EP1622803A1 - Device for the remote supervision of point mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the remote supervision of point mechanisms operated by means of four lines e.g. by a three-phase current or by an alarm circuit which is operated by four lines and comprises contacts which are switched according to the position of the points and, once the respective end position has been reached, switch off an alarm circuit guided over the four lines for a points monitoring device that is e.g. fed by a constant voltage. A plurality of checking planes is provided in the longitudinal direction of the rails, and at least four switching contacts are interconnected in each checking plane and co-operate with mobile parts of the point mechanism or the point, e.g. a checking rod, in such a way that respectively two switching contacts are in a closed switching position and two switching contacts in an open switching position in an end position, and the switching position of each switching contact is changed once when it is moved into the other end position. According to the invention, the switching contacts of a plurality of checking planes are interconnected in such a way that, in the respective end positions, all closed switching contacts of the interconnected checking planes are mounted in series to form respectively one alarm circuit.

Description

Device for remote monitoring of point machines

The invention relates to a device for remote monitoring of over four lines e.g. three-phase operated turnout drives or a monitoring circuit operated via four lines with contacts connected as a function of the position of the switch, via which, after reaching the respective end position, a monitoring circuit guided over the four lines for a control circuit. DC-powered switch monitor closes, wherein a plurality of offset in the rail longitudinal direction test planes is provided and connected in each test level at least four switching contacts with each other and so with moving parts of the points drive or the switch, e.g. a Prüfer rod, cooperate, that in an end position two switching contacts in closed and two switching contacts are in open switching position and the switching position of each switching contact is changed once when switching to the other end position.

A device of the type mentioned above can be found for example in EP 0 052 759 A2. In this known device is assumed by an electronic interlocking for food and remote monitoring of a four-line rotary-operated point machine drive. In the star point connections of the motor windings controlled by the drive contacts are arranged, via which the motor windings when closing Anschaltkontakten be connected to the three-phase network, and on after the circulation of the drive ^' and reaching the' new end position via the four lines and the 'three windings of the drive guided monitoring circuit for a usually supplied with DC turnout circuit closes. The motor windings are fed symmetrically during circulation in correct operation and fed at least in leakage asymmetric. The monitoring device responds via respectively associated diodes and via connection contacts of a direction selector to the monitoring currents, wherein when the switch assumes one of the two end positions, the setting switched off ström and the monitoring voltage is switched on. After the revolution of the drive and the achievement of each new end position closes over two of the four limit switches, the three motor windings and the four rotary power lines controlled monitoring circuit so that a trained in this way circuit signals the correct function of the limit switches. Further devices of the type mentioned above can be found, for example, in DE 36 38 681 A1, in which remote monitoring of three-phase current drives is performed by two current-direction-sensitive indicators, which are connected in parallel via connection contacts of a direction selector. A monitoring DC voltage source supplies the two indicators with a control potential via the three-phase line, the motor windings of the drive and the end position contacts, as long as the drive assumes one of its end positions.

From DE 198 19 162 AI a further device of this type for a switch with multiple turnout drives can be seen. The end positions of the point machines are monitored by summarizing corresponding end position messages of the individual further point machines to form a summary message. In this case, the circuit should ensure that the monitoring circuit is only established if all the drives that are jointly monitored in each case assume the same end position. In disconnected turnout drives, the basic position of all startup relays is monitored.

In the case of the device mentioned at the beginning, which became known from EP 0 052 759 A2, a number of additional monitoring operations were carried out and recorded centrally. It is common to the known devices that when the training is to be used for a plurality of test levels without a fundamental change in the cable outlay, the signals combined into a summary message are not suitable in certain special cases to monitor all the switches and therefore misalignments of a switch can lead to a monitoring circuit can still be set up and the corresponding error message does not occur or can not be evaluated.

Based on the above-described device for dining and remote monitoring of four-wire three-phase switch machines, the present invention aims now, without increasing the line effort and without significant adaptation work to ensure safe monitoring of multiple test levels of the same switch and with a single monitoring unit safe control All switches a plurality of test levels of the same or make several switches. To achieve this object, the device according to the invention essentially consists in the fact that the switching contacts of several test levels are interconnected in such a way that in the respective end positions all closed switching contacts of the interconnected test levels are connected in series for forming a respective Uberwachungsstromkreis. While only a portion of the switch was always connected in series and other switches were connected in parallel in the known embodiments, the training of the invention, the switching contacts of several test levels in such a way interconnect that all closed switch contacts, i. all the conductive connections for the training of the test circuit are connected in series, in fact only a summed signal is formed and the monitoring circuit is closed when in fact all switches of several test levels are functional and the switch has been correctly switched.

