Arrangement with locking devices

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement with locking devices. According to the invention, the arrangement comprises a cascade of locking devices (100), wherein at least one central locking device (100) of the cascade comprises connection contacts and forwarding connections and, in the unlocking position thereof, disconnects an associated control unit (110) from the energy supply thereof and thus holds said control unit in the passive position and enables the potentials (P1-P4) present at the connection contacts (A1-A4) to be forwarded to the forwarding connections (W1-W4), and, in the locking position thereof, connects the respective control unit (110) to the energy supply thereof and prevents the potentials (P1-P4) present at the connection contacts (A1-A4) from being forwarded to the forwarding connections (W1-W4).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Arrangement with locking devices

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement with which control units can be activated.

[0004] International patent application WO 2020 / 239367 A1 describes an arrangement comprising switch-off units as control units. In their inactive state, the switch-off units allow braking of an associated brake unit, and in their activated state, they switch off the associated brake unit.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing an arrangement that is particularly suitable for use in a rail vehicle.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by an arrangement with the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, the arrangement comprises a cascade of locking devices, wherein at least one intermediate locking device of the cascade, preferably all intermediate locking devices of the cascade, comprises: a first connection contact for connection to a first electrical potential, a second connection contact for connection to a second electrical potential, a third connection contact for connection to a third electrical potential, and a fourth connection contact for connection to a fourth electrical potential, a first forwarding connection to which, for forwarding the first electrical potential applied to the first connection contact, a first connection contact of a locking device downstream with respect to the first potential is connected, a second forwarding connection,a second terminal contact of a locking device downstream with respect to the second potential is connected to the second terminal contact for forwarding the second electrical potential applied to the second terminal contact, a third terminal contact of a locking device downstream with respect to the third potential is connected to the third terminal contact for forwarding the third electrical potential applied to the third terminal contact, and a fourth terminal contact of a locking device downstream with respect to the fourth potential is connected to the fourth terminal contact for forwarding the fourth electrical potential applied to the fourth terminal contact, wherein the at least one middle locking device of the cascade, preferably all middle locking devices of the cascade,In its unlocked position, it disconnects an associated control unit from its power supply and thus keeps it in the passive position, and enables the forwarding of the potentials present at the connection contacts to the forwarding terminals; and in its locked position, it connects the respective control unit to its power supply and prevents the forwarding of the potentials present at the connection contacts to the forwarding terminals.

[0008] A significant advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is that the operation of the locking devices takes into account at least four potentials and is therefore particularly insensitive to external input of further potentials. Due to its insensitivity to interference potentials, the arrangement is particularly suitable for use in a rail vehicle.

[0009] The control unit can advantageously be a shut-off unit for a pneumatic brake unit; for example, the control unit can be designed in the form of a shut-off or venting valve and, in the active state, vent a compressed air line.

[0010] The control unit can also advantageously be a unit for blocking or releasing a door control of one or more doors of a rail vehicle.

[0011] The locking devices, at least the middle locking devices, are preferably identical in design.

[0012] It is considered advantageous if, in the case of at least one intermediate locking device of the cascade, and preferably in all intermediate locking devices of the cascade, the first and second terminal contacts and the first and second forwarding terminals belong to a control section of the respective locking device, the third and fourth terminal contacts and the third and fourth forwarding terminals belong to an actuator section of the respective locking device, and the terminal contacts and forwarding terminals of the control section are electrically isolated from those of the actuator section. The actuator section is preferably controlled exclusively mechanically by the control section, for example, by mechanically adjusting at least one single- or double-pole normally open contact arranged in the actuator section.

[0013] The latter variant achieves a particularly high degree of immunity to interference potentials because the control section and the actuator section interact only mechanically. Furthermore, the mechanical coupling or mechanical switch adjustment prevents unstable switching states of the cascade and thus of the control units.

[0014] For example, it can be advantageously provided that at least one middle locking device of the cascade, preferably all middle locking devices of the cascade, each has a control switching device which can be supplied with a voltage between the first and second potentials and is switched from its inactive position to its active position when voltage is supplied, and an actuator switching device which can be supplied with a voltage between the third and fourth potentials and is switched from its inactive position to its active position when voltage is supplied.

[0015] In the latter embodiment, it is advantageous if the control switching device, in its active position, connects the actuator switching device by enabling the flow of a current between the third and fourth terminal contacts, thereby placing it in its active position, and the actuator switching device, in its active position, connects the control unit to its power supply.

[0016] In their active position, the control switching device and the actuator switching device preferably each disconnect the first terminal contact from the first transmission terminal in the transmission direction cascade downwards of the control switching device (i.e., in the current or energy flow direction behind the branch of the control switching device), the second terminal contact from the second transmission terminal in the transmission direction cascade downwards of the control switching device, the third terminal contact from the third transmission terminal in the transmission direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device (i.e., in the current or energy flow direction behind the branch of the actuator switching device), and the fourth terminal contact from the fourth transmission terminal in the transmission direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device.

