AU2015354369B2

AU2015354369B2 - Device for checking the final position of movable parts of a rail switch

Info

Publication number: AU2015354369B2
Application number: AU2015354369A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Herbert Achleitner; Christoph Maier; Hansjorg Schatz; Manfred Stocker
Original assignee: Voestalpine Signaling Zeltweg GmbH
Current assignee: Voestalpine Signaling Austria GmbH
Priority date: 2014-11-28
Filing date: 2015-11-26
Publication date: 2020-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-26
Also published as: AU2015354369A1; TR201906803T4; WO2016081965A1; EP3224110A1; BR112017002665B1; EP3224110B1; BR112017002665A2; HUE044532T2; CN106715232B; CN106715232A; ZA201700606B; AT516495A4; PL3224110T3; AT516495B1; LT3224110T

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for checking the final position of movable parts of a rail switch, comprising a checking rod which can be coupled to the movable part and a checking housing which comprises a gear mechanism having an input element that interacts with the checking rod and a linearly movable output element. The output element interacts with at least one final position switch in order to detect the two final positions of the movable switch part. The gear mechanism comprises a lever, the first arm of which is driven by the input element and the second arm of which drives the output element. The gear mechanism is designed to shorten the linear path of the output element in comparison to the adjustment path of the checking rod.

Description

Device for checking the end positions of movable parts of a railway switch

The invention relates to a device for checking the end positions of movable parts of a railway switch, comprising a detection rod capable of being coupled to a movable part, and a detection housing comprising a transmission having an input member interacting with the detection rod and a linearly moved output

member,	said output	member	interacting with	at least	one end
position	switch for	checking the two end	positions	of the
movable	railway switch part.
Control	devices for	movable	railway switch	parts	such	as, in
particul	ar, tongue rails or	movable frogs,	which	are	provided

with end position detectors are generally known as belonging to the prior art. In the known control devices, the mechanical switching of a movable switch part is effected by the aid of an electric or hydraulic switch mechanism, wherein a separate interlocking device, or an interlocking device integrated in the switch mechanism, as well as, in any case, a separate end position detection device are provided besides the switch mechanism. Such end position detection devices serve to mechanically scan in railway switches the current state of the switch, and to generate a detection signal in order to enable the reliable determination whether the switch has been set correctly and whether the abutting tongue and the spaced-apart tongue are each in their respectively correct end positions. The end position detection device comprises a detection rod assembly extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rails and which is displaced in the longitudinal direction of the rod assembly when setting the railway switch. The positions of the detection rods are detected by electromechanical transducers formed, for instance, by limit switches or tongue detection contacts, which are disposed in housings usually mounted on a sleeper laterally of the railway switch.

In modern railway switches, it is necessary to provide a plurality of end position detection devices along the longitudinal direction of the switch in order to enable on multiple points the checking of whether the respectively correct end position has been assumed. In this manner, a break of the railway switch or bulging of the same or any other malfunctioning can be more properly detected. If a plurality of end position detection devices are to be arranged along a railway switch, each of the detection devices has to be adapted to a different switching travel, wherein a switching travel that is smaller than that on the free end of the tongue rail, where the maximum switching travel occurs, is to be observed near the point of clamping of the tongue rail.

In order to convert the substantially linear movement of the detection rod into a movement suitable for the scanning of end positions by appropriate end position switches, various transmission devices have become known in the prior art. Thus, FR 1035113 and US 3,679,895 describe a design in which the linear movement of the detection rod is converted into a rotation of a rotary slide, which, in turn, interacts with rotary switching contacts arranged along the path of rotation.

In a configuration of the initially-defined type as is, for instance, described in US 6,062,514, the linear movement of the detection rod is converted by a transmission into a linear movement of an output member that interacts with end position switches. The linear movement of the detection rod, in particular, is converted by a crank into a rotary movement of a gear that drives a rack interacting with switch contacts in the end positions. However, that configuration involves the drawback of requiring installation space for the gear train. Furthermore, the difficult adaptation to the respective switching path is disadvantageous .

The present invention aims to provide an end position detection device as small-structured as possible, in which an adaptation to the different switching paths of movable railway switch parts is possible in a simple manner without requiring complex conversions .

To solve this object, the device according to the invention is substantially configured such that the transmission comprises a lever whose first lever arm is driven by the input member and whose second lever arm drives the output member, wherein the transmission is configured to shorten the linear path of the output member relative to the switching path of the detection rod. The provision of a rotationally mounted lever in a structurally simple and space-saving manner allows for the desired conversion of the substantially linear switching movement of the detection rod into a rotary movement, and the subsequent conversion of the rotary movement into the linear movement of the output member of the transmission interacting with the contact switches. The construction of the transmission with a lever, in particular, allows for in a simple manner to effect a gear reduction in such a manner as to shorten the path of the linear movement of the output member relative to the switching path of the detection rod. The adjustment of the shortening ratio will, in particular, be enabled by the choice of the leverage ratio, i.e. the ratio of the length of the first lever arm to the length of the second lever arm, wherein the first lever arm is longer than the second lever arm.

