position. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a functional test of the measuring unit detecting the play and, in particular, to check whether the measuring unit has returned to its initial position after the test slide has been reset.

[0009] The invention therefore aims to further develop a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that these requirements can be taken into account.

[0010] To achieve this object, according to a first aspect of the invention, in a device of the type mentioned at the outset, it is essentially provided that a first actuator is arranged between the first driver and the first measuring unit for actuating the first measuring unit, which first actuator is guided in a guide element which can preferably be supported on the locking slide support in a direction running parallel to the direction of displacement of the first test slide and is driven by the first driver in the last partial range of the displacement against a first energy accumulator, that a displacement of the first actuator between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit and the play to be measured can be detected as a function of the displacement, and means are provided for calibrating the first measuring unit or for setting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit.Preferably, the means for calibrating the first measuring unit comprise a first adjustable stop element and / or adjustment element arranged on the first actuator.

[0011] The fact that the measuring unit is not actuated directly by the driver attached to the test slide, but rather with the interposition of an actuator, creates an additional adjustment option, which, for example, also allows negative play to be detected in a simple manner. In particular, this enables mechanical, rather than exclusively electrical, calibration of the measuring unit. For this purpose, the actuator is mounted so that it can be moved between a starting position and an end position and comprises an adjustable stop element and / or adjustment element for calibrating the measuring unit. The stop element is preferably adjustable in the direction of displacement of the actuator towards and away from the driver, so that the effective distance between the driver and the measuring unit can be adjusted. The adjustable stop element can be arranged on the driver or the actuator.A particularly preferred embodiment is that the first adjustable stop element is formed by a screw that can be adjusted in the direction of displacement of the first actuator. The actuator is a separate component from the measuring unit and is not formed, for example, by the measuring plunger of a linear potentiometer.

[0012] In addition, the adjustable stop can compensate for any gap that might otherwise exist between the actuator and the driver. Such a gap would result in a measurement being taken axially laterally. In practice, larger deviations must be expected, especially when retrofitting existing switch-setting devices with the measuring unit.

[0013] The calibration with the aid of the calibration or adjustment means, such as the adjustable stop, is carried out, for example, in such a way that in an initial calibration process the actuation of the first measuring unit is set so that a measured value corresponding to the observed play is output, and that in a subsequent measuring process the switch setting device is brought into an end position and the position of the first test slide in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit by the actuator, and the play is determined by reading the measurement signal of the first measuring unit.

[0014] In order to be able to measure the play not only in the first test slide, but also in switch-setting devices with a second test slide, the device according to the invention, according to a preferred development, further comprises a second locking slide, which is guided in the locking slide support and is displaceable transversely to the direction of displacement of the first or a displaceable second test slide that can be coupled to a movable switch part and can be inserted into at least one locking recess of the test slide in an end position of the first or second test slide, a second measuring unit for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first or second test slide relative to the second locking slide, a second driver arranged on the first or second test slide, a second actuator between the second driver and the second measuring unit for actuating the second measuring unit,which is guided in the guide element in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first or second test slide and is driven by the second driver against a second energy accumulator, wherein a displacement of the second actuator between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the second measuring unit and the play to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and means for calibrating the second measuring unit or for setting a pre-actuation of the second measuring unit are provided.

[0015] If the movable switch part is a tongue rail, a separate check valve is coupled to each of the tongue rails, each of which has a locking recess for the engagement of a respective locking valve. If the movable switch part is a movable frog point, two check valves are also provided, but the end positions are locked via a single check valve, so that the corresponding locking recesses are only formed in this check valve.

[0016] According to a preferred development, the first and, if applicable, the second actuator, in the initial position, are located in an end position mediated by the first and second energy storage devices, respectively. This means that the energy storage device pushes the actuator back to its initial position after the test slide has been reset.

[0017] Different types of measuring units can be used within the scope of the present invention. The measuring unit can be adapted to the respective requirements of inspection security and can comprise both electrically or electronically operated sensors that can be read remotely, and simple displacement scales that can be read visually by appropriate personnel during an on-site inspection. According to a preferred development of the device according to the invention, the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer, which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position of the actuator, and / or the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have a mechanically displaceable display element for visually displaying the play on a scale.A particular advantage of the actuator according to the invention is that it can also be used with a plurality of different measuring units that can be actuated simultaneously and in parallel by the actuator.

