EP4378792A1 - Control arrangement for switches - Google Patents

Abstract

The application relates to a control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) for switches (680), comprising a main control (102, 202, 302, 402), a first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) connected to the main control (102, 202, 302, 402) via a secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464), and a second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) connected to the main control via the secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464), wherein each switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) is connected to a respective associated switch drive via a four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620), wherein the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a data transmission system input (106, 206) and a data transmission system output (108, 208), wherein the data transmission system input (106, 206) is designed to receive a switch control command from a signal box (460, 660) connectable to the data transmission system input (106, 206) via a primary data transmission system (110, 210, 310, 410, 610), wherein the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises a control module (116, 216) designed to generate a control command for a switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) of the at least two switch control elements (104, 204, 304, 404) based on the received switch control command, wherein the data transmission system output (108, 208) is configured to output the generated control command for the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404), and wherein the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) is configured to control the associated switch drive (672) upon receipt of the output control command by the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404).

Description

The application relates to a control arrangement for switches. In addition, the application relates to a switch control system and a method for setting switches.

A rail or track system (also known as a wheel-rail system) comprises a large number of tracks. Each track is made up of (steel) rails arranged in pairs and parallel to one another. Rail vehicles are guided through the tracks or the corresponding rails in a track system. Examples of rail vehicles are high-speed trains, freight trains, commuter trains, subways, trams, etc.

In order to enable a rail vehicle to cross tracks (also known as a track change) from one track to another in a track system, a switch is used as the track structure. A track system usually comprises a large number of switches. A switch comprises in particular two switch blades that can be adjusted between a first and a second end position. By adjusting the switch blades between a first end position and a second end position, a certain passage through the switch can be made possible, i.e. in particular, a rail vehicle can be allowed to cross tracks or not.

Nowadays, electrically remote-controlled switches are generally used. Such a switch has at least one switch drive, in particular an electric or hydraulic switch drive, and Switch tongues which can be moved between the first and second end positions, in particular by means of the switch drive.

A switch drive comprises in particular a remotely controllable electric motor, possibly a hydraulic pump, at least one limit switch, at least one actuating rod and at least one test rod. The switch drive is coupled to the switch tongues via the at least one actuating rod and the at least one test rod (usually at least two test rods). The switch drive is set up to move the switch tongues from the first end position to the second end position (and vice versa) in order to set the switch. The at least one limit switch is set up to detect when an end position is reached.

A switch control is used to control the switch drive of a switch. It is known from the prior art to connect the switch drive to the switch control via a four-core electrically conductive cable (in particular a four-core copper cable known as a "four-wire interface"). In order to set a specific switch, a voltage is applied to the corresponding switch drive using a power supply or energy supply. In other words, the switch drive is supplied with a specific electrical energy by the switch control.

The switch control in the known system architecture can monitor up to four switches at the same time. However, the disadvantage is that only one of the up to four switch drives can be controlled at the same time. The reason for this is the necessary current measurement of the neutral conductor or N conductor (as well as the L3 conductor to check that the circuit is actually taking place) of the four-wire connection, whereby the N conductor is only present once. As already described, a limit switch switches when the end position is reached. This switching causes the N conductor of the four-wire interface to carry current. During the circuit, the N conductor does not carry any current.

If two switches were running and a current was detected in the N conductor, it would not be possible to clearly determine which switching process had been completed, so that the known architecture only allows a single switch to be controlled or set at a time.

If several switches are to be set that are controlled by the same switch control system, this is currently done one after the other. The second switch drive is only activated when the first switch has been detected to have reached the desired end position. This means that setting a number of switches takes a considerable amount of time.

Another disadvantage of the known switch control architecture is that the failure of one of the active and therefore wear-prone components (e.g. contactor, relay, fuse, etc.) of the switch control leads to a safety shutdown of the entire switch control. This means that all switches connected to this switch control can no longer be set. The repair requires the deployment of a technician on site and the restart of the entire associated signal box. This reduces availability and in particular leads to a (longer) failure of a number of switches.

Therefore, the application is based on the object of providing a control arrangement or control architecture for switches which at least reduces the disadvantages of the prior art described above and in particular reduces the time required to set switches and the number of (potentially) failing switches.

The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the application by a control arrangement for switches according to claim 1. The control arrangement comprises at least one main control, at least one via at least one secondary data transmission system, a first switch control element connected to the main control, and at least one second switch control element connected to the main control via the at least one secondary data transmission system. Each switch control element can be connected to a respective assigned switch drive via an at least four-wire electrical connection. The main control comprises at least one data transmission system input and one data transmission system output. The data transmission system input is set up to receive a switch control command from a signal box that can be connected to the data transmission system input via at least one primary data transmission system. The main control comprises at least one control module. The control module is set up to generate at least one control command for at least one switch control element of the at least two switch control elements, at least based on the received switch control command. The data transmission system output is set up to output the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element. The at least one switch control element is set up to control the assigned switch drive when the switch control element receives the output control command.

By providing, in contrast to the prior art, a control arrangement or control architecture in which a main control with a control module processes a switch control command and is set up to (at least partially in parallel) control at least two switch control elements, with each of these switch control elements being assigned a switch drive, the disadvantages described above are at least reduced. In particular, the control arrangement according to the application reduces the time required to set two or more switches by enabling at least partially simultaneous control of at least two switch drives. In other words, at least two switches can be adjusted at least partially at the same time.

Furthermore, the number of (potentially) failing switches can be reduced (and thus the potential downtime). For example, if the first switch control element fails, the second switch control element can continue to operate, so that a second switch assigned to the second switch control element can also continue to operate.

The control arrangement or control architecture according to the application serves to control the adjustment of switches of a rail system. A rail system comprises a plurality of tracks for guiding rail vehicles. For a track transition from a first track to a second track, the rail system comprises a switch. In particular, the rail system comprises a plurality of switches.

A switch according to the application is in particular an electrically remote-operated or remote-controlled switch. Such a switch has at least one switch drive, in particular an electrical or hydraulic switch drive, and switch tongues that are movable in particular between the first and the second end position or end position. A switch according to the application can also be a multi-drive switch, in particular a high-speed switch, with a plurality of switch drives (e.g. between two and five switch drives).

