IL319587A - Points or crossing component with releasable connection and method and arrangement for monitoring the releasable connection - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION Points or crossing component with releasable connection and method and arrangement for monitoring the releasable connection The present invention relates to a points or crossing component, in particular a grooved rail points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, comprising a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion thereof, an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, at least one releasable connection, such as screw connection and/or clamping, by means of which the exchangeable component can be connected to the basic component, in particular in a force-locking and/or form-locking manner, and at least one sensor for monitoring the quality, in particular the force transmission and/or form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection, wherein a signal is generated in the sensor when a rail vehicle travels over the points or crossing component, which is representative of the quality of the releasable connection.

The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the releasable connection of a points or crossing component, in particular a grooved rail points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in a monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion of the latter, by means of the releasable, such as clamping, connection, and wherein a signal for checking the quality, in particular the power transmission or the form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle travels over the points or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the releasable connection.

The invention also relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

FR 2 745 543 A1 describes a remote monitoring system for a railway network for monitoring operating parameters of at least one points system of the railway network. In this case, it is provided that each points system comprises a set of sensors which are each adapted to measure a property value which is representative of a property. The sensors are each connected to a data acquisition unit in which an algorithm for managing the acquired measurement data is stored. Means are also provided for comparing the measured data with at least one threshold value which is representative of the limit value for a corresponding operating parameter.

The known arrangement comprises, for example, an exchangeable component in the form of a check rail which is connected via a releasable connection to a basic component in the form of a track. A sensor is provided for monitoring a clamping of the check rail on the track, which clamping is applied by the releasable connection. This sensor is arranged in the check rail, with the result that, when the check rail is changed, the sensor must also be exchanged or dismantled. This is associated with increased expenditure.

In the method, it is also provided that the quality of the clamping of the check rail is monitored using measurement signals which are supplied by an acceleration sensor which detects the impacts produced by a wheel on the check rail.

DE 200 16 674 U1 relates to an arrangement for measuring the approach of a frog tip of points.

The arrangement is characterized by a structure-borne sound sensor which is fastened to a wing rail which is screwed to a frog of the points. The sensor on the wing rail is freely accessible and thus exposed to dirt and the risk of damage. The sensor would be inaccessible if the track is typically covered in a tram area.

If the wing rail has to be exchanged, the sensor is also removed.

DE 10 2004 014 282 B4 relates to a method for diagnosing and monitoring the state in the overflow region of a points and/or of an intersection and/or of intersection points of a rail traffic route. When a train travels in a specific direction of travel over the points and/or the crossing and/or the crossing point, a measurement of accelerations of the frog or of the crossing point at least at one location of the frog or crossing point in at least one spatial direction is carried out at the rigid frog or at the crossing point, which accelerations are generated by the passage of the train over the frog or the crossing point. A releasable connection is not monitored.

EP 2 103 738 B1 (D1) relates to a frog having a frog insert.

The object of the present invention is to develop a points or crossing component, a method or an arrangement of the above mentioned type in such a way that the monitoring of a releasable connection, such as by fastening or clamping, of exchangeable components is simplified and improved by means of sensor technology. A loosening screw connection and/or clamping should be reliably signaled/recognized.

It should also be possible to exchange a defective exchangeable component without great effort, in particular without exchanging the sensor system or the sensor.

The object is achieved according to the invention among other things in a points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, comprising a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter, an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail or tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion thereof, at least one releasable connection, such as screwing and/or clamping, by means of which the exchangeable component can be connected to the basic component, in particular by force transmission and/or in form-fitting manner, and at least one sensor for monitoring the quality, in particular of the force transmission and/or form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection, wherein a signal is generated in the sensor when a rail vehicle travels over the points or crossing component, in particular the exchangeable component, which signal is representative of the quality of the releasable connection, in that the sensor is arranged in the basic component and is fixedly connected thereto.

The exchangeable component usually rests, in particular flat, on the basic component and is driven over by a rail vehicle.

