DK2756131T3

DK2756131T3 - Turnout Heating System

Info

Publication number: DK2756131T3
Application number: DK12759044.6T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Michael Funke; Reiner Wittig
Original assignee: Triples Systeme Gmbh
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2012-08-28
Publication date: 2018-02-26
Also published as: EP2756131B1; EA029004B1; WO2013037635A1; NO2756131T3; EP2756131A1; PL2756131T3; EA201400344A1

Description

SWITCH HEATING SYSTEM

The invention relates to a switch heating system for maintaining the function of railroad switches in frost and snow, which encompass at least one stick rail and at least one tongue rail, and to which is allocated at least one slide chair with slide chair plate. By definition, railroad switches are track constructions for separating and merging tracks .

Track switches are integrated into railway traffic, so as to branch railway tracks, swing secondary tracks in or out, permit overtaking tracks, circumvent partial sections, etc. Movable parts of a track switch are here moved back and forth, so as to thereby introduce a change in direction within the tracks.

It is important that track switches be kept at the highest possible availability. If track switches do not operate properly, the operator is faced with unreasonably high costs caused by minutes of delay and detours or bypasses. Efforts are underway to replace high-maintenance track switches with low-maintenance ones, but heaters and lubrication points on drives, seals and hinges still require maintenance.

There are switch heating systems that are operated with hot water, hot steam, gas, electricity or heat pumps. Operation with hot steam and gas is very dangerous. Serious on-the-job accidents are encountered time and again when handling the fuel. Maintenance and servicing is very complicated and cost-intensive, and thus less than desirable for the operators. Apart from the elevated potential for danger, however, the fact is that ice and snow elimination with the known systems eats up enormous power and maintenance costs.

The effectiveness and efficiency of switch heaters depends significantly on the heat transfer between the heating lines and switch parts to be heated.

Known from DE 1277290 is to apply a self-curing plastic mass between the radiators and the areas to be heated, which is mixed with powdered metal to achieve a good heat transfer. At the same time, the used mass is intended to support the mechanical mounting of the radiators to the switch parts. The radiators are comprised of pipelines that carry a heated fluid. The pipes can be clamped in place with springs, and a self-curing plastic mass enriched with aluminum, iron or similarly heat-conducting metal powders is arranged between the pipes and the heated areas, so as to achieve a good heat transfer. A liquid heated intensively in a boiler is pumped through the pipes, e.g., linseed oil or glycerin, which has a high evaporation point and a low freezing point.

Known from DE 202005021255 U1 and EP 1 645 688 A2 is a heating device with a cover box closed on the face that can be fastened to a rail side, extends essentially between the railhead and rail foot, and incorporates heating elements that are connected with a heating device provided outside of the cover box. The heating elements in the cover box are formed by at least two channels that carry a liquid heating medium, preferably water, and are embedded in a body adjusted to the rail profile and consisting of readily heat conducting material, preferably aluminum. The cover box is thermally insulated and sealed relative to the railhead and rail foot, and its interior is also provided with a thermal insulation jacket.

Known from FR 2244053 A1 is a heated pipe for heating the web of a rail of the switch, which is exposed to an externally heated liquid.

Known from EP 0247693 Al is to heat the rail feet of the switch in the area of the tongue mechanism from below by means of a special metal conduction block for heated liquids .

Known from DE 3037721 A1 is a heat pipe for utilizing the heat capacity of the soil. This is intended to prevent switches, hydrants, and water lines from freezing, and elevators, bridges, runways and roads from icing. No application for switches is disclosed.

Also disclosed in EP 1262597 A2 is a geothermal system and a method for heating railroad switches, in which a heat conducting device comprises a channel, whose wall is in heat-conducting contact with a rail part and connected with a line system that extends underground to a specific depth, so as to draw in heat or cold from there via a circulating liquid. The line system is equipped with a heat pump and heat exchanger, so as to transfer heat from the groundwater and raise the temperature of the liquid heating the rail. In the specific embodiments, the channels comprised of sheet metal are arranged between the stick rail and tongue mechanism on the web of the stick rail, and also on the foot of the tongue rail. The sheet metal can be welded, screwed or clamped to the rail. A heat-conducting paste can also be arranged between the channel and rail, and the channel on the tongue rail can be thermally insulated relative to the outside air.

The arrangement between the stick rail and tongue rail is not optimal, since little space is available there. Securing the sheet metal channels also appears to be cumbersome . WO 2009/109664 A1 describes a heating system for heating railroad switches, in which at least one wall of a liquidcarrying heating line is in heat conducting contact with a rail part, and connected with a line system, which preferably draws heat from the soil via a circulating liquid.

The heating system according to WO 2009/109664 A1 demonstrated that known devices for the winter operation of switches do not ensure sufficient operational readiness under all weather conditions. Apart from costs associated with timetable deviations, this confronts the operator with additional maintenance costs along with unreasonably high costs owing to minutes of delay and detours or bypasses.

The object of the invention is to enable a high operational readiness of railroad switches even under difficult climatic conditions while simultaneously minimizing the maintenance outlay.

This object is achieved by the features in the independent claim. Further developments of the invention may be derived from the dependent claims.