A switch drive comprises in particular a remotely controlled electric motor, possibly a hydraulic pump, at least one limit switch, at least one control rod and at least one test rod. The switch drive is coupled to the switch tongues via the at least one control rod and the at least one test rod (usually at least two test rods). The switch drive is set up to move the switch blades from the first end position to the second end position (and vice versa) in order to set the switch. A limit switch is set up to detect when an end position is reached.

The control arrangement according to the application comprises at least one main controller and at least two switch control elements, preferably three or more switch control elements. The main controller is connected to the at least two switch control elements via at least one secondary data transmission system (communicatively) directly or indirectly (e.g. via an interposition of a sub-controller described in more detail below). The main controller has at least one data transmission system output to which a first secondary data transmission system can be connected. Preferably, each switch control element has a data transmission system input to which the first secondary data transmission system or a second secondary data transmission system can be connected.

According to the application, a data transmission system is to be understood in particular as a (technical) system with which digital data can be exchanged between at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. Preferably, a data transmission system according to the application can be a bus system, such as a field bus system. However, a packet-based data transmission system, such as Ethernet, is also conceivable. Data transmission systems can in particular exchange data bidirectionally.

In particular, data can be exchanged bidirectionally via the described data transmission system inputs and data transmission system outputs, i.e., for example, data telegrams (e.g. control commands, status and acknowledgement messages, etc.) can be both sent and received.

As already described, each switch control element is assigned a switch drive. In particular, each switch control element is assigned exactly one single switch drive. Preferably, each switch control element can have at least a four-wire drive connection to which an at least four-wire electrical connection can be connected. In a preferred embodiment, the at least four-wire electrical connection is a four-wire electrically conductive cable, e.g. copper cable or a similar power cable. In variants of the application, the at least four-wire electrical connection can be a six-wire electrical connection, such as a six-wire electrically conductive cable, e.g. copper cable or a similar power cable. The switch drive that is assigned to the switch control element can be connected to the other end of the at least four-wire electrical connection.

The main control also has at least one data transmission system input to which a primary data transmission system is connected. The main control can be communicatively connected to a signal box of a railway control system or the rail system via the primary data transmission system. The connection from the signal box to the main control can be made directly or indirectly, for example via intermediate components (e.g. a communication module). The signal box is set up (in particular in a conventional manner) to generate a switch control command. A switch control command contains in particular instructions for adjusting a specific switch or a plurality of specific switches, for example to enable or prevent at least one track crossing for at least one rail vehicle.

The main control has a control module. The control module is in particular set up to process a received switch control command in such a way that the at least one specific switch is adjusted according to the instructions contained in the switch control command. The control module is thus configured to generate at least one control command for at least one switch control element of the at least two switch control elements, at least based on the received switch control command.

If the switch control command indicates that, for example, two or more switch drives of one or more switches are to be controlled, the control module can generate a corresponding number of control commands for, in particular, a corresponding number of switch control elements. A control command includes, in particular, instructions for controlling a switch drive, in particular an electric motor of the switch drive, in order to effect an adjustment of the associated switch, in particular an adjustment of the switch tongues from a first end position to a second end position.

The at least one generated control command is output to the at least one secondary data transmission system through the data transmission system output of the main controller. In particular, the control module can cause the at least one generated control command to be output through the data transmission system output of the main controller.

The switch control element for which the generated control command is intended receives the at least one issued control command via the at least one secondary data transmission system. When a control command is received by the switch control element for which the control command is intended, this switch control element processes the control command in such a way that the switch drive of the switch control element is controlled in accordance with the instructions contained in the control command, i.e. in particular is supplied with electrical energy or is activated and then deactivated again.

According to a preferred embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control module can be configured at least for Generating a first control command for the first switch control element and a second control command for the second switch control element such that the respective switch drives of the first and second switch control elements are at least partially activated or controlled simultaneously. In other words, two switches, in particular under the control of the same main control, can be adjusted at least partially at the same time. Partially simultaneously means in particular that a second switch drive is already activated while the first drive is still activated. In particular, two or more switch drives can be supplied with electrical power or energy at least partially at the same time. In particular, it is not necessary for the first switch drive to be deactivated before the second switch drive is activated. Preferably, more than two switch drives can be activated or controlled at least partially at the same time.

The data transmission system output can be configured to output the generated control commands for the at least two switch control elements. The first and the second switch control elements are each configured, in particular, to control the respective switch drive independently of one another upon receipt (in particular immediately after receipt) of the first or second control command.

If, for example, in a preferred variant, the control arrangement comprises four switch control elements and the switch control command received from the signal box requires that all four respectively assigned switch drives are to be controlled, then the control module of the main control can generate first to fourth control commands with respective instructions for controlling the respective switch drives. These control commands can be output to the four switch control elements via the data transmission system output. The switch control elements mentioned control the switch drives independently of one another upon receipt of the respective control command, so that a the switch drives are controlled at least partially (or completely in variants) simultaneously. In this example, four switches can be adjusted at least partially simultaneously.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control module can be set up at least to generate a first control command for the first switch control element and a second control command for the second switch control element such that the respective switch drives of the first and second switch control elements are controlled at least partially simultaneously and with staggered start times. In particular, the control module can generate the at least two control commands such that they are output at different times through the data transmission system output. The first and second switch control elements can be set up to immediately execute the instructions received when a control command is received, so that in particular the respective switch drive is activated with a time delay. The switch drives are controlled or supplied with electrical energy partially at the same time. In particular, it has been recognized that by means of a time-delayed activation, i.e. by means of time-delayed start times, current peaks and/or voltage peaks and thus in particular interference can be avoided.

According to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, a (preferably each) switch control element can comprise at least one data transmission system input, set up to receive the control command issued (for this switch control element). Furthermore, a (preferably each) switch control element can comprise at least one switch control module. The switch control module can be set up to supply the (respectively) associated switch drive with electrical energy via the at least four-wire electrical connection, based on the received control command. In other words, controlling (in particular activation) of a switch control element includes in particular supplying the associated switch drive with electrical energy or electrical power. In particular, a certain

Drive supply voltage is applied to the drive connection of the at least four-wire electrical connection. A switch drive can be easily controlled to adjust the assigned switch tongues. In this case, the switch control module ensures in particular that the switch drive is supplied with electrical energy or remains activated until the (desired) end position of the switch tongue is reached.

