Support frame for providing a metal-free detection space

Abstract

The invention relates to a support frame (10), in particular for providing a metal-free detection space, for a sensor (12). For this purpose, the support frame (10) has: a basic framework (14); a holding device (16) by means of which the sensor (12) can be accommodated, preferably in such a way that a predetermined detection space of the sensor (12) is free of metal; a protective cover (18) by means of which at least one side of the basic framework (14) is covered; and an adjusting device (20) by means of which a position of the holding device (16) relative to the basic framework (14) can be changed through the protective cover (18).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Support frame for providing a metal-free detection space

[0003] The invention relates to a support frame, a system with the support frame, a rail-bound vehicle with the support frame, and a method for changing the position of a sensor by means of the support frame.

[0004] In a train control system, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), sensors are sometimes used to collect information. These sensors must be positioned at a prescribed distance from the top of the rail and / or permanently present metal parts. If this distance is not maintained or if metal parts are permanently located within the sensor's detection range, this can lead to inaccurate data collection. Based on the information collected by these sensors, data concerning the speed, position, and / or orientation of the train are often recorded. For this purpose, ETCS provides, for example, Eurobalises, which are installed in the track bed between the rails.Based on the information provided by the ETCS Eurobalises, odometric information concerning a vehicle can be recorded and / or determined.

[0005] To provide a metal-free detection zone for the sensor, for example, it is typically arranged within a support frame that defines this predetermined metal-free space. The support frames are, in turn, mounted on the underside of the vehicle. In the case of a rail vehicle, such a support frame is often positioned near a bogie to keep the sensor between the rails while negotiating curves. This support frame is usually recessed into the underside of the car body of the rail vehicle. This provides the sensor with the necessary metal-free detection zone. However, to protect the car body from dirt and moisture, any opening created by the support frame and the metal-free space is typically sealed with a protective cover.This also allows the vehicle's aerodynamic drag to be kept to a minimum. This metal-free protective cover is typically quite heavy and is therefore attached to the mounting frame with numerous fasteners. However, after mounting the frame, it may be necessary to adjust the sensor's position. For example, the wheels of rail vehicles are regularly modified by reducing their outer circumference. This changes the distance between the sensor, mounted on the frame, and a reference point. To correct the sensor's position relative to the reference point, such as the top of the rail, the cumbersome protective cover previously had to be removed.These tasks are time-consuming and require a lot of personnel, and due to the weight and unfavorable installation situation of the protective cover, they also pose increased risks to operators.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of changing the position of a sensor, which is mounted on a support frame to provide a metal-free detection space, in a cost-effective manner.

[0007] This problem is solved by a support frame with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of specifying a rail-bound vehicle.

[0009] This problem is solved by a rail-bound vehicle with the features of the subordinate claim.

[0010] Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing an improved method for changing the position of a sensor by means of the support frame.

[0011] This problem is solved by a method with the features of a subordinate method claim.

[0012] Advantageous further training courses are each the subject of dependent sub-claims.

[0013] A sensor can be mounted using the support frame according to the invention. In particular, the support frame is designed to provide a metal-free detection space for the sensor. For the purpose of mounting the sensor, the support frame according to the invention has a base structure. Furthermore, a holding device is provided by means of which the sensor can be mounted. Preferably, the sensor can be mounted using the holding device in such a way that a predetermined detection space of the sensor is free of metal. In this context, "detection space free of metal" means that this detection space is free of any metallic objects permanently arranged within it. A metal-free detection space is generally a space of predetermined dimensions, shape, and / or orientation. Advantageously, the detection space comprises a field of view of the sensor.

[0014] Furthermore, the support frame according to the invention has a protective cover by means of which at least one side of the base frame is covered. In addition, an adjustment device is provided according to the invention by means of which the position of the holding device relative to the base frame can be changed through the protective cover. Preferably, the adjustment device can be operated from the outside when the protective cover is mounted.