When choosing a suitable shortening ratio, the following interrelationships are to be considered. The shorter the path of the translational movement of the output member, the smaller may be chosen the maximally required distance between the end positions in the detection housing, thus reducing the required space. The shorter the path of the translational movement of the output member, the lower is the accuracy of the detection of the end positions and the higher is the impact of an inaccurate adjustment of the position of the end position switch. In order to reduce the space demand to a sufficient extent, a preferred further development of the invention provides that the leverage ratio is larger than 3:2, preferably larger than 2:1. A compromise between the above-mentioned, contradictory requirements will preferably be achieved in that the leverage ratio is chosen to be not larger than 3:1.

The linear (translational) movement of the output member can advantageously be achieved in that the output member is configured as a linearly guided slide. The slide may, in particular, comprise a recess, e.g. bore, passing through it in the direction of movement to guide the slide on a guide rod. In a preferred manner, a forced translational movement is provided for the slide.

According to a preferred further development of the invention, it is provided that the slide comprises at least two switching flanks in axially spaced-apart relationship for actuating the at least one end position switch. By switching flank, in this respect, a discontinuity on the surface of the slide is preferably understood, which is suitable for mechanically actuating the end position switch. Alternatively to the end position switches to be actuated mechanically, electrically operable end position switches such as proximity switches, in particular inductive, capacitive or magnetic proximity switches, can also be used in the context of the invention. In the event of such end position switches, the term switching flank also encompasses an inductively, capacitatively or magnetically active element that is suitable for the inductive, capacitive or

magnetic,	contactless	actuation of an end	position switch
According	to a first alternative, an	adaptation of	the	end
position	detector to	the respective switching travel	of	the
movable switch part	and the detection	rod, respectively,	is

feasible in that at least one switching flank is arranged to be adjustable relative to the other switching flank in the axial direction and fixable in the respective position.

In a preferred configuration, in which at least two end position switches are provided, wherein each of the end position switches is operable by an associated switching flank, the adaptation to the respective switching travel can be effected in that at least one end position switch is arranged to be adjustable in the direction of the linear movement of the output member and fixable in the respective position. The distance between the two end position switches is thus adjusted.

In the event of mechanically operable end position switches, the switching flanks can preferably be configured such that they delimit a switching groove formed on the slide. This will be of particular advantage in a configuration of the end position switch in which the end position switch comprises a springloaded tappet or interacts with a resiliently biased actuation member. With the correct end position of the movable railway switch part, the tappet, or the actuation member, is able to snap into the switching groove defined by the switching flanks, thus actuating the end position switch. This enables a particularly reliable mode of operation.

In order to minimize the risk of maloperations of the end position switches, a preferred further development of the invention contemplates that a locking slide is each associated to the end position switches, with which the slide, when reaching its end position, interacts to push the locking slide away from a position locking the end position switch against the force of a spring. The locking slide thus serves to mechanically hold the end position switch in a locked, i.e. unactuated, position as long as the slide has not reached the designated end position, so as to exclude malfunctioning. It is only when the end position is reached that the slide moves the locking slide out of the locking position in order to unlock the end position switch and enable proper actuation of the same by a switching flank. When leaving the end position, the locking slide will automatically reassume its position locking the end position switch due to the spring.

A preferred further development in this context provides that the locking slide associated to the adjustable end position switch is connected or coupled to the same for a joint displacement movement. It will thus be ensured that the adjustment of the position of the end position switch, which is necessary for adaptation to the switching travel, will at the same time result in the respective readjustment of the locking slide. Thus, both the end position switch and the associated locking slide are changed in their positions by a single displacement process. The locking slide preferably always remains in the same relative position relative to the associated end position switch.

In order to reliably transform the pivotal movement of the lever into a translational movement of the output member or slide, it is preferably provided that the second lever arm engages a guide slot of the output member by its end or a projection as a catch. The part engaging the guide slot can be spherical so as to provide a clearance-free transmission of movement and a precise achievement of the end positions of the slide. Along with the option of an exact adjustment of the detector device, this results in that even slight deviations from the end position cause non-actuation of the at least one end position switch such that respective malfunctioning will be immediately apparent on the control point.