The switch control element can preferably comprise a power connection, set up to connect the switch control element to a voltage supply, in particular a 400 V voltage supply, for providing the electrical energy for the switch drive. The switch control element can comprise at least one switch (in particular a relay) that can be controlled by the switch control module. The switch control module is set up to apply the (predetermined) drive supply voltage by controlling the switch in such a way that a current flow is enabled from the power connection to the at least four-wire electrical connection via the drive connection. The control of the at least one electric motor of a switch drive takes place in particular in the switch drive and cannot be influenced by the control arrangement.

In a corresponding manner, after detecting that the switch tongue has reached the desired end position, the switch can be controlled by the switch control module in such a way that no voltage is applied to the at least four-wire electrical connection. In particular, a current flow from the power connection to the drive connection can be interrupted.

The switch control element can comprise a monitoring module for monitoring the switch drive state. In particular, the N conductor of the at least four-wire electrical connection can be monitored. For example, a current measuring module can be provided as a monitoring module for measuring the current flowing on the N conductor. As described, a limit switch of the switch drive can be set up to cause a current flow via the N conductor of the at least four-wire electrical connection when an end position is reached. If the current measuring module detects a current flow on the N conductor, it can be determined that the switch has rotated, i.e. has been set. As described, the switch drive can then be deactivated, i.e. in particular the energy supply or voltage supply can be interrupted.

A status message about the adjustment of a certain switch can be transmitted from the switch control element to the main control, for example. The main control can forward the status message to the signal box, for example. The status of a switch, in particular the current end position of the switch blades, can be monitored in a simple manner.

According to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, one (preferably every) switch control element can comprise a contactor and at least one (switching) relay as a switch. In particular, the switch control element can comprise all relays necessary for controlling a switch drive. Furthermore, one (preferably every) switch control element can comprise at least one fuse, in particular a plurality of fuses.

In particular, the at least one switching relay can be controlled by the switch control module to effect the supply of the associated switch drive with electrical energy via the at least four-wire electrical connection, as already described. In other words, preferably each of the Switch control elements each include all active components (in particular contactors, relays, fuses) and thus all potential wear components. The failure of one of these active components of a switch control element advantageously has no effect on the other switch control elements (in particular on those that are operated on the same connection plate, as will be described later) due to the independence of the individual switch control elements. A defect in one of the active components only requires the corresponding switch control element to be replaced. There is no need to restart the signal box. After replacing a switch control element, the main control can preferably automatically put the new switch control element into operation. For example, a basic position routine of a switch control element can be run through for this purpose, and the new switch control element can be supplied with the parameters of the replaced switch control element by the main control.

According to a preferred embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control module can be set up to determine the at least one switch drive to be controlled based on the received switch control command. For example, the switch control command can contain at least one switch identifier and/or switch drive identifier that is to be controlled or adjusted. The control module can be set up to determine the address in the secondary data transmission system of the switch control element that is assigned to the specific switch drive. In particular, an address assignment table (or the like) can be stored in a data memory of the main control. In the address assignment table, for example, each switch identifier and/or switch drive identifier can be (uniquely) assigned an address in the secondary data transmission system. The assigned address in the secondary data transmission system is in particular the address of the switch control element that is assigned to the corresponding switch drive or switch.

The address in the secondary data transmission system can be determined based on a switch to be controlled and/or a specific switch drive to be controlled (for example based on the specific switch contained in the switch control command) or the switch identification and/or switch drive identification. The generated control command can contain the specific address in the secondary data transmission system. In particular, the control module can generate a control command with the specific address in the secondary data transmission system. This means that only the switch control element of the at least two switch control elements is controlled whose assigned switch is to be adjusted according to the received switch control command.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control arrangement can comprise at least one sub-control connected to the main control via a first secondary data transmission system. The sub-control can be formed, for example, in accordance with the main control. The sub-control can be connected via a second secondary data transmission system to at least the first switch control element and/or to the second switch control element (and/or to at least one further switch control element). It has been recognized that a simple control of multi-drive switches can be implemented using a sub-control, in particular a plurality of sub-controls. To switch a multi-drive switch, the main control can generate a control command that can be converted by the sub-control into (predetermined and in particular coordinated) control commands for the synchronized switch drives. The synchronization of the switch drives of the multi-drive switch can in particular take place independently of the main control.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a sub-controller can be the sub-controller of a multi-drive switch with a plurality of switch drives. As described, each switch drive of the multi-drive switch can be assigned a switch control element. All switch control elements of this multi-drive switch can be connected to this sub-controller via a second secondary data transmission system.

The (subordinate) sub-control is in particular set up in such a way that it is perceived by the main control as a switch control element. This means in particular that when the main control receives a switch control command to adjust a multi-drive switch, it generates a control command for the sub-control that corresponds to a control command for a switch control element.

A sub-control module of the sub-control is set up to generate a plurality of sub-control commands for the (in particular all) switch control elements of the multi-drive switch of the sub-control. In particular, the sub-control module of the sub-control can be set up to translate the received control command into control commands for the plurality (e.g. two to five) switch control elements. In other words, the sub-control module of the sub-control synchronizes the plurality of switch drives of a multi-drive switch, in particular a high-speed switch, for carrying out a setting process of the multi-drive switch. In a simple and defined manner, in particular a plurality of multi-drive switches can be controlled by a main control.

According to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control arrangement can comprise a connecting plate or circuit board. In one embodiment, the connecting plate can have at least the main control and at least the first switch control element and the second switch control element. A compact assembly can be provided. A connecting plate is particularly designed for electrical connection of the modules/elements arranged on the connection plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting plate may comprise the main control and four switch control elements. In a further embodiment, the connecting plate may not comprise a main control (but for example two or more switch control elements). The main control may be a separate element in this embodiment.

In yet another embodiment, the connecting plate may comprise a sub-controller and at least two switch control elements (e.g. five switch control elements).

In preferred variants of the application, the control arrangement can be formed from a plurality of the above-described connecting plates, which can be connected to one another.

