DE102022207896B3 - Device for attaching to a contact wire of an overhead line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (11) for fastening to a contact wire (1) of an overhead line, in particular to an overhead line of a railway, the device (11) having: - a fastening device (41, 51) which is designed to hold the device ( 11) to be attached to the contact wire (1), - an energy supply device for supplying at least one electrical consumer of the device (11) with energy, the energy supply device having: - a coil (25) in which, when current flows through the contact wire (1) an electrical voltage is induced, which enables the supply of the at least one electrical consumer, and - a magnetic core (27), the magnetic core (27) being an open magnetic core (27), with two legs (29), each of which has a free end (30) of the magnetic core (27), which in the assembled state of the device (11) extend from top to bottom and in each case one of the grooves (3) of the contact wire (1) at the transition between the upper part and the lower part of the contact wire (1) so that the contact wire (1) or the space above the contact wire (1) is between the free ends of the legs (29), and the two legs (29) are connected by a connecting section (91) of the magnetic core (27 ) are connected to each other.

Description

The invention relates to a device for fastening to a contact wire of an overhead line, in particular to an overhead line of a railway line. However, overhead lines are also used in facilities for other vehicles such as trolleybuses. The vehicles can also be, for example, automatically moving transport vehicles, such as those found in warehouses or industrial plants. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a device.

Devices for attaching to a contact wire of an overhead line are known. For example EP 2 616 305 A2 describes an arrangement for transmitting data from and/or to a route element of track-based traffic, which comprises a feed device arranged in the area of an electrical traction current conductor. A transmission device connected to the route element in terms of communication technology is used to wirelessly transmit the data to and/or from the feeding device. Furthermore, the feed device is designed to wirelessly transmit the data from and/or to the track element and to feed and/or feed the data into or out of the electrical traction current conductor.

Also DE 10 2016 114 322 A1 discloses a network device which is designed for attachment to an overhead line through which current flows. The network device comprises at least one inductive energy generation device which, when the network device is used as intended, is arranged and designed relative to the overhead line in such a way that the energy required for the electrical operation of the network device can be obtained from the induced voltage and the resulting induction current. Furthermore, the network device comprises at least one transceiver, which is set up to receive and send signals from a plurality of first sensors that sense operating and / or condition parameters of the overhead line and / or the rail or road network or a route assigned to the overhead line Transceiver of another network device attached along the overhead line to transmit wirelessly. The document also describes a system with a variety of such network devices.

Although the device according to the present invention preferably also has a transmission device for wirelessly transmitting data and/or other signals, this is not a mandatory feature of the device. Rather, it is possible for data stored in the device to be read out occasionally. This can optionally be done via electrical contacting.

Devices attached to an overhead line require energy to operate their facilities. One way to generate energy, particularly if the device mounted on the overhead line receives little or no sunlight, is to use field energy from the electromagnetic field of the overhead line through which an electric current flows.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for attachment to an overhead line, which can be built compactly and enables efficient energy generation.

• - eine Befestigungseinrichtung, die ausgestaltet ist, die Vorrichtung an dem Fahrdraht zu befestigen,
• - eine Energieversorgungseinrichtung zur Versorgung zumindest eines elektrischen Verbrauchers der Vorrichtung mit Energie,

wobei die Energieversorgungseinrichtung aufweist:

• - eine Spule, in der bei Stromfluss durch den Fahrdraht eine elektrische Spannung induziert wird, die die Versorgung des zumindest einen elektrischen Verbrauchers ermöglicht, und
• - einen Magnetkern,

wobei der Magnetkern ein offener Magnetkern ist, mit zwei Schenkeln, die jeweils ein freies Ende des Magnetkerns bilden, die sich im montierten Zustand der Vorrichtung von oben nach unten erstrecken und sich dabei jeweils einer der Rillen des Fahrdrahtes am Übergang zwischen dem Oberteil und dem Unterteil des Fahrdrahtes annähern, sodass sich der Fahrdraht oder der Raum oberhalb des Fahrdrahtes zwischen den freien Enden der Schenkel befindet, und wobei die zwei Schenkel durch einen Verbindungsabschnitt des Magnetkerns miteinander verbunden sind.A device is proposed for attachment to a contact wire of an overhead line, in particular to an overhead line of a railway, the device having:

• - a fastening device which is designed to fasten the device to the contact wire,
• - an energy supply device for supplying at least one electrical consumer of the device with energy,

wherein the energy supply device has:

• - a coil in which, when current flows through the contact wire, an electrical voltage is induced, which enables the supply of at least one electrical consumer, and
• - a magnetic core,

wherein the magnetic core is an open magnetic core, with two legs, each of which forms a free end of the magnetic core, which extend from top to bottom in the assembled state of the device and in each case one of the grooves of the contact wire at the transition between the upper part and the lower part of the contact wire, so that the contact wire or the space above the contact wire is located between the free ends of the legs, and the two legs are connected to one another by a connecting section of the magnetic core.

• - Vorsehen einer Befestigungseinrichtung als Teil der Vorrichtung, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung derart ausgestaltet wird, dass die Vorrichtung mittels der Befestigungseinrichtung an dem Fahrdraht befestigbar ist,
• - Vorsehen einer Energieversorgungseinrichtung als Teil der Vorrichtung, wobei die Energieversorgungseinrichtung dazu ausgestaltet wird, zumindest einen elektrischen Verbraucher der Vorrichtung mit Energie zu versorgen,

wobei als Teile der Energieversorgungseinrichtung vorgesehen werden:

• - eine Spule, in der bei Stromfluss durch den Fahrdraht eine elektrische Spannung induziert wird, die die Versorgung des zumindest einen elektrischen Verbrauchers ermöglicht, und
• - einen Magnetkern,

wobei der Magnetkern als offener Magnetkern ausgebildet wird, mit zwei Schenkeln, die jeweils ein freies Ende des Magnetkerns bilden, die sich im montierten Zustand der Vorrichtung von oben nach unten erstrecken und sich dabei jeweils einer der Rillen des Fahrdrahtes am Übergang zwischen dem Oberteil und dem Unterteil des Fahrdrahtes annähern, sodass sich der Fahrdraht oder der Raum oberhalb des Fahrdrahtes zwischen den freien Enden der Schenkel befindet, und
wobei die zwei Schenkel durch einen Verbindungsabschnitt des Magnetkerns miteinander verbunden werden.Furthermore, a method is proposed for producing a device which can be attached to a contact wire of an overhead line, in particular to an overhead line of a railway line, the method comprising:

• - Providing a fastening device as part of the device, the fastening device being designed such that the device can be fastened to the contact wire by means of the fastening device,
• - Providing an energy supply device as part of the device, the energy supply device being designed to supply at least one electrical consumer of the device with energy,

The following are provided as parts of the energy supply device:

• - a coil in which, when current flows through the contact wire, an electrical voltage is induced, which enables the supply of at least one electrical consumer, and
• - a magnetic core,

wherein the magnetic core is designed as an open magnetic core, with two legs, each of which forms a free end of the magnetic core, which extend from top to bottom in the assembled state of the device and in each case one of the grooves of the contact wire at the transition between the upper part and the Approach the lower part of the contact wire so that the contact wire or the space above the contact wire is between the free ends of the legs, and
wherein the two legs are connected to one another by a connecting section of the magnetic core.