In particular, the basic component is a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed which is present in an upper part or upper portion of the latter and in which at least one sensor is respectively integrated or fixedly connected thereto.

In particular, the at least one sensor is arranged in a recess of the basic component which is covered by an exchangeable component.

In order to make it possible for a component of a grooved rail track to be exchanged in a simple manner, i.e. without destroying a track covering or without dismantling the intact sensor from the component to be exchanged, it is provided that the sensor is arranged in the basic component and is fixedly connected thereto.

When an exchangeable component is exchanged, both the sensor and the supply line remain unaffected by a replacement of the component, since the sensor is not in contact with the exchangeable component.

According to an advantageous further development, it is provided that the sensor is preferably designed as an acceleration sensor or structure-borne noise sensor.

The sensor is preferably arranged in the basic component for transmitting accelerations and mechanical vibrations in such a way that, when a rail vehicle passes over it, the sensor detects, in particular via an inadequately fastened exchangeable component, at least one impact exerted by the inadequately fastened exchangeable component on the at least one releasable connection and/or the basic component as acceleration and/or mechanical vibration.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the points or crossing component is a frog, wherein the basic component is a frog block and the exchangeable component is a frog insert which is connected to the frog block by means of the releasable connection, preferably in the form of a screwable clamping connection.

Particularly preferably, the frog insert is arranged in a recess of the frog block which is accessible in a non-destructive manner in the covered state of the frog, wherein the sensor is arranged in the recess, preferably in the vertical direction, below the exchangeable frog insert and is preferably covered by the latter without contact with the sensor.

The sensor is arranged in a channel formed in a bottom of the recess, wherein the channel forms at least one portion of a water outlet and opens into an outlet.

Furthermore, the sensor has a feed line which is led out of the frog block, preferably into a cable shaft connected to the frog, through the outlet which is formed in a bottom of the recess and is preferably formed as a vertical bore, and/or through a channel which is formed transversely to the direction of travel in the frog block. The sensor with the feed line is designed to be waterproof.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the points or crossing component is a tongue device, wherein the basic component is a tongue rail adapter and the exchangeable component is a tongue rail which is connected to the tongue rail adapter by means of the releasable connection in the form of a screwable clamping connection.

The releasable connection preferably has at least one clamping wedge, wherein the clamping wedge is penetrated by a clamping screw which can be screwed into a thread, preferably a blind- hole thread, formed in the basic component.

Preferably, at least one clamping disk, in particular two clamping disks, are arranged between a head of the clamping screw and the upper side of the clamping wedge, said clamping disks causing a preload. Between an underside of the clamping wedge and the basic component, a sealing element, in particular a closed-cell sealing element, such as sponge rubber, is arranged, by means of which a seal is effected between the screw element passing through the wedge element and the bore in the basic element having an internal thread, so that moisture penetration is prevented and corrosion is thus prevented.

It should also be emphasized that the basic component can be a tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion thereof. A monobloc construction means that the tongue device has a one-piece block having a tongue bed as an upper part, in which the tongue rail is adjustably slidably arranged. The upper part of the tongue device having the tongue bed consists in particular of a high-strength grade steel having a strength preferably of up to 1600 N/mm2 or more, in particular a strength of between 1200 N/mm2 and 1600 N/mm2. Examples which may be mentioned are steels known under the names Dillidur, Xar, Hardox or Bainit. The upper part of the tongue device is supported by a lower part, which can also be block-like or designed as a support. The lower part of the tongue device preferably consists of structural steel.

Of course, the upper and lower parts can also be a single monolithic body.

The tongue device can be designed in such a way that the tongue bed extends over the entire length of the tongue rail. In this respect, reference should be made to a construction which can be found in EP 2 569 485 B1.

For clamping the tongue rail, bores having internal threads are provided in the upper part, into which bores the screws can be screwed, which pass through the clamping wedges for clamping the tongue rail. In the region of the clamping wedges, at least one sensor is then arranged in the upper part of the monobloc tongue device, by means of which signals are generated for checking the quality of the connection, such as the clamping connection.