According to a preferred embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control arrangement can comprise a connecting plate with at least a first slot and a second slot. In particular, there can be three or more slots (e.g. between two and five). A slot can be designed to accommodate a switch control element. In particular, the first switch control element can be plugged into the first slot and the second switch control element can be plugged into the second slot. All switch control elements and/or slots can be designed to be identical in terms of hardware. A switch control element can be replaced in a simple manner. A defective switch control element can be replaced independently and easily, in particular through the defined interface to the connecting plate (hot-plug capability). According to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control arrangement (in particular the connecting plate) can comprise at least one voltage converter, designed to supply at least the main control and at least the first switch control element and the second switch control element with electrical energy, in particular at a certain voltage. The voltage converter serves in particular to supply the logic components of the control arrangement with electrical energy.

According to a further embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control module and/or the sub-control module can be set up to control a plurality of switch drives 1 to n of a multi-drive switch by generating a plurality of control commands based on the received switch control command (or control command) and a stored switch control pattern. A switch control pattern can in particular specify at least a first start time or activation time of the first switch control element (or the first switch drive) and a second start time or activation time of the second switch control element (or the second switch drive), in particular of all switch control elements to be controlled. For example, a switch control pattern can specify the time offset with which the second switch control element is to be controlled in relation to the first switch control element. In a corresponding manner, the start time or activation time for each further switch control element to be activated can be specified in the switch control pattern. A plurality of switch drives, in particular of a multi-drive switch, can be activated in a defined and synchronized manner.

The control module and/or the sub-control module can be configured to generate the plurality of control commands such that at least two switch drives of the multi-drive switch are set at least partially simultaneously as already described. In particular, the control module and/or the sub-control module can jointly control several switch control elements according to the stored switch control pattern.

In particular, the control module and/or the sub-control module can be set up to generate the plurality of control commands such that, during a setting process of a multi-drive switch with n switch drives, the switch-on times of the plurality of switch drives 1 to n are coordinated with one another, in particular taking into account the existing arrangement of the switch drives along the multi-drive switch. n is a natural number that indicates the number of switch drives. n can be between 2 and 8, preferably between 2 and 5.

When controlling the plurality of switch drives 1 to n, the distances of the plurality of switch drives 1 to n from the clamping point of the track sections to be bent, the parameters set on the switch drives 1 to n (e.g. rotation speed) and the drive type-specific (non-adjustable) parameters (e.g. maximum forces) can be taken into account in such a way that the switch setting process can be optimized with regard to the necessary setting forces and their distribution to the switch drives 1 to n. In particular, the switch drives of a multi-drive switch are subjected to less mechanical stress according to the application.

In particular, the control module and/or the sub-control module of multi-drive switches with n drives can be set up to detect at least one of the following variables: the travel distances s ₁ to s _n of the switch drives 1 to n, the time periods t ₁ to t _n for reaching the end positions of the switch drives 1 to n and/or the current consumption I ₁ to I _n of the switch drives 1 to n. When detecting at least one of these variables, the control module and/or the sub-control module can also be set up to compare the at least one recorded variable with a predetermined corresponding reference variable. Preferably, the control module and/or the sub-control module can be set up to compare the recorded time periods t ₁ to t _n with defined time limit values and to generate a signal when at least one defined time limit value is exceeded and/or to compare the recorded current consumption I ₁ to I _n with defined current limit values and to generate a signal when at least one defined current limit value is exceeded. This allows error states, stiffness or maintenance requirements of the multi-drive switch to be detected and in particular signaled.

In particular, in the control arrangement of multi-drive switches with n switch drives, the time limit values and/or the current limit values can be formed depending on at least one of the following variables: distances of the switch drives 1 to n from the clamping point of the track sections to be bent, mechanical resistance moment of the track sections to be bent, travel distances s ₁ to s _n of the switch drives 1 to n, and/or speeds v ₁ to v _n of the switch drives 1 to n. In this way, the monitoring of the multi-drive switch can be adapted to the installation situation of an individual switch and to its behavior during the setting process.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the control arrangement according to the application, the control module of the main control and/or the sub-control module can be set up to parameterize at least the first switch control element based on the switch drive type of a first switch drive that is assigned to the first switch control element. Alternatively or additionally, the control module of the main control and/or the sub-control module can be set up to parameterize at least the second switch control element based on the switch drive type of a second switch drive that is assigned to the second switch control element. In particular, a main control and/or a sub-control can include parameterization for the respective switch control elements (e.g. which switch drive is controlled via which slot). The main control and/or a sub-control parameterizes the respective switch control elements, in particular depending on the slot.

Preferably, each switch control element can be parameterized accordingly. This allows the control arrangement to be adapted to the connected switch drive type with little effort (parameterization). In particular, the parameterization can be carried out depending on the slot. Preferably, the control module and/or sub-control module can be set up to parameterize a switch control element when a connection of the switch control element to the at least one secondary data transmission system is detected. In particular, when the plugging of the switch control element into a slot is detected, the parameterization of the newly plugged switch control element can take place (automatically).

The process-dependent behavior of the control arrangement can only be created by software. This includes both the independent or synchronized control (e.g. according to a previously described stored switch control pattern) of several switch drives (one or more drives on a switch), as well as the control depending on the type of switch drive (e.g. how quickly the N-conductor current is switched off after the start of a cycle) and on the switch itself (e.g. maximum changeover time). The type-dependent parameters can be communicated to the switch control element via the main control during the upgrade. When upgrading the control arrangement, the main control can specify which drive type is controlled via which slot. The switch control elements are parameterized accordingly by the main control - especially after a replacement.

A further aspect of the application is a switch control system for a rail system. The switch control system comprises at least one control arrangement as described above. The switch control system comprises at least one first switch drive connected to the first switch control element via a first at least four-wire electrical connection. The switch control system comprises at least one second switch drive connected to the second switch control element via a second at least four-wire electrical connection.

As described, preferably two or more switch drives can be provided.

According to one embodiment of the switch control system, the switch control system can comprise at least one first switch with the first switch drive and at least one second switch with the second switch drive. Alternatively or additionally, the switch control system can comprise at least one multi-drive switch with at least the first switch drive and the second switch drive. Furthermore, the switch control system can comprise at least one signal box.

Another aspect of the application is a rail system (as previously described) comprising a switch control system as previously described.