[0015] This allows for the efficient alignment and / or repositioning of a sensor mounted using the holding device. Furthermore, the sensor's position can be changed with minimal risk to the operator. In the preferred application, disassembly of the protective cover is not required.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is arranged in an opening of the protective cover. This allows the sensor's position to be changed independently of the protective cover's position. Furthermore, the protective cover is preferably metal-free. This protects a portion of the metal-free detection area, which is located, for example, at least partially within a car body, from contamination, moisture ingress, and / or damage.

[0017] Another preferred embodiment provides for protective plates which are connected to the holding device. Preferably, these protective plates are arranged on two opposite sides of the sensor. In contrast to the protective cover, the position of these protective plates can be changed together with the position of the sensor by means of the adjustment device.

[0018] Preferably, these protective plates serve to protect areas of the sensor that extend beyond the protective cover.

[0019] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment provides that the adjusting device has two shafts, each rotatably and axially fixed to the base frame. Advantageously, the position of the holding device relative to the base frame can be changed by actuating these two shafts. Preferably, these two shafts are arranged on opposite sides of the base frame. Particularly preferably, the two shafts are provided on opposite sides of the base frame. It is further proposed that the two shafts be designed separately from each other and / or be actuated independently of each other. In particular, the two shafts are decoupled from each other and connected only by means of the holding device and the base frame. Using the two shafts, a holding device provided on the top side of a base frame can be easily actuated from the underside of the base frame.This allows torque to be easily transmitted from below through the protective cover to a holding device located above. This enables a detection area of ​​predetermined dimensions, shape, and / or orientation to be kept free of metal parts in a cost-effective manner.

[0020] Preferably, each of the two shafts has a threaded section. Advantageously, two further threads are provided, which are connected to the holding device. In a preferred embodiment, one thread of each of the two shafts is operatively connected to one of the two further threads such that a rotational movement of one of the two shafts results in a movement of the holding device. Advantageously, this rotational movement results in a relative movement of the holding device to the base frame and the actuated shaft. The position of a sensor held by the holding device can thus be changed precisely and as required. In a preferred application, the distance of the sensor to a rail top edge can be corrected in this way in a cost-effective manner.

[0021] The two additional threads mentioned are preferably each designed as a threaded bushing. These threaded bushings are particularly preferably fixed to the holding device. By means of a rotary movement of one of the two shafts mentioned, a linear movement of the threaded bushings, and thus a movement of the holding device along a longitudinal axis of one of the two shafts mentioned, can be achieved.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment provides that, in a configuration of the support frame intended for use, the vertical position of the holding device relative to the base frame can be changed by means of the adjustment device. In this configuration, the support frame is preferably provided with a protective cover on one underside. This allows for the efficient adjustment of the distance setting of a sensor relative to the reference point. The distance between a sensor and the top edge of a rail can thus be set precisely and accurately.

[0023] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment device features a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism allows the position of the holding device relative to the base frame to be fixed. This enables reliable adjustment and maintenance of a consistent distance between the sensor and the reference point. Moreover, this allows for a combined adjustment and locking device. This enables a space-saving design of the adjustment device, resulting in a lightweight and compact design.

[0024] An advantageous embodiment provides that the locking mechanism has a housing with a cylindrical recess. In this context, the cylindrical recess has a polygon as its base. Preferably, the housing of the locking mechanism is arranged in an opening that penetrates the protective cover. Furthermore, the locking mechanism preferably has a cylindrical locking disc with a polygon as its base. The lateral surface of the cylindrical locking disc can be designed to correspond to the cylindrical recess of the housing such that the locking disc can be positively engaged with the recess of the housing. Particularly preferably, the polygon of the base of the cylindrical recess and the polygon of the base of the cylindrical locking disc are polygons of the same order, in particular polygons with the same number of vertices.To ensure a positive-locking engagement, the cylindrical surface of the detent disc and the cylindrical recess can be aligned according to a clearance fit. Furthermore, the cylindrical recess is preferably designed as a blind hole. This allows for a secure, captive fit of the detent disc within the housing. In a preferred application, a predetermined increment of the adjustment range can be specified by means of a number of vertices of the polygons, taking into account a thread pitch.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that each of the two shafts of the adjusting device has a cylindrical end section with a polygon as its base. The two shafts can be actuated by means of the cylindrical end section. In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical end section of at least one of the two shafts has a hexagon as its base. This allows conventional tools to be used for actuating the adjusting device. Furthermore, optionally, an outer surface of the end section of at least one of the two shafts can be provided with a cylindrical surface having a polygon as its base, or a cylindrical recess extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft with the polygon as its base. The cylindrical end section enables the two shafts to be actuated efficiently.In particular, an opening in the protective cover for the purpose of actuating the adjustment device can be kept small.