On the input side, the transmission is preferably configured such that the input member is coupled to the detection rod and pivotally hinged to the first lever arm. When coupling the detection rod to the input member, it has to be taken into account that the coupling site performs a movement along a circular arc due to the pivotal movement of the associated lever arm, whereas the detection rod performs a substantially translational movement. For harmonizing these movements, it is provided according to a first variant that the first lever arm in a manner displaceable in the axial direction is accommodated in a rotary body forming the axis of rotation of the lever. This enables a mode of functioning by which the lever arm is axially displaced during the pivotal movement of the lever such that the coupling side of the detection rod can be moved along a translational path in correspondence with the switching movement of the detection rod.

A second variant provides that the detection rod is guided in an oblong hole or slot, which allows for a compensating movement of the detection rod in such a manner that the end coupled to the first lever arm, of the detection rod is able to perform the circular-arc-shaped movement of the lever arm.

In order to obtain a particularly space-saving construction, it is preferably provided that the first lever arm is pivotally arranged in a first plane and the second lever arm is pivotally arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

It may, furthermore, be provided that the output member is displaceably arranged in a third plane parallel to the second plane. The second plane is preferably disposed above the first plane, and the third plane, where applicable, is disposed above the second plane.

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by way of an exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawing. Therein, Fig. 1 is an oblique view of the end position detector with the detection rod mounted thereto; Fig. 2 is a side view along arrow II of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a section along line III-III of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a section along line IVIV of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a section along line V-V of Fig. 2 in a first state of the switching movement; Fig. 6 is a section along line V-V of Fig. 2 in a second state of the switching movement; and Fig. 7 is a section along line V-V of Fig. 2 in a third state of the switching movement.

Fig. 1 illustrates an end position detection device comprising a housing 1 and a detection rod 2, which is displaceable relative to the housing 1. The detection rod 2 is connected to a movable switch part (not illustrated), e.g. a tongue rail, of a railway switch. Switching of the tongue rail between a closed position and an open position causes a linear movement of the detection rod in the sense of arrow 3 . The detection rod 2 is guided in a passage 4 and connected to a coupling member 5 by its end. The coupling member 5 serves to couple the detection rod 2 to the first lever arm 6 of a lever. The coupling member 5 allows for the adjustment of the effective length of the detection rod such that the axial position of the coupling member 5 length on the detection rod 2 is adjustable. This adjustability is preferably realized in that the end of the detection rod 2 is designed as a threaded spindle, which is screwed into a female thread of the coupling member 5.

The housing 1 comprises a slot 7, through which the lever arm 6 is guided into the interior of the housing 1. In Fig. 1, the detection rod 2 is depicted in one of its two end positions, in which it has been maximally displaced towards the housing 1. In the other end position, the detection rod 2 has been displaced back such that the end facing the coupling member of the first lever arm 6 was pivoted to the other end of the slot 7.

Via a leverage, which will be described in more detail below, the switching movement of the detection rod 2 drives a slide 8 to a translational movement in the sense of arrow 9, said movement being guided along a rod 10. The slide, in a manner described in more detail below, interacts with two end position switches 11 and 12, which are actuated upon reaching of the end positions by the tongue rail and are thus able to notify the reaching of the respective end position by emitting an electric signal. The end position switches 11 and 12 are translationally adjustably guided along a rod 13 in parallel with the slide 8 so as to allow for the adaptation of the end position detectors 11 and 12 to the respective switching travel of the tongue rail and the detection rod, respectively.

In Fig. 1, a fastening flange 14 is, moreover, illustrated, which enables the fastening of the end position detector to a sleeper laterally outside the rails.

Fig. 2 depicts three superimposed, parallel sectional planes, the respective sectional views being illustrated in Figs. 3 to 7 to elucidate the distribution of the individual components of the end position detector over said three planes.

Fig. 3 depicts the lowermost sectional plane, in which the first lever arm 6 of the pivot lever is arranged. The lever arm 6 is in a central pivot position such that the lever arm 6 protrudes from the housing 1 in the center of the slot 7. The first lever arm 6 is held in a rotary body 15 forming the axis of rotation of the lever, the rotary movement being indicated by double arrow 16. In the configuration according to Fig. 3, the detection rod, unlike in the configuration according to Fig. 1, is guided through a passage 4 designed as a slot or oblong hole in order to enable the coupling member 5 fastened to the detection rod 2 to perform the circular-arc-shaped movement of the coupling site of the first lever 6.

The second lever arm 17, which is fastened to the rotary body 15, is arranged in the central plane (Fig. 4), the first lever arm 6 and the second lever 17 being in mutual alignment. The second lever 17, however, is designed to be shorter than the first lever arm 6. The second lever arm 17 engages a guide gap between two blocks 18 by its spherically shaped end. The blocks 18 are rigidly connected to, in particular formed in one piece with, the slide 8. A pivotal movement of the second lever 17 is thus converted into a linear movement of the slide 8, which is translationally guided on the rod 10. The second lever arm 17 is designed to be shorter than the first lever arm 6, which results in a shorted path of the slide 8 as compared to the switching travel of the detection rod 2.

