EP3835168A1

EP3835168A1 - Railway switch machine with adjustable stroke

Info

Publication number: EP3835168A1
Application number: EP19306632.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leonardo Bozzoli
Original assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies SAS
Current assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies SAS
Priority date: 2019-12-11
Filing date: 2019-12-11
Publication date: 2021-06-16

Abstract

A switch machine (100) for railway applications, comprising a switching rod (10) which is movable along a first axis (101) between a first end-stroke position (A) and a second end-stroke position (B), a drive (30) for actuating the switching rod (10), and a locking assembly (40) for locking the switching rod (10) in the two end-stroke positions.

The locking assembly (40) comprises a first locking device (1) and a second locking device (2) which are operatively associated with the switching rod (10) and are configured to lock the switching rod (10) in the first end-stroke position (A) and in the second end-stroke (B) position, respectively.

The first locking device (1) comprises at least a first element (43) mounted on a first supporting guide (60) and/or the second locking device (2) comprises at least a second element (44) mounted on a second supporting guide (61). The two supporting guides (60, 61) are mounted releasably on corresponding supports (200, 201) to adjust the mutual position of the first and the second locking devices (1, 2) along said first axis (101).

Description

The present invention relates to a switch machine for railway applications, and in particular to a switch machine having an adjustable stroke.
As known, switch machines are used in railway applications in order to move two interconnected blades of a switching of railway tracks.
To this end, switch machines comprise a commutation or drive rod which moves between a first end-stroke position, where one switching blade operatively associated to the commutation rod is brought into contact with the inside of one of the rails of a track, and a second end-stroke position where the other switching blade, also associated with the commutation rod, is brought into contact with the inside of the other rail.
The distance along the axis of displacement between the two end-stroke positions defines the overall stroke of a switch machine.
While performing such basic function, switch machines should meet at the same time other relevant requirements, in particular as regard to safety.
Indeed, it must be guaranteed that the commutation rod remains stably in either the first end-stroke position or in the second end-stroke position; it is also important that locking in one or the other end-stroke position is properly detected and signaled.
Another important requirement resides in the possibility of adapting switch machines to different railway applications, in particular where the mutual distance of the two blades of a switch machine may vary from one application to another, or even along the same track, e.g. in case of application to high speed railway tracks.
Yet other aspects relate to the need of realizing switch machines with constructive architectures as much simplified as possible and which, once installed, would allow proper inspection and, if needed, ease maintenance interventions, for instance for replacing any component.
Over the years, several solutions have been proposed to the market trying to face one or more of the above aspects.
One example of such prior art solutions is described in US-A-5 620 156 wherein a drive rod is moved by actuating an associated carrier pin, for example by means of a motor.
Along its movement, the upper surface of the drive rod operatively interacts, in a surface-contact manner, with two associated swiveling catches; in this way, the two catches are brought, alternatively, each to engage into a corresponding locking slot provided in locking blocks.
When the switching mechanism reaches the first end-stroke position or the second one, locking is secured via an extra movement of the drive rod.
In such solution, the adaptation of the overall stroke is obtained by displaceably mounting an upper center block and a lower center block along a threaded shaft; in turn, the shaft is threaded at its two ends to the locking blocks which are displaceably screwed onto a cover plate secured to a box girder by means of a joint; by loosening the joint, the distance between the locking blocks can be modified, thus varying the overall stroke of the switch machine.
Although prior art solutions, like the one illustrated in US-A-5 620 156 , have tried over the years to ameliorate switch machines offered to the market, there is still room and desire for further improvements under various aspects.
Therefore, it is a main aim of the present invention to fulfill at least partially such room and desire, and in particular to provide a switch machine which can be more easily tailored to different strokes and which has a more refined stroke adjustment.
Within the scope of this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a switch machine having an overall mechanism simplified, either structurally and functionally, as regard to the switching between the two end-stroke positions and to safely locking into or unlocking out from such positions.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a switch machine allowing to simplify inspection and, if needed, maintenance interventions.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a switch machine which is highly reliable, easy to realize and at competitive costs.
This aim, these objects and others that will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a switch machine for railway applications, comprising:

a switching rod which is movable along a first axis between a first end-stroke position and a second end-stroke position;
a drive for actuating at least said switching rod;
a locking assembly for locking said switching rod either in said first end-stroke position or in said second end-stroke position;
characterized in that said locking assembly comprises:
- a first locking device and a second locking device which are operatively associated with said switching rod and are configured to lock the switching rod in said first end-stroke position and in said second end-stroke position, respectively; wherein:
- said first locking device comprises at least a first element mounted on a first supporting guide; and/or
- said second locking device comprises at least a second element mounted on a second supporting guide;
  said first and/or second supporting guides being releasably mounted on a corresponding support, so as to adjust the mutual position of said first locking device and said second locking device along said first axis.

Further characteristics and advantages will become apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive exemplary embodiments of a switch machine according to the present disclosure, illustrated only by way of non-limitative examples with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a switch machine according to the invention;
Figures 2-5 are exploded views showing some of the components illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows a part of the switch machine of Figure 1 locked in a first end stroke position;
Figure 7 shows the switch machine of Figure 1 in an intermediate position while moving towards a second end-stroke position;
Figure 8 shows part of the switch machine of Figure 1 locked in the second end-stroke position.

It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, identical or similar components, either from a structural and/or functional point of view, have the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments of the present disclosure; it should also be noted that in order to clearly and concisely describe the present disclosure, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features of the disclosure may be shown in somewhat schematic form.
Further, when the term "adapted" or "arranged" or "configured" or "shaped", is used herein while referring to any component as a whole, or to any part of a component, or to a combination of components, it has to be understood that it means and encompasses correspondingly either the structure, and/or configuration and/or form and/or positioning of the related component or part thereof, or combinations, such term refers to.
When the terms transversal or transversally are hereby used, they have to be understood as encompassing a direction non-parallel to the part(s) they refer to, and perpendicularity has to be considered a specific case of transverse direction.
In addition, when the terms substantial or substantially are used with reference to moving parts, e.g. two parts moving substantially solidly to each other, it has to be understood that they move together apart from unavoidable mechanical inertia, while when referring to relative positioning, e.g. one part substantially parallel to another part, it has to be understood as encompassing a tolerance of plus or minus 5°.
Finally, in the following description and claims, the numeral cardinals first, second, third et cetera, will be used only for the sake of clarity of description and in no way they should be understood as limiting for whatsoever reason; in particular, the indication of a component referred to for instance as the "third ..." does not imply necessarily the presence or strict need of the preceding "first" or "second" ones, unless such presence is clearly evident for the correct functioning of the subject switch machine, nor that the order should be the one described in the illustrated exemplary embodiment(s).
With reference to the above indicated figures, the switch machine according to the invention, indicated by the overall reference number 100, comprises a casing 200, only a part of which is shown in Figures 5-8, and a switching rod 10 which is movable along a first axis 101 between a first end-stroke position (A) illustrated in Figure 6, and a second end-stroke position (B) illustrated in Figure 8.
The switch machine 100 further comprises an overall actuation mechanism which is suitable, in operations, to actuate the switching rod 10 from the first end-stroke position (A), illustrated in Figure 6, to the second end-stroke position (B), illustrated in Figure 8, and vice versa.
To this end, switch machines comprise a commutation or drive rod which moves between a first end-stroke position, where one switching blade operatively associated to the commutation rod is brought into contact with the inside of one of the rails of a track, and a second end-stroke position where the other switching blade, also associated with the commutation rod, is brought into contact with the inside of the other rail.
During the displacement between the two end-stroke positions, the switching rod 10 brings two switching blades to get into contacts with corresponding rails of a track, according to solutions well known in the art or readily available to those skilled in the art, and therefore not described herein in details.
Also, the actuation mechanism can be realized according to various solutions readily available to those skilled in the art; therefore, it will not be described herein in details, in particular as regard to those parts that are not relevant for the present invention.
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the actuation mechanism comprises, for instance, a drive 30 for actuating at least the switching rod 10, e.g. a rotating motor 30, which is connected to and rotates, either clockwise or counterclockwise, a threaded shaft 31.
The rotating shaft 31 is connected to and cooperates with a carriage 32, which is in turn operatively connected to the switching rod 10.