However, not only the switch position per se but also the respective time, which is required by the three-phase motor for the changeover process, is to be evaluated as an essential criterion for the correct function of the switch and its safety for the correct function and the required checking. The training here, as is well known, so made that motor windings of a three-phase motor with the switch contacts connected in series and can be connected via this to the three-phase network, in a particularly advantageous manner Training is made such that the one end position corresponding monitoring circuit and the other end position corresponding monitoring circuit are connected to each other, so that the monitoring circuits are connected in case of malfunction of at least one switching contact or Fehlumstellung the switch in at least one test level to a neutral point connection. When a malfunction of a switching contact occurs in this circuit arrangement can come to a new neutral connection, from the parameters Umstellzeit and current consumption of the AC drive directly on the correct function or a malfunction ^' can be concluded.

Both in the alarm mode and in the control mode, an absolute potential separation between logic and power range must be ensured. As already mentioned, the voltage in the monitoring circuit is usually a DC voltage, whereas the power range is usually fed by a three-phase current source. During a positioning procedure, it must be ensured that the drive is switched off when the end position is reached in order to ensure the appropriate potential separation for the subsequent check. If the end position is not reached, the drive must be switched off after a maximum permissible runtime, whereby an error can be detected or evaluated directly by checking the sum signals.

The circuit arrangement according to the invention, which connects a plurality of test planes to one another, can be realized with conventional switches or controlled contacts, so that the only effort involved is to connect the contacts in the correct way to achieve the desired series connection in any position enable. The design is advantageously such that two switching contacts of a test plane, which have different switching positions from one another, are combined in a switch component and connected to a common actuating element. Link interact. In principle, switching contacts of a test level do not necessarily have to be redundant. In order to ensure the redundancy required for the series connection according to the invention but also in these cases, uss the total number of switching contacts meet the redundancy criteria. For this purpose, the training is such that the sum of the switching contacts of all test levels corresponds to an integer multiple of 8. M t such a number of switching contacts and the corresponding cross-circuiting or self-monitoring design in a first test level manages shunts or parallel circuits with safety to avoid in all switching positions, so that the required series circuit with which a sum signal for all to be monitored switching contact correctly determined is actually always guaranteed.

In the preferred embodiment, the inventive device is developed such that at least two switching contacts in the same switching position and the same end position are connected in series, further preferably two switching contacts with mutually different switching position of a switch component for the same end position are linked. This ensures an improved failure disclosure.

Finally, the training can also be made such that three switch contacts, of which at least two mutually different switch positions, are combined in a switch component and cooperate with a common actuator. In this case, not two, but three switching contacts are each integrated in one component and actuated together, wherein in the test level two such switch components can be arranged, so that a total of six switching contacts are arranged.

In order to increase the operational reliability further boundary conditions are to be considered, whereby in particular the wiring of the first test level for the complete series connection independently of the particular position requires special attention. In this case, the training can either be such that a separate, self-monitoring checking unit is arranged in a first of the interconnected test levels, or be made such that the switch components associated with a first of the interconnected test levels are interconnected in a crosswise manner. In both cases, it is ensured in the first check level that no undesired shunts can occur and, as a result, the series connection is always ensured for all closed contacts, each of which has a plurality of test levels.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments of the various switching states shown schematically in the drawing. 9 shows a schematic structure of the monitoring device according to the invention and FIGS. 10 to 16 are circuit diagrams of the monitoring device according to the invention in the various states of the switch.