[0018] In the case of an electrical displacement sensor, such as in particular a potentiometer, a preferred embodiment provides for an adjustment element to be provided for setting a pre-actuation of the electrical displacement sensor in the starting position, so that a measured value different from zero can be set or output in the starting position. The measured value different from zero can be a voltage different from zero and / or a current different from zero. If the electrical displacement sensor is pre-actuated in the unactuated position, i.e. in the starting position of the actuator, a connected evaluation unit can check whether the actuator has actually returned properly to the starting position after the test slide has been returned from the locked end position. This allows any malfunction to be detected.If the electrical displacement sensor were not to provide any measured value in the initial position, i.e. were set to a voltage of zero, this condition would not be distinguishable from a malfunction of the measuring unit and such a malfunction would not be detectable.

[0019] In the case of the measuring unit being designed as a mechanically displaceable display element, this can preferably be formed by an optically perceptible element, such as a marking, a disc or a ring, on a first or second rod coupled to the first and optionally second actuator, wherein the optically perceptible element is preferably visible through a window of the guide element.

[0020] In order to ensure that the driver interacts in a form-fitting manner with the respective test slide, a preferred further development provides that the first and, if applicable, the second driver is supported on a respective axial stop of the first or second test slide.

[0021] To ensure reliable measurement values ​​from the measuring unit, appropriate positional securing of the measuring unit is advantageous, with the measuring unit being rigidly mounted in the guide element. Preferably, the guide element is supported in a form-fitting manner on the locking slide support in the displacement direction of the first or second actuator.

[0022] The guide element can preferably be arranged fixedly to the housing or form part of the housing of the switch-setting device itself. A particularly robust construction is preferably further achieved by providing the guide element with a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and, if applicable, the second actuator toward the initial position.

[0023] Preferably, the locking slide support also has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and, if applicable, the second actuator, which is preferably aligned with the respective stop of the guide element.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for determining the play of a locking slide in a locking recess of a test slide of a point setting device, which method can be carried out in particular with a device according to the first aspect of the invention. The method provides that a first test slide is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, a final partial range of a displacement of the first test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a first actuator to a first measuring unit for actuation thereof, wherein the first measuring unit detects a displacement of the first actuator between a starting position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and that the first measuring unit outputs a preset measured value in the starting position.As already explained in connection with the device according to the invention, the output of a presettable measured value in the starting position allows the correct resetting of the actuator to be checked. Preferably, a second test slide is coupled to a movable switch part and a final partial range of a displacement of the second test slide relative to the locking slide is transmitted via a second actuator to a second measuring unit for actuation, wherein the second measuring unit detects a displacement of the second actuator between a starting position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured and the second measuring unit outputs a presettable measured value in the starting position.

[0025] The presettable measured value can preferably be set by adjusting a first and optionally second adjustable stop element on the first or second actuator or an adjusting element for setting a pre-actuation of the first or second measuring unit.

[0026] In order to be able to reliably detect even a negative play, it is preferable to proceed in such a way that in the direction of displacement of the first or second test slide, the first or second driver makes contact with the first or second actuator at least 1 mm, preferably 3 mm, particularly preferably 7 mm before the first or second locking slide enters the locking recess in order to displace the first or second actuator.

[0027] Preferably, the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer, which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position, and / or the first measuring unit and optionally the second measuring unit each have a mechanically displaceable display element for optically displaying the play on a scale.

[0028] Preferably, the first or second actuator is moved into the initial position by a force accumulator when the first or second test slide is reset, whereupon the first or second measuring unit outputs the presettable measured value.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous for the measured values ​​of the first and the second measuring unit to be subjected to a joint evaluation, whereby in an end position of the first test slide, the first measuring unit outputs the measured value corresponding to the play to be measured and a check is carried out to determine whether the second measuring unit outputs the presettable measured value.