In order to prevent liquid from accumulating in the region of the connection of the sensor, the connection extends in an opening which in turn merges into a drain opening extending in the lower part of the monobloc tongue device.

The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a releasable connection of a points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device in a monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion of the latter, by means of the releasable connection, and wherein a signal for checking the quality, in particular the power transmission or the form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle travels over the points or crossing component, in particular the exchangeable component, and is representative of the quality of the releasable connection.

According to the invention, it is provided that the signal is generated when the rail vehicle travels over the exchangeable component by means of at least one impact exerted by the exchangeable component on the releasable connection and/or on the basic component and is detected in the latter by means of the sensor arranged in the basic component.

In a preferred method, the signals are evaluated which are generated during the passage of the rail vehicle by a relative movement or a displacement of the exchangeable component, and/or by an exchangeable component displaced from the optimum position with respect to the releasable connection and/or the basic component.

Tests have shown that characteristic accelerations and/or a characteristic structure-borne noise are caused by a relative movement or displacement between the components due to an insufficiently clamped connection. For this reason, an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne noise sensor is preferably used as the sensor, wherein the sensor detects at least one characteristic acceleration or a characteristic structure-borne noise exerted by an inadequately fastened exchangeable component on the at least one releasable connection and/or basic component when the rail vehicle travels over the exchangeable component.

A further development provides that the signal generated by the passage of the rail vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to recognize a signal having the characteristic acceleration or the characteristic structure-borne noise. If the actual value signal deviates from the reference signal or the limit value, a message is generated about an inadequate quality of the force transmission and/or of the form-fitting collection of the releasable connection.

In order to rule out interference signals which are generated, for example, by a flat point on a wheel of a rail vehicle, at least two measurements are carried out when the rail vehicle passes or when two successive rail vehicles pass, and the message is triggered only when at least two events per passage or successive passages are detected, the event being the detection of a characteristic signal.

The invention also relates to an arrangement for monitoring a releasable connection of a points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion of the latter, by means of the releasable connection, and wherein the arrangement has a sensor connected to an evaluation unit for monitoring the quality, in particular of a force transmission and/or a form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection, by means of which a signal is detected, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle travels over the exchangeable component, and is representative of the quality of the releasable connection.

According to the invention, the arrangement is characterized in that the sensor is exclusively connected to or integrated into the basic component and is designed in such a way that it detects the signal generated by at least one impact exerted on the basic component by the releasable connection and/or the exchangeable component.

The at least one sensor is connected to the evaluation unit via a feed line. The evaluation unit preferably has a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

The core of the invention can also be considered to be a releasable connection, such as clamping or screwing, for an exchangeable component, such as an interchangeable frog or tongue rail, of tram points, comprising a basic element in the form of a frog block or a tongue rail adapter or a tongue device in monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion of the latter, wherein the releasable clamping comprises at least one clamping wedge which is connected to a clamping screw in the basic element, such as frog block or tongue rail adapter, has a sensor, preferably an acceleration sensor, which is designed to detect an acceleration exerted on the clamping or screwing when a rail vehicle passes over an inadequately clamped exchangeable component, such as a changeable frog or tongue rail.

The invention is also characterized by a method for monitoring a releasable connection of a points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein an exchangeable component, such as a frog insert or tongue rail, is fastened to a basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail adapter or an upper part of a tongue device having a tongue bed in a monobloc construction, by means of the releasable connection, and wherein a signal for checking the quality, in particular the force transmission or the form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection is detected by means of a sensor, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the points or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the releasable connection, which is characterized in that the signal is generated through the exchangeable component by at least an impact exerted by the exchangeable component on the releasable connection and/or on the basic component and detected therein by means of the sensor arranged in the basic component.

Additional details, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent not only from the claims, the features specified therein, alone and/or in combination, but also from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments provided in the drawings.