In general, a railroad switch can in particular be a tongue switch within the framework of this specification. A switch can have stick rails and tongue rails, wherein a tongue rail can be allocated to a respective stick rail, and/or moved in relation to a respectively allocated stick rail, for example to switch over a switch. In particular, it can be provided that a tongue rail can be applied to a stick rail in a contact area provided for this purpose. Slide chairs can be designed to provide a support for a tongue rail, on which it can be displaceably mounted. Alternatively or additionally, a slide chair can be designed to laterally hold a stick rail, in particular on the side where the tongue rail allocated to the stick rail is arranged. A slide chair can have a glide chair plate, which can be designed to offer a support for the tongue rail so as to accommodate it, and/or to laterally hold a stick rail, for example by clamping. It is conceivable for a slide chair to have base plate that is or can be rigidly connected with an earth-fixed support, such as a railroad tie and/or a concrete support of the switch, e.g., via casting and/or a suitable anchoring and/or fastening nail or fastening bolt. A slide chair plate of a slide chair is or can be rigidly connected with the base plate. In particular, the slide chair plate can be designed as a single piece and/or integrally with the base plate and/or forged or welded together. Alternatively or additionally, the base plate and slide chair plate can be positively and/or non-positively joined together and/or welded together and/or screwed together. In general, the slide chair plate can be arranged above the base plate. The base plate can be arranged between the slide chair plate and a support of the slide chair, for example a railroad tie or a concrete base. In particular one or several stick rails, one or several allocated tongue rails and one or several slide chairs can be viewed as components of a switch. A switch is able to accommodate each tongue rail on the separately configured slide chairs allocated to it. A heat exchanger can generally be designed to guide a heating fluid or heating medium. A heating fluid or heating medium can comprise a liquid and/or a gas, such as water and/or oil and/or a water/glycol mixture and/or hot steam and/or combustion exhaust gases. It is conceivable for a heat exchanger or heat exchangers to be designed in such a way that it/they can be brought into heat-conducting contact with a component of the railroad switch and/or be in heat-conducting contact with a component of the railroad switch. In particular, a heat exchanger can be designed so as to heat the component of the switch allocated to it. In particular, such components can be a rail, such as a stick rail or a tongue rail, and/or a slide chair, in particular a base plate and/or a slide chair plate. It is conceivable that more than one heat exchanger be arranged on a component, in particular a rail, such as a stick rail or tongue rail, one after the other over the progression of the rail. Such heat exchangers can have an identical design. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the heat exchanger be or can be arranged on different such components. For example, a heat exchanger can be arranged on a stick rail and/or another heat exchanger can be arranged on a tongue rail and/or yet another heat exchanger can be arranged on a slide chair. In particular, arranging a heat exchanger on a component of a switch can involve bringing the heat exchanger into heat-conducting contact. Heat-conducting contact can generally be a direct contact between the heat exchanger and respective component, e.g., a rail or a slide chair. It can also be provided that heat-conducting contact be indirectly provided via an element that is or can be interspersed, for example a heat-conducting paste or heat-conducting cement. In general, a heat exchanger can be provided to establish a heat transfer between a heat fluid or heat medium carried inside of it and the component with which it is or can be brought into heat-conducting contact. In particular, it can be provided that one or several walls or wall areas of the heat exchanger be capable of being in heat-conducting contact with a component of the switch. At least one corresponding wall area of the heat exchanger can here consist of a suitable readily heat conducting material and/or be shaped in such a way that its profile is able to abut against and/or cling to a corresponding wall area of the component, so that the heat exchanger is or can be at least partially accommodated in the component. A heat exchanger can comprise one or several channels and/or one or several flow fields for carrying a heat medium in its interior area, in particular on the interior side of a wall area provided for heat transfer, and/or corresponding ports, by way of which the heat medium can be supplied or removed. A heat exchanger can have at least one channel guided in one or several arcs. In particular, the arcs can be semicircular arcs. It is conceivable that a fastening element be or can be fixedly fastened, for example to a component of a switch and/or on devices that are fixed in place in relation to the switch or one of its components. In a variant, a fastening element can be designed to fasten and/or hold an allocated heat exchanger. In particular, a fastening element can be provided for holding a heat exchanger in such a way that it is or is held in heattransferring contact with the component of the switch allocated to it. A fastening element can here be designed to act on and/or abut against the corresponding component and/or a point fixedly arranged and/or held relative to this component. Detachably connecting a heat exchanger by means of a fastening element can mean that the fastening element and/or the corresponding heat exchanger can be removed or detached without having to disassemble a component that is larger and/or heavier than the fastening element and/or heat exchanger, in particular without a component of the rail switch having to be disassembled, such as a rail or slide chair. A detachable connection can comprise a screwed connection and/or a clamped connection. It is conceivable that a detachable connection can be released essentially without any damage. For a detachable connection by means of a fastening element, it can be provided that the fastening element be or can be arranged in such a way as to be accessible, in particular accessible in such a way that no larger components or objects need be removed for access purposes. A fastening element can be designed as a fastening device with one or several fastening components. Fastening components can comprise holders and/or screws and/or fittings and/or anchors and/or clamps and/or brackets and/or fastening elements and similar components. Accommodating a heat exchanger in a component of a switch, in particular inside of a slide chair, can involve having the heat exchanger at least partially incorporated into a receiving chamber of the component and/or enveloped by one or several walls of the component. In particular, a heat exchanger can be regarded as being accommodated in a component when it is enveloped by a wall or wall area of the component on at least two, at least three, at least four sides, and/or is able to abut against the latter, potentially by way of an intermediate layer, such as a heat-conducting paste and/or heat-conducting cement. A switch heating system can generally have one or several heat exchangers. A switch heating system can further have one or several heating sources, and/or be connected therewith, such as burners, geothermal sources and/or electrically operated sources. One or several fluid pumps can be provided. A switch heating system can have pipes and/or tubes, through which a heating fluid heated by the heat source can be guided to the heat exchanger(s). The heat exchanger(s) can correspondingly be connected to the pipes or tubes. An insulating element can generally be a heat insulating element. It is conceivable that an insulating element comprise a heat insulating material or consist of the latter, for example a heat insulating foam and/or a plastic, such as Styrofoam and/or polyurethane. A sealing element such as a sealing rubber can be provided for providing a fluidic seal. In particular, a sealing element can be designed to fluidically seal a volume carrying a heating fluid or heating medium and/or a corresponding pipe against exiting heating fluid.