The design of the magnetic core as an open magnetic core with legs, which approach the contact wire with their free ends, represents a compact and efficient solution. Basically, the magnetic core improves the efficiency of energy generation. Not only can the free ends of the magnetic core come close to the contact wire or even mechanically contact it, but the coil can also be arranged close to the contact wire. This enables a compact structure and is also particularly efficient because the coil is located in an area of the electromagnetic field in which the field strengths are high due to its small distance from the contact wire. In addition, positioning the coils close to the contact wire has the advantage that the magnetic core can be made smaller in the circumferential direction of the contact wire or the coil. It is therefore preferred that the coil is located in the lower half of the device, preferably in the lower third of the device, where "half" and "third" refer to the height of the device mounted on the contact wire.

Further possible features and configurations of the device and the method are described below. In particular, the manufacturing method can therefore be designed in such a way that the device receives the respective corresponding feature.

In particular, the two legs and/or the connecting section can be formed from sheet metal. The sheet consists of a magnetic and/or magnetizable material, as is the case, for example, with a so-called electrical sheet. A sheet metal has the advantage that it is less weight than thicker materials and saves space. In particular, each of the legs can be formed from more than one piece of sheet metal. The sheet metal pieces can be connected to each other.

In particular, the connection section extends through the coil. At least some of the electrical lines of the coil are preferably wound in such a way that a free space is created for the connecting section, which is located above the contact wire in the assembled state of the device and allows the connecting section to extend through the free space transversely to the longitudinal extent of the contact wire extend and connect the two legs of the magnetic core together. The term connect leaves open whether the two legs and the connecting section of the magnetic core are made from a continuous half-piece without joints (such as from a continuous sheet of metal) or from several pieces joined together.

In particular, the two legs can have a longer length at their free ends than the connecting section (i.e. can be manufactured in an attractive manner), the length in the assembled state of the device being considered in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the contact wire. The length is therefore measured along the contact wire when assembled. Due to the greater length of the legs, the guidance and bundling of the magnetic field lines near the contact wire can be improved with a space-saving and low-weight design of the coil. The efficiency of the energy supply is thus increased.

For example, the respective leg can be made from a piece of sheet metal in the area of its larger length and made from at least one other piece of sheet metal in its shorter area. The sheet metal pieces are/are connected to one another using a suitable joining method, such as welding. In particular, the respective leg can be formed in its shorter area from a stack of sheet metal pieces and in its longer area from a single sheet metal piece or a stack of sheet metal pieces with a smaller stack thickness.

In particular, the two legs can each extend with their free ends into one of the grooves of the contact wire. This refers to the state of the device mounted on the contact wire. This measure also improves the guidance and bundling of the magnetic field lines on the contact wire and increases the efficiency of the energy supply.

The two legs are preferably flexible, at least in the area of their free ends, so that mounting the device on the contact wire is easier. In particular if the two legs are more elastically deformable in the area of their free ends, the distance between the free ends can be increased by elastic deformation during assembly of the device, so that the free ends can be arranged on the contact wire in the manner of a spring clip. It is possible that during assembly the free ends in the area of the respective groove of the contact wire come into contact with the surface of the contact wire, i.e. the distance between the free ends in a horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the contact wire is less than the width of the contact wire at the contact point. However, it is also possible that at least one of the free ends does not come into contact with the surface of the contact wire during assembly. If such contact occurs, the guidance and bundling of the magnetic field lines is further improved and a clamping effect can also be achieved, which prevents the legs from being accidentally detached from the contact wire or reduces the frequency of this. Optionally, the clamping effect can also improve the security of the attachment of the device to the contact wire.

A device was previously described which, due to the open magnetic core, is suitable for attachment to a contact wire of an overhead line or is designed accordingly. However, this description describes further devices for attachment to an overhead line, which can also be at least partially attached to a supporting cable of an overhead line.

In particular, the device with the open magnetic core can also be modified according to a further development in such a way that it can be attached to a supporting cable of an overhead line and the open magnetic core is supplemented to form a closed magnetic core.

In particular, the device can have a supplementary piece as part of the magnetic core, which can be connected or connected to the free ends of the legs when the device is attached to a supporting cable of an overhead line in such a way that the supplementary piece, the two legs and the connecting section are closed a magnetic core is/is formed around the supporting cable. This makes it possible to slightly modify the same device and also use it when attached to a suspension cable. In particular, the modification can optionally also affect the fastening device, i.e. H. this is modified so that it is used for attachment to the support cable.

This includes, in particular, a device that has the features of the previously described device, namely a fastening device for attachment to a support cable, a power supply device with a coil and with a magnetic core, but the magnetic core is closed and therefore the overhead line circulates.

Furthermore, a device is proposed which has a fastening device for fastening the device to a contact wire of an overhead line. The fastening device can in particular be part of any device described in this description in order to fasten it to the contact wire. The device to be attached can, for example, be the device with the power supply device, which has a magnetic core. However, it may also be any other device described in this description and the appended claims or any other device to be attached to the contact wire of the overhead line.

In addition, a corresponding method for attaching such a device is proposed, wherein a fastening device is used to attach the device to a contact wire of an overhead line.

The fastening device has a clamping bracket, the clamping bracket having two halves which, in the fastened state, extend to opposite sides of the contact wire, which are connected to one another at the top and thus define an inside between the halves and an outside, the halves each having a free bracket end, which in the attached state it engages in one of the two opposing grooves of the contact wire and in the attached state it is clamped to the contact wire. Furthermore, the fastening device has a clamping device for clamping the ends of the brackets in the grooves of the contact wire. When attached, part of the device is fixed to the clamping bracket. This part can be, for example, a housing part and/or a part of the supporting structure of the device. In particular, the optional counterpart mentioned below can be provided in addition to the part of the device or can form the part of the device.

Optionally, the fastening device can have an insert which, in the fastened state, is placed at the top of the inside between the halves and is in flat contact with the surface of the clamping bracket on its inside. The clamping bracket can have a connecting device which connects the insert via the upper region of the clamping bracket and/or through the upper region to the part of the device which is fixed to the clamping bracket in the attached state.

The insert can be a separate part from the clamping bracket, which is arranged on the inside of the clamping bracket in particular during the process of attaching the device to the contact wire. For example, in this case the insert is connected to the part of the device to be fastened by means of at least one fastening screw or another fastening bolt. According to one embodiment, the insert has a recess and in particular a hole, for example a threaded hole in the case of the fastening screw. In any case, even if no insert is provided, the at least one fastening bolt can then extend through a through opening at the top of the clamping bracket to the part of the device to be fastened.