In the figures: FIG. 1 is a top view of a frog with a releasable connection for an exchangeable frog insert, FIG. 2a is a section of the frog according to FIG. 1 along a section line AC-AC, FIG. 2b is a section through an embodiment of a clamping device, FIG. 3 is a top view of the frog according to FIG. 1 without frog insert, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frog according to FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an arrangement for checking a releasable connection of a frog, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tongue rail adapter, FIG. 7a is a side view of the tongue rail adapter according to FIG. 6, FIG. 7b is a section through an embodiment of a clamping element of the tongue rail adapter, FIG. 8 is a side view of the tongue rail adapter according to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is a plan view of the tongue rail adapter according to FIG. 6, FIG. 10 is a preferred further embodiment of a clamping element for the clamping connection of an exchangeable component to a basic component, FIG. 11 is a plan view of a tongue device of monobloc construction, FIG. 12 is a section of FIG. 11 in the region of a clamping fixation of a tongue rail in the tongue device, FIG. 13 is a section along line A-A in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 is detail B of FIG. 13.

FIG. 1 shows in plan view a first embodiment of a points or crossing component in the form of a grooved rail frog 10, comprising a basic component in the form of a frog block 12 with intersecting grooves 14, 16. An exchangeable component in the form of a frog insert 20 is arranged in the frog center region 18 and is fixed in a clamping manner in the frog block 12 in the usage position.

FIG. 2a shows a sectional representation of the frog 10 along a section line AC-AC according to FIG. 1. The frog insert 20, also referred to below as the interchangeable frog, is set into a recess 22 which is formed in an upper side 24 of the frog block 12. In this case, it is provided that an upper side 26 of the interchangeable frog 20 and the upper side 24 of the frog block 12 lie in one plane. The interchangeable frog 20 is fastened to the frog block 12 via at least one releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. The releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 each comprise clamping wedges 34, 36, 38, 40 which are fixed in corresponding blind-hole receptacles or blind-hole threads 50, 52, 54, 56 in the frog block 12 by means of clamping screws 42, 44, 46, 48.

The overflow region in the frog 12 is exposed to particularly high loads due to its design. In order to make the service life of the complete frog 12 independent of that of the overflow region, the overflow region is designed to be exchangeable in the form of the interchangeable frog 20. The interchangeable frog 20 also makes it possible to exchange the overflow region of the frog without damaging a cover connection. As a result, costs can be minimized and largely trouble-free rail or tram traffic can be ensured. Lying times can also be extended and maintenance times shortened.

The clamping can be loosened by an alternating load acting on the releasable connection 28, , 32, 34 when the frog insert 20 is driven over. Therefore, the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 must be checked regularly.

According to the invention, provision is made for monitoring of the releasable connection 28, , 32, 34 for fixing the interchangeable frog 20 to the frog block 12 to be carried out by means of a sensor system or a sensor 58. The sensor system 58 detects a signal which is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the interchangeable component in the form of the interchangeable frog and is representative of the quality of the force transmission of the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. If the quality of the force transmission falls below a limit value, a loosening connection or a loosening of the loosened connection 28, 30, 32, 34 is signaled and indicated to an operator of the track system.

FIG. 2b shows, by way of example, a section through a first embodiment of the clamping device 34 with the clamping wedge 40, the clamping wedge 40 being penetrated by the clamping screw 48, which is screwed into the threaded bore 56 formed in the basic component 12, such as the blind-hole threaded bore. At least one clamping disk 41 and optionally a first sealing ring 43 are arranged between a head 48.1 of the clamping screw 48 and an upper side 40.1 of the clamping wedge 40. During operation, the clamping disk 41 prevents undesired loosening of the clamping screw 48 by an elastic preload. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 45 is preferably arranged between a lower side 40.2 of the clamping wedge and the basic component. The seal is intended to ensure that the screw connection, i.e. the clamping screw 41 in the blind hole bore, is protected against corrosion, so that the basic component can be reused as often as possible in the event of an exchange of the exchangeable component, i.e. the frog insert 20.

FIG. 10 shows a clamping device which is to be particularly emphasized and which is to be designated as inventive in itself and which is used in the implementation of the teaching according to the invention. As in FIG. 2b, the releasable connection consists of a clamping wedge 340 through which a clamping screw 348 passes and which can be screwed into a threaded bore 356 formed in a basic component 312.