[0030] As already mentioned at the beginning, the measurement of the play of the locking slide in the locking recess of the test slide requires prior calibration. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, this is carried out in such a way that in an initial calibration process the actuation of the first measuring unit is set such that a measured value associated with the observed play is output, and that in a subsequent measuring process the switch setting device is brought into an end position and the position of the first test slide in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit by the actuator, and the play is determined by an evaluation unit reading out the measurement signal of the first measuring unit.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be carried out in such a way that in a first end position of the switch setting device it is measured whether the first locking slide, which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess of the first test slide, and whether the second test slide, which is not locked by the second locking slide, does not actuate the second measuring unit, so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

[0032] The same procedure can also be followed with regard to the second end position of the point setting device, namely in such a way that after a changeover from the first to a second end position of the point setting device, after the changeover has been completed, a measurement is made as to whether the second locking slide, which is in a locked position, has a required play of 0-5 mm, preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess of the second test slide, and whether the first test slide, which is not locked by the first locking slide, does not actuate the first measuring unit, so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

[0033] Another possibility for evaluating the measured values ​​of the two measuring units is to determine the setting direction of the switch setting device from the order in which the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit are actuated.

[0034] Furthermore, it is also possible to conclude that a malfunction is present based on a lower or higher measured value in the non-actuated position than the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position. Finally, it is also possible to repeat the backlash determination several times after a change in the switch setting device, and to evaluate changes in the backlash, preferably based on temperature measurement data.

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. In these, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a point setting device with an open cover, Fig. 2 is a simplified partial view of the point setting device according to Fig. 1 in a right-hand end position, Fig. 3 is a view according to Fig. 2 with the left-hand end position locked, Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are partial views of the point setting device in various displacement states, Fig. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 8 is a further alternative embodiment of the device according to Fig. 4, Fig. 9 is a modified embodiment and Figs. 10-13 are diagrams of measured value recordings.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a point setting device 1, in the housing 2 of which all the components required for driving and transmitting the setting movement, for locking the end positions, for testing the end positions and for enabling the point to be moved up are arranged. A drive unit is provided which comprises an electric motor 3 and a spindle gear driven by the electric motor 3 with the interposition of a gear 4, which provides a linear setting movement in the direction of the axis of the spindle 5. For this purpose, an engagement piece 6 equipped with a spindle nut interacts with a carriage 7 in a manner described in more detail below in order to transmit the setting movement to the carriage 7. The carriage 7 is in turn coupled to the setting rod 9 via a drive coupling 8, via which the setting movement is transmitted to the tongue rails (not shown) in accordance with the double arrow 10.The slide 7 and the attack piece 6 are preferably guided in rolling grooves in the housing base.

[0037] The hand crank 11 is part of a manual drive with which the drive unit can be operated manually if necessary.

[0038] In order to check that the end positions have been reached correctly, test slides 12 and 13 are connected to the tongue rails, which are also mounted in the housing 2 so as to be displaceable in the direction indicated by the double arrow. In addition, a first locking slide 14 and a second locking slide 15 are provided, which are guided so as to be displaceable transversely, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the actuating rod 9 and the test slides 12, 13, separately from one another between a release position and at least one locking position. In the locking position, the corresponding locking slide 14, 15 locks the actuating rod 9 and the test slides 12, 13 in the corresponding end position, as is explained in more detail in the following figures. It can also be seen that the first and the second locking slide 14, 15 are received in a form-fitting manner in a locking slide support 17 and are guided there in the direction of displacement.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a simplified representation showing the changeover device in the right-hand end position. To lock this end position, the first locking slide 14, which is acted upon by the force of a spring 22, engages with a locking lug into a left-hand, first recess 16a of the carriage 7. To lock the left-hand end position, a mirror-image embodiment of the components described is provided on the right-hand side of the carriage 7 with a second recess 16b. In the end position shown in Fig. 2, a locking lug of the first locking slide 14 engages in first recesses 18 and 19 of the first and second tester slides 12 and 13, respectively, in order to also test and lock the tester slides 12, 13 in their end position.

[0040] When the adjusting rod 9 is locked in the left end position, as shown in Fig. 3, a locking lug of the second locking slide 15 engages in the second recesses 20 and 21 of the test slides 12 and 13, respectively.