In Fig.l schematically a turnout drive 1 is shown, which is fed via four leads 2, 3, 4 and 5 and controlled by an interlocking and can be monitored. The drive 1 has a three-phase motor with the windings U, V and W, which are connected in a known manner with the switching contacts 6, 7, 8 and 9. As a power supply device for the conversion of the drive is a three-phase three-phase network with the phases Ll, L2, L3 and the common center conductor Mp. In addition, in or between two of the three outer conductors Ll, L2 and L3 a not shown Weichenlaufriehtungs counter connected via the For example, the phase angle of the current flowing on the outer conductors Ll and L2 currents for the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the drive is interchangeable. In Fig.l the switch contacts 6, 7, 8 and 9 are connected such that the phases Ll, L2 and L3 are connected together to form a neutral point 10, so that the three-phase motor can be operated at full power. In Fig. 2a and 2b, two embodiments of switch components 11 and 12 are exemplified, in which two switching contacts are combined. The switch component 11 has the switching contacts 6 and 7, the switch component 12, the switching contacts 8 and 9. The arranged in each case a switch component 11 and 12 switching contacts 6, 7 and 8, 9 is associated with a common actuator 13, which cooperates, for example, formed in a Prüferstange 14 grooves 15 and 16. In Figure 2, the actuator 13 of the switch member 12 engages in the groove 15 and is therefore in the relaxed position. The switch component 11, however, is in the tensioned position. The switch positions shown in FIG. 2 correspond to one of the two end positions of the switch tongue or of a movable frog. In the other end position, the switch component 12 is in the tensioned and the switch component 11 in the relaxed position. During the Umstellbewegung both switch components 11, 12 are curious. The two switching contacts 6, 7 and 8, 9 of the switch components 11 and 12 are located in mutually different switching positions.

This results in the right end position shown in Figure 3 circuit diagram. In this right-hand end position, the supply lines 2, 3, 4, 5 are interconnected on the off-set side such that a monitoring circuit can be formed via the four feed lines 2, 3, 4, 5 and the three motor windings U, V, W. The monitoring circuit is designed as a DC voltage circuit with a supply voltage of 60 volts. If the right end position is correctly taken, the monitoring circuit is closed and runs via the supply line 2, the motor winding V, the switching contact 8, the supply line 3, the monitoring relay Wü, the supply line 4, the motor winding U, the switching contact 7, the Motor winding W and the supply line 5.

In Figure 4 it is assumed that the control computer of the interlocking has issued the control command for reversing the switch and thus open the circuit side of the monitoring circuit and the Supply circuit for the drive motor is closed. The winding V of the drive motor is at the phase voltage, the windings U and W at the chained phase voltage between the phases L2 and L3. The drive motor begins to circulate without, however, first the switch contacts 6, 7, 8, 9 are switched. During this start-up phase, the motor starts with a torque of approx. 70%. In the startup phase, the switching contacts 8, 9 are now switched, since the actuator 13 of the switch component 12 is pushed out of the groove 15 of the Prüferstange. The result is the circuit shown in FIG. 1, in which the motor windings are connected in star.

In Figure 5, the supply circuits of the drive in the discharge phase are shown shortly before switching off the drive motor. In this phase, the switching contacts 6, 7 have changed their switching position and thus separated the neutral connection of the motor windings. The motor is now excited asymmetrically via the phase voltage and the chained phase voltage, with the motor continuing to run at approximately 70% of the torque. Via the center conductor Mp, the signal box recognizes that the changeover has been completed. In the interlocking, therefore, the supply voltage for the three-phase motor is disconnected and applied the monitoring voltage for the left end position. In this case, a monitoring circuit shown in FIG. 6 is formed via the supply line 4, the motor winding U, the switching contact 6, the supply line 3, the monitoring relay Wü, the supply line 2, the motor winding V, the switching contact 9, the motor winding W and the supply line 5 ,

In the illustration according to FIG. 7, the situation is shown in which the switch was ascended, that is, it was driven from the blunt side against the position defined by the last executed setting job. The two switching contacts 6 and 7 have changed their switching position. As a result of the contact change of the existing monitoring circuit was interrupted, the monitoring relay Wü drops and energize the drive relay WA. When the supply voltage is applied, this again results in a star connection of the phases L1, L2, L3, so that the three-phase current can be applied for a renewed changeover.