[0026] Advantageously, the locking mechanism comprises a locking disc which is rotationally fixed and axially movable on one of the two shafts of the adjusting device. A central recess can be provided in the locking disc to accommodate one of the two shafts. Preferably, a section, in particular the aforementioned end section, of one of the two shafts can be positively engaged by means of this central recess. Most preferably, the locking mechanism comprises two locking discs, each of which is rotationally fixed and axially movable on one of the two shafts of the adjusting device. Advantageously, the locking disc is designed to be displaceable along a predetermined section of a shaft when mounted. A rotational movement of a shaft can thus be coupled with a rotational movement of the locking disc. This enables a high level of operational reliability.Only when the detent disc is in a released state can a rotational movement, and thus a change in position, be performed. In a detented state, however, a position remains fixed and therefore secured.

[0027] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment provides that the detent mechanism includes a clamping device. This clamping device is preferably designed as a spring. The clamping device holds the detent disc in the engaged position of the detent mechanism. Preferably, the clamping device holds the detent disc in a positive engagement with the aforementioned cylindrical recess in the housing. This ensures a reliable and operationally safe detent mechanism. In the engaged position, adjustment of the adjusting device is prevented. In particular, movement of the shaft is prevented in the engaged position.

[0028] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment proposes an orientation aid by means of which the state of the locking mechanism can be indicated. This orientation aid can be, for example, a recess, a raised area, an engraving, a written or colored marking, and / or a combination of these options. The state of a concealed locking mechanism can thus be made visible. This allows an operator to indirectly recognize the state, and in particular the position, of the locking mechanism from the outside. In a preferred embodiment, the operator can thus quickly and reliably determine whether a locked state has been reached or whether a released state exists. The adjusting device can therefore be operated reliably. This also prevents potential operating errors.

[0029] Advantageously, at least part of the orientation aid is arranged on one end face of at least one of the two shafts. This makes it easy and convenient to determine the orientation of the locking mechanism. This reduces operating errors.

[0030] The system according to the invention comprises the support frame according to the invention and a sensor which is received by the holding device of the support frame. Preferably, the sensor is received by the holding device in such a way that a predetermined detection area of ​​the sensor is free of metal. The sensor is in particular a sensor of the type described above.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention provides for a rail-bound vehicle which has the support frame according to the invention. Advantageously, the rail-bound vehicle according to the invention has the system according to the invention in which the sensor is received in the holding device of the support frame according to the invention.

[0032] The support frame according to the invention is connected to the underside of the rail vehicle in such a way that a sensor can be positioned at a predetermined distance from a reference point by means of the support frame. The reference point can be, for example, a rail top, a surface, or a track bed. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is designed as a radar. In particular, the sensor is designed as an ETCS radar. This allows reliable acquisition of information relating to ETCS odometry. If the position of the sensor relative to the reference point changes, for example, due to a change in the wheel size of the rail vehicle's wheels, the sensor's position can be easily corrected without having to remove the protective cover. This provides an easy-to-handle component for the reliable operation of a train protection system.This approach effectively minimizes the risk to personnel performing the necessary sensor adjustments. It also reduces the workload for operators and minimizes both time and personnel requirements.

