CA2161719C - Measuring pin for switching forces - Google Patents

Measuring pin for switching forces Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2161719C
CA2161719C CA002161719A CA2161719A CA2161719C CA 2161719 C CA2161719 C CA 2161719C CA 002161719 A CA002161719 A CA 002161719A CA 2161719 A CA2161719 A CA 2161719A CA 2161719 C CA2161719 C CA 2161719C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
joint
annular raised
pin
measuring device
switching force
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002161719A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2161719A1 (en
Inventor
Gerald Durchschlag
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Voestalpine Railway Systems GmbH
Original Assignee
Voestalpine VAE GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Voestalpine VAE GmbH filed Critical Voestalpine VAE GmbH
Publication of CA2161719A1 publication Critical patent/CA2161719A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2161719C publication Critical patent/CA2161719C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01LMEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/22Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61LGUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L27/00Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
    • B61L27/50Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades
    • B61L27/53Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for trackside elements or systems, e.g. trackside supervision of trackside control system conditions
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61RAILWAYS
    • B61LGUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L5/00Local operating mechanisms for points or track-mounted scotch-blocks; Visible or audible signals; Local operating mechanisms for visible or audible signals
    • B61L5/10Locking mechanisms for points; Means for indicating the setting of points
    • B61L5/107Locking mechanisms for points; Means for indicating the setting of points electrical control of points position
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01LMEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • G01L1/22Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using resistance strain gauges
    • G01L1/2206Special supports with preselected places to mount the resistance strain gauges; Mounting of supports
    • G01L1/2218Special supports with preselected places to mount the resistance strain gauges; Mounting of supports the supports being of the column type, e.g. cylindric, adapted for measuring a force along a single direction
    • G01L1/2225Special supports with preselected places to mount the resistance strain gauges; Mounting of supports the supports being of the column type, e.g. cylindric, adapted for measuring a force along a single direction the direction being perpendicular to the central axis
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01LMEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/0004Force transducers adapted for mounting in a bore of the force receiving structure

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
  • Pivots And Pivotal Connections (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A device for measuring the switching force at rail switches includes a measuring pin to be inserted in a joint of the switch drive. On the free end of the measuring pin a head is provided, in which an electromechanical sensor is arranged.
The measuring pin has annular raised portions or ribs arranged at different axial distances from one another outside the central plane of the joint through which the joint axis passes and cooperating with relatively pivotable parts of the joint.

Description

$1Q171g -Measuring Pin For Switching Forces The invention relates to a device for measuring the switching force at rail switches, comprising a sensor and a measuring pin connected with the sensor and designed as a deformation body to be inserted in a joint provided in the switch drive, the sensor being designed as an electro-mechanical sensor and arranged outside the point of application of force on the measuring pin in a head 1o connected with the measuring pin.
A device of the initially defined kind has become known from Austrian Patent No. 399,484. The known switching force meter is comprised of a slotted steel body, constituting a deformation body, carrying a sensor. The known switching force meter serves to measure the forces occurring between the switch drive and the switch, regardless of whether these forces act from the switch drive on the switch blades or as residual forces in spring switch blades or as an opening force against the retaining force or against the opening 2o resistance of the switch drive. To this end, the measuring pin is inserted in a cardan joint or in a biaxial joint instead of a switch connector pin, whereby bending beams are formed by the slots in the steel body. In the known device, bead-like enlargements are provided on the external surface, each serving as a point of application for the forces applied. The configuration disclosed in Austrian Patent No.
399,484 consists of an electromechanical sensor arranged outside the point of application of the force on the measuring pin in a head connected to the measuring pin. The 3o measuring sensor components are not subject to oscillations within the measuring pin because the electromechanical V