In the illustration according to FIG. 8, an interconnection is shown, as is provided according to the prior art in a checking device which takes into account several test planes arranged offset in the rail longitudinal direction. Each of the test levels 17, 18 and 19 has a test circuit with two switch components, each with two switch contacts, which are connected together in a cascade. In the illustration according to FIG. 8, the monitoring voltage for the right-hand end position is applied and it can be seen that a malfunction of individual contact switches is not recognized. With correct operation of all switching contacts, the switching contact 20 would be open, and the switching contact 21 would be closed, the test circuit would have to pass through the switching contact 21, as indicated by dashed line. In the event of a malfunction of the switching contacts 20 and 21 (as shown in FIG. 8) combined to form a switch component according to the switch component 11 or 12, however, the switch contact 20 is closed and the switch contact 21 open, so that the monitoring circuit is nevertheless closed via the switch contact 20. A malfunction is not detected by the interlocking here, since the individual switching contacts are connected in parallel, so that no sum signal is available, which would also indicate the malfunction of a single switching contact.

According to the invention it is therefore proposed that the switching contacts of several test levels are interconnected, in a manner that in the respective end positions all closed switching contacts of the interconnected test levels are connected in series. A schematic representation of a monitoring device according to the invention is shown in FIG. The individual test levels are designated 17, 18 and 19 and there are switch components A, B, C and D, which each comprise two switching contacts with mutually different switching positions. In the following figures, the switching contacts of the individual switch component with Al / 2, A3 / 4, Bl / 2, B3 / 4, Cl / 2, C3 / 4 and Dl / 2, D3 / 4, each with two switching contacts in one Switching component can be integrated, for example, the switching contacts Al / 2 and A3 / 4 in the switch component A. The switch components can in this case be constructed as shown in Fig. 2a and 2b. The drive motor is denoted by M and the interlocking by St. In Fig.10, the interconnection of the individual switching contacts is shown, wherein building on a first end drive position monitoring 22 three further test levels 17, 18 and 19 lined up and connected in series. In the end position shown in Fig.10 the monitoring circuit is closed and visually highlighted. It can be seen that all switch contacts closed in this end position are connected in series, the monitoring circuit in each case via the switching contacts Al / 2,. Bl / 2, C3 / 4 and D3 / 4 of the individual test levels. In the other end position, a monitoring circuit would result via the switching contacts Cl / 2, Dl / 2, A3 / 4 and B3 / 4 of the individual test levels, as indicated by a dashed line. It can be seen that the monitoring circuit connects each closed switch contacts in series, so that the malfunction of a single in-line switching contact causes an interruption of the monitoring circuit, so that the malfunction of a single switching contact can be detected at any time. The monitoring circuits corresponding to the two end positions (shown in full line in FIG. 10 and dashed lines) are connected via connections 23, so that in the case of malfunction any one of the switching contacts produces a star connection, so that the three-phase motor continues to run during the changeover and the overshoot of the specified changeover time, the misconduct is recognized by the controller. In this case, the situation is shown in Figure 11, in which the switch component, which includes the switching contacts Bl / 2 and B3 / 4 in the test plane 19, does not indicate the achievement of the desired end position, so that the Monitoring circuit is interrupted and results in a star point connection with the star point 10, so that the three-phase motor continues to run at full power. Thus, the connection point for the star point of the first test level shifts in conventional four-wire technology with the involvement of the individual test levels and thus allows the guidance of the monitoring current path through the individual star points of the test levels.

In the lowest level of the circuit 22, a self-monitoring monitoring unit may be provided or a crosswise Verschal tion of two switch components, as for example for the switch components B and D in FIG. 10 is indicated. Such a crosswise Verschal ensures an ongoing verifiability of all strung contacts in j eweiligen limit after applying the test circuit. Alternatively, a separate switch component E can be used, as shown in FIG. 16. The switch component E can in this case be designed in accordance with FIG. 2b.

An external accessory, such as a Auffahrmelde- device 32 may be integrated into this device for remote monitoring of points.

The test device according to the invention can also be integrated into a separate four-wire monitoring circuit. In Fig.12. a contact interconnection is shown which comprises a bidirectional monitoring relay 23. If a single one of the numerous switch contacts fails, the supplied monitoring current of, for example, 48 volts can not flow and the points system must be checked. In contrast to the illustration according to FIG. 12, in which the monitoring circuit is closed and therefore no error message is displayed, the switch components A are not switched during the changeover according to FIG. 13 when the desired end position is reached, so that the monitoring relay is short-circuited and this. is displayed as an error message in the interlocking. Overall, it is advantageous if a number of switching contacts is connected to each other in the inventive checking device, which corresponds to an integral multiple of 8, and it is therefore necessary that when arranging only two switch components in a test level, a group of four switch components summarized be arranged so that in each case a group of two switch components in a relaxed position and two switch components in a tensioned position, as in the Fig. 9 to 11 in the test plane 19 of the case. A test plane may be located in the drive plane or within the extension of the tongue or the movable centerpiece.