[0041] For the locking slides 14, 15 to securely engage the locking recesses of the test slides 12, 13, it is necessary for the locking slides 14, 15 to engage with some play in the respective locking recess. The components required for measuring this play during operation of the switch-setting device according to certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following schematic drawings. These embodiments are not limited to a design of the switch-setting device as shown in Fig. 1.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows the test slide 13 in a position shortly before it reaches the left end position shown in Fig. 3. The test slide 13 carries a driver 23 which is intended to transmit the displacement movement of the test slide 13 in a final partial range of a displacement to a measuring unit 24. The measuring unit 24 comprises both a linear potentiometer 25 and a mechanically displaceable display element 27, visible through a window 28, for optically displaying the play on a scale 26. To actuate the measuring unit 24, an actuator 31 is arranged between the driver 23 and the measuring unit 24, which is guided in a guide element 29 in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the test slide 13 and is driven by the driver 23 in the final partial range of the displacement against a force accumulator 30.The actuator 31 is guided in the guide element 29 by means of two parallel rods 32 and 33 to ensure tilt- and twist-free guidance. This also ensures, for example, that starting from the movable switch part via a test slide or its driver, no movements deviating from the direction of displacement are transmitted to the measuring element, nor are any loads normal to the actuation direction of the measuring element transmitted, whereby the required accuracy and durability of the measuring elements are achieved even in conjunction with highly stressed switches or movable switch parts.

[0043] For the initial calibration of the measuring unit 24, the actuator 31 is provided with an adjustable stop element 34 which is arranged so as to be adjustable in the direction of the double arrow 35, i.e. parallel to the direction of displacement of the tester slide 13. By adjusting the adjustable stop element 34, it is possible to set the displacement position of the tester slide 13 or of the driver 23 at which the latter strikes the actuator 31 and begins to carry it along. In other words, by adjusting the adjustable stop element 34, the start of the last partial range of a displacement can be precisely adjusted so that a positive play is always fully detected by the measuring unit 24. Fig. 4 shows a position in which the tester slide 13 has not yet been moved far enough for the locking slide 15 to fall into the locking recess 21.As the test slide 13 is moved further, the locking slide 15 falls into the locking recess 21, as shown in Fig. 5. The stop element 34 has been adjusted so that the actuator 31 has already traveled part of its way from its starting position shown in Fig. 4, so that the measuring unit 24 shows a play of zero. In the embodiment shown here, negative play can therefore also be detected, as can be seen from the scale 26 by the value -1 mm. Negative play means that the locking slide 15 cannot fall into the locking recess 21 once the test slide 13 has been moved completely. If it is functioning correctly, the end position of the test slide 13 is as shown in Fig. 6 is reached, and the measuring unit 24 indicates a play of 2mm, which, in addition to a substantially central one, is inserted or .immersed arrangement of the locking slide 15 in the locking recess 21.

[0044] Parallel to the actuation of the optical display element 27, the potentiometer 25 is also actuated. For this purpose, the actuator 31 moves a preferably spring-loaded measuring plunger 36 of the potentiometer 25, the potentiometer 25 outputting an electrical signal dependent on the displacement. Associated with the potentiometer 25 is an adjusting element 37 which serves to set a pre-actuation of the potentiometer 25 in the initial position of the actuator 31, so that a measured value different from zero can be output in the initial position. Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment in which no negative play can be detected. The scale 26 therefore starts at the value zero and the stop element 34 has been set such that the actuation of the actuator 31 begins exactly when the locking slide 15 falls into the locking recess 21.

[0045] In Fig. 8 a further alternative embodiment is shown, which differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 -7 in that the measuring unit

[0046] 24 only has the potentiometer 25 .

[0047] Fig. 9 shows a design according to Fig. 8 in a version for measuring the play in both end positions of the switch setting device, i.e. for both the test slide 12 and the test slide 13. The device is designed as a mirror image and comprises on the right side the components required for checking the left end position and on the left side the components required for checking the right end position. For the right and left end positions, the device comprises separate components which function independently of each other. Only a common guide element 29 is provided, on which the potentiometers

[0048] 25 and 25' are arranged and in which the actuators 31 and 31' are slidably guided. Alternatively, separate guide elements can be provided for the right and left end positions so that they can be attached spatially separately to the respective locking slide. The measured values ​​of the two potentiometers 25 and 25' are fed to an evaluation unit 38. Fig. 10 shows an example of the measured values ​​output by the potentiometers 25 and 25' over a large number of changeover processes of the point setting device together with the temperature profile recorded at the same time. The tester play was measured regularly and after each changeover. This allows the identification of different error patterns to differentiate between error cases and makes it possible to issue alarms in good time and initiate maintenance measures before the point drive fails.By simultaneously measuring the temperature, this can be taken into account in the alarm (in the mathematical model). Especially at high temperatures and with large temperature fluctuations, the impact on the tester's clearance is so significant that this must be taken into account.

