Grooved rail for forming traffic routes for rail vehicles, and method for identifying grooved rails in a rail track

Abstract

The invention relates to a grooved rail for forming traffic routes for rail vehicles, comprising a rail foot (5), a rail web (4) and a rail head having a travel head (2) and a guide head (3), which delimit a travel groove, in which grooved rail an identification carrier (8) comprising an RFID transponder that has an electronic rail identifier is located on the rail foot (5), on the rail web (4) or on the rail head.

Description

[0001] Grooved rail for the formation of traffic routes for rail vehicles and method for the identification of grooved rails in a track

[0002] The invention relates to a grooved rail for the formation of traffic routes for rail vehicles comprising a rail foot, a rail web and a rail head which has a travel head and a guide head which delimit a travel groove.

[0003] The invention further relates to a track comprising at least two grooved rails with a middle rail covering covering the space between the two grooved rails and with outer rail coverings adjoining the grooved rails on the outer sides, as well as a method for identifying grooved rails in such a track.

[0004] It has long been common practice to mark rails for a variety of purposes. Previous solutions for rail identification have relied on roller marks and hot stamping, which each provide raised or recessed information such as profile, rail grade, manufacturer, and production year. While these methods enable complete traceability of the rail back to the steelworks, they have significant disadvantages. Hot stamping can become illegible after just a few years due to corrosion. Furthermore, both markings are analogue and therefore offer only limited options for digital recording, which complicates integration into infrastructure databases.

[0005] The digital marking of rails offers a wealth of

[0006] These are advantages that can significantly increase both efficiency and safety in track construction. The automated recording of rails during installation and their digital entry into infrastructure databases are crucial steps in quality assurance. This process minimizes human errors in data entry, which are often associated with manual methods.

[0007] A key benefit of digital marking is ensuring that the right rail—in terms of profile and grade—is used exactly where it is needed. This is particularly important to ensure the use of, for example, high-strength rails in designated track sections, thus optimizing the structural integrity of the track construction.

[0008] Digital marking also ensures that appropriate welding processes are used, tailored to the specific properties of the rail. This increases the reliability of the welds and extends the service life of the rails.

[0009] In the event of product recalls or complaints, digital marking enables rapid and precise localization of the affected rails. This can minimize downtime and ensure rail safety by quickly identifying and replacing potentially defective parts.

[0010] Furthermore, digital recording supports comprehensive product benchmarking by evaluating the performance of the rails in the actual application environment. By comparing expected and actual performance data, improvements in design and material selection can be made.

[0011] Another benefit is the support of measurement technology. Digital markers can serve as fixed points for precisely positioning measurement signals, increasing the accuracy of surveying work in track construction.

[0012] Ultimately, digital marking enables seamless tracking of product history. This is important not only for maintenance and repairs, but also for the reuse of rails in less used sections of track. Precise knowledge of a rail's life cycle data can help ensure efficient use of resources while reducing the environmental impact of new production.

[0013] A particular problem for the identification of grooved rails is the covering of grooved rails in the track bed. After road construction work has been completed, identification of the covered rails using traditional marking methods such as rolling and hot stamping is no longer possible. The structural changes and the covering of the rail with road construction materials result in the applied markings being concealed and thus inaccessible for maintenance and identification processes. This not only complicates regular inspection and maintenance but also impairs the traceability and management of rail infrastructure in urban areas.

[0014] Even with digital marking, the covering makes it difficult to read identification carriers. The aim of the invention is to develop an automatically readable rail marking that can be detected and precisely located by vehicles such as trolleys or measuring trains while in motion. The invention is intended to enable reliable and accurate identification and tracking of rail infrastructure in real time.

[0015] To achieve this object, the invention provides, according to a first aspect, a grooved rail in which an identification carrier comprising an RFID transponder having an electronic rail identification is arranged on the rail foot, on the rail web or on the rail head.

[0016] According to the invention, the RFID transponder can be attached to the rail foot, the rail web or the rail head, depending on which area offers the optimal compromise between protection against mechanical influences and accessibility for the detection devices. The placement of the transponder is designed to enable reliable communication with the reader, even under the most demanding conditions, such as those that can arise on covered tracks. Because the RFID transponder can be read wirelessly, it can also be queried without removing the rail covering that is usual for grooved rails. This ensures that the rail identification is retained over the entire service life of the rail and continuous, precise detection is guaranteed.

[0017] A rail covering or covered track is generally understood here to mean a track where the rails are covered on at least one side, particularly in the space between two adjacent rails, i.e. at least partially filled or covered by a covering, particularly in such a way that any sleepers on the track are covered and / or that the covered track can be walked on or even driven over by non-rail vehicles. In particular, the covered track can also be designed as a so-called fixed track or have one, i.e. have a ballastless superstructure.