• Empfangen, durch eine Hauptsteuerung einer Steuerungsanordnung, eines Weichensteuerbefehls von einem über mindestens ein primäres Datenübertragungssystem mit einem Datenübertragungssystemeingang der Hauptsteuerung verbindbaren Stellwerk,
• Generieren, durch mindestens ein Steuermodul der Hauptsteuerung, mindestens eines Steuerbefehls für mindestens ein Weichensteuerelement der zumindest zwei Weichensteuerelemente der Steuerungsanordnung, zumindest basierend auf dem empfangenen Weichensteuerbefehl,
• wobei jedem Weichensteuerelement ein Weichenantrieb zugeordnet ist,
• Ausgeben, durch einen Datenübertragungssystemausgang der Hauptsteuerung, des mindestens einen generierten Steuerbefehls für das mindestens eine Weichensteuerelement, und
• Ansteuern, durch das mindestens eine Weichensteuerelement, des zugeordneten Weichenantriebs bei einem Empfang des ausgegebenen Steuerbefehls durch das Weichensteuerelement.

Yet another aspect of the application is a method for adjusting switches, in particular using a control arrangement as described above. The method comprises:

• Receiving, by a main controller of a control arrangement, a switch control command from a via at least one primary Data transmission system with a data transmission system input of the main control system,
• Generating, by at least one control module of the main control, at least one control command for at least one switch control element of the at least two switch control elements of the control arrangement, at least based on the received switch control command,
• each switch control element is assigned a switch drive,
• Outputting, through a data transmission system output of the main controller, the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element, and
• Controlling, by at least one switch control element, the associated switch drive upon receipt of the output control command by the switch control element.

A previously described module, element, device, etc. can comprise at least partially hardware elements (e.g. processor, storage means, etc.) and/or at least partially software elements (e.g. executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first", "second", "further", etc. do not indicate a sequence, but serve in particular to distinguish between two elements (e.g. switch, switch drive, data transmission system, etc.).

The features of the control arrangements, the switch control systems and methods can be freely combined with one another. In particular, features of the description and/or the dependent claims can be independently inventive, even if they completely or partially bypass features of the independent claims, either alone or freely combined with one another.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Steuerungsanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Steuerungsanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Steuerungsanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung,

Fig. 4a-f

schematische Ansicht weiterer Ausführungsbeispiele von Steuerungsanordnungen gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung,

Fig. 5a

ein Diagramm mit einem beispielhaften zeitlichen Verhalten von Weichenantrieben einer Steuerungsanordnung gemäß dem Stand der Technik,

Fig. 5b

ein Diagramm mit einem beispielhaften zeitlichen Verhalten von Weichenantrieben einer Steuerungsanordnung gemäß der Anmeldung,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Weichensteuersystems gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung, und

Fig. 7

ein Diagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens gemäß der vorliegenden Anmeldung.

There are now a number of possibilities for designing and further developing the control arrangement, the switch control system and the method as claimed in the application. on the one hand, reference is made to the patent claims subordinate to the independent patent claims, and on the other hand to the description of embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows:

Fig.1

a schematic view of an embodiment of a control arrangement according to the present application,

Fig. 2

a schematic view of another embodiment of a control arrangement according to the present application,

Fig. 3

a schematic view of another embodiment of a control arrangement according to the present application,

Fig. 4a-f

schematic view of further embodiments of control arrangements according to the present application,

Fig. 5a

a diagram with an exemplary temporal behavior of switch drives of a control arrangement according to the prior art,

Fig. 5b

a diagram with an exemplary temporal behavior of switch drives of a control arrangement according to the application,

Fig.6

a schematic view of an embodiment of a switch control system according to the present application, and

Fig.7

a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application.

In the following, similar reference numerals are used for similar elements.

The Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a control arrangement 100 for at least two (not shown) switches, for example of a rail system. The control arrangement 100 comprises at least one main control 102 and at least two switch control elements 104.1, 104.2.

As can be seen, the main controller 102 has at least one data transmission system input 106 and one data transmission system output 108. A primary data transmission system 110 (e.g. a primary bus) is connected to the data transmission system input 106. The main controller 102 can receive data from a signal box (not shown) of a railway control system via the primary data transmission system 110. In particular, data can be exchanged bidirectionally with the signal box via the primary data transmission system 110. The data transmission system input 106 of the main controller 102 is at least configured to receive a switch control command from the signal box that can be connected to the data transmission system input 106 via the at least one primary data transmission system 110.

Furthermore, at least one secondary data transmission system 112 (e.g. a secondary bus) is provided, which communicatively connects the first switch control element 104.1 and the second switch control element 104.2 to the main controller 102. In particular, each switch control element 104.1, 104.2 can have a data transmission system input 114. The at least one secondary data transmission system 112 can connect the data transmission system inputs 114 of the switch control elements 104.1, 104.2 to the data transmission system output 108 of the main controller 102.

Furthermore, each switch control element 104.1, 104.2 is connected to (exactly) one switch drive (not shown) via an at least four-wire electrical connection 120. Each switch control element 104.1, 104.2 is uniquely assigned a switch drive. For example, each switch control element 104.1, 104.2 can have a drive connection 118, set up for connecting the at least four-wire electrical connection 120.

The main control 102 comprises at least one control module 116. The control module 116 is set up to generate at least one control command for at least one switch control element 104.1, 104.2 of the at least two switch control elements 104.1, 104.2, at least based on the received switch control command. The switch control command can contain the at least one switch to be adjusted or the at least one switch drive to be controlled. For example, at least one corresponding switch identifier and/or switch drive identifier and a (also implicit) setting instruction can be included. It goes without saying that in variants of the application, further data can be included in a switch control command.

For example, based on the switch identification and/or switch drive identification and an address assignment table stored in the main controller 102, the at least one switch control element 104.1, 104.2 to be controlled or the at least one address in the secondary data transmission system can be determined. The at least one generated control command can preferably contain the address in the secondary data transmission system.

The data transmission system output 108 of the main controller 102 is configured to output the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element 104.1, 104.2.