[0033] Preferably, the support frame is arranged on the underside of the rail vehicle. Particularly preferably, the support frame is recessed into the underside of the rail vehicle's car body. Further preferably, the basic structure of the support frame is fixed to the underside of the rail vehicle within the car body. Advantageously, the protective cover of the support frame at least partially closes a receiving opening provided for the support frame in the car body.

[0034] If the aforementioned protective plates are provided, they are expediently connected to the mounting device in such a way that a surface normal of a main surface of the protective plate is oriented substantially parallel to a possible direction of travel of the rail vehicle. This prevents damage to the sensor from impacting objects such as ballast or ice.

[0035] Using the method according to the invention, it is possible to change the position of a sensor by means of the support frame according to the invention. The sensor is in particular one of the type described above.

[0036] In the method according to the invention, the adjustment device of the support frame is actuated through the protective cover while it is in its installed state. Furthermore, the holding device of the support frame is moved vertically relative to the base frame of the support frame as a result of actuation of the adjustment device. In this way, the vertical position of a sensor held by the holding device can be changed. The relative position between the holding device and the base frame can thus be changed without removing the protective cover. The distance of the sensor to a reference point, such as a surface, a track bed, and / or the top of the track, can therefore be adjusted efficiently. This eliminates the need to dismantle a typically heavy protective cover.This enables a reliably executable method for changing the position of the sensor. An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the position of the sensor is changed by means of the adjustment device of the support frame by deflecting the detent disc of the support frame's detent mechanism along a longitudinal axis of one of the two shafts of the adjustment device from the cylindrical receptacle of the housing. It is then provided that this shaft and the detent disc are rotated in a predetermined direction while the detent mechanism is in a released state. Preferably, the detent disc is deflected and the shaft is rotated by means of a tool. Particularly preferably, the tool is guided from below through an opening in the housing. The housing is expediently accommodated in the protective cover. This allows the adjustment device to be actuated through the protective cover.In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned tool is guided through the opening in the housing of the locking mechanism and engaged in a positive-locking manner with the end section of the shaft to be actuated. The locking disc is then deflected by means of the tool as described above. This allows for cost-effective unlocking and actuation of the adjusting device in a single step. In this way, an efficient and rapid method for changing the position of the sensor is provided. Furthermore, the position of the sensor can be precisely adjusted according to a thread pitch. For example, the orientation aid can be used to accurately determine the distance already traveled by the holding device as a result of actuating the shaft.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, a relative position between the holding device and the base frame is established by using the clamping device of the locking mechanism to move the locking disc from a deflected state towards the cylindrical receptacle of the housing. Preferably, a positive engagement of the locking disc into the corresponding cylindrical receptacle of the housing is achieved by means of the orientation aid. Advantageously, the locking disc is moved by the clamping device both towards and into the cylindrical receptacle. As the tool is withdrawn, the clamping device therefore ensures that the deflected locking disc is returned to its original position. The locking disc can then be easily moved into a positive engagement with the cylindrical recess of the housing according to the orientation aid.In this way, the locked position of the detent disc can be achieved safely and reliably. Furthermore, the sensor's position can be secured and fixed with minimal effort when a protective cover is installed. This prevents subsequent changes in the sensor's position, for example, due to external mechanical influences on the adjustment mechanism, such as vibration and / or impacts.

[0038] The properties, features, and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which these are achieved, are explained in more detail in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the figures. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The exemplary embodiments serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including functional features. Furthermore, all features specified in the exemplary embodiments can be considered in isolation and combined appropriately with the features of any claim. The figures described below are schematic drawings and not to scale.