According to an embodiment, and as better visible in Figure 4, the carriage 32 comprises a through hole 33 inside which there is inserted, for mutual coupling, an end portion of a plug-like element 34, which is illustrated in more details for instance in Figures 1 and 3.
As illustrated in Figure 1, a cursor 35 is positioned at least partially inside the body of and is mechanically coupled to the carriage 32; the cursor 35 is also coupled with the threaded shaft 31 which passes through the carriage 32 and the cursor 35 itself.
As for example illustrated in more details in Figure 3, where the carriage 32 has been omitted for the sake of clarity of illustration, the plug 34 further comprises an end portion which is suitable to be inserted into the through hole 33 so that its lateral surfaces get into surface contact and thus mechanically interacts with associated surfaces of the carriage 32, e.g. the internal borders of the through hole 33.
In an embodiment, the end portion of the plug 34 terminates with a tip portion 36, e.g. a tooth or protuberance having rounded surfaces, which engages into an associated seat 11 provided on the switching rod 10, for instance also having complementary rounded surfaces.
In this way, the plug 34 mechanically links the carriage 32 and the cursor 35 with the switching rod 10 so that, in operations, they move all together substantially at the same time.
The tip portion 36 can be provided as an end portion of a spindle mounted on and movable with respect to the body of the plug 34.
In particular, the tip portion 36 can be urged against the seat 11 of the switching rod 10 by a predetermined elastic force exerted by a non-represented spring positioned inside the movable plug 34, so that, in case of need, e.g. a train entering a wrong direction, the tip portion 36 may slip out from the recess 11.
Alternatively, the tip portion 36 can be urged and stably maintained inside the recess 11, for example by means of a shaft positioned inside the plug 34 and which has a portion breakable under a force exceeding a predetermined level.
In this way, when a trailing action is exerted, the shaft breaks, the tip portion 36 is free to slide inside the body of the plug 34, and the switching rod 10 can be displaced relative to the plug 34 and the carriage 32.
Hence, the switch machine 100 can be used in a trailable or non-trailable version, by adopting quite simple and minor constructive modifications.
The coupling between the rotating shaft 31 and the cursor 35, for example of the type male screw-female screw e.g. via a recirculating ball screws, allows transforming the rotational movement of the motor 30 and of threaded shaft 31 into a linear movement, thus causing the displacement of the switching rod 10, together with the carriage 32 and the cursor 35, along the axis 101, in one direction up to the first end-stroke position (A), and in the opposite direction up to the second end-stroke position (B).
The illustrated switch machine 100 comprises an overall locking assembly or mechanism, indicated in Figure 1 by the cumulative reference number 40, for locking the switching rod 10, either in the first end-stroke position (A), or in the second end-stroke position (B).
In particular, the locking assembly 40 comprises at least a first locking device 1 and a second locking device 2 which are operatively associated with the switching rod 10 and are configured to lock the switching rod 10 in the first end-stroke position (A) and in the second end-stroke (B) position, respectively.
Advantageously, in the switch machine 100 according to the invention, the first locking device 1 comprises at least a first element 43 which is mounted, movably, on a first supporting guide 60, and the second locking device 2 comprises at least a second element 44 which is mounted, movably, on a second supporting guide 61.
The supporting guides 60, 61 are each releasably connected, e.g. via screwing, on two corresponding supports, e.g. two guiding slides 201.
According to an embodiment, the first locking device 1 comprises a first monolithic, i.e. single-piece, shaped body and the second locking device 2 comprises a second monolithic, i.e. single-piece, shaped body.
Preferably, the first and second monolithic shaped bodies are substantially identical to each other and form the first element 43 and the second element 44, respectively.
In the exemplary embodiment, as for example visible in Figure 3, the first and second locking devices 1 and 2 comprise a first recess 41 and a second recess 42, respectively, which are provided directly in the structure of the switching rod 10 and are located at a desired distance from each other along the axis 101.
Further, as visible in more details in Figure 2, the first and second monolithic shaped bodies 43, 44 each comprise a frame-shaped portion 59 which surrounds a window inside which a first control rod 20 and a second control rod 21 pass through.
In particular, the first control rod 20 is mechanically connected to the actuating mechanism of the switch machine 100 so that, when the motor 30 starts rotating for initiating actuation of the switching rod 10 along the first axis 101, e.g. moving it towards the first end-stroke position (A), also the first control rod 20 is actuated and moves, substantially at the same time, with the switching rod 10, along a second axis 102 substantially parallel to the first axis 101 and in the same direction.
In turn, the second control rod 21 is mechanically connected to the actuating mechanism of the switch machine 100 so that, when the motor 30 starts rotating for initiating actuation of the switching rod 10 along the first axis 101, e.g. moving it towards the second end-stroke position (B), also the second control rod 21 is actuated and moves, substantially at the same time, with the switching rod 10, along a third axis 103 substantially parallel to the first axis 101 and in the same direction.