FIG. 14 shows another type of switch component 25, 26 in which three switching contacts are combined in each case. The switch component 25 has the switching contacts 27, 28 29. The switching contacts 27, 28, 29 or 24, 30, 31 arranged in each case in a switch component 25 or 26 are associated with a common actuating member 13, which cooperates, for example, with grooves 15 and 16 formed by a test rod 14

The switch component 26 engages with the actuator 13 in the groove 15 and is in the relaxed position, the switch contact 30 is closed and the contacts 24 and 31 are open. The switch component 25, however, is in the tensioned position, wherein the switch contacts 27 and 28 are closed and the switch contact 29 is open. The switch positions shown in FIG. 14 correspond to one of the two end positions of the switch tongue or of the movable frog.

The test device according to the invention can be constructed by switch components, as described in Fig.14. It is seen lent that in turn all closed in the end position switching contacts are connected in series and a monitoring circuit, as shown in Fig.15, closes, which over the switching contacts All / 12 and C4 / 3 and C13 / 14 of the individual test levels run.

Claims

claims:

1. Device for remotely monitoring over four lines e.g. three-phase operated turnout drives or a four-line monitoring circuit with contacts connected as a function of the position of the switch over which, after reaching the respective end position, a monitoring circuit passed through the four lines for a control circuit, e.g. DC-fed switch monitor closes, wherein a plurality of offset in the rail longitudinal direction Prüfvorbenen (17,18,19) is provided and in each test level at least four switching contacts (A 1/2, A 3/4, C 1/2, C 3/4) interconnected and so with moving parts of the points drive or the switch, eg a Prüferstange, cooperate, that in an end position in each case two switching contacts (A 1/2, C 3/4 or C 1/2, A 3/4) in closed and two switching contacts (C 1/2, A 3 / 4 or A 1/2, C 3/4) are in open switching position and the switching position of each switching contact (A 1/2, A 3/4, C 1/2, C 3/4) when switching to the other end position Once changed, characterized in that the switching contacts (A 1/2, A 3/4, C 1/2, C 3/4) of several test levels (17,18,19) are interconnected in such a way that in the respective end positions All closed • switching contacts (A 1/2, C 3/4 or C 1/2, A 3/4) of the interconnected test levels (17,18,19) are connected in series for the formation of a respective Uberwachungsstromkreises.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that motor windings (U, V, W) of a three-phase motor with the switching contacts (A 1/2, A 3/4, C 1/2, C 3/4) connected in series and via these to the three-phase network can be connected.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2,. characterized in that the monitoring circuit corresponding to one end position and the monitoring circuit corresponding to the other end position are connected to each other, so that the monitoring circuit circuits at least one Schaltkon- clock or Fehlumstellung the switch in at least one test level are connected to a neutral connection.

4. Device according to claim 1,2 or 3, characterized in that in each case two switching contacts (A 1/2, A 3/4 or B 1/2, B 3/4 or C 1/2, C 3/4 or D 1/2, D 3/4) of a test plane (17,18,19), which have mutually different switching positions, in a switch component (A, B, C, D) are combined and cooperate with a common actuator.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sum of the switching contacts of all test levels (17,18,19) corresponds to an integer multiple of eight.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least two switching contacts (A 1/2, B 1/2) are connected in series in the same switching position and the same end position.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that two switching contacts (A 1/2, A 3/4) with mutually different switching position of a switch component (A) for the same end position are linked together.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3 and 7, characterized in that three switching contacts (27,28,29), of which at least two mutually different switching positions, in a switch component (25) are combined and with a common actuator (13 ) interact.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in a first of the interconnected test levels a separate, self-monitoring unit is arranged.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first (22) of the interconnected test levels associated switch components (Bl / 2, B 3/4, D 1/2, D 3/4) interconnected with each other crosswise are.