[0017] The latter design achieves a particularly secure locking mechanism while simultaneously providing high protection against unstable switching states of the cascade.

[0018] It is advantageous if the control switching device, in its inactive position, leaves at least one normally open contact assigned to the actuator switching device open, thereby leaving the actuator switching device unaffected with respect to the voltage lying between the third and fourth potentials.

[0019] The normally closed contact device can be single-pole and, for example, comprise only a single normally closed contact, or it can be double-pole. In a double-pole normally closed contact device, it is preferably provided that the device comprises two normally closed contacts, one of which is connected between the actuator switching device and the third terminal contact, and the other between the actuator switching device and the fourth terminal contact.

[0020] It is advantageous if the control switching device, in its active position, closes the normally closed contact device assigned to the actuator switching device and applies the voltage between the third and fourth potentials to the actuator switching device.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the control switching device comprises: a first normally closed contact arranged between the first terminal contact and the first forwarding terminal, a second normally closed contact arranged between the second terminal contact and the second forwarding terminal, a third normally closed contact arranged between the third terminal contact and the third forwarding terminal, a fourth normally closed contact arranged between the fourth terminal contact and the fourth forwarding terminal, a normally open contact device and an adjusting device which, in the inactive position of the control switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts closed and its normally open contact device open, and in the active position of the control switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts open and its normally open contact device closed.

[0022] The control switching device is preferably a contactor that ensures mechanical positive guidance in such a way that the normally closed and normally open contacts are never closed together.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the actuator switching device comprises: a first normally closed contact arranged between the first terminal contact and the first forwarding terminal, a second normally closed contact arranged between the second terminal contact and the second forwarding terminal, a third normally closed contact arranged between the third terminal contact and the third forwarding terminal, a fourth normally closed contact arranged between the fourth terminal contact and the fourth forwarding terminal, a normally open contact which, in the closed position, allows a power supply to the control unit, and an adjusting device which, in the inactive position of the actuator switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts closed and its normally open contact open, and in the active position of the actuator switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts open and its normally open contact closed.

[0024] The actuator switching device is preferably a contactor that ensures mechanical positive guidance in such a way that the normally closed and normally open contacts are never closed together.

[0025] In the case of at least one middle locking device of the cascade, preferably in all middle locking devices of the cascade, it is preferably provided that a single- or double-pole release unit is assigned to each control switching device, which enables an electrical current flow between the first and second terminal contacts for switching the control switching device from its inactive position to its active position.

[0026] A two-pole design of the triggering unit is particularly insensitive to external input of external potentials.

[0027] With a view to a stable state of the switching states, it is considered advantageous if the control switching device includes a single- or double-pole self-holding switching device which, in the closed position, can keep the control switching device connected to the first and second terminal contacts, regardless of the operating state of the release unit, and the control switching device places its self-holding switching device in the closed position after activation by the release unit.

[0028] It is also advantageous if the actuator switching device includes a single- or double-pole self-holding switching device which, in the closed position, can keep the actuator switching device connected to the third and fourth terminal contacts, regardless of the operating state of the control switching device, and the actuator switching device puts its self-holding switching device into the closed position after being activated by the control switching device.

[0029] It can also be advantageously provided that one or more of the locking devices are assigned a central unit that allows external activation of the associated control units from the outside, independent of the locking state of the locking devices. An advantage of the latter embodiment is that more than one control unit can be activated, even independently of the locking states of the cascade.

[0030] It is advantageous if the arrangement comprises a cascade with a locking device at one end of the cascade and a locking device at another end of the cascade, wherein a first cascade connection is designed to apply the first potential, a second cascade connection to apply the second potential, a third cascade connection to apply the third potential and a fourth cascade connection to apply the fourth potential.

[0031] The first and second cascade connections can be located at one end of the cascade, and the third and fourth at the other. Alternatively, the first and third cascade connections can be located at one end of the cascade, and the second and fourth at the other.

[0032] It is also advantageous if at least one voltage sensor is connected to a

[0033] Forwarding connection of one of the cascade ends

[0034] It is connected to locking devices. Such a voltage sensor can be used for plausibility checks, fault detection, and / or for determining switching states.

[0035] Each cascade connection is preferably assigned a cascade switch, which allows the respective potential to be switched on and off.

[0036] It is advantageous if an evaluation unit of the arrangement is connected to the at least one voltage sensor and the cascade switches and is designed to check a voltage signal of the voltage sensor for plausibility or fault detection with regard to the switching state of the cascade switches and / or to check the switching state of the cascade and output a test signal indicating the result of the test.