Alternatively, the insert can also be connected to the clamping bracket permanently and regardless of whether the clamping bracket is clamped to the contact wire with its free ends or not. In this case, for example, no recess is provided for the fastening bolt on the insert, but rather the fastening bolt is, for example, firmly connected to the insert, for example as a bolt with an external thread. The bolt can then extend to the part of the device to be fastened or even extend into or through the part and, for example in the case of a threaded bolt, be secured by at least one screw nut.

It is also possible to omit the insert. In this case, the clamping bracket can, for example, have a threaded hole at the top into which a screw is screwed from above during assembly.

The halves of the clamping bracket can, for example, be shaped in mirror images of one another with respect to a central plane of the clamping bracket. When the clamping bracket is mounted on the contact wire, the central plane then runs vertically through the contact wire and also extends in the longitudinal direction of the contact wire.

The clamping means for tightening the ends of the bracket in the grooves of the contact wire can have at least one fastening bolt which, in the fastened state, extends through a through opening of at least one half of the clamping bracket. In a specific embodiment, the fastening bolt can have an external thread and, in the fastened state, extend through a through opening in each of the two halves of the clamping bracket. At least one threaded nut can then be screwed onto the fastening bolt on the outside of at least one of the halves and the ends of the bracket can be tightened by screwing them into the grooves of the contact wire. If a threaded nut is only screwed onto the outside of one of the halves, the threaded bolt can, for example, have a head on the outside of the other half.

However, other clamping means are also possible, for example a clamping device that extends around the two halves of the clamping bracket and in this way connects the halves to one another over two different sections.

Optionally, the fastening device further has a counterpart to the insert, which counterpart is/is arranged above the clamping bracket when the device is in the attached state and which is connected to the clamping bracket and preferably directly to the insert via at least one fastening bolt when the device is in the attached state . The counterpart can then in turn be connected to the part of the device to be fastened. In particular, the counterpart can have a trough-shaped receptacle for receiving the upper region of the clamping bracket. In this way, the upper area of the clamping bracket is embedded in the counterpart and in particular comes into flat contact, i.e. H. Surface parts of the counterpart rest not only at points but preferably in a line or over the entire surface on surface parts of the upper region of the clamping bracket. In particular, there can be not just one linear or full-surface contact area, but several.

The insert and/or the counterpart is/are designed in such a way that the clamping bracket is from a first state in which it can be brought from above with its free ends into a mounting position on the contact wire, but the free ends are still at a first, larger distance have to each other, can be brought into a second state in which the free ends have a second, smaller distance from one another. The second distance corresponds to the distance in the assembled state of the clamping bracket. The second state can therefore in particular the assembled state of the clamping bracket on the contact wire. In particular, the dimensions of the insert are therefore preferably coordinated with the dimensions of the clamping bracket on its inside in the upper area in such a way that the movement of the free ends of the halves of the clamping bracket towards one another is possible, which allows the clamping bracket to be mounted on the contact wire. In particular, the clamping bracket can be free of constraints in the first state and therefore be mechanically relaxed (or alternatively a smaller clamping force is exerted on it in the first state, whereas it is brought into the second state by the clamping means and a clamping force or a stronger one Clamping force is exerted on it.

The fastening device with the clamping bracket has the advantage that it is simple and reliable to manufacture. In particular, the clamping bracket can be designed like the clamping bracket for attaching the contact wire to a support cable. However, the other parts of the fastening device are not provided when attaching the contact wire to a support cable. Rather, the support cable can extend through the space between the halves of the clamping bracket. The other parts are then not needed.

Another device that can be attached to a contact wire is described below. The features of this device may optionally also be present in any of the other devices described in this description and/or the appended claims. Conversely, the features of these other devices can be present in any combination in the device described below. However, these features do not have to be present in the device described below.

One task in relation to the device described below is to be able to easily detect wear of the contact wire. Further tasks include specifying a corresponding operating procedure and a corresponding manufacturing process. The wear occurs due to the friction of the vehicle's pantographs on the underside of the contact wire.

It is proposed to provide at least two magnetometers as part of the device to be attached to the contact wire. In two places where the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying contact wire changes in different ways as the contact wire wears out. Preferably more than two magnetometers are part of the device. Even then, at least two of the several magnetometers are positioned in such a way that the magnetic field strength you measure changes over time in different ways depending on the wear of the contact wire. Preferably, this can also be the case for more than two of the magnetometers, i.e. the magnetic field strength changes in different ways at more than two measuring locations depending on the wear of the contact wire.

If the two magnetometers are positioned symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane of symmetry of the contact wire, the two magnetometers could detect the same magnetic field strength. To avoid this, one of the magnetometers is, for example, arranged at a lower position and thus closer to the underside of the contact wire than the other magnetometer. For example, an arrangement is well suited in which one of the magnetometers is/is arranged above the contact wire, while another of the magnetometers is/is arranged next to the contact wire. Depending on the positioning and type of wear, the magnetometer arranged closer to the bottom can measure larger field strengths in one case and smaller field strengths in another case as wear increases and based on the same current strength. This depends on the respective positioning.

For example, the wear of the contact wire typically forms a kinking surface on its underside, which locally leads to a greater magnetic field strength than was the case with the contact wire not worn out. However, there are also cases in which the wear of the contact wire does not result in a horizontal lower surface, but rather an oblique lower surface. Therefore, the change in magnetic field strength depends on the type of wear.

It is therefore suggested that the temporal progression of the magnetic field strength be determined in advance for different types of wear. The corresponding temporal profiles are then taken into account when evaluating the values measured by the at least two magnetometers and the corresponding wear. It is not only for this procedure that it is proposed that a large number (i.e. at least three and preferably a much larger number) of the values measured by the magnetometers be taken into account when determining the wear. For example, the magnetometers repeatedly generate measured values over time and when determining wear, the entire history of the measured values (i.e. the temporal progression of the measured values) or the history of the measured values over a predetermined period of time is taken into account.

With regard to the positioning, the at least two magnetometers are/will be formulated more generally, in particular at different positions with respect to a circumference around the contact wire and/or with respect to a distance from the contact wire (ie at different distances from the contact wire, for example from the center of the contact wire, which, for example, is provided by a central one Longitudinal axis of the contact wire is defined, approximately to the center of gravity of the contact wire in a cross-sectional plane). The circumference extends around the contact wire in any plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the contact wire. The magnetometers can only be positioned above the lower surface of the contact wire, otherwise they would collide with the pantograph of a vehicle. By positioning the two magnetometers differently with respect to the circumferential direction, the effects of wear on the contact wire that have different effects on the local magnetic field can be detected. The different positioning with respect to the contact wire also includes the case that the at least two magnetometers are not in the same plane, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the contact wire. In order to be able to determine or indicate the position in a common plane, the position of one of the magnetometers can, for example, be projected perpendicularly onto the plane in which the other magnetometer is positioned. When talking about a position in a plane, this refers, for example, to a clear reference point of the magnetometer, such as its center of gravity (center of gravity, ie the center of gravity viewed in a cross-sectional plane).