~181~ 1 g sensors are arranged outside the point of application of force in the head of the measuring pin. This configuration enables the use of a relatively wide head and facilitates the insertion and removal of the pin into and from the respective measuring position. A mechanically protected measuring sensor, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
4,530,245, could easily be incorporated in the head of such a measuring pin. In order to ensure good deformability and hence a high-quality signal, even with a thick-walled pin 1o head and with a stainless steel measuring pin and head, the head for receiving the measuring sensor of the prior art device is slotted transverse to the axis of the pin.
In a particularly advantageous manner, even with a sturdy construction, the measuring head of the prior art device includes two slots offset from each other in the axial direction ensuring that any measurement is insensitive to impacts.
Such an impact-safe and simple construction of the measuring pin may be connected to a complex evaluation 2o device by direct connection to a PC or laptop even during rough railway operation. In this configuration the sensor is connected via a signal amplifier and an analog/digital converter with a standard interface, in particular a serial interface with a computer, with a memory and a display.
The invention aims at further improving the known construction with a view to achieving sensitive measurements with a high reproducibility even at slight actuation forces, and high measuring pin stability.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a 3o switching force measuring device for use in a rail switch of the type including a switch drive having a joint with a X181, ~9 joint axis and connector rods pivotable relative to each other about the joint axis. The switching force measuring device comprises a measuring pin with a deformable outer body for insertion into the joint of the switch drive, and an electromechanical sensor means mounted on one end of the measuring pin outside the joint responsive to deformation of the outer body resulting from the application of a force by the connector rods on the body. The measuring pin body includes three circumferentially extending annular raised 1o portions provided at different axial distances from one another outside the central plane of the joint, through which the joint axis passes, for engagement with the relatively pivotable connector rods.
Due to the fact that the annular raised portions or ribs in the manner proposed by the invention are designed to be spaced apart in the axial direction, it is feasible to introduce the actuation forces into the measuring pin sufficiently eccentrical so as to ensure an intensification of the mechanical deformation according to the lever 2o principle, and hence of the measuring signal. On the whole, a precise measured value is obtained at extremely small actuation forces due to the eccentric absorption of force, thus considerably enhancing the sensitivity of the known device without affecting the operational safety and the stability of the measuring pin.
The construction according to the invention is further developed in a manner that one of the axial distances of the annular raised portions relative to one another is greater than the width of the coupling rod forming part of the 3o joint, measured in the direction of the pivot axis of the joint, thereby ensuring that the greatest conceivable ?181719 distance for an eccentric force introduction can be utilized thus obtaining a mechanical amplification of the measured signal.
The desired extent of the eccentric force introduction for the purpose of mechanical force intensification is safeguarded by arranging the annular raised portions neighboring the sensor and head at an axial distance relative to each other that is smaller than the axial distance between the middle annular raised portion and the 1o third annular raised portion. Thereby, it is ensured that the introduction of force to the first raised portion results in the reliable deformation of the measuring pin at the clamping point of the sensor. Moreover, the configuration may be such that the measuring pin comprises an axial bore for a cable bushing. In particular such an axial bore for a cable bushing allows the cable bushing to extend downwardly from the pin in a protected manner, and a simple connector plug to be attached to the end of the measuring pin for continuing cable connections. The cable 2o connections and connector plugs, which are substantially less resistant from a mechanical point of view, can be arranged on the bottom end in a protected manner. Moreover, the encapsulation of the measuring sensor on the upper end is also feasible thus increasing the operational safety thereof. This configuration also provides a means for securing the measuring pin against rotation comprising a cover sealingly encompassing the sensor externally.
In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by way of a comparison of the known 3o configuration with the further development according to the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic partial view through a joint with a measuring pin inserted, according to the prior arty Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of the known measuring pin; and Fig. 3 is a partial section through the construction according to the invention.
With reference to Fig. 1, the end of a connector rod 1 includes a fork piece 2, in which the bearing eye 3 of a coupling rod 4 is inserted. The connection between the 1o bearing eye 3 and the fork piece 2 is effected by means of a measuring pin 5 comprising rib-shaped raised portions 6 on its outer surface, each engaging in the respective recess of the fork piece 2 or of the bearing eye 3, in a positive and force-transmitting manner. A head 7, in which an electromechanical sensor 8 is mounted, is attached to the free end of the pin 5. The head 7 includes a stop shoulder for receiving a plate-shaped web 9 of an intermediate piece 10. The intermediate piece 10 is mounted on the fork 2 using a portion of the piece 10 which extends transversely 2o to the plate-shaped web 9 to thereby prevent relative rotation between the head 7 and the fork 2.
Fig. 2 depicts the measuring pin 5 in detail. Annular raised portions 6 are provided on the external surface of the measuring pin body for introducing forces to the body from the connector rods. The widened head 7, provided with slots 11, contains the electromechanical measuring sensor 8 in its cavity. The electric feed line, which is appropriately secured against tension, is indicated by 12.
From Fig. 3 the construction according to the invention 3o is apparent. The respective annular raised portions or ribs 6 are arranged at a distance a and b from each other and the three annular raised portions 6 are each arranged outside the longitudinal central plane 13 of the joint, through which the pivot axis 14 of the joint passes. The measuring sensor 8 is arranged in the head 7 proximate the first annular raised portion 6. The distance c, from the first annular raised portion 6 neighboring the sensor 8 to the central plane 13 is greater than the distance b between the first annular raised portions 6 and the middle annular raised portion 6. The middle annular raised portion 6 of 1o the measuring pin 5 is located in the opening of the coupling rod 4 and absorbs forces eccentrically, whereas in the prior art devices the force absorption takes place in the longitudinal central plane 13. This shift of the middle annular raised portion 6 in the direction towards the sensor 8 out of the longitudinal central plane 13 results in the mechanical intensification of deformation and hence in the amplification of the electric measured value obtained.
In the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the cable 12 is fed through an axial bore in the measuring pin 5, and ends 2o in a connector plug 15, which extends out from the lower end of the measuring pin 5.
In order to enhance the protection, and encapsulation from environmental influences, a cover 16 is provided, which is fixed to the fork piece 2 by means of screws 17. This cover 16 sealingly encompasses the head 7 and hence the measuring sensor 8, while securing the head 7 against rotation at the same time. A slot extending in the longitudinal direction of the measuring pin 5 is indicated by 18.