[0037] The invention also relates to a rail vehicle. According to the invention, such a rail vehicle is provided with an arrangement as described above.

[0038] Regarding the advantages of the rail vehicle according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments, reference is made to the above statements in connection with the arrangement according to the invention and its advantageous embodiments.

[0039] The control units of the cascade can advantageously be shutdown units for pneumatic brake units of the rail vehicle or units for blocking or releasing door controls of one or more doors of the rail vehicle.

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments; the following are shown as examples:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0042] Arrangement comprising a cascade of locking devices,

[0043] Figs. 2-5 Exemplary embodiments of locking devices that can be used in the cascade according to Figure 1, Figure 6 a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0044] Arrangement comprising a cascade of locking devices,

[0045] Figs. 7-10 Exemplary embodiments of locking devices used in the

[0046] cascade as shown in Figure 6 can be used,

[0047] Figs. 11-14 Exemplary embodiments of central units that can be used in the cascade according to Figure 1 or 6,

[0048] Figs. 15-16 Exemplary embodiments for a separate power supply of the

[0049] Control units, and

[0050] Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

[0051] Rail vehicle.

[0052] For the sake of clarity, the same reference symbols are always used in the figures for identical or comparable components.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, comprising a cascade of locking devices 100.

[0054] A first cascade terminal K1 is used to apply a first potential P1, a second cascade terminal K2 to apply a second potential P2, a third cascade terminal K3 to apply a third potential P3, and a fourth cascade terminal K4 to apply a fourth potential P4. Each cascade terminal K1, K2, K3, K4 of the cascade is assigned a cascade switch 41, 42, 43, 44, which allows the respective potential to be switched on and off.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first and second cascade terminals K1 and K2 are located at the right end of the cascade in Figure 1, and the third and fourth cascade terminals K3 and K4 are located at the left end of the cascade in Figure 1. A first voltage U1, which is applied between the first and second potentials, can thus be applied at the right end of the cascade by closing cascade switches 41 and 42, and a second voltage U2, which is applied between the third and fourth potentials, can be applied at the left end by closing cascade switches 43 and 44. Each of the potentials can also be switched on individually, for example for testing purposes, by means of control signals ST1-ST4, which are transmitted to the respective cascade switches 41, 42, 43, and 44.

[0056] The locking devices 100 are preferably identical in construction and each comprise a first connection contact A1 for direct or indirect connection to the first electrical potential P1, a second connection contact A2 for direct or indirect connection to the second electrical potential P2, a third connection contact A3 for direct or indirect connection to the third electrical potential P3 and a fourth connection contact A4 for direct or indirect connection to the fourth electrical potential P4.

[0057] Furthermore, the locking devices 100 each comprise a first forwarding connection W1 for forwarding the first electrical potential P1 applied to the respective first connection contact A1, a second forwarding connection W2 for forwarding the second potential P2 applied to the respective second connection contact A2, a third forwarding connection W3 for forwarding the third electrical potential P3 applied to the respective third connection contact A3 and a fourth forwarding connection W4 for forwarding the fourth electrical potential P4 applied to the respective fourth connection contact A4.

[0058] At the two locking devices located at the ends of the cascade, a voltage sensor 201 and 202 are connected between the forwarding terminals of each locking device. These sensors are connected to an evaluation unit 1000 via lines not shown in Figure 1 for clarity. The evaluation unit 1000 is also connected to the cascade switches and is configured to generate the control signals ST1-ST4 for the cascade switches 41, 42, 43, and 44, to check the plausibility of the PLC voltage signals from the voltage sensors with regard to the respective switching state of the cascade switches, and to output a plausibility signal indicating the result of the plausibility check. For example, if all cascade switches are switched off, the voltage sensors must not indicate any voltage. The evaluation unit 1000 can also use the voltage signals from the voltage sensors to check the respective switching state of the cascade.In their unlocked position, the locking devices of the cascade disconnect each associated control unit 110 from its power supply and thus keep it in the passive position; in addition, in the unlocked position they enable the potentials P1-P4 present at the connection contacts A1-A4 to be forwarded to the associated forwarding terminals W1-W4.

[0059] In their locked position, the locking devices each connect the respective control unit 110 to its power supply and prevent the potentials P1-P4 present at the connection contacts A1-A4 from being passed on to the associated forwarding terminals W1-W4. By preventing the forwarding of the potentials in the locked position, a locking mechanism is achieved that ensures that only a single control unit can be active at any one time.

[0060] In order to make the arrangement particularly insensitive to any external potential input, the first and second connection contacts A1, A2 and the first and second forwarding connections W1, W2 of the locking devices 100 are assigned to a control section 12 of the respective locking device and the third and fourth connection contacts A3, A4 and the third and fourth forwarding connections W3, W4 are assigned to an actuator section 34 of the respective locking device.The connection contacts and the forwarding connections of the control section 12 are electrically separated from those of the actuator section 34, and the actuator section is controlled by the control section solely by mechanical switch adjustment, which is indicated in Figure 1 by an arrow with the reference numeral MSV and can, for example, act on a single- or double-pole normally open contact device arranged in the actuator section, which is not shown in Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a locking device 100 which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 1.