• - wiederholtes Messen einer Magnetfeldstärke des von dem stromdurchflossenen Fahrdraht erzeugten Magnetfeldes an unterschiedlichen Positionen bezüglich eines Umfangs um den Fahrdraht,
• - Auswerten der erhaltenen Magnetfeldstärken-Messwerte am Ort der Vorrichtung oder einem entfernten Ort.

With regard to the operation of the device attached to a contact wire of an overhead line, a method is proposed which has:

• - repeatedly measuring a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying contact wire at different positions with respect to a circumference around the contact wire,
• - Evaluate the magnetic field strength measurements obtained at the location of the device or at a remote location.

Furthermore, a method for producing a device for fastening to a contact wire of an overhead line, in particular to an overhead line of a railway, is proposed, with at least two magnetometers being provided as part of the device, which are arranged at different positions with respect to a circumference around the contact wire.

Embodiments of the method result from embodiments of the device which has at least two magnetometers.

It would be conceivable to measure the effects of contact wire wear on magnetic field strength using a single magnetometer. In practice, however, the current strengths of the electrical current flowing through the contact wire vary greatly. Since at least two magnetometers are present according to the solution described here, the measured value of the magnetic field strength generated by at least one of the magnetometers can be used as a reference for the instantaneous current strength and is also used for this purpose in the operating method. For example, the quotient of the magnetic field strengths measured by two magnetometers can be formed. However, this is just one way to use the reading from one of the magnetometers as a reference. Another possibility is, for example, to form the difference between the measured values of the two magnetometers and normalize the difference, for example by dividing by one of the measured values.

It is preferred that at least one of the magnetometers of the device and preferably all of the magnetometers of the device is a Hall sensor or are Hall sensors. Their advantage is that they are easy to build and have very low energy consumption.

A further feature of a device that can be arranged on an overhead line (in particular the contact wire or supporting cable of the contact wire) of a route can be the presence of at least one transceiver, ie the device has the at least one transceiver. This applies to each of the devices described in this description and the appended claims. The device can be designed so that it sends signals such as measured values from at least one sensor of the device (such as the previously mentioned magnetometers, alternatively or additionally but also, for example, a temperature sensor and / or another sensor) to the transceiver or one of the Transceiver transmits, for example via a signal line of the device and/or wirelessly. Devices for overhead lines with at least one such transceiver are already known. The transceiver can send out (for example to a remotely located device on the same overhead line or in the same section of the vehicle route or to a base station on or next to the route. The transmission of the signals by means of the at least one transceiver makes it possible, in particular, to transmit the measured values from sensors of the device, such as the magnetic field strengths, to an external device that evaluates the measured values. In particular if there are more than one device and in particular more than two devices, each of which is attached to a contact wire or a support cable of a contact wire and / or which are arranged next to the route, all of these devices having at least one transceiver for transmitting and in particular further transmitting the Having signals can be referred to as a network or transmission network. The individual device can therefore also be referred to as a network device or network device.

In particular, the determination of wear can be carried out by the device itself. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be carried out by the external device. The wear of the contact wire can be determined not only as already described based on the measured magnetic field strengths, but alternatively or additionally taking into account at least one temperature measurement value of the overhead line. This is based on the idea that the temperature of the contact wire depends on its degree of wear. This effect is already known and will not be described in more detail here. It should be noted that each of the devices described in this description and the attached claims can have at least one temperature sensor for measuring the contact wire temperature. Preferably, the temperature sensor or at least one of the temperature sensors is an infrared sensor, i.e. H. a sensor that receives infrared radiation emitted by the contact wire and uses this to determine the temperature of the contact wire or provides a measured value from which the temperature can then be determined directly.

In particular, it is advantageous if both the previously described arrangement of magnetometers and at least one temperature sensor are parts of the device. According to one embodiment of the device and the operating method, the temperature measurement value repeatedly delivered over time by the temperature sensor and/or its time dependence can be evaluated in at least one of the ways described below. On the one hand, it can be concluded from the long-term temperature fluctuations that occur over a longer period of time, namely a long-term increase in temperature, that the electrical resistance of the contact wire has increased and the contact wire has therefore become worn. On the other hand, it can be concluded from short-term temperature fluctuations that occur over a shorter period of time, namely both short-term temperature increases and short-term temperature decreases, that the current intensity has increased (and therefore the increased electrical current in the contact wire produces more heat per unit of time due to its electrical resistance generated) or the current intensity has decreased (and therefore the reduced electrical current in the contact wire generates less heat per unit of time due to its electrical resistance). Furthermore, it is preferred that the ambient temperature is also measured by at least one additional temperature sensor of the device. This enables an evaluation device of the device or an evaluation device located remotely from the device to take the ambient temperature into account when determining the electrical current and/or wear. This is based on the idea that the contact wire releases heat into the environment per unit of time, depending on how high the ambient temperature is. The greater the temperature difference between the contact wire and the environment, the higher the heat loss. This in turn affects the temperature of the contact wire. In winter, for example, with the same current strength and the same cross-sectional area of the contact wire (and therefore with the same degree of wear), the temperature of the contact wire will lose more heat to the environment per unit of time and will therefore have a lower temperature than in summer.

Another feature of a device that can be arranged on an overhead line (in particular a contact wire or supporting cable of the contact wire) of a route can be the presence of at least one energy generation device. This applies to each of the devices described in this description and the appended claims. The respective energy generation device can be designed so that it generates energy at the location of the device in a form that can be used for the operation of the device and is preferably also used. This energy generation device can be the energy supply device already mentioned above, or a part of it. However, the energy production device can also be another device, as can be seen from the following.

A type of energy production device that can be used for this purpose works according to the principle of photovoltaics and thus converts incident electromagnetic radiation, particularly from the sun, into electrical energy. Alternatively or additionally, the device can at least have an example of another type of energy harvesting device, namely an inductive energy harvesting device. During operation, this generates electrical energy through magnetic induction from the magnetic field generated by the overhead line through which current flows. The magnetic core power supply device mentioned above is an example of this.

The device described below can also be one of the devices described before or after this description, i.e. H. their features may also be present in one or more of these devices. However, it is also possible that the device described below is not one of the devices described before or after and therefore does not have their features or is simply a device that can be attached to an overhead line.

The device described below and a corresponding manufacturing method are based on the task of specifying/producing a device that can be attached to an overhead line, with which devices of the device can be stably attached and which can be designed to be compact and space-saving.

The device has a load-bearing structure to which devices of the device are attached and are supported by it, the load-bearing structure, in its mounted state on the contact wire or the overhead line, being attached to the contact wire or the overhead line via a fastening device. The supporting structure has a lower part which is arranged closer to the contact wire in the assembled state and an upper part which is arranged further away from the contact wire in the assembled state. In the lower part there is at least one receptacle or such a receptacle is provided, in which an energy storage device for storing energy for operating devices of the device is/is received.

In particular, it is advantageous if at least parts of the energy supply of devices of the device (such as at least one of the sensors described in this description) and / or parts of the control of the operation of devices are arranged in and/or on the upper part of the supporting structure . For example, a circuit board which carries and/or has electrical and/or electronic components can be attached to the upper part. The circuit board is not to be assigned to the supporting structure of the device, but is itself supported by the supporting structure of the device. But it in turn carries other parts of the device.