Provided is a switch heating system for preserving the function of railroad switches during frost and snow, wherein the railroad switches each comprise stick rails and tongue rails, and respective slide chairs with slide chair plates are allocated to the railroad switches. One or several heat exchangers are provided, wherein a heat exchanger is or can be detachably connected with a respective stick rail and/or tongue rail and/or a slide chair having a slide chair plate by means of a fastening element, and/or is or can be accommodated therein. As a consequence, heat exchangers can be uncomplicatedly secured to the switch system, and detached, for example for maintenance purposes. In addition, existing installation space is optimally used, with a good heat-conducting contact being provided at the same time. It can be provided that at least one respective heat exchanger be allocated to the tongue rails, stick rails and slide chairs. However, it is also conceivable that the switch heating system be provided not to heat all component types. The switch heating system can thus be designed to heat one or several tongue switches and/or one or several stick switches and/or one or several slide chairs. To this end, the switch heating system can have corresponding heat exchangers, which are or can be detachably connected with the corresponding components and/or are or can be accommodated therein. In particular, detachably connecting with a component can mean that the heat exchanger be or can be brought into heat-conducting contact with the corresponding component and/or can be or is held in the latter. In particular, a fastening element can have a mounting bracket, which is or can be connected with a rail, in particular a stick rail or tongue rail. The support strap can have a rail over-grip, which is able to grip over a rail foot. It can be provided that the rail over-grip be designed in such a way that its shape corresponds to a rail foot of a rail to which it is to be secured. As a consequence, the support strap can be adjusted to various types of rail profiles. The rail over-grip can have a support strand, which can transition into the rail overgrip. It is conceivable that the support strand can be applied to a lower side of a rail foot. In particular, the support strand can have a flat design, and a length that at least corresponds to the width of the rail foot and preferably exceeds the latter. As a consequence, the rail over-grip and support strand are or can be applied to a rail profile from below. The rail over-grip can be designed to hook into the rail foot. The support strap can further have a tensioning device. In particular a counter-clamping plate can be provided on the support strap. The counterclamping plate can be integrally designed with the support strap. A clamping device can be secured to the counterclamping plate, and tensioned with the counter-clamping plate by way of a bracing device, such as a screw fitting. The clamping device can have a clamp, which can be braced and/or supported by way of a supporting device against an exterior side of a heat exchanger to be fastened to the rail. In an unbraced state, the clamp can be movable, in particular rotatable, relative to the support strand. In the braced state, e.g., when a bracing device is tightened, for example by tightening a screw of a screw fitting, the clamp can be held fixed in place relative to the support strand. It can be provided that the support strand, the rail over-grip and bracing device be dimensioned in such a way that the fastening element can be applied to a rail and a heat exchanger to be fastened thereto in such a way that the heat exchanger is fastened by the braced clamp and connected with the rail in such a way that a heat-conducting contact arises. The support strand can be designed to join together the rail over-grip and bracing device. In relation to the support strand, the bracing device can be arranged on the side of the fastening element lying opposite the rail over-grip. The rail over-grip can extend upwardly relative to the support strand. The bracing device can alternatively or additionally extend upwardly relative to the support strand. An intermediate plate can be provided between the clamp and counter-mounting plate. The intermediate plate and/or the support strand and/or the clamp can have an application device, on which a rail foot can be applied. It is conceivable that the application devices be complementary in design relative to each other in such a way that, in the braced state, a profile of a rail foot is at least partially accommodated and/or applied in an application profile formed by the application devices. The application profile can at least partially envelop the rail foot from above and below, so as to prevent a displacement of the fastening element. The application profile can be formed at a comparable height to the support strand as the rail over-grip. A screw fitting can be provided for tightening the clamp and/or intermediate plate to the counter-clamping plate and/or brace it thereto. The clamp can have a clamping strand, which stands at an angle relative to the support strand measuring between 15 and 75 degrees, in particular between 30 and 60 degrees, in particular between 40 and 50 degrees, in particular measuring about 45 degrees. The supporting device can be arranged on the clamping strand. The clamping strand and supporting device can be integrally designed. It is conceivable that the clamping strand be arranged at an angle that allows it to be applied against an outer area of a rail foot. Accordingly, an application device can be comprised of the clamping strand. A complementary application device can be easily provided by a correspondingly angled surface of the intermediate plate or support strap. The supporting device can have at least one supporting surface, which can be flatly applied to the heat exchanger . A heat exchanger can be detachably connected or connectable to a rail web between a railhead and a rail foot of a stick rail and/or a rail web between a railhead and a rail foot of a tongue rail. The connection makes it possible to establish a heat-conducting contact. The rail web offers a relatively large contact surface for a heat exchanger, and thus provides a good option for transferring heat to the rail. A respective fastening element can be provided for supplying a detachable connection. A heat exchanger allocated to a stick rail can differ in terms of its structure and/or performance data from a heat exchanger allocated to a tongue rail. This holds true in particular for the respective profile that is provided for application to the respective rail, and can be adjusted to the respective rail.

In one variant, the heat exchanger can have an aluminum profile, an insulating element, a sealing rubber and a cover plate, which can be bonded with each other on adhesive surfaces. Such a heat exchanger is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

However, the invention provides that the heat exchanger have an aluminum profile, an insulating element, a sealing rubber and a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is or can be clamped between a groove and a clamping edge. This type of construction can be easily assembled. A respective fastening element can be provided to grasp a rail foot of a stick rail and/or a rail foot of a tongue rail, wherein a heat exchanger is or can be detachably connected to the web of the stick rail or tongue rail by means of the respective fastening element. As a consequence, the heat exchanger can be fastened directly to the rail, making it possible to economize on installation space. In addition, a heat exchanger secured to the tongue rail in this way can move along with the latter if the switch is changed over. In particular, a fastening element can be designed to grip either the stick rail or tongue rail, so as to connect an allocated heat exchanger.

It is conceivable that a fastening element encompass a support strap, a clamp, a threaded welding bolt, a locking washer and a hexagonal nut. Such a fastening element is especially well suited for connecting a heat exchanger to a rail. The fastening element can be fastened to a component of the switch fixedly arranged on the rail and/or a support and/or a corresponding object.