The first and second elements 43 and 44 comprise each a tooth 62 that protrudes outwardly from a first side 63 of the frame-shaped portion 59 in a direction transversal, in particular substantially perpendicular, to the first axis 101, and is configured to enter into the corresponding first recess 41 or second recess 42.
A first arm 64 protrudes outwardly from a second side 65 of the frame-shaped portion 59 along a direction substantially parallel to the first axis 101; a grooved head 67 protrudes outwardly from a third side 68 of the frame-shaped portion 59, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis 101, and is configured to mechanically interact with an actuating element 49, illustrated in the Figures 1 and 3; a second arm 69 protrudes outwardly from a fourth side 70 of the frame-shaped portion 59 in a direction transversal, in particular substantially perpendicular, to the first arm 64.
The second arm 69 of the first and second monolithic bodies 43, 44 is suitable to contact an associated signaling device 5, 6, respectively.
The signaling devices 5 and 6 are devised to signal that the switching rod 10 has reached the first or the second end-stoke positions (A) or (B).
In an embodiment, the locking assembly 40 of the switch machine 100 according to the present invention, comprises a third locking device 3 which is operatively associated to the first control rod 20 and is configured to lock the first control rod 20 in a first control position when the switching rod 10 is locked in said first end-stroke position (A), as for example illustrated in Figure 6.
Advantageously, the third locking device 3 comprises at least a third element 46 which is mounted in the switch machine 100 in a position adjustable at least with respect to the first and second locking devices 1, 2, and in particular with respect to the first and second elements 43, 44.
According to an embodiment, the third locking device 3 comprises a first seat 45 provided on the first control rod 20 and a third monolithic, i.e. single-piece, shaped body forming the third element 46.
Preferably, the third monolithic shaped body 46 is mechanically connected to and moves solidly together with the first monolithic body 43.
In an embodiment, the locking assembly 40 comprises a fourth locking device 4 which is operatively associated to the second control rod 21, and is configured to lock the second control rod 21 in a second control position when the switching rod 10 is locked in the second end-stroke position (B), as for example illustrated in Figure 8.
Advantageously, the fourth locking device 4 comprises at least a fourth element 48 which is mounted in the switch machine 100 in a position adjustable at least with respect to the first and second locking devices 1, 2, and in particular with respect to the first and second elements 43, 44.
According to an embodiment, the fourth locking device 4 comprises a second seat 47 provided on the second control rod 21, and a fourth monolithic, i.e. single-piece, shaped body forming the fourth element 48.
Preferably, the fourth monolithic shaped body 48 is mechanically connected to and moves solidly together with the second monolithic body 44.
Preferably, the third and fourth monolithic shaped bodies 46 and 48 are substantially identical to each other.
In the embodiment illustrated, as better visible in Figure 2, the third and fourth monolithic shaped bodies 46, 48 comprise each a tooth-shaped portion 52.
In particular, the third monolithic shaped body 46 is slidably mounted on the first arm 64 of the corresponding first monolithic shaped body 43, and is configured so that its tooth-shaped portion 52 can enter into the corresponding first seat 45 provided on the first control rod 20.
In turn, the fourth shaped body 48 is slidably mounted on the first arm 64 of the corresponding second monolithic shaped body 44, and is configured so that its tooth-shaped portion 52 can enter into the corresponding second seat 47 provided on the second control rod 21.
The actuating element 49 is operatively connected, e.g. mechanically coupled, to the cursor 35 and moves substantially solidly, inter alia, with the switching rod 10, with the control rods 20, 21, as well as with the cursor 35, the plug 34 and the carriage 32.
The actuating element 49 is also preferably realized as a single-piece and is configured to mechanically interact with at least one portion of at least one of the first locking device 1 and of the third locking device 3 so as to cause, substantially at the same time, the switching rod 10 and the first control rod 20 to be locked in, or unlocked from, the first end-stroke position (A) and the first control position, respectively; or alternately, to mechanically interact with at least one portion of at least one of the second locking device 2 and the fourth locking device 4 so as to cause, substantially at the same time, the switching rod 10 and the second control rod 21 to be locked in, or unlocked from, the second end-stroke position (B) and the second control position, respectively.
According to an embodiment, the actuating element 49 comprises a slot 50 inside which there passes the plug 34 and a suitable protuberance 51, e.g. cam shaped.
During actuation of the switching rod 10 and of the first and second control rods 20, the protuberance 51 is suitable to mechanically interact, via surface contact, with an associated portion of the first locking device 1, e.g. the grooved head 67 of the first monolithic body 43, or alternately, with an associated portion of the second lock device 2, e.g. the grooved head 67 of the second monolithic body 44.
In this way, according to a simplified solution, only one actuating element, i.e. the actuator 49, actuates at the same time the first and third locking devices 1 and 3, or alternately the second and fourth locking devices 2 and 4.