In particular, the supporting structure can be connected to a housing of the device via at least one fastening means (such as a rod-shaped and/or plate-shaped connection. The housing protects all devices and/or parts of the device from external influences. The housing material, for example Plastic may be unsuitable for the undisturbed operation of individual devices (such as the infrared sensor described elsewhere), so that the housing optionally has or is provided with a through opening or preferably a window. For example, in the case of the infrared sensor, in the housing a window that is transparent to infrared radiation must be used.

Alternatively or additionally, the supporting structure can have at least one opening through which an attachment, such as a leg of the magnetic core described above, extends. Such openings are preferably arranged in a central longitudinal section of the housing and in the lower part of the device so that the interior of the housing is protected against environmental influences.

• 1 einen Fahrdraht einer Oberleitung mit einer daran befestigten Vorrichtung,
• 2 eine Seitenansicht auf eine nicht vollständig dargestellte Vorrichtung zur Befestigung an einem Fahrdraht, zum Beispiel eine Ausführungsform der in 1 dargestellten Vorrichtung, wobei in der Seitenansicht eine Seite eines Gehäuses der Vorrichtung geöffnet dargestellt ist, um den Blick in das Innere der Vorrichtung freizugeben,
• 3 einen Blick von oben auf Teile im Inneren der in 2 dargestellten Vorrichtung,
• 4 eine Ansicht von vorne auf einen Klemmbügel, der ein Teil ist einer Befestigungseinrichtung zur Befestigung einer Vorrichtung an einem Fahrdraht, zum Beispiel der in 1 und/oder in 2 und 3 dargestellten Vorrichtung,
• 5 eine Seitenansicht des in 4 dargestellten Klemmbügels,
• 6 einen Einsatz, als weiteren Teil einer Befestigungseinrichtung, für den in 4 und 5 dargestellten Klemmbügel,
• 7 ein Gegenstück für den Einsatz aus 6, als noch einen weiteren Teil einer Befestigungseinrichtung für den in 4 und 5 dargestellten Klemmbügel,
• 8 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Befestigungseinrichtung mit dem Klemmbügels aus 4 und 5, dem Einsatz aus 6 und dem Gegenstück aus 7 mit einer zusätzlichen Schraube und einem zusätzlichen Spannmittel, wobei die Befestigungseinrichtung in dem an einem Fahrdraht montierten Zustand dargestellt ist,
• 9 eine erste Ausführungsform eines Magnetkerns, insbesondere des in 2 dargestellten Magnetkerns,
• 10 eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Magnetkerns,
• 11 eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Magnetkerns,
• 12 eine vierte Ausführungsform eines Magnetkerns,
• 13 eine Anordnung mit zwei Magnetometern, die an unterschiedlichen Positionen bezüglich eines Umfangs um einen Fahrdraht angeordnet sind in einem ersten Zustand des Fahrdrahtes und
• 14 die Anordnung aus 13 in einem zweiten, weiter abgenutzten Zustand des Fahrdrahtes.

Described with reference to the accompanying drawing. The individual figures in the drawing show schematically:

• 1 a contact wire of an overhead line with a device attached to it,
• 2 a side view of an incompletely shown device for attachment to a contact wire, for example an embodiment of the in 1 shown device, wherein in the side view one side of a housing of the device is shown open in order to reveal the inside of the device,
• 3 a view from above of parts inside the in 2 device shown,
• 4 a view from the front of a clamping bracket, which is part of a fastening device for fastening a device to a contact wire, for example the one in 1 and/or in 2 and 3 device shown,
• 5 a side view of the in 4 clamping bracket shown,
• 6 an insert, as a further part of a fastening device, for which in 4 and 5 clamp bracket shown,
• 7 a counterpart for use 6 , as yet another part of a fastening device for the in 4 and 5 clamp bracket shown,
• 8th an embodiment of a fastening device with the clamping bracket 4 and 5 , the use 6 and the counterpart 7 with an additional screw and an additional clamping device, the fastening device being shown in the state mounted on a contact wire,
• 9 a first embodiment of a magnetic core, in particular the one in 2 shown magnetic core,
• 10 a second embodiment of a magnetic core,
• 11 a third embodiment of a magnetic core,
• 12 a fourth embodiment of a magnetic core,
• 13 an arrangement with two magnetometers which are arranged at different positions with respect to a circumference around a contact wire in a first state of the contact wire and
• 14 the arrangement 13 in a second, more worn condition of the contact wire.

1 shows a section of a contact wire 1 and schematically by dashed lines a device 11 attached to the contact wire 1. The contact wire 1 has a groove on opposite sides, one of which is designated by the reference number 3. In the area of the upper part of the contact wire 1 it is indicated that the device 11 is attached to the upper part of the contact wire 1.

In the 2 Illustrated side view of a device 11, for example the one in 1 The device shown, for attachment to a contact wire, shows a housing 13 of the device 11. Inside the housing 13 there is a supporting structure 15 of the device 11. Shows as a simplified view 2 not the connections between the housing 13 and the supporting structure 15. The shape of the in 2 parts shown simplified. For example, the housing can not only have a rectangular shape, but can, for example, taper towards its upper end and/or have an additional cover in the lower region for the parts shown protruding downwards. If the in 2 Device 11 shown would be attached to a contact wire, the contact wire would be below the device 11 from right to left or vice versa 2 get lost. In the area of the lower edge of the housing 13 is located on the right and left 2 each a part 21, 22 of a fastening device with which the device 11 can be fastened to a contact wire. The fastening device can have further parts. The parts 21, 22 shown are connected to the supporting structure 15 as shown schematically.

The supporting structure 15 is also shown schematically and in a simplified manner. It may consist of more components than shown. Inside, the supporting structure 15 carries a coil 25, as shown in the illustration 3 can be seen, which shows an optional embodiment of the supporting structure 15. The coil 25 forms a through opening which is perpendicular to the plane of the figure 2 runs. A magnetic core 27 is present through the through opening and in the foreground of the coil 25 and extending downwards from the coil 25. The magnetic core 27 has an end region 28 at the bottom, which forms a lower free end 30. Specifically, the free end 30 is formed by the leg 29 of the magnetic core located in the foreground of the coil 25. In the end region 28 the leg 29 is longer (in the horizontal direction). 2 considered) as above its end region 28. This bundles the magnetic field lines of the electromagnetic field present on a contact wire during operation of the device and thus increases the magnetic induction in the coil 25. Also with regard to the dimensioning of the coil and the upper part of the leg 29 2 to be understood schematically. In particular, the leg 29 at the entry of the magnetic core 27 into the through opening of the coil 25, where a 2 unrecognizable connection area between the leg 29 shown and an opposite one (behind the plane of the figure). 2 ) Leg is located, be designed to be longer than shown and in particular the through opening of the coil 25 completely or almost completely in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in 2 ) fill out.