The switch heating system can have an auxiliary heater, which encompasses a pipeline and a heat exchanger, which is or can be arranged between two slide chairs between the tongue rail and stick rail, and is or can be detachably connected with the stick rail by way of a fastening element. This makes it possible to heat an area between the slide chairs and/or railroad ties. In particular, it can be provided that the corresponding heat exchanger be arranged between two railroad ties, to which a respective one of the two slide chairs is allocated and/or on which a respective one of the two slide chairs is fastened. The slide chairs or railroad ties can be slide chairs or railroad ties adjacent in the rail direction.

It is conceivable that a heat exchanger be or can be arranged between the slide chair plate and a base plate of a slide chair, so as to be accommodated in the slide chair. In particular, the heat exchanger can be placed in a receiving space between the base plate and slide chair plate. If necessary, a detachable connection can be achieved by having the heat exchanger be surrounded by walls of the receiving space, and thereby be unable to change its position. The heat exchanger can be used in such a way as to be in heat-conducting contact with the base plate and/or slide chair plate and/or a lateral wall of the slide chair, either directly or by way of an intermediate element, such as a heat-conducting paste. It is conceivable that the heat exchanger be placed in a receiving space before the base plate and slide chair plate are fastened to each other. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be placed in the receiving space via an access opening provided in the slide chair. Such an access opening can be provided on a lower side of the base plate, for example. It is conceivable that an upwardly open recess or an upwardly open profile be provided in the base plate, into which the heat exchanger is or can be placed. An upwardly open profile can be open in the direction of the slide chair plate. The profile can be downwardly closed, so that it can be in heat-conducting contact with the heat exchanger. For example, the profile can be drilled, milled or cast into the base plate. The profile can be designed as a channel. In one variant, the profile can describe one or several arcs, and/or have at least one hairpin bend, in which a flowing direction of the heating medium can be reversed. It is conceivable that the heat exchanger be or can be designed as a pipe or tube, which is or can be placed in the profile. The heat exchanger can be held or holdable inside the profile by the wall of the profile. It is conceivable that a heat-conducting element such as a heat-conducting paste is or can be arranged between a wall of the profile and the heat exchanger.

In particular, the heat exchanger is or can be arranged in a recess in the slide chair plate and/or base plate. The receiving space can correspondingly be formed by one or several recesses. It is conceivable that the recess in the slide chair plate be downwardly open in the direction toward the base plate, while the recess in the base plate can be upwardly open. In a variant, the recess in the base plate is downwardly open, and offers an access opening.

It is conceivable that heat exchangers be or can be supplied with a heating medium via hose lines. Hose lines are easy to install and replace. A further development can provide that a snow protector be or can be arranged on the beginning of a tongue rail before a slide chair. As a result, snow can be prevented from being blown or transported onto the switch from the rail direction .

The snow protector can be designed as a plate that is or can be arranged before the slide chair. Such a plate offers a reliable and easy to install snow protector.

It is conceivable that the snow protector comprise two plates that are or can be spaced apart from the stick rails at the beginning of the tongue. As a result, the snow protector can be prevented from having a disruptive influence on switch operation.

In general, it can be provided that the fastening element comprise a support strap with a receptacle arranged thereon for a temperature sensor. It is conceivable that a temperature sensor be accommodated in the receptacle. The temperature sensor can thus be protected and easily arranged in proximity to a component of the switch to be heated.

Alternatively or additionally, a switch heating system is described for maintaining the function of railroad switches during frost and snow, which comprise stick rails and tongue rails, and to which slide chairs with slide chair plates are allocated, wherein fastening elements detachably connect heat exchangers with the switch rails, i.e., the rails in the area of the railroad switch, and with the slide chairs with slide chair plates.

The heat exchangers are here supplied with heat via a heating medium. The heat is supplied from the heat exchanger to the stick rails and tongue rails of the railroad switches. Preferably renewable energy, such as geothermal heat, is used as the heat source for the heating medium in the primary circuit. A first heat exchanger is here preferably arranged on the stick rail between the railhead and rail foot. Various profile shapes are known for stick rails, also referred to as Vignoles rails. The S49, S54 and UIC-60 profile is popular in Western Europe, while the higher profile S65 or R65 is usually found in Eastern Europe and Russia. However, the invention is not limited to the mentioned profiles, but is rather suitable for all conventional stick rails, including grooved rails.

The first heat exchanger can here be representative for a first type of heat exchanger or a heat exchanger arrangement.

It is especially advantageous if the heating pipe of the heat exchanger consists of round metal or plastic pipes, which are placed in a corresponding receiving device.

Aluminum is known to have a high thermal conductivity, and can be pressure die cast in a few seconds, wherein other materials, for example copper, also have a good thermal conductivity. Therefore, the receiving device advantageously consists of a very readily heat-conducting material, such as aluminum. The heat exchanger thus preferably consists of the following elements: An aluminum profile, an insulating element, a sealing rubber element and a cover plate.

The aluminum profile, insulating element, sealing rubber element and cover plate can be positively, non-positively or integrally installed, wherein combinations of joining techniques are also encompassed.

In a first embodiment, the aluminum profile, insulating element, sealing rubber element and cover plate are adhesively bonded with each other. In another embodiment, an aluminum profile is used, which comprises grooves or clamping edges or a combination of both. For example, the pipeline is for this purpose arranged in correspondingly formed depressions in the aluminum profile, and covered with an insulating element formed complementarily to the aluminum profile. A sealing rubber element and a cover plate are not arranged on the insulating element, wherein the cover plate engages into the groove and clamping edge of the aluminum profile, thereby detachably fixing the sealing rubber element, insulating element and pipeline in the aluminum profile, thus making it easy to repair and service the heat exchanger.

When installing the first heat exchanger on the stick rail, it is advantageous to provide the contact surface between the heat exchanger and rail with a heat conducting element, so as to ensure a good heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the rail. It makes no sense to adhesively bond the heat exchanger with the rail, since the varying heat expansion coefficients of the heat exchanger and rails can result in damaging stresses in the heat exchanger, up to and including the destruction of the latter. Adhesively bonding the heat exchanger and rail even hampers the disassembly of the heat exchanger for maintenance purposes.