[0062] The interlocking device 100 comprises a control switching device that can be energized with the first voltage U1, which lies between the first and second potentials, and which, upon energization, is switched from its inactive position to its active position. The control switching device is preferably a contactor.The control switching device according to Figure 2 comprises a first normally closed contact SS1 arranged between the first terminal contact A1 and the first forwarding terminal W1, a second normally closed contact SS2 arranged between the second terminal contact A2 and the second forwarding terminal W2, a third normally closed contact SS3 arranged between the third terminal contact A3 and the third forwarding terminal W3, a fourth normally closed contact SS4 arranged between the fourth terminal contact A4 and the fourth forwarding terminal W4, a normally open contact device SS5 comprising a single normally open contact and an adjusting device 10.

[0063] In the inactive position of the control switching device, the adjusting device 10 keeps the normally closed contacts SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4 closed and the normally open contact SS5 open. In the active position, the adjusting device opens the normally closed contacts SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4 by mechanical actuating movements SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4, and closes the normally open contact SS5 by a mechanical actuating movement SB5. The control switching device is preferably designed such that it can only execute the mechanical actuating movement SB5 after the mechanical actuating movements SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4 have been completed.

[0064] The control switching device is thus structurally distributed between the control section 12 and the actuator section 34, with the electrically driven adjustment device 10 belonging to the control section 12.

[0065] The locking device 100 also includes an actuator switching device that can be energized with the second voltage U2, which lies between the third and fourth potentials, and which, when energized, is switched from its inactive position to its active position. The actuator switching device is preferably also a contactor.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the actuator switching device comprises a first normally closed contact AS1 arranged between the first terminal contact A1 and the first forwarding terminal W1, a second normally closed contact AS2 arranged between the second terminal contact A2 and the second forwarding terminal W2, a third normally closed contact AS3 arranged between the third terminal contact A3 and the third forwarding terminal W3, a fourth normally closed contact AS4 arranged between the fourth terminal contact A4 and the fourth forwarding terminal W4, a normally open contact AS5 which allows a power supply to the control unit 110 in the closed position, and an adjustment device 20.

[0067] In the inactive position of the actuator switching device, the adjusting device 20 keeps the normally closed contacts AS1, AS2, AS3, and AS4 closed and the normally open contact AS5 open. In the active position of the actuator switching device, it opens the normally closed contacts AS1, AS2, AS3, and AS4 by mechanical positioning movements AB1, AB2, AB3, and AB4, and closes the normally open contact AS5 by a positioning movement AB5. The actuator switching device is preferably designed such that it can only execute the mechanical positioning movement AB5 after the mechanical positioning movements AB1, AB2, AB3, and AB4 have been completed.

[0068] The arrangement shown in Figure 2 can be operated, for example, as follows:

[0069] If, with cascade switches 41, 42, 43, and 44 closed, a control unit 110 connected to the actuator switching device or its normally open contact AS5 is to be activated and energized, a release unit 120 located in the control section 12 is activated. This release unit can be, for example, a switch. When this switch is closed, the adjusting device 10 of the control switching device is energized with the first voltage U1, which is applied between the two potentials P1 and P2. This causes the adjusting device 10 to perform the actuating movements SB1-SB5, i.e., it opens the normally closed contacts SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4 and closes the normally open contact SS5.

[0070] Closing the normally closed contact SS5 connects the adjusting device 20 of the actuator switching device to the second voltage U2 applied between the third and fourth terminal contacts A3, A4, thereby activating it. This activation triggers the closing of the normally closed contact AS5 by the adjusting movement AB5, which also supplies energy to and activates the control unit 110, specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, by the second voltage U2 applied between the third and fourth terminal contacts A3, A4.By activating the adjusting device 10 of the control switching device located in control section 12 by the release unit 12, and thereby triggering the activation of the adjusting device 20 of the actuator switching device, the interlocking described above is also triggered, because the adjusting movements SB1 to SB4 and AB1 to AB4 open the normally closed contacts SS1 to SS4 and AS1 to AS4, thus preventing the transmission of the two voltages U1 and U2 to all other interlocking devices 100. To facilitate this, in their active position, the control switching device and the actuator switching device each disconnect the first terminal A1 from the first transmission terminal W1 in the transmission direction cascade downwards of the control switching device (i.e., in current or voltage direction).(energy flow direction behind the branch of the control switching device), the second connection contact A2 from the second forwarding terminal W2 in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the control switching device (i.e. in the current or energy flow direction behind the branch of the control switching device), the third connection contact A3 from the third forwarding terminal W3 in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device (i.e. in the current or energy flow direction behind the branch of the actuator switching device) and the fourth connection contact A4 from the fourth forwarding terminal W4 in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device (i.e. in the current or energy flow direction behind the branch of the actuator switching device).