[0018] A design in which the identification carrier is arranged on the travel head or the guide head has proven particularly advantageous. This offers the advantage that the transponder, particularly when it is attached to the outside or underside of the travel head or guide head, can be detected even when the rail is embedded in materials such as asphalt, concrete or rubber elements. This positioning takes advantage of the fact that the travel head or guide head is often less affected by the track covering and thus the transponder remains more accessible for detection devices. Attaching it in this way maximizes the likelihood that the transponder will remain readable over the entire service life of the rail, thus ensuring reliable digital identification even in covered track situations.Attachment to the outside of the travel head or to the outside of the guide head means that the identification carrier is arranged on the side of the corresponding grooved rail facing or facing away from the space between the rails. If a middle rail covering covering the space between the two grooved rails of the track and / or outer rail coverings adjoining the grooved rails on the outside are provided, the identification carrier is preferably attached to the outside or underside of the travel head or guide head in such a way that the identification carrier does not protrude vertically above the level or surface of the middle rail covering or the outer rail coverings.

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the direct attachment of the identification carrier, which contains an RFID transponder, to the rail foot, rail web, travel head, or guide head. This direct attachment eliminates the need for additional holding devices such as clamping jaws or mounting brackets. This simplification of the fastening process leads to a reduction in material and labor costs as well as to a reduction in the complexity of the assembly process. By eliminating separate holding devices, the risk of damage or loosening that can occur due to the dynamic forces of rail traffic is also minimized. The simplified assembly promotes a robust and permanent connection of the transponder and thus contributes to more reliable rail identification.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification carrier is materially bonded to the rail foot, the rail web, the travel head, or the guide head. This type of connection is achieved, for example, through the use of an assembly adhesive. The adhesive enables a firm and permanent connection of the transponder to the metal of the rail, resulting in a virtually inseparable unit. This materially bonded attachment is particularly resistant to external influences such as vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and moisture, which are commonplace in railway operations. This ensures long-term readability and functionality of the RFID transponder without the need for additional mechanical holding elements that could potentially represent a weak point.

[0021] The RFID transponder is preferably glued onto new rails during production using assembly adhesive.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a particularly robust transponder is used, which is equipped with an epoxy resin seal to ensure comprehensive protection against harsh construction and environmental influences. Epoxy resin is known for its high resistance to chemical substances, extreme temperatures, and mechanical stress. Sealing the transponder with this material ensures that the transponder's electronic components are protected from moisture, dirt, and corrosive substances, significantly increasing its service life.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification carrier is designed such that, in addition to an RFID transponder, it also has an optically detectable identifier. This identifier can be implemented in the form of multi-stage coding, which enables unique identification of the grooved rail during installation even without the use of RFID readers. This can be implemented, for example, using a combination of alphanumeric characters, barcodes or QR codes that can be read with the naked eye or with optical scanners. This type of coding offers the advantage that rails can be identified and assigned even if RFID technology is temporarily unavailable or not used in a certain phase of installation. This increases the flexibility and reliability of the identification process during the various stages of track construction and operation.

[0024] The optically detectable identifier is preferably in plain text and / or as an optoelectronically readable code, such as a QR code. This duality of identification enables versatile and redundant recording. While the plain text allows quick visual identification by on-site personnel, the QR code offers increased information density and can be read with a scanner or even a smartphone to retrieve detailed data on the respective rail. This data can include production details, historical maintenance information, and specific rail attributes.

[0025] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized by a three-stage identification structure comprising a combination of REID for contactless detection, a data matrix code for optoelectronic data detection, and a serial number in plain text for visual identification. The combination of these three identification elements ensures that the rail can be recognized under different conditions and with different devices.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the identification carrier is arranged at a distance of at least 1.4 m from one end of the grooved rail. This specific placement of the transponder serves to protect it from the high temperatures and mechanical stresses that can occur at the rail ends during the welding process. Furthermore, this arrangement helps prevent possible damage to the transponder during lifting and loading operations, since the ends of the rails are often points of attack for lifting equipment.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the transponder is highlighted by a colored marking on the rail head. This colored marking serves as a visual aid to increase the visibility of the transponder for machine operators during the installation or reading process. This minimizes the risk of accidental damage by construction machinery, as the conspicuous marking draws the machine operators' attention to the transponder.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a track comprising at least two grooved rails according to the first aspect of the invention, with a central rail covering covering the space between the two grooved rails and with outer rail coverings adjoining the grooved rails on the outer sides. The covering can be formed, for example, by an asphalt layer that is applied directly to the rail heads and ensures a uniform surface. Alternatively, concrete or concrete slabs can be used.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for identifying grooved rails in a track according to the second aspect of the invention, in which an electronic rail identifier is read wirelessly by means of a reader from an RFID transponder arranged on the rail foot, on the rail web, on the travel head or on the guide head of the grooved rail, wherein the reader is arranged on or in a rail vehicle traveling on the track or is designed as a hand-held reader and enables the RFID transponder to be read, wherein the reading takes place during travel in the case of a reader arranged on or in a rail vehicle traveling on the track.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reading device is arranged on or in the rail vehicle such that a reading antenna of the reading device lies in a plane oriented obliquely to the vertical axis of the rail. This extends the detection range of the reading antenna toward the area of ​​the rail web and the rail foot, thus improving the reliability of data acquisition.