In order to prevent loosening of the clamping screw 348 when the latter is screwed in, two clamping disks 341.1 and 341.2 are arranged between the underside of the head 348.1 of the clamping screw 348 and a bearing surface 340.1 extending in a depression of the clamping wedge 340.

Between the underside 340.2 of the clamping wedge 340 and the upper side 312.1 of the basic component 312 is arranged a sealing element which surrounds the clamping screw 340 and which consists of a closed-cell sealing material, such as sponge rubber, so that when the screw 348 is tightened the sealing material bears sealingly around the shank of the clamping screw 348 and seals the bore having the internal thread 356.

It is thus ensured that liquid cannot penetrate into the bore 356, so that corrosion is avoided.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the frog 10 according to FIG. 1, the interchangeable frog 20 not being inserted. According to the invention, the sensor system 58 preferably comprises an acceleration sensor, which is arranged in the basic component in the form of the frog block 12 and is designed in such a way that, when a rail vehicle passes over it, it detects at least one acceleration exerted by the interchangeable frog 20, which may be inadequately fastened, on the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and/or the basic component, i.e. the frog block 12.

The sensor 58 is fixedly connected to the frog block 12 in the bottom region 68 of the recess 22 in such a way that the sensor detects the signal generated by at least one force exerted on the frog block 12 by the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34 and/or the interchangeable frog 20. The sensor 58 is not in direct contact with the exchangeable component in the form of the interchangeable frog 20.

The sensor, such as the acceleration sensor 58, is arranged in a channel 64 extending along the longitudinal axis 62 in the frog block 12, that is to say in the region which delimits the recess 22 at the bottom. A connecting line 66 of the sensor 58 can be formed at the bottom through a bore which is formed in the vertical direction, that is along a vertical axis 70 of the frog block 12.

Alternatively, the connecting line 66 can be guided laterally out of the frog block 12 via a channel 72 extending along a transverse axis 74 of the frog block 12 and extending therethrough.

This arrangement ensures that the sensor 58 and the connecting line 66 are connected exclusively to the frog block 12 and are spaced from the exchangeable component in the form of the interchangeable frog 20.

The arrangement of the sensor 58 below the interchangeable frog 20 ensures an effective transmission of force from the interchangeable frog 20 or the releasable connection into the sensor 58.

The sensor 58 in the covered track is accessible in a non-destructive manner due to the interchangeable frog 20. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the recess 22 with the bore is simultaneously constructed as a water outlet of the frog block 12.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the frog 10 with inserted interchangeable frog 20. To protect the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34, the latter is covered by a cover 76, 78. The cover 76, 78 lies in a plane defined by the upper side 24 of the frog block 12 and the upper side 26 of the interchangeable frog 20. The upper sides should be in a common plane.

FIG. 5 shows an arrangement 80 for monitoring the releasable connections 28, 30, 32, 34 of the frog 10, the exchangeable component in the form of the interchangeable frog 20 being connected to the basic component in the form of the frog block 12 by means of the releasable connection 28, 30, 32, 34. The sensor 58, which is fixedly integrated in the frog block 12 or is connected thereto, is connected via the connecting line 66 to an evaluation unit 82.

The sensor 58, which is or should be designed as an acceleration sensor, can detect accelerations in at least one direction, preferably accelerations in three directions, i.e., in the direction of the longitudinal axis 62, the transverse axis 74 and the vertical axis 70 of the frog 12.