Furthermore, there is space on the right and left of the supporting structure 2 a carrier 16, 17 is attached to each, to which a device 18, 19 is attached and is thus carried. The devices 18, 19 can each be at least one sensor, for example. Examples and configurations of sensors have already been described. It is advantageous to arrange such sensors in the end regions of the device 11 viewed in the longitudinal direction. This is where their functioning is least disrupted. The respective sensor can also detect the contact wire from there, namely the section of the contact wire directly below the sensor and/or in its course away from the device 11 or towards the device 11. Contrary to what is shown, the devices 18 and/or 19 including the carriers 16, 17 can be located outside the housing.

An arrangement of devices, in particular sensors and/or transceivers for signal transmission from and/or to the device, in the end region of the device (when viewed in the longitudinal direction) is not only used in the in 2 illustrated embodiment preferred. In another embodiment, for example, the supporting structure can be designed differently, for example as a circumferential supporting frame or cage, and/or the coil and the magnetic core can be omitted since the energy supply is ensured in another way, for example by photovoltaic modules.

The device 19 is on the right only as a concrete, optional exemplary embodiment 2 shown below the carrier 16. The device 19 can therefore be, for example, an infrared sensor that is intended to measure the temperature of the contact wire directly below. In the corresponding viewing direction of the infrared sensor there can therefore be an in 2 Infrared window, not shown, is located in the housing 13. The device 18 is also on the left only as a concrete exemplary embodiment 2 arranged above the carrier 17. The device 18 is, for example, a transceiver and/or a sensor that looks obliquely from above onto the contact wire below on the left.

A device for attaching to a contact wire or supporting cable of an overhead line can only be a part of the 2 have the characteristics described. For example, such a device may have a different supporting structure. For example, the coil can therefore be carried in another way and/or connected to the overhead line via a fastening device. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic core can be designed differently. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the coil and magnetic core can be omitted, for example if the energy supply of the device is covered by electrical energy, which is obtained by means of a photovoltaic module and is temporarily stored in an energy storage device of the device. The circuit board can also be omitted and instead the required electrical and/or electronic devices can be arranged elsewhere within the housing. Alternatively, at least one additional board can be placed above the one in 2 can be arranged on the circuit board shown. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the supporting structure of the device to also form the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the device may not have an energy generating device. For example, it is therefore possible that although an energy storage device is part of the device, it must either be replaced or recharged when the stored energy is exhausted and/or is no longer sufficient for operation with an intended operating duration.

The special in 3 illustrated further development of the device 2 or another device again has the supporting structure 15, within which the coil 25 is arranged. The carriers 16, 17 are also shown for orientation. However, depending on the design, these can also be omitted.

Essential for the in 3 The further development shown is a plurality of receptacles 31 in the supporting structure 15, in the specific exemplary embodiment four receptacles 31. An energy storage device, such as a supercap (supercapacitor) or an arrangement of energy storage devices, can be arranged in each of the receptacles 31. Such an arrangement of at least one energy storage device in a receptacle of a supporting structure has the advantage that the energy storage device is accommodated safely and protected. Furthermore, a load-bearing structure with at least one receptacle for energy storage can, on the one hand, achieve high strength and dimensional stability and, on the other hand, only a small mass of the load-bearing structure is required. Furthermore, if the receptacle is located in the lower part of the supporting structure, this results in a low center of gravity, thereby increasing the stability of the device attached to the contact wire or other overhead line. In particular, fewer tilting moments occur around the overhead line when the center of gravity is close to the overhead line. Furthermore, in particular in the case that the special embodiment of 3 even with a load-bearing structure like in 2 is provided, also has the advantage that the area of the supporting structure between the coil 25 and the ends of the supporting structure is not required for other devices of the device. In particular, as in the example 2 described, at least one device such as a sensor can be attached to at least one of the ends of the supporting structure in the longitudinal direction. The receptacles are therefore located in the longitudinal direction between the coil and one of the ends of the supporting structure. This can also be the case with other configurations of the device.

In the 4 until 7 Parts of a fastening device for fastening a device to a contact wire are shown. In 8th the fastening device having these parts is shown in an assembled state.

4 shows a clamping bracket 41, which has two halves 43, 44, which are shown to the right and left of a plane of symmetry of the clamping bracket 41 are provided. The halves 43, 44 are shaped in mirror images with respect to the plane of symmetry. Optionally, in an embodiment other than the one shown, there may be deviations from the symmetry with regard to individual features, such as, for example, in relation to the through openings provided for the clamping means. Also the symmetry of the in 4 until 8th The fastening device shown is not provided with regard to the clamping means. This will be discussed in more detail.

The halves 33, 44 are connected to one another at the top via an arch or merge into one another in the arch. From the end of the arch, they initially run in a straight line from top to bottom and are angled close to their free ends 45, 46 below, namely angled inwards. Between the halves 43, 44 there is an interior of the clamping bracket 41. The terms “top” and “bottom” refer to the orientation of the clamping bracket 41 in its usual assembled state. As a rule, the plane of symmetry of the clamping bracket 41 runs in the vertical direction. However, in particular, slight deviations of the plane of symmetry from the vertical direction are possible. In principle, it is also possible for the plane of symmetry to be significantly inclined to the vertical when installed.

In the special exemplary embodiment 4 Each of the halves 43, 44 has a through opening 47, 48, for example a bore, for example with a diameter of 10.5 mm.

5 shows a side view of the one on the right 4 shown half 44 of the clamping bracket 41. In the exemplary embodiment, the through opening 48 is located centrally between the right and left outer edges and slightly below the center between the highest and lowest points of half 44.

The in 6 Insert 51 shown is shown with its upper end lying below. It has two threaded bores 53, 54 running from bottom to top, which are at least at the top (ie not in the illustration). 6 recognizable) are open. These are preferably through holes. At his down in 6 lying end (ie at the top in the assembled state), the insert 51 is curved when viewed in cross section, the center line of the curved surface having the highest points of the insert 51 in the assembled state.

This in 7 Counterpart 61 shown is an optional component of the fastening device. Instead, an area of the supporting structure of the device could also take on the function of the counterpart or the counterpart could be attached to the one shown in the illustration 7 bottom side may be shaped differently. Like the insert 51, the counterpart 61 can be seen in the illustration with its upper end lying down. At his in 7 Visible underside, the counterpart 61 is channel-shaped, with two through holes 63, 64 being formed at the bottom of the channel, ie starting from the center line of the lower surface lying at the top in the assembled state. Like the threaded holes 53, 54 of the insert 51, the through holes 63, 64 run in the vertical direction in the usual assembled state.

The vertical section of the 8th through the fully assembled fastening device shows the arrangement of the in 4 until 7 parts shown and additional clamping and fastening devices. Compared to the representation of the 4 the clamping bracket is in a tensioned state, so that its free ends 45, 46 located below are at a smaller distance than in the state shown 4 exhibit. The free ends 45, 46 engage in the opposite grooves 3 of the contact wire 1, so that there is a positive connection to the contact wire 1. The tension required for this is applied by clamping means in the form of a screw 75 with a screw head 76 and a screw nut 77 screwed onto it. Different than in 8th shown, the screw nut 77 could rest on the right half 44 and the screw head 76 could rest on the left half 43, reversed compared to the illustration.