[0039] They show:

[0040] FIG 1 shows an embodiment of the rail-bound vehicle according to the invention;

[0041] FIG 2 shows an embodiment of the support frame according to the invention in an overview view;

[0042] FIG 3 shows the embodiment of the support frame in a sectional view;

[0043] FIG 4 shows an embodiment of the adjustment device according to the invention in an assembled state;

[0044] FIG 5 shows an embodiment of a bearing by means of which a shaft of the embodiment of the adjusting device is rotatably and axially fixed to a base frame of the support frame;

[0045] FIG 6 shows an embodiment of the locking mechanism according to the invention in an exploded view; FIG 7 shows a further exploded view of the embodiment of the locking mechanism as well as an embodiment of an orientation aid;

[0046] FIG 8 shows the embodiment of the locking mechanism in a locked state in a schematic sectional view;

[0047] FIG 9 illustrates an example of the inventive method for changing the position of a sensor using a schematic flowchart.

[0048] FIG 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a rail-bound vehicle 48 with a view of its underside 50. FIG 1 further illustrates an exemplary arrangement of an embodiment of a support frame 10 on the underside 50 of the rail-bound vehicle 48 shown.

[0049] A key component of a train control system, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS), consists of sensors 12 arranged on the underside 50 of a rail vehicle 48. These sensors are used to acquire information provided by balises. In the case of ETCS, such information is provided, for example, by Eurobalises. Radar-based sensors 12 are typically used to acquire this information. For reliable detection and acquisition of the information, these sensors 12 require a metal-free detection zone. Furthermore, these sensors 12 must maintain a predetermined distance from the top of the rail. To ensure both a metal-free detection zone and the predetermined distance, a support frame 10 is provided for mounting the sensor 12.This support frame 10 is shown, by way of example, embedded in the car body of the rail-bound vehicle 48 near a bogie 52. In this way, it can be ensured that the sensor 12 is positioned between the rails and can acquire the provided information, even when cornering.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the support frame 10 in a schematic overview. The support frame 10 has a base frame 14 and a holding device 16. The aforementioned sensor 12 is mounted by means of the holding device 16. The base frame 14 and the holding device 16 define a predetermined metal-free detection zone. This metal-free detection zone typically extends downwards beyond the support frame 10. A protective cover 18 is also provided. In this embodiment, the protective cover 18 closes a receiving opening in the car body of the rail vehicle 48, in which the support frame 10 is embedded. The protective cover 18 is usually a metal-free plate, which can weigh more than 50 kg. The protective cover 18 is, in this example, connected to the base frame 14.Furthermore, the protective cover 18 has an opening in which the sensor 12 is located. The protective cover 18 is designed to prevent the ingress of dirt and / or moisture into the car body of the rail vehicle 48. It also helps to minimize the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle 48. The support frame 10 also has fastening elements 56, which are intended to connect it to the car body or chassis of the rail vehicle 48. In this way, the base frame 14 is fixed to the rail vehicle 48.

[0051] Furthermore, the support frame 10 has an adjustment device 20. With the aid of the adjustment device 20, the position of the holding device 16 relative to the base frame 14 can be changed when the protective cover 18 is installed. In this way, the position of the sensor 12 held by the holding device 16 can be changed. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the protective cover 18 to change the position of the sensor 12. The protective cover 18, which is thus quite heavy, can therefore remain in place in the installed state if an adjustment of the sensor 12's position is required.

[0052] For example, the adjusting device 20 has two shafts 22, 24 which are arranged on opposite sides of the base frame 14. Each of the two shafts 22, 24 can be actuated independently of the other of the two shafts 22, 24.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view through the embodiment of the support frame 10 shown in FIG. 2. The holding device 16 is connected to the base frame 14 by means of the adjustment device 20. Furthermore, the sensor 12 is rigidly connected to the holding device 16. In addition to the sensor 12, two protective plates 60 are connected to the holding device 16. These are arranged on opposite sides of the sensor 12 and project beyond it in a vertical direction. The protective plates 60 are also arranged together with the sensor 12 in the opening provided for it in the protective cover 18. In contrast to the fixed protective cover 18, the position of the protective plates 60 is changed together with the position of the sensor 12 by means of the adjustment device 20. In this way, areas of the sensor 12 that project beyond the protective cover 18 are protected.For this purpose, a surface normal of a main surface of the respective protective plates 60 is aligned essentially parallel to a planned direction of travel of the rail-bound vehicle 48.