Figs. 5 to 7 illustrate the interaction of the slide 8 with the end position switches 11 and 12 in different positions. In Fig. 5, the slide 8, which is arranged in the uppermost sectional plane, is shown in the left-hand end position. It is apparent that the slide 8, on its surface facing the end position switches 11 and 12, carries two switching flanks 19 delimiting a switching groove 20. To each of the end position switches 11,12 is associated a locking slide 21,22, which is guided on the guide rod 10 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction.

The locking slides 21,22 are resiliently supported on a holding part 23 through which the guide rod 10 passes, said holding part being rigidly fixed to the respective one of the end position switches 11,12 and displaceable together with the same in the axial direction of the rod 13.

In the left-hand end position illustrated in Fig. 5, the slide 8 is in its left-hand end position, in which the locking slide 21 has been shifted to the left such that the resiliently biased switching tappet 24 is moved outwardly and hence able to dip into the groove 20, thus triggering the actuation of the end position switch 11. As illustrated in Fig. 5 by way of the right-hand end position switch 12, the locking slide 22, in the absence of the slide 8, is moved away from the holding part 23 by means of the spring 25, thus holding the switching tappet 24 of the end position switch 12 in the non-actuated position.

In Fig. 6, the slide 8 has been moved to the right as far as into a central position, departing from the position according to Fig. 5. This caused the left-hand locking slide 21 to be pushed away from the associated holding part 23 due to the spring 25 so as to hold the switching tappet 24 of the left-hand end position switch 11 in the non-actuated position.

At the end of the switching travel, the slide reaches the end position depicted in Fig. 7, in which it pushes away the locking slide 22 against the force of the spring 25 so as to enable the switching tappet 24 to dip into the switching groove 2 0 of the slide 8. The right-hand end position switch 12 is thereby actuated so as to enable the indication of the reaching of the end position.

Claims

1. A device for checking the end positions of movable parts of a railway switch, comprising a detection rod capable of being coupled to a movable part, and a detection housing comprising a transmission having an input member interacting with the detection rod and a linearly moved output member, said output member interacting with at least one end position switch for checking the two end positions of the movable railway switch part, wherein the transmission comprises a lever whose first lever arm is driven by the input member and whose second lever arm drives the output member, wherein the transmission is configured to shorten the linear path of the output member relative to the switching path of the detection rod, characterized in that the output member is configured as a linearly guided slide (8), wherein the slide comprises at least two switching flanks (19) in axially spaced-apart relationship for actuating the at least one end position switch (11,12).

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lever arm (6) is longer than the second lever arm (17), wherein the leverage ratio is preferably larger than 3:2, preferably larger than 2:1.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one switching flank (19) is arranged to be adjustable relative to the other switching flank (19) in the axial direction and fixable in the respective position.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the switching flanks (19) delimit a switching groove (20) formed on the slide (8) .

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the end position (11,12) switch comprises a spring-loaded tappet (24) or interacts with a resiliently biased actuation member.

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tappet (24), or the actuation member, with the correct end position of the movable railway switch part, snaps into the switching groove (20) defined by the switching flanks (19) .

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two end position switches (11,12) are provided, wherein each of the end position switches (11,12) is operable by an associated switching flank (19).

8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one end position switch (11,12) is arranged to be adjustable in the direction of the linear movement of the output member and fixable in the respective position.

9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a locking slide (21,22) is each associated to the end position switches (11,12), with which the slide (8), when reaching its end position, interacts to push the locking slide (21,22) away from a position locking the end position switch (11,12) against the force of a spring (25).

10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking slide (21,22) associated to the adjustable end position switch (11,12) is connected or coupled to the same for a joint displacement movement.

11. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the second lever arm (17) engages a guide slot of the output member by its end or a projection as a catch.

12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the input member is coupled to the detection rod (2) and pivotally hinged to the first lever arm (6) .

13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first lever arm (6) in a manner displaceable in the axial direction is accommodated in a rotary body (15) forming the axis of rotation of the lever.

14. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first lever arm (6) is pivotally arranged in a first plane and the second lever arm (17) is pivotally arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane .

15. A device according to claim 14, characterized in that the output member is displaceably arranged in a third plane parallel to the second plane.

16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the second plane is disposed above the first plane, and the third plane, where applicable, is disposed above the second plane .

17. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that at least a separate end position detection device is associated to each of the movable parts of a railway switch.