Therefore, it is advantageous that the first heat exchanger be fastened to the stick and tongue rails by means of detachable fastening elements. Fastening elements that grip the rail foot are provided for this purpose. The fastening elements consist of a support strap, a clamp, a threaded welding bolt, a locking washer and a hexagonal nut. Since the stick and tongue rails differ with respect to their geometric dimensions, different fastening elements are provided for stick and tongue rails.

In addition to the first heat exchanger, additional heat exchangers can be provided on the slide chairs with slide chair plates. Such second heat exchangers can be viewed as representative for a second type of heat exchanger or a heat exchanger arrangement. These second heat exchangers are detachably fastened to the slide chair by means of special fastening elements. Special contact materials for improving the heat transfer from the heat exchanger to the slide chair can be provided here as well, such as a heat conducting paste. In addition, suitable insulation can be provided to prevent heat from undesirably dissipating into the environment.

An additional heater can be arranged in the area of the slide chairs with slide chair plates on the stick rail or tongue rail in the area of the slide chair between the tongue rail and stick rail. The additional heater can have a third heat exchanger representative for a third type of heat exchanger or a heat exchanger arrangement. This third heat exchanger comprises at least a pipeline with fastening clips .

Here as well, it is advantageous to use heat-conducting material between the heat exchanger and rail. The heat exchanger can be insulated toward the side facing away from the rail, i.e., toward the environment. A fourth heat exchanger representative for a fourth type of heat exchanger can be arranged in the area of the slide chair between the slide chair plate and base plate. This fourth heat exchanger comprises at least one pipeline, and is arranged in recesses of the slide chair plate and base plate. Here as well, it is advantageous to use heat-conducting material between the heat exchanger and slide chair plate/base plate.

The fourth heat exchanger can especially advantageously be arranged in a hollow space of the slide chair, wherein the hollow space is comprised of recesses in the slide chair plate and base plate. This arrangement affords optimal protection for the heat exchanger against mechanical and corrosive environmental influences.

Furthermore, the fourth heat exchanger can be especially advantageously arranged in a recess in the base plate of the slide chair. This arrangement affords very good protection for the heat exchanger against mechanical environmental influences.

The mentioned heat exchangers can be arranged in a secondary circuit and supplied with a heating medium via pipelines or hose lines. The heating medium is exposed to heat by way of heat exchangers between the primary and secondary circuits. A snow protector can be arranged on a beginning of the tongue rail before the slide chair. The latter is preferably designed as a plate arranged before the slide chair. The latter preferably comprises two plates that are or can be spaced apart from the stick rails. These plates prevent snowdrifts or railway vehicles from introducing snow between stick and tongue rails. This helps to improve the efficiency of the switch heating system.

The invention will be explained in the following based on drawings. Shown on:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a railroad switch with snow protector arranged thereon;

Fig. 2 is a section through a stick rail with a first heat exchanger arranged thereon;

Fig. 3 to the right is a section through a tongue rail with first heat exchanger and fastening element arranged thereon;

Fig. 4 to the left is a section through the stick rail with an aluminum profile and denoted sealing rubber element with cover plate;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the stick rail with first heat exchanger arranged thereon;

Fig. 6 is a perspective, exploded view of the stick rail with the first heat exchanger;

Fig. 7 is a section through the stick rail with a first heat exchanger arranged thereon, exploded view;

Fig. 8 is a section through the stick rail with a first heat exchanger arranged thereon, exploded view;

Fig. 9 is a section through the aluminum profile with groove and clamping edge;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the fastening element for a stick rail in an assembled state;

Fig. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of the fastening element for the stick rail;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the fastening element for the tongue rail in an assembled state;

Fig. 12a is a perspective view of the fastening element for the tongue rail or stick rail with temperature sensor arranged thereon;

Fig. 13 is a section through a stick rail with first heat exchanger arranged thereon with aluminum profile with groove and clamping edge and a rail foot insulation;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the slide chair with slide chair plate and second heat exchanger arranged thereon;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the two slide chairs with slide chair plates, tongue rail, stick rail and additional heater arranged thereon;

Fig. 16 to the left is a top view of a first variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger in the area of the slide chairs;

Fig. 17 to the right is a top view of a second variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger in the area of the slide chairs;

Fig. 18 is a top view and sectional views of a first variant for a slide chair with fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 19 is a top view and sectional views of a second variant for a slide chair with fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 20 is a top view of a third variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger in the area of the slide chairs;

Fig. 21 is a top view of the slide chair with side chair plate and fourth heat exchanger arranged thereon;

Fig. 22a is a side view of the third variant for the fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 22b is a sectional view of the third variant for the fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 22c is a top view of the third variant for the fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 23a is a side view of the third variant for the slide chair with fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 23b is a sectional view of the third variant for the slide chair with fourth heat exchanger;

Fig. 23c is a top view of the third variant for the slide chair with fourth heat exchanger.

The indices used below denote the exemplarily selected embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a railroad switch comprised of stick rails 1, 1' and tongue rails 7" with slide chairs 50, 80, 80', 80" arranged at the tongue beginning 71, with slide chair plates 51, 81, 81', 81" and a snow protector 70. This snow protector 70 is arranged between the opposing stick rails 1, 1' in the area of the slide chairs 50, 80, 80', 80" at the tongue beginning 71 of the tongue rails 7". The snow protector 70 can be comprised of metal plates, and is fastened to the railroad ties. The snow protector at the tongue beginning 71 of the tongue rails 7" before the slide chairs 50, 80, 80', 80" prevents snowdrifts or railway vehicles from introducing snow between the stick rails 1, 1' and tongue rails 7".

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the stick rail 1 with a first heat exchanger 4 arranged thereon. The first heat exchanger 4 is arranged between the railhead 2 and rail foot 3. Provided between the first heat exchanger 4 and the web 8 of the stick rail 1 to improve heat transfer is a heat-conducting element 21, which preferably consists of heat-conducting cement. A pipeline 5 for the forward and reverse movement of a heating medium is embedded between an aluminum profile 11 and an insulating element 14. The side of the insulating element 14 facing away from the web 8 of the stick rail 1 is covered with a sealing rubber element 12, and enveloped by a cover plate 13.