The optional insert 51 is arranged at the top in the interior of the clamping bracket 41. Its curved surface rests on the lower surface of the arch at the transition between the halves 43, 44 of the clamping bracket 41. It should be noted that when assembled, the curved surface can optionally rest fully against the lower surface of the arch. For the relaxed state of the clamping bracket 41, which in 4 However, this is not the case. The insert 51 must enable the halves 43, 44 to be moved towards one another by tightening the clamping means, at least in their lower area. If the insert 51 did not allow changing the shape of the arch at the top of the clamping bracket 41, this would make assembly of the fastener difficult, although not impossible.

The insert 51 is fastened to the counterpart 61 and to a housing part 62 by screwing in screws 65, each of which has a screw head 66. Since the screws 65 are screwed into the threaded hole 53 or 54 with their screw head 66 lying at the top of the counterpart 61, simple assembly from above is possible. As shown In addition to the counterpart 61, a part of the device (in the specifically illustrated embodiment, the housing part 62) is fixed between the screw head 66 and the upper surface of the counterpart 61. As an alternative to the specifically illustrated exemplary embodiment, this part can be a part of the supporting structure or a part that is firmly connected to it. It has already been pointed out that, alternatively, the counterpart 61 itself can be part of another part of the device, such as the housing and/or the supporting structure. The clamping bracket 41 (and in the specifically illustrated exemplary embodiment also the counterpart 61 and the housing part 62) has at least one corresponding through opening and preferably two through openings for the screws 65, which in the assembled state of the fastening device are in front of or behind the plane of the figure 8th lay. However, it is also conceivable that three screws are provided and that both the insert and the counterpart therefore have three holes. In this case, one of these three holes and thus also one of the screws could lie in the plane that is the cutting plane of the 8th corresponds. Another variant of the one in the 4 until 8th The fastening device shown has two through openings through the halves of the clamping bracket, so that the clamping means have two fastening bolts. In other embodiments, the number of holes and through-holes mentioned above may differ from the numbers mentioned (for example, only one through-hole per half and four holes at the top or three through-holes per half and only two holes at the top).

Those described below 9 until 12 each show a cross section through one of different embodiments of an open magnetic core 27. The cross section is triangular, with the two legs 29 not coming together to form a lower corner due to the fact that the magnetic core 27 is open. However, the cross section of the magnetic core can also be shaped differently. For example, only the lower sections of the legs can approach downwards in their course, as is the case with the basic triangular shape, and sections of the legs located further up can have a different angle of inclination to the vertical in cross section and in particular also have a zero angle of inclination , i.e. run along the vertical. The approach of the lower sections of the legs does not have to take place through a straight cross-section of the legs. Rather, this course can e.g. B. be angled several times and / or at least partially bent.

Furthermore, when mounting a device on a supporting cable of an overhead line, it is possible to design the magnetic core as a closed magnetic core. In this case, the legs run around the bottom of the supporting cable or converge below the supporting cable. The two legs or at least lower regions thereof can then also be in one piece, for example formed by a single piece of sheet metal.

Only in 9 The possible position of a coil 25 is indicated schematically by an oval turn. The embodiments can, for example, be based on 2 and 3 described embodiment of the device can be used. Everyone in the 9 until 12 The magnetic cores shown have two legs 29, which have a free end 30 at the bottom when assembled. All magnetic cores also have a connecting section 91 which connects the legs 29 to one another. In particular, the connecting section 91 extends through an interior of a coil or a coil arrangement of the power supply device. Since these are cross sections, the lengths of individual sections of the respective magnetic core are not fixed and can be used, for example, as shown in 2 be designed as described. 9 until 12 those of the representation of various configurations of the legs 29 in their bottom end regions 28.

In the embodiment according to 9 the legs 29 in the area of the upper part of the contact wire 1 run in a curved cross-section partially around the upper part, run into the respective groove 3 and out of it again and also follow the shape of the surface of the contact wire 1 as they continue downward The free ends 30 lie, for example, at the transition of the surface of the contact wire 1 from the groove 3 to the widest part of the contact wire 1. However, it is also conceivable that the free ends lie before this transition of the surface or are even further down as in 9 shown extend. Furthermore, it is possible that the legs 29 in their lower section up to the free ends 30 are as described and in 9 have the cross-sectional shape shown, but only have mechanical contact with the contact wire 1 in places or not at all. In particular, there can be a distance anywhere between the legs 27 and the surface of the contact wire 1.

With everyone in the 9 until 12 In the embodiments shown, the legs 29 run in a straight line in cross-section from the outside at the top to the inside at the bottom and thereby approach the respective groove of the contact wire 1. The approach means However, it is not necessary that the free end 30 ends in the groove. As already based on 9 described, the leg 29 can extend in its course up to the free end 30, for example into the groove 3 and out of it again. It is also not necessary that the course of the legs is straight when approaching the groove. In particular, this course can also be curved when approaching the groove or be straight in sections and curved in sections.

How further 10 shows, the legs 29 cannot extend into the groove 3 of the contact wire 1 or at least not extend to the bottom of the groove. In the embodiment of the 10 the free end 30 is located on the surface before the transition of the surface that runs from the groove to the widest area of the contact wire 1. In the specifically illustrated embodiment, the free end 30 is in mechanical contact with the surface of the contact wire 1. However, it can also end in front of the surface.

In the embodiment of the 11 the free end 30 of the legs 29 is in contact with the surface at the transition to the widest area of the contact wire 1. In a variant of this, the free end 30 can have the same course, but end at a distance in front of the surface of the contact wire 1.

In the embodiment of the 12 the free end 30 lies a little lower on the surface of the widest area of the contact wire 1. In 11 and 12 On the right, an auxiliary line shown in dashed lines can be seen, which runs at the level of the transition from the surface of the contact wire 1 to the widest area.

Down in 12 It is indicated that an additional piece 93 can optionally be present for the magnetic core, which supplements the magnetic core 91 to form a closed magnetic core when the device is mounted on a supporting cable of an overhead line. For this purpose, the ends of the supplementary piece 93 are attached to the free ends 30 of the legs 29, for example by a screw connection.

In 13 and 14 1 shows a cross section through an arrangement with two magnetometers 93, 94 at different positions with respect to a circumference around a contact wire 1 and with respect to a distance from the contact wire 1. The position with respect to the circumference can be specified in particular by an angle a and optionally also by a distance to a reference point P, which lies within the contact wire 1. The angle a is shown for one of the magnetometers 93, 94, namely the magnetometer 94. It refers to the reference point P as the center and is z. B. indicated from the vertical. In this notation, the corresponding angle of the position of the magnetometer 93 is smaller than the angle a. In addition, the distance of the magnetometer 93 to the reference point P is greater than the distance of the magnetometer 94. The distance of the magnetometers 93, 94 to the contact wire 1 can be specified to the reference point P, specifically in the respective cross-sectional plane (in the case of 13 and 14 the image plane). The reference point P can, for example, be the center of gravity in the unworn state.