[0071] The control unit 110, for example, could be one that switches off a brake of a rail vehicle; the interlock described above ensures that only the brakes assigned to a single control unit 110 can be switched off.

[0072] Alternatively, the control unit 110 could, for example, be one that switches on a door control of a rail vehicle; the interlock described above ensures that only the door controls assigned to a single control unit 110 can be switched on.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a locking device 100 that can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 1.

[0074] In the locking device according to Figure 3, the control switching device comprises a single-pole self-holding switching device in the form of an additional normally open contact SS6 which can be switched by the control switching device and which the adjusting device 10 of the control switching device closes by means of an actuating movement SB6 as soon as it is supplied with energy; by closing the additional normally open contact SS6, the control switching device remains active after activation, even if the release unit 120 is switched again and does not itself supply current to the adjusting device 10.

[0075] In the locking device according to Figure 3, the actuator switching device also includes a single-pole self-holding switching device, in the form of an additional normally open contact AS6 which can be switched by the adjusting device 20 of the actuator switching device, and which the adjusting device 20 of the actuator switching device closes by means of an actuating movement AB6 as soon as it is supplied with energy; by closing this additional normally open contact AS6, the adjusting device 20 of the actuator switching device remains active after activation, even if the adjusting device 10 of the control switching device is switched again and no longer supplies current to the adjusting device 20.

[0076] The self-preservation feature reliably prevents unstable states from occurring in the cascade over time, because switching an activated actuator circuit back to the inactive state after activation is not possible simply by switching off the release unit 120 or by deactivating the adjustment device 10 of the control switching device.

[0077] Furthermore, the above statements relating to Figure 2 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 3, so reference is made to the above statements.

[0078] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a locking device 100 which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 1.

[0079] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the normally closed contact SS5 is designed as a two-pole device and comprises a normally closed contact between the third terminal contact and the adjustment device 20 of the actuator switching device, and another normally closed contact between the adjustment device 20 of the actuator switching device and the fourth terminal contact A4. The two normally closed contacts of the normally closed contact SS5 are preferably adjusted with the same actuating movement SB5, i.e., preferably simultaneously.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 - in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 - the release unit 120 is designed as a two-pole device and comprises a release sub-unit 120-1 between the first terminal contact A1 and the adjustment device 10 of the control switching device and a further release sub-unit 120-2 between the adjustment device 10 of the control switching device and the second terminal contact A2.

[0081] The adjusting device 10 of the control switching device is activated when both release sub-units 120-1 and 120-2 allow a current flow to the adjusting device 10 of the control switching device.

[0082] Furthermore, the above statements relating to Figure 2 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 4, so reference is made to the above statements.

[0083] Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a locking device 100 that can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 1.

[0084] The embodiment according to Figure 5 corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 4 with the difference that the two-pole normally open device SS5 according to Figure 4 is assigned a two-pole self-holding switching device in the form of two normally open contacts AS6, which can be activated by the actuator switching device, and the two-pole release unit 120 is assigned a two-pole self-holding switching device in the form of two normally open contacts SS6, which can be switched by the control switching device.

[0085] Regarding the advantages of the respective two-pole self-preservation, the above statements apply accordingly in connection with the one-pole self-preservation, as explained in connection with Figure 3.

[0086] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, comprising a cascade of locking devices 100. In the

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first and third cascade connections K1, K3 are arranged at one end of the cascade, on the right in Figure 6, and the second and fourth cascade connections K2, K4 are arranged at the other end of the cascade, on the left in Figure 6.

[0088] The first voltage U1, present between the first and second potentials, and the second voltage U2, present between the third and fourth potentials, are thus each applied across the entire cascade.

[0089] In the two locking devices arranged at the ends of the cascade, a voltage sensor 201 to 204 is connected between each forwarding terminal and an associated terminal contact; the voltage sensors 201 to 204 are connected to the evaluation unit 1000 via lines not shown in Figure 6 for clarity. The evaluation unit 1000 is also connected to the cascade switches and is configured to generate control signals ST1-ST4 for the cascade switches 41, 42, 43, 44, to check the plausibility of the PLC voltage signals of the voltage sensors with regard to the respective switching state of the cascade switches and to output a plausibility signal indicating the result of the plausibility check, and / or to determine the switching state of the cascade, as already explained above in connection with Figure 1.

[0090] Furthermore, the above statements apply accordingly in connection with Figure 1.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a first embodiment of a locking device 100 which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 6.