In the switch machine 100 according to the invention, the locking assembly 40 further comprises a first block 80 and a second block 81 for blocking the cursor 35 and the carriage 32 either in a first blocking position when the switching rod 10 reaches the first end-stroke position (A), or in a second blocking position when the switching rod 10 reaches the second end-stroke position (B).
According to an embodiment, the first block 80 comprises a fifth monolithic shaped body 80, and/or the second block 81 comprises a sixth monolithic shaped body 81, which are accommodated into two seats of the carriage 32, as visible, for example, in Figure 5.
Preferably, the fifth and sixth monolithic shaped bodies 80, 81 are substantially identical to each other, and each is formed for instance by a single-piece T-shaped body.
According to an embodiment, the first supporting guide 60 comprises a seventh monolithic shaped body 60, and/or the second supporting guide 61 comprises a eighth monolithic shaped body 61.
Preferably, the seventh and eighth monolithic shaped bodies 60, 61 are substantially identical to each other, as for example visible in Figure 4.
Each supporting guide 60, 61, is substantially U-shaped, and is positioned, when the switch machine 100 is assembled, with the central side of the U-shape body beneath the first switching rod 10 and the first and second control rods 20, 21, and the two lateral sides of the U-shaped body which protrude from the central side with the first switching rod 10 and the first and second control rods 20, 21, as well other components positioned there between, and in particular various components of the first, second, third and fourth locking devices 1, 2, 3, 4.
In this way, it is possible to have direct visual access to the various components of the switch machine 100, and in particular to the whole locking mechanism, to the driving unit, as well as to the various coupling among the components.
The operative functioning of the switch machine 100 according to the invention, will be now described starting from the position of Figure 6 which corresponds to the first end-stroke position (A), and where some components have been omitted for the sake of clarity of illustration.
In this position, the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the first monolithic body 43 is inserted into the first recess 41 of the switching rod 10; at the same time, the tooth-shaped portion 52 of the third monolithic body 46 is inserted into the associated first seat 45 provided on the first control rod 20.
Thus, the switch machine is stably kept in the first end-stroke position (A) and the first control rod 20 is locked in the first control position.
The rotation of the motor 30 allows the rotation of the threaded shaft 31 and the translation of cursor 35 which moves solidly with the actuating element 49; when the cursor 35 gets in contact with the carriage 32 solidly coupled with the plug 34, the displacement of the carriage 32, and the switching and control rods is started along the axis 101 towards the second end-stroke position (B), as indicated by the arrow 104 in Figure 7.
In the first part of the movement, the protuberance 51 of the actuating element 49 interacts with the grooved head 67 of the first monolithic body 43 pushing it to move in the direction indicated in Figure 5 by the arrow 105, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103.
In this way, the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the first monolithic body 43 disengages from the first recess 41; substantially at the same time, the tooth-shaped portion 52 of the third monolithic body 46 disengages from the first seat 45.
Then, during the displacement, the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the first and second monolithic bodies 43, 44 substantially rest against the surface of the sliding switching rod 10 during the movement.
After transiting from the intermediate position shown in Figure 7, the second recess 42 reaches the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the second monolithic body 44, while substantially at the same time, the second seat 47 reaches the tooth-shaped protrusion 52 of the fourth monolithic body 48.
Hence, substantially at the same time, the second monolithic body 44 and the fourth monolithic body 48 move in the direction indicated in Figure 8 by the arrow 106, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103. For example, the protuberance 51 of the actuating element 49 interacts with the grooved head 67 of the second monolithic body 44 pushing it to move in the direction indicated in Figure 8 by the arrow 106, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103.
In this way, when arriving in the second end-stroke position (B), according to the example illustrated, the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the second monolithic shaped body 44 engages into the second recess 42, while, substantially at the same time, the tooth-shaped protrusion 52 of the fourth monolithic body 48 enters into the second seat 47.
As a consequence, the switching rod 10 is locked into the second end-stroke position (B), while the second control rod 21 is locked into the second control position, as illustrated in Figure 8; the second arm 69 of the second monolithic shaped body 44 contacts the associated signaling device 6 which outputs a signal of the position achieved.
The carriage 32 rests against a first end-stroke stop 7.
Further, during this displacement towards the second end-stroke position (B), the cursor 35 is blocked in position by the T-shaped bodies 80 and 81, which move together with the other components and switch rod as well, and engage with associated surfaces 82 and 83 of the cursor 35 and of the supporting guide 32. The end movements and safety condition is reached when the component 81 is engaged at the end position (B), and its position covered by the cursor 35.
In this way a further degree of safety is obtained, and for example the undesired effects of vibrations on the various mechanical parts, e.g. on couplings realized for example with ball screws or recirculating ball screws, are contrasted.