[0054] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows that the adjusting device 20 penetrates the protective cover 18. In a state intended for use, the adjusting device 20 can thus be actuated from below. By way of example, a detent mechanism 30 of the adjusting device 20 is arranged in an opening penetrating the protective cover 18.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a first part of the adjusting device 20. A second part of the adjusting device 20 is identical in construction. For the sake of clarity, the following description is limited to a description of the first part of the adjusting device 20.

[0056] The first part of the adjusting device 20 comprises one shaft 22 of the two shafts 22, 24 mentioned above. The other shaft 24 of the two shafts 22, 24 is part of the second part of the adjusting device 20. The shaft 22 has a section with a thread 26. Furthermore, the first part of the adjusting device 20 has a threaded bushing 28, which is fixed to the holding device 16. The first part of the adjusting device 20 also has a bearing 58 by means of which the shaft 22 is rotatably and axially fixed to the base frame 14. By rotating the shaft 22 about a longitudinal axis 54 of the shaft 22, the vertical position of the holding device 16 relative to the base frame 14 can be changed.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a detailed sectional view of an embodiment of the bearing 58. The shaft 22 of the first part of the adjusting device 20 has a larger diameter along a predetermined section compared to other sections. This section with the larger diameter is fixed between the base frame 14 and an exemplary omega-shaped angle 62 such that movement of the shaft 22 in one direction along its longitudinal axis 54 is prevented. However, the shaft 22 is rotatably mounted in this bearing 58. Therefore, rotation of the shaft 22 about its longitudinal axis 54 is unrestricted. FIG. 4 further shows that the first part of the adjusting device 20 has a locking mechanism 30, which is arranged in an opening penetrating the protective cover 18. This locking mechanism 30 is designed to prevent or release rotation of the shaft 22 about its longitudinal axis 54.The locking mechanism 30 therefore prevents the position of the holding device 16 from changing automatically relative to the base frame 14.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the locking mechanism 30 in a schematic exploded view. The embodiment of the locking mechanism 30 has a housing 32. This housing 32 is, by way of example, arranged in the protective cover 18. Furthermore, the housing 32 is provided with a cylindrical recess 34. The cylindrical recess 34 has, by way of example, a hexagon as its base. In addition, the cylindrical recess 34 is, by way of example, designed as a blind hole. Moreover, the locking mechanism 30 has a cylindrical detent disc 36. This cylindrical detent disc 36 has a cylindrical surface that corresponds to the cylindrical recess 34. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical detent disc 36 therefore has a hexagon as its base. Furthermore, the cylindrical recess 34 and the cylindrical detent disc 36 are aligned with each other according to a clearance fit.This allows the cylindrical detent disc 36 to be positively engaged in the cylindrical recess 34 of the housing 32. Furthermore, the detent disc 36 has a central recess 40. The central recess 40 is, for example, hexagonal. Correspondingly, an end section 38 of the shaft 22 of the adjusting device 20 has a cylindrical outer contour with a hexagon as its base, which is aligned with the central recess 40 according to a clearance fit. In this way, the shaft 22 is fixed in the detent disc 36 but can be moved along a section of the shaft 22 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 54.

[0059] Furthermore, the exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanism 30 has a clamping device 42. In a locked state of the locking mechanism 30, the clamping device 42 holds the locking disk 36 in a positive engagement with the cylindrical recess 34 of the housing 32. The clamping device 42 is, by way of example, designed as a coil spring.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows a different perspective of the schematic exploded view of the embodiment of the detent mechanism 30 described in connection with FIG. 6. In this alternative perspective, an orientation aid 44 is shown by way of example. The orientation aid 44 is designed to indicate a state of the detent mechanism 30. A first part of the orientation aid 44 is designed as a recess on an end face 46 of the shaft 22. This recess allows an operator to determine the position of the detent disc 36, which is concealed by the housing 32. Furthermore, a second part of the orientation aid 44 is provided by way of example. This is provided, by way of example, in the form of markings on an underside of the housing 32.Viewed from below, looking at the housing 32 and thus at the support frame 10, the aforementioned recess on the end face 46 of the shaft 22 can be aligned with one of the markings to achieve an engaged state of the locking mechanism 30. If, however, the position of the aforementioned recess of the first part of the orientation aid 44 deviates from the predetermined markings of the second part of the orientation aid 44, this indicates that the mechanism is not engaged.