Shown to the left on Fig. 3 is a section through a stick rail 1'. Arranged on the web 8' of the stick rail 1' is the first heat exchanger 4', which comprises an aluminum profile 11', a pipeline 5', a sealing rubber element 12', an insulating element 14' and a cover plate 13' . The aluminum profile 11' lies between the railhead 2' and rail foot 3' , abutting almost positively against the web 8' of the stick rail 1' . An insulating element 14' is arranged between the aluminum profile 11' and stick rail 1' . The first heat exchanger 4' is detachably fixed on the web 8' of the stick rail 1' by means of a fastening element 30, which has a support strap 31 and a clamp 32. The support strap 31 grips around the rail foot 3' of the stick rail 1' .

Shown to the right on Fig. 3 is a section through a tongue rail 7" with a railhead 2" and a rail foot 3". The first heat exchanger 4" comprises an aluminum profile 11', a pipeline 5", a sealing rubber element 12", an insulating element 14" and a cover plate 13". The aluminum profile 11" lies between the railhead 2" and rail foot 3", abutting almost positively against the web 8" of the tongue rail 7". An insulating element 14" is arranged between the aluminum profile 11" and tongue rail 1". The heat exchanger 4" is detachably fastened to the tongue rail 7" by means of a fastening element 40, which has a support strap 41 and a clamp 42. The support strap 41 grips around the rail foot 3" of the tongue rail 7".

Shown to the left on Fig. 4 is a section marked with thin lines through the stick rail 1'. The aluminum profile 11' of the heat exchanger 4' is arranged between the railhead 2' and rail foot 3' of the stick rail 1' . Additional thin dashed lines denote the sealing rubber element 12' and cover plate 13' . The cover plate 13' is clampably arranged between a groove 23' and a lower clamping edge 24'.

Shown to the right on Fig. 4 is a section through the tongue rail 7". The aluminum profile 11" of the heat exchanger 4" is arranged between the railhead 2" and rail foot 3" of the tongue rail 7". Dashed lines denote the sealing rubber element 12" and cover plate 13". The cover plate 13" is clampably arranged between a groove 23" and a lower clamping edge 24".

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the stick rail 1 with the first heat exchanger 4 arranged thereon, which is situated between the railhead 2 and rail foot 3 on the web 8. The terminals of the heat exchanger 4 for the forward and reverse movement of the heating medium are arranged on the pipeline 5.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective, exploded view of the stick rail I and first heat exchanger 4 according to Fig. 2. The individual components of the first heat exchanger 4 are evident from this illustration. The pipeline 5 lies in an aluminum profile 11, which contacts the web 8 of the stick rail 1. The aluminum profile 11 engages into the insulating element 14. The forward and reverse movement of the pipeline 5 is connected with a connecting element 15. The profiles of the insulating element 14 and aluminum profile II are recessed in this area according to detail X, Y in such a way as not to pinch the pipeline 5 while assembling the insulating element 14 with the aluminum profile 11. The aluminum profile 11 with the embedded pipeline 5 and insulating element 14 is covered during assembly by the sealing rubber element 12, the sealing rubber element 16 on the end face of the pipeline 5, and the sealing rubber element 17 on the end face. The sealing rubber elements 12, 16, 17 are enveloped by the cover plate 13, which encompasses cover plates 18, 19.

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of a section through the stick rail 1 with a first heat exchanger 4 arranged thereon. The contact surface between the web 8 of the stick rail 1 and aluminum profile 11 is provided with the heating element 21 comprised of heat-conducting cement, so as to realize a favorable heat transfer. The aluminum profile 11, insulating profile 14, sealing rubber element 12 and cover plate 13 can be joined to the adhesive surfaces 20 with adhesive .

Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of a section through the stick rail 1' with a first heat exchanger 4' arranged thereon. The contact surface between the web 8' of the stick rail 1' and aluminum profile 11' is provided with the heating element 21' comprised of heat-conducting cement, so as to realize a favorable heat transfer. The aluminum profile 11', insulating profile 14', sealing rubber element 12' and cover plate 13' are joined with a positive connection by clamping the cover plate 13' in the groove 23' and clamping edge 24'. The sealing rubber element 16' and cover plate 19' are secured to the end face of the heat exchanger 4'.

Fig. 9 shows a spatial sectional view of the aluminum profile 11'. The groove 23' is formed on the interior side of the upper flank of the aluminum profile 11'. The clamping edge 24' is formed on the interior side of the lower flank of the aluminum profile 11' as a hook-shaped profile edge.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the fastening element 30 for the stick rail 1, 1' in an assembled state. The support strap 31 has a support strand that can be applied from below against a rail foot, and has applied to it a threaded welding bolt 33 in a counter-clamping plate. The clamp 32 is slipped onto the threaded welding bolt 33 and fixed to the support strap 31 by means of a locking washer 34 and hexagonal nut 35, thereby providing an application device. Provided between the support strap and counter tensioning plate is an intermediate disk, on which an application device is formed. The clamp forms the complementary counter-piece to this application device. The clamp has a support device, which can be applied against an exterior side of the heat exchanger, so that the latter can be pressed against a rail. A rail over-grip is arranged on the end of the support strand lying opposite the tensioning device, and can grip over an opposing rail foot and there hook in. In an assembled state, a rail foot is accommodated and clamped in the rail over-grip on the one side and at least partially between the clamp and application device of the intermediate piece on the other side, so that the fastening element 30 is fastened to the rail, and cannot be displaced.