The displacement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the first end-stroke position (A) is initiated by causing the motor 30 to rotate in the opposite direction, and it works substantially in the same manner.
In particular, the switching rod 10, together with the cursor 35, the carriage 32, the plug 34, the actuation element 49, and the control rods 20, 21, starts to be displaced, along the axis 101, towards the first end-stroke position (A), as indicated by the arrow 107 in Figure 8.
In this movement, the protuberance 51 of the actuating element 49 interacts with the grooved head 67 of the second monolithic body 44 pushing it to move in the direction indicated in Figure 8 by the arrow 108, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103.
In this way, in the example illustrated, the tooth 62 of the second monolithic shaped body 44 disengages from the second recess 42; substantially at the same time, the tooth shaped-portion 52 of the fourth monolithic body 48 disengages from the second seat 47.
In the same manner as previously described, by continuing the displacement, the first recess 41 reaches the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the first monolithic body 43, while, substantially at the same time, the first seat 45 reaches the tooth-shaped protrusion 52 of the third monolithic body 46.
Hence, substantially at the same time, the first monolithic body 43 and the third monolithic body means 46 move in the direction indicated in Figure 6 by the arrow 109, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103. For example, the protuberance 51 of the actuating element 49 interacts with the grooved head 67 of the first monolithic body 43 pushing it to move in the direction indicated in Figure 8 by the arrow 106, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes 101, 102, 103.
In this way, when arriving in the first end-stroke position (A), in the example illustrated, the tooth-shaped protrusion 62 of the first monolithic shaped body 43 engages into the first recess 41, while, substantially at the same time, the tooth-shaped protrusion 52 of the third monolithic body 46 enters into the first seat 45.
As a consequence, the switching rod 10 is locked into the first end-stroke position (A), while the first control rod 20 is locked into the first control position, as illustrated in Figure 6; the second arm 69 of the second monolithic shaped body 44 contacts the associated signaling device 5 which outputs a signal of the position achieved.
The carriage 35 rests against a second end-stroke stop 7.
Further as visible in Figure 5, during this displacement towards the first end-stroke position (A), the locking blocks 81 and 80 which move together with the other components 32 and switch rod as well, engage with associated surfaces 83 and 82 of the supporting guide 32 and of the cursor 35, respectively, and block stably the cursor 35 and the carriage 32 in the end-stroke position achieved, also in this case introducing a further level of safety.
It is evident from the foregoing description that the switch machine 100 according to the present invention has a stroke which can be easily tailored to different applications and in a more refined way when compared to prior art solutions.
Indeed, for example by simply loosening screws, the first and/or second monolithic bodies 43, 44 can be repositioned, thus adjusting the mutual position of the first and second locking devices 1 and 2 along the first axis 101.
Accordingly, the overall stroke of the switch machine 100 can be easily modified to adapt to different applications, thus achieving a greater flexibility of use according to a very simple solution and without the need of replacing mechanical parts or of subjecting the switch machine 100 to additional long lasting tests and/or validation proceedings.
Further, by adjusting the position of the third and/or of the fourth monolithic bodies 46, 48, also the position of the third and/or fourth locking devices 3, 4 can be modified with respect to the first and/or second locking devices 1, 2, thus making possible to have a further improved and more refined adjustment when regulating the overall stroke.
These results are achieved according to a solution which meets the highest standard of safety and reliability, and which is easy to be implemented at a competitive cost.
The modular construction where each single-piece component can be mounted, or in case replaced, as an individual part, makes easier assembly and maintenance operations; further, the fact that some components are identical to each other allows reducing manufacturing costs and inventory complexity.
The switch machine 100 thus conceived is susceptible of modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept as defined in particular by the appended claims; for example; as those skilled in the art would appreciate, the shape and/or position of the various components or parts thereof described in the illustrated exemplary embodiment may be different, provided they are compatible with the functions they are meant for within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the described first, second third and fourth locking devices can be realized differently, e.g. using suitably shaped catches, or latches, or engaging, or blocking means, or any suitable coupling or interlocking mechanism adapted to lock the switching rod 10 in the two end-stroke positions (A, B) or the first and second control rods 20, 21 in the first and second control positions. For instance, the position of the recesses 41, 42 and of the associated teeth 62 can be switched by providing each tooth 62 on the switching rod 10 and the recesses 41, 42 provided on associated elements mounted on the supporting guides 60, 61. The same is applicable likewise to the seats 45 and 47 and to the corresponding tooth-shaped portions 52, et cetera....
All the details may furthermore be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