[0092] The locking device 100 according to Figure 7 corresponds, apart from the spatial arrangement of the connection and transmission contacts, to the locking device 100 according to Figure 2, so that the explanations in connection with Figure 2 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 7.

[0093] Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of a locking device 100, which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 6. The locking device 100 according to Figure 8 corresponds, apart from the spatial arrangement of the connection and transmission contacts, to the locking device 100 according to Figure 3, so that the explanations relating to Figure 3 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 8.

[0094] Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a locking device 100 which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 6.

[0095] The locking device 100 according to Figure 9 corresponds, apart from the spatial arrangement of the connection and transmission contacts, to the locking device 100 according to Figure 4, so that the explanations in connection with Figure 4 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 9.

[0096] Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a locking device 100 which can be used in the arrangement according to Figure 6.

[0097] The locking device 100 according to Figure 10 corresponds, apart from the spatial arrangement of the connection and transmission contacts, to the locking device 100 according to Figure 5, so that the explanations in connection with Figure 5 apply accordingly to the embodiment according to Figure 10.

[0098] Figures 1 and 6 illustrate by way of example that one or more of the locking devices can be assigned a central unit 300, which enables external activation of associated control units 110 from the outside, independent of the locking state of the locking devices.

[0099] Figure 11 shows, for the cascade according to Figure 1 and an embodiment of the locking devices 100 according to Figure 2, an exemplary central unit 300, which is equipped with switches 107 and 108 and makes it possible to individually supply the adjusting devices 20 of the actuator switching devices from the outside with a central voltage Uz applied between terminals ZP and ZM, in order to enable the closing of the respective normally open contact AS5 and thus a supply of the respective control unit 110 with the central voltage Uz and an activation of the control unit 110 independently of any locking by one of the locking devices 100.

[0100] Figure 12 shows, for the cascade according to Figure 1 and an embodiment of the locking devices 100 according to Figure 2, an exemplary central device 300, which is equipped with switches 107 and 108 and makes it possible to individually apply a central voltage Uz between the terminals ZP and ZM to the control units 110 from the outside, in order to activate them independently of any locking by one of the locking devices 100.

[0101] Figures 13 and 14 show central units 300 according to Figures 11 and 12 in the case of deployment in the cascade according to Figure 6. The above explanations relating to Figures 11 and 12 apply accordingly to Figures 13 and 14.

[0102] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate, using the locking devices shown in Figures 2 and 7 as examples, that the power supply for the control units 110 does not necessarily have to be based on the second voltage U2. Figures 15 and 16 show that each control unit 110 can also have its own power supply BAT, which can be switched on and off by the respective normally open contact SS5. The explanations above apply accordingly.

[0103] In the above exemplary embodiments, it was assumed that all locking devices are identical in construction; this is advantageous, but not necessary: ​​For example, the first and last locking devices of the cascade can be designed more simply and, for example, do without such normally closed contacts that are arranged in the direction of transmission down the cascade, i.e., in the direction of current or energy flow, behind the branch of the control switching device or the actuator switching device.

[0104] Figure 17 shows an embodiment of a multi-section rail vehicle 510 comprising two cars 511 and 512 and equipped with one of the cascades of locking devices shown in Figures 1 or 6. The cascade extends through the entire rail vehicle 510 and thus also to both cars 511 and 512. For clarity, only the control units 110 of the cascade are shown in Figure 17.

[0105] The rail vehicle 510 is equipped with four brake units 521-524, each of which is assigned to one bogie of the rail vehicle 510, for example.

[0106] The brake units 521-524 are each controlled by an associated brake control unit 531 to 534; each of the brake units 521 to 524 is also assigned to one of the control units 110 of the cascade shown in Figures 1 and 6. If one of the control units 110 of the cascade is activated, the associated brake unit 521-524 is deactivated. The control units 110 are triggered by the individually assigned trigger units 120 shown in Figures 1 and 6, which can be controlled, for example, by the respective brake control unit 531-534 or other units.

[0107] The brake units 521-524 can be deactivated or their brakes released – for example, in the event of a fault or malfunction. Malfunction could include, for example, the affected brake units 521-524 building up their braking force prematurely, generating an undesirably high braking pressure, having a defective anti-slip device, an axle braked by the brake unit being locked, or the associated brake control unit being defective.

[0108] In the case of a pneumatic brake unit, releasing the brake can be achieved, for example, by bleeding the system or shutting off the compressed air supply. The associated control unit 110 can be, or include, a switchable valve for this purpose. In the passive position of the control unit 110, this valve keeps a pressure-operated brake of the brake unit connected to a supply pressure connection, and in the deactivation position, it disconnects the brake from the supply pressure connection. In the case of an electric brake unit, the control unit 110 can, for example, be, or include, an electric switching element that, in the active position of the control unit 110, deactivates an electric brake of the brake unit.