[0061] Furthermore, the housing 32 has a through-opening which is provided so that the locking mechanism 30 and the shaft 22 can be actuated by means of a tool.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of the locking mechanism 30 described in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7 in the engaged state in a perspective sectional view. In the engaged state, the locking disk 36 is positively engaged in the recess 34 of the housing 32. The clamping device 42 presses the locking disk 36 into the aforementioned recess 34 of the housing 32. Furthermore, the shaft 22 is positively engaged in the central recess 40 of the locking disk 36. This prevents rotation of the shaft 22 about its longitudinal axis 54 in the engaged state. Therefore, in the engaged state of the locking mechanism 30, a change in the position of the sensor 12 is not possible.

[0063] FIG 9 illustrates an example of a method 100 for changing 104 the position of the sensor 12 by means of a support frame 10, using a schematic flowchart. The support frame 10 is, in particular, the embodiment of the support frame 10 described in the preceding context.

[0064] Starting from a locked state of the locking mechanism 30, the locking disc 36 is first deflected from the cylindrical recess 34 of the housing 32 against a clamping force of the clamping device 42 along the longitudinal axis 54 of the shaft 22, along the longitudinal axis 54 of the shaft 22. In this way, a released state of the locking mechanism 30 is achieved. In this released state, the shaft 22 is then rotated in a predetermined direction about the longitudinal axis 54 108. In this way, the adjusting device 20 is actuated through the protective cover 18 in a mounted state 102. Depending on a thread pitch of the thread 26 and an angular range swept by a rotational movement of the shaft 22 about the longitudinal axis 54, the position of the sensor 12 can then be changed by a predetermined length 104.This allows for precise distance adjustment of the sensor 12 relative to the track top or another reference point.

[0065] Once a predetermined distance between the sensor 12 and the track surface is reached, the relative position between the holding device 16 and the base frame 14, and thus the position of the sensor 12, is determined 110. This is achieved by using the clamping device 42 to move the detent disc 36 from its deflected position towards the cylindrical recess 34 of the housing 32 112. To ensure a positive engagement of the detent disc 36 in the corresponding cylindrical recess 34 114, the previously described orientation aid 44 is provided. By verifying that the recess of the orientation aid 44 in the end face 46 of the shaft 22 aligns with one of the markings on the orientation aid 44 on the underside of the housing 32, an operator can quickly and reliably determine whether the detent mechanism 30 has been engaged.This significantly reduces the risk of incorrect operation of the locking mechanism 30. The orientation aid 44 can also be used as a control device to ensure that the position of the sensor 12 is fixed 110.

[0066] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

[0067] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Support frame (10), in particular for providing a metal-free detection space, comprising a sensor (12): - a basic framework (14); - a holding device (16) by means of which the sensor (12) can be received, preferably in such a way that a predetermined detection space of the sensor (12) is free of metal; - a protective cover (18) by means of which at least one side of the basic structure (14) is covered; - an adjustment device (20) by means of which the position of the holding device (16) relative to the base frame (14) can be changed through the protective cover (18).

2. Support frame (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) has two shafts (22, 24) which are each rotatably and axially fixed to the base frame (14) and by means of which the position of the holding device (16) relative to the base frame (14) can be changed.

3. Support frame (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that - each of the two shafts (22, 24) has a section provided with a thread (26); - two further threads (28) are provided, which are connected to the holding device (16); - each thread (26) of one of the two mentioned shafts (22, 24) is operatively connected to one of the two further threads (28) in such a way that a rotational movement of one of the two shafts (22, 24) results in a movement of the holding device (16).

4. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an orientation of the support frame (10) intended for use, the vertical position of the holding device (16) can be changed relative to the base frame (14) by means of the adjusting device (20).

5. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) has a locking mechanism (30) by means of which the position of the holding device (16) relative to the base frame (14) can be fixed.

6. Support frame (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that - the locking mechanism (30) has a housing (32) with a cylindrical recess (34), wherein a polygon is provided as the base of the cylindrical recess (34); - the locking mechanism (30) has a cylindrical locking disk (36) with a polygon as its base, wherein a lateral surface of the cylindrical locking disk (36) is designed to correspond to the cylindrical recess (34) of the housing (32) in such a way that the locking disk (36) can be brought into positive engagement with the recess (34) of the housing (32).

7. Support frame (10) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that - the adjusting device (20) has two shafts (22, 24) which are each rotatably and axially fixed to the base frame (14) and by means of which the position of the holding device (16) relative to the base frame (14) can be changed; - each of the two waves (22, 24) has a cylindrical end section (38) with a polygon as its base; - by means of the cylindrical end section (38) a corresponding shaft (22, 24) can be actuated through the protective cover (18).

8. Support frame (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that - the adjusting device (20) has two shafts (22, 24) which are each rotatably and axially fixed to the base frame (14) and by means of which the position of the holding device (16) relative to the base frame (14) can be changed; - the locking mechanism (30) has a locking disk (36) which is rotatably and axially movable on one of the two shafts (22, 24); - the ratchet disk (36) has a central recess (40) by means of which a section (38), preferably the end section (38), of one of the two shafts (22, 24) can be positively received.

9. Support frame (10) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the locking mechanism (30) has a clamping device (42) by means of which the locking disc (36) can be held in a locked state of the locking mechanism (30), preferably in a positive engagement with the said cylindrical recess (34) of the housing (32).

10. Support frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an orientation aid (44) is provided by means of which a state of the locking mechanism (30) can be indicated.

11. Support frame (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least a part of the orientation aid (44) is arranged on an end face (46) of at least one of the two shafts (22, 24).

12. System comprising at least a support frame (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a sensor (12) which is received by the holding device (16) of the support frame (10), preferably in such a way that a predetermined detection space of the sensor (12) is free of metal.

13. Rail-bound vehicle (48) comprising a system according to claim 12 with a support frame (10) or a support frame (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support frame (10) is connected to an underside (50) of the rail-bound vehicle (48) in such a way that a sensor (12), preferably a radar, can be arranged at a predetermined distance to a reference point by means of the support frame (10).

14. Method (100) for changing (104) the position of a sensor (12) by means of a support frame (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein - the adjusting device (20) of the support frame (10) is actuated through the protective cover (18) in a mounted state (102); - the holding device (16) of the support frame (10) is moved in a vertical direction relative to the base frame (14) of the support frame (10) as a result of an actuation of the adjusting device (20) and in this way a vertical position of a sensor (12) received with the holding device (16) is changed (104).

15. Method (100) according to claim 14, wherein the position of the sensor (12) is changed by means of the adjusting device (20) of the support frame (10) (104) by moving the detent disk (36) of the detent mechanism (30) of the support frame (10) along a longitudinal axis (54) of a shaft of the two shafts (22, 24) the adjusting device (20) is deflected from the cylindrical recess (34) of the housing (32) (106) and then this shaft (22, 24) and the detent disc (36) are rotated in a predetermined direction in a released state of the detent mechanism (30) (108).

16. Method (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a relative position between the holding device (16) and the base frame (14) is determined (110) by means of the clamping device (42) of the locking mechanism (30) moving the locking disk (36) from a deflected (106) state towards the cylindrical recess (34) of the housing (32) (112) and based on the Orientation aid (44) a positive engagement of the ratchet disc (36) in the corresponding cylindrical recess (34) of the housing (32) is realized (114).

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