Claims

A switch machine (100) for railway applications, comprising:
- a switching rod (10) which is movable along a first axis (101) between a first end-stroke position (A) and a second end-stroke position (B);

- a drive (30) for actuating at least said switching rod (10);

- a locking assembly (40) for locking said switching rod (10) either in said first end-stroke position (A) or in said second end-stroke (B) position;
characterized in that said locking assembly (40) comprises:
- a first locking device (1) and a second locking device (2) which are operatively associated with said switching rod (10) and are configured to lock the switching rod (10) in said first end-stroke position (A) and in said second end-stroke (B) position, respectively; wherein:

- said first locking device (1) comprises at least a first element (43) mounted on a first supporting guide (60), and/or

- said second locking device (2) comprises at least a second element (44) mounted on a second supporting guide (61),
said first and/or second supporting guides (60, 61) being releasably mounted on a corresponding support (201), so as to adjust the mutual position of said first locking device (1) and said second locking device (2) along said first axis (101).
A switch machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein said locking assembly (40) further comprises:
- a third locking device (3) which is operatively associated to a first control rod (20), said first control rod (20) being movable along a second axis (102) when said switching rod (10) moves along said first axis (101), wherein said third locking device (3) is configured to lock said first control rod (20) in a first control position when said switching rod (10) is locked in said first end-stroke position (A), and wherein said third locking device (3) comprises at least a third element (46) which is mounted in the switch machine in a position adjustable at least with respect to said first locking device (1).
A switch machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said locking assembly (40) further comprises:
- a fourth locking device (4) which is operatively associated to a second control rod (21), said second control rod (21) being movable along a third axis (103) when said switching rod (10) moves along said first axis (101), wherein said fourth locking device (4) is configured to lock said second control rod (21) in a second control position when said switching rod (10) is locked in said second end-stroke position (B), and wherein said fourth locking device (4) comprises at least a fourth element (48) which is mounted in the switch machine in a position adjustable at least with respect to said second locking device (2).
A switch machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking assembly (40) further comprises an actuating element (49) movable solidly with said switching rod (10) and configured to mechanically interact:
- with at least one portion of said first locking device (1) so as to cause said switching rod (10) to be unlocked from said first end-stroke position (A), when the drive (30) command the movement of the switching rod (10) from the first end-stroke position (A) towards the second end-stroke position (B);