The invention is based on the idea that a loose, i.e. insufficiently clamped exchangeable component strikes the basic component, i.e. the frog block 12 and/or the releasable connection 28, , 32, 34, when the rail vehicle passes over, and thereby generates or causes characteristic accelerations which are measured by the sensor 58 and subsequently evaluated by the evaluation unit 82, in particular compared with a limit value. As a function of the comparison between the measured signal and the stored reference signal, when the limit value is exceeded, an alarm signal is generated which indicates an inadequately clamped or loose connection 28, 30, 32, 34.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a points component in the form of a tongue rail device 200. The tongue rail device 200 comprises a basic component in the form of a tongue rail adapter 202 to which an exchangeable component in the form of a tongue rail 2 is fastened, such as clamped, by means of a releasable connection 204. The tongue rail adapter 2 is fastened, for example, to the foot 208 of a connecting grooved rail 210, for example by welding, which is aligned with the tongue rail 206 along the longitudinal axis 212. An integral design of tongue rail adapter 202 and grooved rail 210 is also possible.

FIG. 7a shows a side view of the tongue rail device 200. The tongue rail 206 is subjected to force by means of the releasable connection 204 against a stop 214 of the tongue rail adapter 202.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the releasable connection 204 comprises three clamping elements 216, 218, 220, each consisting of a clamping wedge 222, 224, 226, which can be clamped by means of a screw 228, 230, 232 against a stop 234 of the tongue rail adapter 202 and a side face 236 of the tongue rail. The screws 228, 230, 232 are each received in blind hole threads 238, 240, 242.

Since the releasable connection 204, consisting of the individual clamping elements 216, 218, 220, can loosen during operation, the screw connection or clamping must be regularly checked.

According to the invention, it is provided that a sensor 244 for monitoring a force transmission or clamping force applied by the releasable connection is integrated in the tongue rail adapter 202.

The invention is based on the idea that a tongue rail 206, which is loosely or insufficiently fixed due to an inadequately tightened connection 204, strikes the tongue rail adapter 202 and/or the releasable connection 204 during the passage of the rail vehicle and thereby causes characteristic accelerations which are measured by the sensor and compared with a limit value by an evaluation unit.

The sensor 244 is designed as an acceleration sensor and measures accelerations according to direction and amount in a coordinate system spanned by axes 212, 246, 248.

FIG. 7b shows in detail a section through the clamping element 216 with the clamping wedge 222, wherein the clamping wedge 222 is penetrated by the clamping screw 228, which is screwed into the threaded bore 238, such as a blind-hole threaded bore, formed in the basic component 202.

A clamping disk 223 and a first sealing ring 225 are arranged between a head 228.1 of the clamping screw 228 and an upper side 222.2 of the clamping wedge 222. During operation, the clamping disk 223 prevents undesired loosening of the clamping screw by an elastic preload. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 227 is preferably arranged between a lower side 228.2 of the clamping wedge 222 and the basic component 202. The seal is intended to ensure that the screw connection, i.e. the clamping screw 228 in the blind hole bore, is protected against corrosion, so that the basic component can be reused as often as possible in the event of an exchange of the exchangeable component.

Preferably, however, the releasable connection is designed according to FIG. 10, which, as mentioned above, has an inventive content of its own.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the sensor 244 is arranged along an axis 250 (cf. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), which runs parallel or essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis 212 of the rails or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the clamping elements 216, 218, 220 (releasable connection 204). Alternatively, the sensor 244 can also be arranged below the tongue rail 206 in the tongue rail adapter 202 or below the releasable connection 204.

The signal detected by the sensor 244 is supplied to an evaluation device, as already described in connection with FIG. 5. The evaluation device comprises a computing unit and a comparator, wherein the signal detected by the sensor is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal, wherein when a limit value is exceeded a message is generated which indicates a loosening of the connection 204 or at least one of the clamping devices 216, 218, 202.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show a further embodiment of the teaching according to the invention which is to be emphasized and which has its own inventive content.

Thus, the embodiment refers to a tongue device 500 of monobloc construction, i.e., one which consists of a monolithic upper part 502 and a lower part 504, which can likewise be of monolithic construction. If desired, the lower part 504 may also have the shape of a support, as can be seen, for example, in EP 2 569 485 B1.

The upper part of the tongue device having the tongue bed consists in particular of a high- strength grade steel having a strength preferably of up to 1600 N/mm2 or more, in particular a strength of between 1200 N/mm2 and 1600 N/mm2. Examples which may be mentioned are steels known under the names Dillidur, Xar, Hardox or Bainit.