[0049] Fig. 11 shows detail I from Fig. 10. If the values ​​for the tester play in the right end position and in the left end position change simultaneously in different directions (Trend 1 and Trend 2), this indicates a loose screw connection of the switch drive to the switch.

[0050] Fig. 12 shows Detail II from Fig. 10. If only one of the tester's clearances, i.e., either the one in the right end position or the one in the left end position, changes over time, this indicates that the tester rods need to be readjusted. Especially if the tester's clearance is already close to the limit values, the temperature influence can be critical.

[0051] Fig. 13 shows Detail III from Fig. 10. It is evident that temperature has a significant influence. Pattern 1: At low temperatures and low temperature variation, the tester clearance hardly changes. Pattern 2: At high temperatures, the tester clearance value changes in the form of an offset, by which the value changes in relation to the temperature variation.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device for determining a play of a locking slide (14, 15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a switch setting device (1), comprising at least one displaceable first test slide (13) which can be coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, and has at least one locking recess (21), at least one first locking slide (15) which can be displaced transversely to the direction of displacement of the first test slide (13) and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess (21) in a first end position of the first test slide (13), a locking slide support (17) in which the first locking slide (15) is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit (24) for measuring a last partial area of ​​a Displacement of the first test slide (13) relative to the first locking slide (15), which can be actuated by a first driver (23) arranged on the first test slide (13), characterized in that for the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) a first actuator (31) is arranged between the first driver (23) and the first Measuring unit (24) is arranged, which is guided in a guide element (29) which can preferably be supported on the locking slide support (17) in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first test slide (13) and is driven by the first driver (23) in the last partial range of the displacement against a first energy accumulator (30), that a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit (24) and the play to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement and that means for calibrating the first measuring unit or for Setting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit (24) is provided.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for calibrating the first measuring unit (24) comprise a first adjustable stop element (34) arranged on the first actuator (31).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second locking slide (14) which is guided in the or a further locking slide support (17) and is displaceable transversely to the direction of displacement of the first or a displaceable second tester slide (12) which can be coupled to a movable switch part and is insertable into at least one locking recess (18) of the first or second tester slide (12, 13) in a second end position of the first or second tester slide (12), a second measuring unit (24') for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first or second tester slide (12, 13) relative to the second locking slide (14), a second driver (23') arranged on the first or second tester slide (12, 13), a second actuator (31') between the second driver (23') and the second measuring unit (24') for actuating the second measuring unit (24') ,which is guided in the guide element (29) in a direction parallel to the direction of displacement of the first or second test slide (12, 13) and is driven by the second driver (23') against a second energy accumulator (30'), wherein a displacement of the second actuator (31') between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the second measuring unit (24') and the play to be measured can be detected as a function of the displacement, and means for calibration, in particular a second adjustable stop element (34'), or are intended for setting a pre-actuation of the second measuring unit.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first and optionally the second adjustable stop element (34, 34') are each actuated by a device arranged in the direction of displacement of the first or second actuator (31,31') adjustable screw.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first and optionally the second actuator (31, 31') is in the starting position in an end position mediated by the first or second energy accumulator (30, 30').

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer (25, 25'), which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position of the actuator (31, 31'), and / or the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have a mechanically displaceable display element (27) for the optical display of the play on a scale (26).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that an adjusting element (37) is provided for setting a pre-actuation of the electrical displacement sensor (25, 25') in the starting position, so that in the starting position a measured value different from zero can be set or output.

8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the mechanically displaceable display element (27) is formed by an optically perceptible element, such as a marking, a disc or a ring, on a first or second rod (32, 33, 32 ', 33 ') coupled to the first and optionally second actuator (31, 31').