Fig. 11 shows an exploded, perspective view of the fastening element 30 according to Fig. 5 for the stick rail 1, 1'. The fastening element 30 consists of the support strap 31, the threaded welding bolt 33, the clamp 32, the locking washer 34 and the hexagonal nut 35. The support strap 31 is designed so that it can encompass the rail foot 3, 3' of the stick rail 1, 1' . The clamp 32 is designed so as to fix the support strap 31 to the rail foot 3, 3' of the stick rail 1, 1' in the assembled state, and simultaneously fasten the first heat exchanger 4, 4' to the stick rail 1, 1' between the railhead 2, 2' and rail foot 3, 3' .

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the fastening element 40 for the tongue rail 7" in the assembled state. A threaded welding bolt 33' is secured to the support strap 41. The clamp 42 is slipped onto the threaded welding bolt 33' and fixed to the support strap 41 by means of a locking washer 34' and hexagonal nut 35'.

Fig. 12a shows a perspective view of the fastening element 30, 40 for the stick rail 1, 1' or tongue rail 7" in the assembled state with temperature sensor 91 arranged thereon. A threaded welding bolt 33, 33' is arranged on the support strap 31, 41. The clamp 32, 42 is slipped onto the threaded welding bolt 33, 33' and fixed on the support strap 31, 41 by means of a locking washer 34, 34' and hexagonal nut 35, 35' . The support strap 31, 41 has a receptacle 90 designed as a U-profile for a temperature sensor 91. After the fastening element 30, 40 has been assembled, the temperature sensor 91 is in contact with the rail foot 3, 3' , 3", which has no rail foot insulation 22 in the area of the temperature sensor 91.

Fig. 13 shows a section through the stick rail 1' with a first heat exchanger 4' arranged on the web 8' between the railhead 3' and rail foot 3' , comprising an aluminum profile 11' with groove 23' and clamping edge 24', along with the pipeline 5, insulating element 14', sealing rubber element 12' and cover plate 13'. A rail foot insulation 22 is arranged under the rail foot 3' to reduce heat loss. During assembly of the heat exchanger 4', the rail foot insulation 22 is gripped by dimensionally adjusted support straps 31 and fixed to the rail foot 3'. The tongue rail 7" can also comprise a rail foot insulation 22, which is interrupted in the area of the slide chairs 50 so as not to impair the function of the tongue rail 7".

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a slide chair 50 with slide chair plate 51 and a second heat exchanger 52 arranged thereon. The heating medium is supplied to the second heat exchanger 52 via hose lines 53, 55. The second heat exchanger 52 is detachably fastened to the slide chair 50 with a fastening element 54. Here as well, the heat-conducting element 21 comprised of heat-conducting cement can be used to improve the heat transfer to the slide chair 50 at the contact surface between the slide chair 50 and second heat exchanger 52. Installation space considerations make it impossible to secure the first heat exchanger 4, 4', 4" in the area of the slide chairs 50 with slide chair plates 51. Provided for this purpose are an additional heater 60 and a fourth heat exchanger 82, 82', which is arranged in the slide chair 80.

Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of two slide chairs 50 with slide chair plates 51, stick rail 1, 1' , tongue rail 7" and third heat exchanger 61 arranged thereon. The additional heater 60 for the slide chairs 50 is designed as a third heat exchanger 61, which extends between the railhead 2, 2' and rail foot 3, 3' along the stick rail 1, 1' and between the slide chairs 50. The heat exchanger 61 essentially consists of a pipeline 63 with attached fastening clips 64. The third heat exchanger 61 is supplied with a heating medium by means of hose lines 62 and pipelines 63.

Shown to the left on Fig. 16 is a top view of a first variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger 82 in the area of the slide chairs 80. The fourth heat exchangers 82 are here bent in the shape of an S, arranged in the area of the slide chairs 80, and interconnected by means of hose lines 62' or pipelines 63', which are thermally insulated in the area outside of the slide chairs 80. To achieve a good heat transfer, heat-conducting elements (not shown) made of heat-conducting cement are provided between the heat exchanger 82 and slide chair 80.

Shown to the right on Fig. 16 is a top view of a second variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger 82' in the area of the slide chairs 80' . The fourth heat exchangers 82' are here bent in the shape of a double S, arranged in the area of the slide chairs 80', and interconnected by means of hose lines 62' or pipelines 63', which are thermally insulated in the area outside of the slide chairs 80' . To achieve a good heat transfer, heat-conducting elements (not shown) made of heat-conducting cement are provided between the heat exchanger 82' and slide chair 80' .

Fig. 17 shows a perspective, exploded view of a slide chair 80 with the fourth heat exchanger 82. During assembly of the slide chair 80, the fourth heat exchanger 82 is arranged in recesses 85, 86 of the slide chair plate 81 and base plate 84. The slide chair plate 81 and base plate 84 are then joined together. Joining takes place in a positive, non-positive and/or integral joining process. A clamp 83 is inserted laterally into the slide chair and, as shown on Fig. 16, fixes the stick rail in place in the assembled state.

Fig. 18 shows a top view and sectional depictions of a first variant for a slide chair 80 with a fourth heat exchanger 82. After the heat exchanger 82 has been arranged in the area of the contact surface 87 between the base plate 84 and slide chair plate 81, the base plate 84 is integrally joined with the slide chair plate 81 by a welded seam 89. Dash-dot lines in section B-B denote the stick rail 1, 1' and tongue rail 7" arranged on the slide chair 80. The stick rail 1, 1' is fixed in place by the clamp 83, which is resiliently mounted inside of the slide chair 80.

Fig. 19 shows a top view and sectional depictions of a second variant for a slide chair 80 with a fourth heat exchanger 82'. After the heat exchanger 82' has been arranged in the area of the contact surface 87' between the base plate 84' and slide chair plate 81', the slide chair plate 81' is joined to the base plate 84' by fastening elements 88, for example rivets. Dash-dot lines in section B-B denote the stick rail 1, 1' and tongue rail 7" arranged on the slide chair 80. The clamp 83' grips around the ledge below the slide chair plate 81' (section A-A), and fixes the stick rail 1, 1' in place between the base plate 84' and slide chair plate 81' (section B-B).