Claims (7)

1. A switching force measuring device for use in a rail switch of the type including a switch drive having a joint with a joint axis and connector rods pivotable relative to each other about the joint axis, the switching force measuring device comprising:
a measuring pin with a deformable outer body for insertion into said joint of said switch drive; and an electromechanical sensor means mounted on one end of said measuring pin outside said joint responsive to deformation of said outer body resulting from the application of a force by said connector rods on said body;
wherein said measuring pin body includes three circumferentially extending annular raised portions provided at different axial distances from one another outside the central plane of said joint, through which said joint axis passes, for engagement with said relatively pivotable connector rods.
2. The switching force measuring device according to claim 1, wherein one of said connector rods is a coupling rod, and wherein one of said different axial distances of said three annular raised portions relative to one another is greater than the width of said coupling rod in the direction of said joint axis.
3. The switching force measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said three annular raised portions comprise:
a first and a middle annular raised portion proximate the one end of said pin with said sensor means; and a third annular raised portion proximate the other end of said pin;
wherein said first and middle annular raised portions are at an axial distance relative to each other that is smaller than the axial distance between said middle and said third annular raised portions.
4. The switching force measuring device according to claim 3, wherein said sensor means is proximate said first annular raised portion.
5. The switching force measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an axial bore provided in said measuring pin to. receive a cable bushing.
6. The switching force measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising securing means mounted on one of said connector rods for securing said measuring pin against rotation.
7. The switching force measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said securing means comprises a cover sealingly encompassing said sensor means externally.
CA002161719A 1994-10-31 1995-10-30 Measuring pin for switching forces Expired - Fee Related CA2161719C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0038394U AT523U1 (en) 1994-10-31 1994-10-31 SETTING POINT BOLT WITH ASYMMETRICAL FORCE INITIATION
ATGM383/94 1994-10-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2161719A1 CA2161719A1 (en) 1996-05-01
CA2161719C true CA2161719C (en) 2000-12-19

Family

ID=3489143

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002161719A Expired - Fee Related CA2161719C (en) 1994-10-31 1995-10-30 Measuring pin for switching forces

Country Status (15)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0709661B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH08210933A (en)
AT (2) AT523U1 (en)
AU (1) AU688129B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2161719C (en)
DE (1) DE59508041D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0709661T3 (en)
EE (1) EE03233B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2144117T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3033369T3 (en)
NO (1) NO954343L (en)
PT (1) PT709661E (en)
RU (1) RU2125253C1 (en)
SI (1) SI0709661T1 (en)
UA (1) UA35615C2 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2620347B1 (en) * 2012-01-24 2014-10-08 Alstom Ferroviaria S.P.A. Non trailable switch machine for railroad switches or the like
ITRM20130404A1 (en) * 2013-07-11 2015-01-12 Deltatech Di Fondriest Ivan Giovann I METHOD FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FUNCTIONING OF A RAILWAY DEVIATOA, AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
CN111896158A (en) * 2019-05-05 2020-11-06 陕西英泰和电子科技有限责任公司 Self-centering switch conversion resistance sensor
WO2024144719A1 (en) * 2022-12-30 2024-07-04 Osti̇m Tekni̇k Üni̇versi̇tesi̇ A vibration signal amplifying system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU517131B2 (en) * 1971-02-19 1981-07-09 U.S. Amada, Ltd. Punch press
JPS5740623A (en) * 1980-08-25 1982-03-06 Japanese National Railways<Jnr> Connection pin type axial force detector for railway diverging junction
US4530245A (en) 1983-10-17 1985-07-23 Revere Corporation Of America Strain measuring apparatus and method of making same
AT399484B (en) * 1993-05-10 1995-05-26 Voest Alpine Eisenbahnsysteme DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE SWITCHING FORCE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EE03233B1 (en) 1999-10-15
EP0709661B1 (en) 2000-03-22
AU688129B2 (en) 1998-03-05
NO954343D0 (en) 1995-10-30
ES2144117T3 (en) 2000-06-01
ATE191084T1 (en) 2000-04-15
AT523U1 (en) 1995-12-27
DK0709661T3 (en) 2000-08-28
DE59508041D1 (en) 2000-04-27
EP0709661A2 (en) 1996-05-01
NO954343L (en) 1996-05-02
EP0709661A3 (en) 1997-01-15
AU3456195A (en) 1996-05-09
JPH08210933A (en) 1996-08-20
PT709661E (en) 2000-09-29
RU2125253C1 (en) 1999-01-20
CA2161719A1 (en) 1996-05-01
UA35615C2 (en) 2001-04-16
GR3033369T3 (en) 2000-09-29
SI0709661T1 (en) 2000-06-30

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