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and optionally the second driver (23, 23') is supported on a respective axial stop of the first or second test slide (12, 13).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the guide element (29) extends in the direction of displacement of the first or second actuator (31,31') is supported positively on the locking slide support (17).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the guide element (29) has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and optionally the second actuator (31, 31') in the direction of the starting position.

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking slide support (17) has a respective stop for limiting the displacement of the first and optionally the second actuator (31, 31'), which is preferably aligned with the respective stop of the guide element (29).

13. Method for determining the play of a locking slide (15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a point setting device (1), in particular with a device according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which a first test slide (13) is coupled to a movable switch part, such as a tongue rail or movable frog point, a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide (12, 13) relative to the locking slide (15) is transmitted via a first actuator (31) to a first measuring unit (24) for actuation thereof, wherein the first measuring unit (24) detects a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and in that the first measuring unit (24) outputs a presettable measured value in the initial position.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a second tester slide (12) is coupled to a movable switch part, a last partial range of a displacement of the second tester slide (12) relative to the locking slide (14) via a second actuator (31') to a second Measuring unit (24') for the actuation thereof, wherein the second measuring unit (24') detects a displacement of the second actuator (31') between a starting position and an end position and, depending on the displacement, outputs a measured value corresponding to the play to be measured, and the second measuring unit (24') outputs a presettable measured value in the starting position.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the presettable measured value is Adjusting a first and optionally second adjustable stop element (34, 34') on the first or second actuator (31, 31') or an adjusting element (37, 37') for setting a pre-actuation of the first or second measuring unit (24, 24').

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that in the displacement direction of the first or second test slide (12), the first or second driver (23, 23') makes contact with the first or second actuator (31, 31') at least 1 mm, preferably 3 mm, particularly preferably 7 mm before the first or second locking slide (14, 15) is inserted into the locking recess (18, 21) to displace the first or second actuator (31, 31').

17. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have an electrical displacement sensor, in particular a potentiometer (25), which outputs a measured value different from zero in the initial position, and / or the first measuring unit (24) and optionally the second measuring unit (24') each have a mechanically displaceable display element (27) for the optical display of the play on a scale (26).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the first or second actuator (31, 31') is moved into the starting position by a force accumulator (30, 30') when the first or second test slide (12, 13) is reset, whereupon the first or second measuring unit (24, 24') outputs the presettable measured value.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the measured values ​​of the first and the second measuring unit (24, 24') are fed to an evaluation, wherein in an end position of the first test slide (12, 13) the first measuring unit (24) outputs the measured value corresponding to the play to be measured and it is checked whether the second measuring unit (24') outputs the presettable measured value.

20. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that in an initial calibration process the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) is set such that a measured value associated with the observed play is output, and in that in a subsequent measuring process the switch setting device (1) is brought into an end position and the position of the first test slide (13) in this end position determines the actuation of the first measuring unit (24) by the actuator (31), and the play is determined by reading out the measuring signal of the first measuring unit (24) by an evaluation unit (38).

21. Method according to one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that in a first end position of the switch setting device (1) it is measured whether the first locking slide (15), which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess (21) of the first test slide (13), and whether the second test slide (12), which is not locked by the second locking slide (14), does not actuate the second measuring unit (24'), so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

22. Method according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that after a changeover from the first to a second end position of the switch setting device (1), after completion of the changeover, it is measured whether the second locking slide (14), which is in a locked position, has a required play of preferably 0-5 mm, particularly preferably 1-4 mm, in the locking recess (18) of the second test slide (12), and whether the first test slide (13), which is not locked by the first locking slide (15), does not actuate the first measuring unit (24), so that the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position is output.

23. Method according to one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the setting direction of the switch setting device (1) is determined from the sequence of actuation of the first measuring unit (24) and the second measuring unit (24').

24. Method according to one of claims 13 to 23, characterized in that a malfunction is concluded on the basis of a lower or higher measured value in the non-actuated position than the presettable measured value corresponding to the initial position.

25. Method according to one of claims 13 to 24, characterized in that the determination of the play is repeated several times after a changeover of the switch setting device (1) and changes in the play are preferably evaluated as a function of temperature measurement data or train crossings.

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