[0031] Preferably, when the rail identifier is read out, location coordinates are determined and assigned to the read out rail identifier. This function enables precise localization of each individual rail in the track network, which is advantageous for maintenance work, route management and the planning of infrastructure projects. The assignment of geographical data to specific rail identifiers forms the basis for a comprehensive geoinformation system (GIS) that enables detailed and interactive mapping of the rail infrastructure and thus contributes to more efficient and targeted maintenance strategies, particularly when the read out rail identifier is transmitted to a central database together with the assigned location coordinates if necessary. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawing. In this drawing: Fig.Fig. 1 shows a grooved rail in cross section and Fig. 2 shows an identification carrier for attachment to the grooved rail.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a grooved rail 1 having a rail head with a travel head 2 and a guide head 3 as well as a rail web 4 and a rail foot 5. Furthermore, a rail covering is indicated, with a middle rail covering being designated by 6 and an outer rail covering by 7.

[0033] An identification carrier 8 comprising an RFID transponder having an electronic rail identifier can now be attached to the grooved rail 1 at various points thereon, preferably by means of an adhesive. The alternative attachment points provided are designated in Fig. 1 with the letters AH. As can be seen, the identification carrier 8 can then be attached, for example, to the rail foot (point A, B), to the rail web (point C, D), to the underside of the control head (point E), to the outside of the control head (point G), to the underside of the travel head (point F) or to the outside of the travel head (point H).

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an identification carrier 8. The identification carrier 8 has an integrated RFID transponder with an electronic rail identifier. Furthermore, the identification carrier 8 comprises an identifier in the form of plain text 9 and an optoelectronically readable code in the form of a QR code 10. The identification carrier 8 can be attached to the grooved rail either by means of a material connection or using screws, for which purpose the identification carrier 8 is provided with holes 11.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Grooved rail (1) for the formation of traffic routes for rail vehicles comprising a rail foot (5), a rail web (4) and a rail head having a travel head (2) and a guide head (3) which delimit a travel groove, characterized in that an identification carrier (8) comprising an RFID transponder having an electronic rail identification is arranged on the rail foot (5), on the rail web (4) or on the rail head 2. Grooved rail according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is arranged on the travel head (2) or on the guide head (3).

3. Grooved rail according to claim 2, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is arranged on an underside of the travel or guide head (2, 3).

4. Grooved rail according to claim 2, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is arranged on an outer side of the travel or guide head (2, 3).

5. Grooved rail according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is attached directly to the rail foot (5), to the rail web (4), to the travel head (2) or to the guide head (3).

6. Grooved rail according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is firmly attached to the rail foot (5), to the rail web (4), to the travel head (2) or to the guide head (3).

7. Grooved rail according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) has at least one optically detectable identifier (9, 10).

8. Grooved rail according to claim 7, characterized in that the optically detectable identifier is present in plain text (9) and / or as an optoelectronically readable code (10), such as a QR code.

9. Grooved rail according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the identification carrier (8) is arranged at a distance of at least 1.4 m from a rail end of the grooved rail (1).

10. Track comprising at least two grooved rails according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a central rail covering (6) covering the space between the two grooved rails (1) and with outer rail coverings (7) adjoining the grooved rails on the outer sides.

11. Method for identifying grooved rails (1) in a track according to claim 10, in which an electronic rail identifier is read wirelessly by means of a reading device from an RFID transponder arranged on the rail foot (5), on the rail web (4), on the travel head (2) or on the guide head (3) of the grooved rail (1), wherein the reading device is arranged on or in a rail vehicle traveling on the track or is designed as a hand-held reading device and enables the RFID transponder to be read, wherein the reading takes place during travel in the case of a reading device arranged on or in a rail vehicle traveling on the track.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the reading device is arranged on or in the rail vehicle such that a reading antenna of the reading device lies in a plane oriented obliquely to the vertical axis of the rail.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that when reading out the rail identification, location coordinates are determined which are assigned to the read-out rail identification.

14. Method according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the read-out rail identification is transmitted, if necessary together with the associated location coordinates, to a central database.

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