Both magnetometers 93, 94 are parts of one in the 13 and 14 Device not shown, which is, for example, the one in 2 The device shown can act.

In 13 and 14 Bundles of arrows are shown, which schematically show the course and density of magnetic field lines and thus the magnetic field strength, each at the location of the magnetometers 93, 94. In the unworn or slightly worn state of the contact wire 1, which is in 13 As shown, the magnetic field lines through the magnetometer 94 run in a different direction than the magnetic field lines in the more worn condition shown in 14 is shown. In the specific case shown here, the magnetic field strength that the magnetometer 94 measures is therefore greater in the less worn state of the contact wire 1 than in the more worn state of the contact wire 1. It should be noted here that the magnetometers 93, 94 in particular only can measure the component of the magnetic field strength vector, which is perpendicular to its measuring plane. In the case shown here, the magnetic field lines and thus the magnetic field strength vector close in the more worn state 14 a larger angle with the normal to the measuring plane of the magnetometer 94 than in the less worn state 13 . In another exemplary embodiment, a larger magnetic field strength or a smaller magnetic field strength can prevail at the location of the magnetometer arranged further down, depending on its position.

In contrast, the magnetic field strength does not change significantly at the location of the magnetometer 93 further away from the contact wire 1.

For example, by forming the quotient of the field strengths measured by the magnetometers 93, 94, the wear of the contact wire 1 can be concluded.

Reference symbol list

1

contact wire

3

groove

11

Device for attaching to a contact wire

13

Housing

15

load-bearing construction

16, 17

carrier

18, 19

Furnishings

20

circuit board

21, 22

Part of a fastening device

25

Kitchen sink

27

Magnetic core

28

End area of the magnetic core

29

leg of the magnetic core

30

free ending

31

Recording for energy storage

41

Clamping bracket

43, 44

halves

45, 46

free ends

47.48

Passage opening

51

Mission

53, 54

Threaded hole

61

counterpart

62

Housing part

63, 64

drilling

65

screw

66

screw head

75

screw

76

screw head

77

screw nut

91

Connecting section of the magnetic core

93

Supplementary piece

a

angle

P

reference point

Claims (12)

Device (11) for fastening to a contact wire (1) of an overhead line, the device (11) having: - a fastening device (41, 51) which is designed to fasten the device (11) to the contact wire (1), - an energy supply device for supplying at least one electrical consumer of the device (11) with energy, wherein the energy supply device has: - a coil (25) in which, when current flows through the contact wire (1), an electrical voltage is induced, which enables the supply of at least one electrical consumer, and - a magnetic core (27), wherein the magnetic core (27) is an open magnetic core (27), with two legs (29), each of which forms a free end (30) of the magnetic core (27), which extends from top to bottom when the device (11) is assembled extend and one of the grooves (3) of the contact wire (1) approaches the transition between the upper part and the lower part of the contact wire (1), so that the contact wire (1) or the space above the contact wire (1) is between the free ones Ends of the legs (29) are located, and wherein the two legs (29) are connected to one another by a connecting section (91) of the magnetic core (27). Device according to Claim 1 , wherein the two legs (29) and / or the connecting section (91) are made of sheet metal. Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the connecting section (91) extends through the coil (25). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 3 , wherein the two legs (29) have a greater length at their free ends (30) than the connecting section (91) and the length in the assembled state of the device (11) is to be considered in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the contact wire (1). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 4 , with the two legs (29) each extending with their free ends (30) into one of the grooves (3) of the contact wire (1). Device according to one of the Claims 1 - 5 , wherein the magnetic core has a supplementary piece which can be connected to the free ends (30) of the legs (29) when the device is attached to a supporting cable of an overhead line in such a way that through the supplementary piece, the two legs (29) and through the connecting section ( 91) a closed magnetic core is formed around the supporting cable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (11) has a fastening device (41, 51) for fastening the device to the overhead line and wherein the fastening device (41, 51) has: - a clamping bracket (41), the clamping bracket ( 41) two opposite each other in the attached state halves (43, 44) running on the opposite sides of the contact wire (1), which are connected to one another at the top and thus define an inside between the halves (43, 44) and an outside, the halves (43, 44) each having a free bracket end (45, 46), which in the fastened state engages in one of the two opposite grooves (3) of the contact wire (1) and is clamped to the contact wire (1) in the fastened state, - a tensioning means (75, 77) for tightening the bracket ends (45, 46) in the grooves (3) of the contact wire (1), with a part (62) of the device being fixed to the clamping bracket (41) in the attached state. Device according to Claim 7 , wherein the device has an insert (51) which, in the fastened state, is placed at the top on the inside between the halves (43, 44) and is in flat contact with the surface of the clamping bracket (41) on its inside, the clamping bracket ( 41) has a connecting device which connects the insert (51) to the part (62) of the device via the upper region of the clamping bracket (41) and / or through the upper region. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (11) has a supporting structure (15) to which devices of the device (11) are attached and are supported by it, the supporting structure (15) being attached to the contact wire (15) 1) or the overhead line is attached to the contact wire (1) or the overhead line via a fastening device (41, 51), the supporting structure (15) having a lower part arranged closer to the contact wire (1) in the assembled state and has an upper part which is arranged further away from the contact wire (1) in the assembled state and wherein in the lower part there is at least one receptacle in which an energy storage device for storing energy for operating devices of the device (11) is accommodated. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has at least two magnetometers (93, 94) which are arranged at different positions with respect to a circumference around the contact wire (1) and / or with respect to a distance from the contact wire (1). Method for producing a device (11) which can be attached to a contact wire (1) of an overhead line (1), the method comprising: - Providing a fastening device (41, 51) as part of the device (11), the fastening device (41, 51) being designed such that the device (11) can be fastened to the contact wire (1) by means of the fastening device (41, 51). is, - Providing an energy supply device as part of the device (11), the energy supply device being designed to supply at least one electrical consumer of the device (11) with energy, the following being provided as parts of the energy supply device: - a coil (25) in which, when current flows through the contact wire (1), an electrical voltage is induced, which enables the supply of at least one electrical consumer, and - a magnetic core (27), the magnetic core (27) being designed as an open magnetic core (27), with two legs, each of which forms a free end of the magnetic core (27), which extends from above when the device (11) is assembled extend downwards and one of the grooves (3) of the contact wire (1) approaches the transition between the upper part and the lower part of the contact wire (1), so that the contact wire (1) or the space above the contact wire (1) is between the free ends of the legs (29), and wherein the two legs (29) are connected to one another by a connecting section (91) of the magnetic core (27). Method for operating a device (11) which can be attached to a contact wire (1) of an overhead line (1), the method comprising: - repeatedly measuring a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying contact wire (1) at different positions with respect to a circumference around the contact wire (1), - Evaluating the magnetic field strength measurement values obtained at the location of the device (11) or at a remote location.

Images