[0109] Finally, it should be mentioned that the features of all the embodiments described above can be combined with one another in any way to form further embodiments of the invention. Likewise, all features of dependent claims can be combined individually with any of the dependent claims, either alone or in any combination with one or more other dependent claims, to obtain further embodiments.

[0110] Reference symbol list

[0111] 10 Adjustment device

[0112] 12 Control section

[0113] 20 Adjustment device

[0114] 34 Actuator section

[0115] 41-44 Cascade switches

[0116] 100 locking device

[0117] 107 switches

[0118] 108 switches

[0119] 110 Control unit

[0120] 120 release unit

[0121] 120-1 Trigger subunit

[0122] 120-2 Trigger subunit

[0123] 201-204 Voltage sensor

[0124] 300 Central facility

[0125] 510 rail vehicle

[0126] 511 cars

[0127] 512 cars

[0128] 521-524 Brake units

[0129] 531-534 Brake control units

[0130] 1000 evaluation unit

[0131] A1-A4 connection contact

[0132] AB1-AB6 mechanical positioning movement

[0133] AS1-AS4 Normally Open Contact

[0134] AS5 Normally open contact

[0135] AS6 self-holding switching device

[0136] BAT power supply

[0137] K1-K4 cascade connection

[0138] MSV mechanical switch adjustment

[0139] P1-P4 Potential

[0140] SB1-SB6 mechanical positioning movement

[0141] PLC voltage signal

[0142] SS1-SS4 Normally Open Contact

[0143] SS5 Normally closed contact device SS6 Self-holding switching device

[0144] ST1-ST4 Control signal

[0145] U1 first voltage

[0146] U2 second voltage Uz central voltage

[0147] W1-W4 Forwarding connection

[0148] ZM connection

[0149] ZP connection

Claims

Patent claims 1. Arrangement characterized in that the arrangement comprises a cascade of locking devices (100), wherein at least one middle locking device (100) of the cascade, preferably all middle locking devices of the cascade, comprises: - a first connection contact (A1) for connection to a first electrical potential (P1), a second connection contact (A2) for connection to a second electrical potential (P2), a third connection contact (A3) for connection to a third electrical potential (P3), and a fourth connection contact (A4) for connection to a fourth electrical potential (P4), - a first forwarding terminal (W1) to which a first terminal (A1) of a locking device downstream with respect to the first potential (P1) is connected for forwarding the first electrical potential (P1) applied to the first terminal contact (A1); a second forwarding terminal (W2) to which a second terminal (A2) of a locking device downstream with respect to the second potential (P2) is connected for forwarding the second electrical potential (P2) applied to the second terminal contact (A2); a third forwarding terminal (W3) to which a third terminal (A3) of a locking device downstream with respect to the third potential (P3) is connected for forwarding the third electrical potential (P3) applied to the third terminal contact (A3); and a fourth forwarding terminal (W4).a fourth terminal contact (A4) of a locking device downstream with respect to the fourth potential (P4) is connected to the fourth terminal contact (A4) for forwarding the fourth electrical potential (P4) applied to the fourth terminal contact (A4), - wherein at least one middle locking device (100) of the cascade, preferably all middle locking devices of the cascade, in its unlocked position disconnects each associated control unit (110) from its power supply and thus keeps it in the passive position and enables the forwarding of the potentials (P1-P4) present at the connection contacts (A1-A4) to the forwarding terminals (W1-W4) and in its locked position connects the respective control unit (110) to its power supply and prevents the forwarding of the potentials (P1-P4) present at the connection contacts (A1-A4) to the forwarding terminals (W1-W4).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in the case of at least one middle locking device (100) of the cascade, preferably in the case of all middle locking devices of the cascade, each - the first and second connection contacts (A1, A2) and the first and second forwarding connections (W1, W2) belong to a control section (12) of the respective locking device, - the third and fourth connection contacts (A3, A4) and the third and fourth forwarding connections (W3, W4) belong to an actuator section (34) of the respective locking device, and - the connection contacts and the forwarding connections of the control section (12) are electrically separated from those of the actuator section (34) and the actuator section is controlled by the control section by mechanical switch adjustment (MSV) of at least one single- or double-pole normally open contact device arranged in the actuator section.

3. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of at least one middle locking device (100) of the cascade, preferably in the case of all middle locking devices of the cascade, each - a control switching device is present which can be subjected to a voltage lying between the first and second potentials and which, when subjected to voltage, is switched from its inactive position to its active position, and - an actuator switching device is present which can be subjected to a voltage between the third and fourth potentials and is switched from its inactive position to its active position when voltage is applied.