The at least one switch control element 104.1, 104.2 is in particular designed to control the associated switch drive (immediately) upon receipt of the output control command by the switch control element 104.1, 104.2. In other words, immediately after receiving a control command, a switch control module (not shown) can supply the associated switch drive with electrical energy via the four-wire electrical connection, for example.

In particular, a switch control element 104.1, 104.2 can use the address in the secondary data transmission system of the at least one control command to determine whether the control command is directed to this switch control element 104.1, 104.2 or not. If the address in the secondary data transmission system of the control command matches the address in the secondary data transmission system of the first switch control element 104.1, then the first switch control element 104.1 controls the associated switch drive via the connection 120. If the address in the secondary data transmission system of the control command does not match the address in the secondary data transmission system of the first switch control element 104.1, then the first switch control element 104.1 does not control the associated switch drive via the connection 120.

The control module 116 is preferably configured to generate at least a first control command for the first switch control element 104.1 and a second control command for the second switch control element 104.2, such that the respective switch drives of the first and second switch control elements 104.1, 104.2 are at least partially controlled simultaneously and in particular are adjusted or rotated at least partially simultaneously.

The Figure 2 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a control arrangement 200 according to the present application. To avoid Without repetition, only the differences to the previous embodiment are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations.

Like in the Figure 2 As can be seen, the control arrangement 200 comprises a main controller 202 with a data transmission system input 206 for a primary data transmission system 210, a data transmission system output 208 for a secondary data transmission system 212 and a control module 216. The control module 216 can preferably be formed from a two-channel controller unit 216.1, 216.2. The main controller 202 optionally has a diagnostic bus connection 230 for a diagnostic bus 232.

In addition, the control arrangement 200 in the present embodiment has four switch control elements 204.1 to 204.4. All switch control elements 204.1 to 204.4 can be formed identically in terms of hardware. A switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 can comprise a data transmission system input 214 for the secondary data transmission system 212 and a drive connection 218 for the present four-wire electrical connection 220.

The four-wire electrical connection 220 can in particular have the conductors L1, L2, L3 and N and can be formed, for example, as a copper cable. Optionally, a switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 in the present case has a diagnostic bus connection 236 for the diagnostic bus 232.

Furthermore, a switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 can comprise at least one switch control module 234. The switch control module 234 can be configured to supply the switch drive with electrical energy via the four-wire electrical connection 220, for example by applying a (predetermined) drive supply voltage via the at least four-wire electrical connection 220 to the switch drive is effected. This is done in particular based on the received control command.

The switch control module 234 can preferably be formed from a two-channel controller unit 234.1, 234.2.

As can also be seen, in particular each switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 has a contactor 238 (in particular a high-performance contactor) and at least one relay 240, preferably a plurality of relays. Preferably a switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 can also have at least one fuse (not shown), in particular a plurality of fuses.

The at least one relay 240 is in particular a switching relay 240 that can be controlled by the switch control module 234. In particular, the at least one relay 240 can be controlled by the switch control module 234 to supply the switch drive with electrical energy via the at least four-wire electrical connection 220.

Preferably, a switch control element 204.1 to 204.4 comprises a monitoring module 242, in particular in the form of a current measuring module 242. The monitoring module 242 can be set up to monitor the switch drive state. In particular, at least the N conductor of the four-wire electrical connection 220 can be monitored by the monitoring module 242.

Furthermore, the illustrated control arrangement 200 comprises a voltage converter 244, configured to supply the logic components of at least the main control 202 and at least the switch control elements 204.1 to 204.4 with electrical energy.

The Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a control arrangement 300 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations. For a better overview, details (eg control module, data transmission system inputs and outputs, etc.) have been omitted.

As from the Figure 3 As can be seen, the control arrangement 300 has a connecting plate 350 or a circuit board 350. In the present embodiment, the main control 302, five switch control elements 304.1 to 304.5 and the voltage converter 344 are arranged on the connecting plate 350. Among other things, a switch control element 304.1 to 304.5 comprises a contactor 338.

Furthermore, a connection 310 for a primary data transmission system, a connection 312 for a secondary data transmission system, five four-wire electrical connections 320, two diagnostic buses 332.1, 332.2 and a power connection 352, in particular a 400 V AC power connection, are arranged on the connection plate 350. The voltage converter 344 can be connected to a 60 V DC connection 356 and supply the various logic components with electrical energy via further connections.

As already described, the power connection 352 can be set up to connect the switch control elements 304.1 to 304.5 to a power supply, in particular a 400 V power supply, to provide the electrical energy required for a switch drive. The respective switch control module (not shown) of a switch control element 304.1 to 304.5 can be set up to supply a respective switch drive with electrical energy by controlling the respective relay in such a way that a current flow from the power connection 352 to at least four-wire electrical connection 320. In a corresponding manner, after detection by a monitoring module that the switch tongue has reached the desired end position, the relay can be controlled by the switch control module in such a way that no voltage is applied to the at least four-wire electrical connection 320 (and thus the flow of current is interrupted).

The Figures 4a to 4f show schematic views of further embodiments of control arrangements 300 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations. For a better overview, the illustration of details (eg control module, data transmission system inputs and outputs, four-wire connection, etc.) has been omitted.

The Figure 4a The embodiment of a control arrangement 400 shown comprises two connecting plates 450, wherein a main control 402 and, for example, four switch control elements 404 are arranged on each connecting plate 450.

A signal box 460 is connected to the main controllers 402 via a primary data transmission system 410. Each main controller 402 is connected to the respective switch control elements 404 via a respective secondary data transmission system 412. This embodiment is particularly suitable for replacing a prior art switch control. In other words, this embodiment is downward compatible.

As from the Figure 4b As can be seen, this control arrangement 400 only provides a main control 402 that is not arranged on a connecting plate. The main control 402 is connected to exemplary five switch control elements 404 of a first connecting plate 450 via a secondary data transmission system 412. and connected to exemplary five switch control elements 404 of a further connecting plate 450.

Compared to the embodiment according to Figure 4b is in the embodiment according to the Figure 4c the main control 402 is arranged on the first connecting plate 450 together with the five switch control elements 404 of the first connecting plate 450.

The Figures 4d to 4f The exemplary control arrangements 400 shown are particularly designed to set at least one multi-drive switch.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4d the main control 402 is arranged on a first connecting plate 450 with three switch control elements 404.