- with at least one portion of the second locking device (2) so as to cause said switching rod (10) to be unlocked from said second end-stroke position (B), when the drive (30) command the movement of the switching rod (10) from the second end-stroke position (B) towards the first end-stroke position (A).
A switch machine (100) according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the locking assembly (40) further comprises an actuating element (49) movable solidly with said switching rod (10) and configured to mechanically interact with at least one portion of at least one of said first and third locking devices (1, 3) so as to cause, substantially at the same time, said switching rod (10) and said first control rod (20) to be unlocked from said first end-stroke position (A) and said first control position, respectively, when the drive (30) commands the movement of the switching rod (10) from the first end-stroke position (A) towards the second end-stroke position (B).
A switch machine (100) according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the locking assembly (40) further comprises an actuating element (49) movable solidly with said switching rod (10) and configured to mechanically interact with at least one portion of at least one of said second and fourth locking devices (2, 4) so as to cause, substantially at the same time, said switching rod (10) and said second control rod (21) to be unlocked from said second end-stroke position (B) and said second control position, respectively, when the drive (30) commands the movement of the switching rod (10) from the second end-stroke position (B) towards the first end-stroke position (A).
A switch machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein said first and second locking devices (1, 2) comprise a first recess (41) and a second recess (42), respectively, said first and second recesses (41, 42) being provided on said switching rod (10).
A switch machine (100) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said third and fourth locking devices (3, 4) comprise a first seat (45) provided on said first control rod (20) and a second seat (47) provided on said second control rod (21), respectively.
A switch machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first locking device (10) comprises a first monolithic shaped body and said second locking device (2) comprises a second monolithic shaped body, said first and second monolithic shaped bodies being substantially identical to each other and forming said first element (43) and said second element (44) mounted on said first and second supporting guides (60, 61), respectively.
A switch machine (100) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said third locking device (3) comprises a third monolithic shaped body and said fourth locking device (4) comprises a fourth monolithic shaped body, said third and fourth monolithic shaped bodies being substantially identical to each other and forming said third and fourth elements (46, 48), respectively.
A switch machine (100) according to claims 9 and 10, wherein said third monolithic shaped body (46) is mechanically connected and move solidly together with said first monolithic shaped body (43) and said fourth monolithic shaped body (48) is mechanically connected and move solidly together with said second monolithic shaped body (44).
A switch machine (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a carriage (32) and a cursor (35) which are operatively connected to each other and to said drive (30) and said switching rod (10) so as to move together with said switching rod (10), and wherein the locking assembly (40) further comprises a first block (80) and a second block (81) for blocking, alternately, said carriage (32) and said cursor (35) either in a first blocking position, when the switching rod (10) reaches said first end-stroke position (A), or in a second blocking position when the switching rod (10) reaches said second end-stroke position (B).
A switch machine (100) according to claim 4, wherein it further comprises a plug (34) having a portion (36) engaging into an associated recess (11) provided on said switching rod (10), and wherein said actuating element (49) comprises a slot (50) inside which said plug (34) is inserted into.
A switch machine (100) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said first and second supporting guides (60, 61) comprise a fifth monolithic shaped body (60) and a sixth monolithic shaped body (61), respectively, said fifth and sixth monolithic shaped bodies (60, 61) being substantially identical to each other and U-shaped, and each being positioned with the central side of the U-shaped body beneath said first switching rod (10) and said first and second control rods (20, 21), and the two lateral sides protruding from the central side of the U-shaped body with said first switching rod (10) and said first and second control rods (20, 21) positioned there between.