4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that - the control switching device in its active position connects the actuator switching device by enabling current flow between the third and fourth connection contacts (A3, A4) and sets it in its active position, - the actuator switching device in its active position connects the control unit (110) to its power supply, and - the control switching device and the actuator switching device, in their active position, each disconnect the first connection contact (A1) from the first forwarding connection (W1) in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the control switching device, disconnect the second connection contact (A2) from the second forwarding connection (W2) in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the control switching device, disconnect the third connection contact (A3) from the third forwarding connection (W3) in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device, and disconnect the fourth connection contact (A4) from the fourth forwarding connection (W4) in the forwarding direction cascade downwards of the actuator switching device.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the control switching device in its inactive position leaves at least one normally open device (SS5) associated with the actuator switching device open and thereby leaves the actuator switching device unaffected with respect to the voltage lying between the third and fourth potential.

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the control switching device in its active position closes the at least one normally closed device (SS5) associated with the actuator switching device and applies the voltage between the third and fourth potential to the actuator switching device.

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the control switching device is preferably a contactor and comprises: - a first normally closed contact (SS1) arranged between the first connection contact (A1) and the first forwarding connection (W1), - a second normally closed contact (SS2) arranged between the second connection contact (A2) and the second forwarding connection (W2), - a third normally closed contact (SS3) arranged between the third connection contact (A3) and the third forwarding connection (W3), - a fourth normally closed contact (SS4) arranged between the fourth terminal contact (A4) and the fourth forwarding terminal (W4), - a closing device (SS5) and - an adjusting device (10) which, in the inactive position of the control switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts (SS1, SS2, SS3, SS4) closed and its normally open contact device (SS5) open, and in the active position of the control switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts open and its normally open contact device (SS5) closed.

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator switching device comprises: - a first normally closed contact (AS1) arranged between the first connection contact (A1) and the first forwarding connection (W1), - a second normally closed contact (AS2) arranged between the second connection contact (A2) and the second forwarding connection (W2), - a third normally closed contact (AS3) arranged between the third connection contact (A3) and the third forwarding connection (W3), - a fourth normally closed contact (AS4) arranged between the fourth connection contact (A4) and the fourth forwarding connection (W4), - a normally open contact (AS5) which, in the closed position, allows a power supply to the control unit (110), and - an adjusting device (20) which, in the inactive position of the actuator switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts (AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4) closed and its normally open contact (AS5) open, and in the active position of the actuator switching device, keeps its normally closed contacts (AS1, AS2, AS3, AS4) open and its normally open contact (AS5) closed.

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the at least one middle locking device (100) of the cascade, preferably in all middle locking devices of the cascade, a single- or double-pole release unit (120, 120-1, 120-2) is assigned to the control switching device, which enables an electrical current flow between the first and second terminal contacts (A1, A2) for switching the control switching device from its inactive position to its active position.

10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control switching device comprises a single- or double-pole self-holding switching device (SS6) which, in the closed position, can keep the control switching device connected to the first and second terminal contacts (A1, A2) regardless of the operating state of the release unit (120, 120-1, 120-2), and - the control switching device, after activation by the release unit, places its self-holding switching device (SS6) in the closed position.

11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the actuator switching device comprises a single- or double-pole self-holding switching device (AS6) which, in the closed position, can keep the actuator switching device connected to the third and fourth terminal contacts (A3, A4) regardless of the operating state of the control switching device, and - the actuator switching device, after being activated by the control switching device, places its self-holding switching device (AS6) in the closed position.

12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the locking devices is assigned a central device (300) which enables external activation of the respective control unit (110) from the outside, independent of the locking state of the respective assigned locking devices, in particular independent of the state of a control switching device of the respective assigned locking devices.

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the arrangement comprises a cascade with a locking device (100) at one cascade end and a locking device (100) at another cascade end, - wherein a first cascade connection (K1) is designed to apply the first potential (P1), a second cascade connection (K2) to apply the second potential (P2), a third cascade connection (K3) to apply the third potential (P3) and a fourth cascade connection (K4) to apply the fourth potential (P4), - wherein the first and second cascade connections (K1, K2) are located at one end of the cascade and the third and fourth cascade connections (K3, K4) are located at the other end of the cascade, or the first and third cascade connections (K1, K3) are located at one end of the cascade and the second and fourth cascade connections (K2, K4) are located at the other end of the cascade.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one voltage sensor (201, 202, 203, 204) is connected to a forwarding connection (W1, W2, W3, W4) of one of the locking devices arranged at one of the cascade ends.

15. Arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that - each cascade connection (K1, K2, K3, K4) is assigned a cascade switch (41, 42, 43, 44) which enables the respective potential to be switched on and off, and - an evaluation device (1000) of the arrangement with which at least one voltage sensor and the cascade switches are connected and are designed to check the plausibility of a voltage signal from the voltage sensor with regard to the switching state of the cascade switches and to output a plausibility signal indicating the result of the plausibility check.

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