These switch control elements 404 and a sub-controller 462 are connected to the main controller via a first secondary data transmission system 412. Five further switch control elements 404 are connected to the sub-controller 462 via a second secondary data transmission system 464.

The (subordinate) sub-controller 462 is in particular configured such that it is perceived by the main controller 402 as a switch control element.

This means in particular that the main controller 402, upon receiving a switch control command for adjusting a multi-drive switch, generates a control command for the sub-controller 462 that corresponds to a control command for a switch control element.

The sub-controller 462 can be configured to control a plurality of switch drives (exactly) a multi-drive switch by generating a plurality of control commands based on the received switch control command (or control command) and a Switch control pattern. The switch control pattern specifies in particular the start times or activation times of the switch drives or switch control elements.

The sub-controller 462 can be set up to generate the plurality of control commands such that at least two switch drives of the multi-drive switch are set at least partially simultaneously, as already described. In particular, the sub-controller 462 can jointly control several switch control elements 404 in accordance with the stored switch control pattern, so that the switch drives are at least partially supplied with electrical energy simultaneously.

This embodiment is particularly suitable for expanding a state-of-the-art switch control to include the option of controlling a multi-drive switch. In other words, this embodiment is downwards compatible.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4e only one main control 402 is provided which is not arranged on a connecting plate. Five switch control elements 404 of a first connecting plate 450 and a sub-control 462 of a further connecting plate 450 are connected to the main control 402 via a first secondary data transmission system 412. Five further switch control elements 404, which are arranged on a further connecting plate 450, are connected to the sub-control 462 via a second secondary data transmission system 464.

In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 4d are in the embodiment according to Figure 4f Five switch control elements 404 are arranged on each of the two connecting plates 450, for example.

In the above-described embodiments, two connecting plates are always shown. It is understood that in variants of the application, more than two connecting plates can be provided and/or the embodiments can be combined with one another.

The Figure 5a shows a diagram with an exemplary temporal behavior of switch drives of a control arrangement according to the state of the art and the Figure 5b a diagram with an exemplary temporal behavior of switch drives of a control arrangement according to the application.

Examples are switch drives 1 to 4 in the Figures 5a and 5b The switch drive 1 is activated at the start time t ₁ , the switch drive 2 at the start time t ₂ , the switch drive 3 at the start time t ₃ and the switch drive 4 at the start time t ₄ . The reference number 568 designates one circuit of a switch or a switch drive.

As can be seen, with the current state of the art, switch drive 2 can only be activated when it is determined that switch drive 1 or the switch has turned. The same applies to the other switch drives with the current state of the art.

According to the application, the switch drives 1 to 4 can be activated and rotate at least partially simultaneously, preferably based on a stored switch control pattern, as already described. The control module of a main control and/or a sub-control module of a sub-control can be set up at least to generate control commands for the corresponding switch control elements, such that the respective switch drives are controlled at least partially simultaneously and with offset start times t ₁ to t ₄ , as in the Figure 5b is shown. In particular, the starting times t ₁ to t ₄ can be specified by a stored switch control pattern.

The Figure 6 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a switch control system 670 according to the present application.

For the sake of a better overview, details of the control arrangement 600 have been omitted. Furthermore, for a better overview, only one switch 680 of a rail system 686 is shown. The rail system 686 includes the switch control system 670.

A switch 680 is particularly designed to enable a track transition from a first track 682 to a second track 684.

The switch control system 670 comprises at least one control arrangement 600 (eg according to Figure 1 , 2 , 3 , 4a-f ). The switch control system 670 comprises a first switch drive 672 connected to the first switch control element via a first at least four-wire electrical connection 620. The switch control system 670 further comprises at least one second switch drive (not shown) connected to the second switch control element via a second at least four-wire electrical connection.

Furthermore, the switch control system 670 may comprise a signal box 660 which is connected to the control arrangement 600 via a primary data transmission system 610.

A switch drive 672 comprises in particular a remotely controllable electric motor, possibly a hydraulic pump, at least one limit switch, at least one actuating rod 678 and at least one test rod. Via the at least one actuating rod 678 and the at least one test rod (usually The switch drive is coupled to the switch tongues 674, 676 via a control rod (at least two test rods). The switch drive 672 is designed to move the switch tongues 674, 676 from the first end position to the second end position (and vice versa) in order to set the switch 680.

Preferably, the switch control system 670 may include the switches 680.

The Figure 7 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application for adjusting switches, in particular using a previously described control arrangement (eg according to Figure 1 , 2 , 3 , 4a-f ).

In a first step 701, a main controller of a control arrangement receives a switch control command from a signal box that can be connected to a data transmission system input of the main controller via at least one primary data transmission system, as described.

In a further step 702, at least one control module of the main control generates at least one control command for at least one switch control element of the at least two switch control elements of the control arrangement, at least based on the received switch control command, as already described.

In particular, two or more control commands can be generated for a corresponding number of switch control elements. Each switch control element is assigned (exactly) one switch drive.

In a step 703, the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element is output through a data transmission system output of the main control, such as In particular, a plurality of control commands can be issued at least almost simultaneously.

In a step 704, the assigned switch drive is controlled by the at least one switch control element when the switch control element receives the issued control command, as already described. In particular, two switch drives are controlled or supplied with electrical energy at least partially simultaneously.

When the desired end position of the switch is detected, the electrical supply to the corresponding switch drive can be interrupted.