Fig. 20 shows a top view of a third variant for the arrangement of the fourth heat exchanger 82" on the slide chair 80". A heating medium flows through the heat exchanger 82" via pipelines 63" and hose lines 62".

Fig. 21 shows a top view of the slide chair 80" with fourth heat exchanger 82" arranged thereon, with pipelines 63" and hose lines 62". The heat exchanger 82" is integrated into the slide chair 80". The heating medium flows through the pipelines 63" and hose lines 62", and emits the thermal heat to the slide chair 80" via the heat exchanger 82".

Figs. 22a to c show a side view, sectional view and top view of the heat exchanger 82", wherein 22b presents the sectional view along the A-A axis from Fig. 22a. The heat exchanger 82" is comprised of a main body 92 and cover 93, which is arranged on the main body 92 with fastening elements 94.

Channels 95 pass through the heat exchanger 82", and carry the heating medium. The heat exchanger 82" is advantageously made out of a readily heat-conducting material, so as to facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating medium to the slide chair 80". The main body 92 and cover 93 of the heat exchanger 82" preferably consist of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

Fig. 23a shows a sectional view of the third variant for the slide chair 80" with fourth heat exchanger 82". The stick rail 1, 1' denoted by a dashed line is here arranged on the base plate 84". The slide chair 80" is comprised of the base plate 84" and slide chair plate 81", wherein the slide chair plate 81" lies on the base plate 84", and the slide chair plate 81" brings the base plate 84" into contact with the contact surface 87". The recess 85" of the slide chair plate 81" and the recess 86" of the base plate 84" together form a hollow space, in which the heat exchanger 82" is arranged, and the heat exchanger 82" contacts the base plate 84" and slide chair plate 81". The heat of the heating medium is transferred to the slide chair 80" via the heat exchanger 82". It is advantageous for heat transfer that a heat-conducting element (not shown) be arranged between the heat exchanger 82" and slide chair 80".

Fig. 23b shows a sectional view of the third variant for the slide chair 80" with fourth heat exchanger 82". The recess 85" of the slide chair plate 81" and recess 86" of the base plate 84" together form a hollow space, in which the heat exchanger 82" is arranged. The heat of the heating medium is transferred to the slide chair 80" via the heat exchanger 82". It is advantageous for heat transfer that a heat-conducting element (not shown) be arranged between the heat exchanger 82" and slide chair 80".

Fig. 23c shows a top view of the third variant for the slide chair 80" with fourth heat exchanger 82". The recess 85" of the slide chair plate 81" and recess 86" of the base plate 84" together form a hollow space, which incorporates the heat exchanger 82". The heat exchanger 82" is supplied with the heating medium by pipelines 63" arranged thereon.

Claims

A track change heating system for maintaining the function of frost and snow railway track switches, the rail track switches each comprising side rails (1, 1 ') and tongue rails (7 "), and sliding chairs (50, 80, 80') in each case. , 80 ") with sliding chair plates (51, 81, 81 ', 81") where one or more heat exchangers (4, 4', 4 ") are provided, wherein a heat exchanger (4, 4 ', 4") is provided in each cases can be releasably connected to a side rail (1, 1 ') and / or a tongue rail (7 ") by means of a fastening element (30, 40) and / or is received or can be accommodated therein, characterized in that the heat exchanger (4, 4 ', 4 ") comprises an aluminum profile (11, 11', 11"), an insulating element (14, 14 ', 14 "), a rubber seal (12, 12', 12") and a cover plate (13, 13 ') , 13 "), wherein the cover plate (13, 13 ', 13") is clamped or can be clamped between a groove (23', 23 ") and a clamping edge (24 ', 24").

Track switch heating system according to claim 1, characterized in that a heat exchanger (4, 4 ', 4 ") can in each case be releasably mounted on a rail intermediate (8, 8', 8") between a rail head (2, 2 ', 2 ") and a rail foot (3, 3 ', 3") of a side rail (1, V) and / or on a rail spacer (8, 8', 8 ") between a rail head (2, 2 ', 2") and a rail foot (3, 3 ', 3 ") of a tongue rail (7").

Tramline heating system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aluminum profile (11, 11 ', 11 "), the insulating element (14, 14', 14"), the sealing rubber (12, 12 ', 12 ") and the cover plate (13, 13 ', 13 ") are adhered to one another on adhesive surfaces (20).

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case a fastening element (30) is intended to grip about a rail foot (3, 3 ') of a side rail (1, V) and / or of a tongue rail (7 "), in which a heat exchanger (4, 4 ') can be releasably connected to the intermediate piece (8, 8') of the side rail (1, 1 ') or the tongue rail (7") by means of the fastening element (30).

Tramline heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (30, 40) comprises a retaining bracket (31, 41), a clamping bracket (32, 42), a threaded welding bolt (33, 33 '), a securing pad. (34, 34 ') and a hexagonal nut (35, 35').

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that an auxiliary heating element (60) is provided comprising a conduit (63) and a heat exchanger (61), which heat exchanger can be arranged between two sliding chairs (50) between tongue rail (7 ") and side rail (1, 1 ') and can be releasably connected to the side rail (1, 1") via a fastener (64).

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat exchangers (4, 4 ', 4 ") are provided or can be provided with a heating medium through conduits (5, 5', 5").

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wires (5, 5 ', 5 ") can be arranged between the aluminum profile (11, 11', 11") and the insulating element (14, 14 ', 14 ") .

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a snow protection device (70) can be placed on the tongue beginning (71) of a tongue rail (7 ") in front of a sliding chair (50, 80, 80 ', 80").

Track switch heating system according to claim 9, characterized in that the snow protection device (70) is designed as a plate which can be placed in front of the sliding chair (50, 80, 80 ', 80 ").

Track switch heating system according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the snow protection device (70) at the tongue protection (71) comprises two plates which can be spaced apart from the side rails (1, 1 ').

Track switch heating system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (30, 40) comprises a holding bracket (31, 41) with a mounting (90) arranged thereon for a temperature sensor (91).