List of reference symbols:

100

Control arrangement,

102

Main control

104

Switch control element

106

Data transmission system input

108

Data transmission system output

110

primary data transmission system

112

secondary data transmission system

114

Data transmission system input

116

Control module

118

Drive connection

120

electrical connection

200

Control arrangement

202

Main control

204

Switch control element

206

Data transmission system input

208

Data transmission system output

210

primary data transmission system

212

secondary data transmission system

214

Data transmission system input

216

Control module

218

Drive connection

220

electrical connection

230

Diagnostic bus connection

232

Diagnostic bus

234

Switch control module

236

Diagnostic bus connection

238

Schütz

240

relay

242

Monitoring module

244

Voltage converter

300

Control arrangement

302

Main control

304

Switch control element

310

primary data transmission system

312

secondary data transmission system

320

electrical connection

332

Diagnostic buses

338

Schütz

344

Voltage converter

350

Connecting plate

352

Power connection

356

Connection

400

Control arrangement

402

Main control

404

Switch control element

410

primary data transmission system

412

secondary data transmission system

450

Connecting plate

460

Signal box

462

Sub-control

464

secondary data transmission system

568

Switch circulation

600

Control arrangement

610

primary data transmission system

620

electrical connection

660

Signal box

670

Switch control system

672

Switch drive

674

Switch tongue

676

Switch tongue

678

Adjusting rod

680

Switch

682

first track

684

second track

686

Rail system

Claims (15)

Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) for switches (680), comprising: - at least one main control (102, 202, 302, 402), - at least one first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) connected to the main control (102, 202, 302, 402) via at least one secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464) and at least one second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) connected to the main control via the at least one secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464), - wherein each switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) can be connected to a respective associated switch drive via an at least four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620), - wherein the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises at least one data transmission system input (106, 206) and one data transmission system output (108, 208), - wherein the data transmission system input (106, 206) is configured to receive a switch control command from a signal box (460, 660) connectable to the data transmission system input (106, 206) via at least one primary data transmission system (110, 210, 310, 410, 610), - wherein the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) comprises at least one control module (116, 216) configured to generate at least one control command for at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) of the at least two switch control elements (104, 204, 304, 404), at least based on the received switch control command, - wherein the data transmission system output (108, 208) is arranged to output the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404), and - wherein the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) is configured to control the associated switch drive (672) upon receipt of the output control command by the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the control module (116, 216) is configured to generate at least a first control command for the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and a second control command for the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) such that the respective switch drives (672) of the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) are activated at least partially simultaneously
and or - the control module (116, 216) is configured to generate at least a first control command for the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and a second control command for the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) such that the respective switch drives (672) of the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) are activated at least partially simultaneously and with staggered start times. Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) comprises at least one data transmission system input (114, 214) configured to receive the issued control command, and - the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) comprises at least one switch control module (234) configured to supply the associated switch drive (672) with electrical energy via the at least four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620) based on the received control command. Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) comprises a contactor (238, 338) and at least one relay (240), - wherein in particular the at least one relay (240) can be controlled by the switch control module (234) to effect the supply of the associated switch drive (672) with electrical energy via the at least four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control module (116, 216) is configured to determine the at least one switch drive (672) to be controlled based on the received switch control command, - wherein the control module (116, 216) is configured to determine the address in the secondary data transmission system of the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) associated with the particular switch drive (672), - wherein the generated control command includes the specific address in the secondary data transmission system. Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) comprises at least one sub-controller (462) connected to the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) via a first secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464), - wherein the sub-controller (462) is connected via a second secondary data transmission system (112, 212, 312, 412, 464) to at least the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and/or the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) comprises a connecting plate (350, 450), - wherein at least the main control (102, 202, 302, 402) and at least the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) and/or the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) are arranged on the connecting plate (350, 450),
and or - the control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) comprises a connecting plate (350, 450) with at least a first slot and a second slot, - wherein the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) can be plugged into the first slot and the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) can be plugged into the second slot. Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to control a plurality of switch drives (672) of a multi-drive switch by generating a plurality of control commands based on the received switch control command and a stored switch control pattern, - wherein the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to generate the plurality of control commands such that at least two switch drives (672) of the multi-drive switch are activated at least partially simultaneously. Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to control a plurality of switch drives 1 to n (672) of a multi-drive switch by generating a plurality of control commands based on the received switch control command and a stored switch control pattern, where n is a natural number between 2 and 8, in particular between 2 and 6, - wherein the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to generate the plurality of control commands such that, during a setting operation of a multi-drive switch, the switch-on times of the plurality of switch drives 1 to n (672) are coordinated with one another, taking into account the existing arrangement of the switch drives 1 to n along the multi-drive switch and/or the parameters of the switch drives 1 to n (672). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to claim 9, wherein the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to - Recording of at least one of the following quantities: - Travels s ₁ to s _n of the point drives 1 to n (672), - Time periods t ₁ to t _n to reach the end positions of the point drives 1 to n (672), - Current consumption I ₁ to I _n of the point drives 1 to n (672). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to claim 10, wherein the control module (116, 216) and/or the sub-control module is configured to - Comparing the recorded time periods t ₁ to t _n with defined time limits,
and - Generating a signal when at least one defined time limit is exceeded,
and or - Comparison of the recorded current consumption I ₁ to I _n with defined current limit values and - Generate a signal when at least one defined current limit value is exceeded. Control arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the time limit values and/or the current limit values are formed as a function of at least one of the following variables: - Distances of the switch drives 1 to n (672) from the clamping point of the track sections to be bent, - mechanical resistance moment of the track sections to be bent, - travel distances s ₁ to s _n of the point drives 1 to n (672), and/or - Speeds v ₁ to v _n of the point drives 1 to n (672). Control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the control module (116, 216) is configured to parameterize at least the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) based on the switch drive type of a first switch drive (672) assigned to the first Switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) is assigned,
and or - the control module (116, 216) is configured to parameterize at least the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) based on the switch drive type of a second switch drive (672) associated with the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404). Switch control system (670), comprising: - at least one control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, - a first switch drive (672) connected to the first switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) via a first at least four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620), and - at least a second switch drive (672) connected to the second switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) via a second at least four-wire electrical connection (120, 220, 320, 420, 620). Method for adjusting switches (680), in particular using a control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - receiving, by a main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) of a control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600), a switch control command from a signal box (460, 660) connectable to a data transmission system input (106, 206) of the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402) via at least one primary data transmission system (110, 210, 310, 410, 610), - generating, by at least one control module (116, 216) of the main control (102, 202, 302, 402), at least one control command for at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) of the at least two switch control elements (104, 204, 304, 404) of the control arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400, 600), at least based on the received switch control command, - wherein each switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404) is assigned a switch drive (672), - outputting, through a data transmission system output (108, 208) of the main controller (102, 202, 302, 402), the at least one generated control command for the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404), and - Controlling, by the at least one switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404), the associated switch drive (672) upon receipt of the output control command by the switch control element (104, 204, 304, 404).

Images