In the upper part 502, a tongue bed 506 is worked out by, for example, thermal cutting such as autogenous cutting, plasma cutting or laser cutting or by CNC milling, in which a tongue rail 5 is slidably adjustable. The tongue bed 506 is delimited by a stock rail 510 and a side rail 512, which consequently are also integral components of the upper part 502.

In order to connect the tongue rail 506 to a portion of a connecting rail 514 formed integrally in the upper part 502, clamping wedges are used, as have been described in particular in connection with FIG. 10 and are also illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Thus, the upper part 502 has bores 516, 518, 520 with internal threads, into which clamping screws 522, 524, 526 can be screwed, which in turn pass through clamping wedges 528, 530, 532, in order, when the screws 522, 524, 526 are tightened, to displace them along the inclined web of the tongue rail and to fix them in a clamping manner between the clamping wedges 528, 530, 5 and the connecting rail 514 or the side rail 512.

Below the clamping screws 522, 524, 526, the lower part 504 of the tongue device 500 has a corresponding recess. Otherwise, the upper part 502 rests flat on the lower part 504 and is connected thereto, in particular by welding.

As the detailed illustration B of FIG. 14 shows, each clamping wedge 530 has a recess with a bearing surface 534 at the bottom, which originates from the upper side.

The shank of the clamping screw 524 passes through two clamping disks 536, 538 which, when the clamping screw 524 is screwed in, run between the bearing surface 534 and the head 540 of the clamping screw. By tightening the screw 524 and due to the clamping disks 536, 538, a preloading force is generated which is intended to prevent loosening of the screw 524.

In order to prevent liquid from penetrating into the bore 518 having the internal thread, the clamping shank is surrounded by a closed-cell sealing material which, when the screw 524 is tightened, is pressed in such a way that a seal is produced between the shank and the bore 5 having the internal thread. Thus, liquid cannot penetrate and corrosion is avoided. The construction is thus the same as in FIG. 10.

According to the teaching according to the invention, a sensor 558 is integrated in the upper part 502, which sensor is connected to an evaluation unit via a connection 560. The connection 560 extends in a recess 562 in the lower part 504 of the tongue device 500 which extends below the clamping screws 516, 518, 520 and which in turn is connected to an outlet opening passing through the lower part 504, so that liquid cannot accumulate.

In the bottom wall of the upper part 502, there are furthermore recesses 566, 568, 570, 572 in the region of the clamping wedges 528, 530, 532, in which ejection pieces are arranged, which have an internal thread, so that these are then lifted off the bottom wall of the recess 566, 568, 570, 572 when screws are screwed in, and thus make it possible to release the clamping wedges and thus the tongue rail 508.

It should be noted that the exchangeable component rests, in particular flat, on the basic component and is driven over by a rail vehicle.

Claims (22)

1. A points or crossing component, such as frog or tongue rail device, comprising a basic component, such as frog block or tongue rail adapter or tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion thereof, an exchangeable component, such as frog insert or tongue rail, resting in particular on the basic component and which can be driven over, at least one releasable connection, such as screw connection or clamping, by means of which the exchangeable component can be connected to the basic component, in particular in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner, characterized in that the points or crossing component comprises at least one sensor, which is suitable for monitoring the quality of the releasable connection, in that the at least one sensor is arranged in the basic component and is fixedly connected thereto and in that the sensor is designed to generate a signal representative of the quality of the releasable connection when a rail vehicle passes over the points or crossing component.

2. The points or crossing component according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor is designed as an acceleration sensor or structure-borne noise sensor.

3. The points or crossing component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor is coupled to the basic component for transmitting accelerations and mechanical vibrations in such a way that said sensor detects, when the rail vehicle passes in particular over an inadequately fastened exchangeable component, at least one impact exerted by the inadequately fastened exchangeable component on the at least one releasable connection and/or on the basic components as acceleration and/or mechanical vibration.

4. The points or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the points or crossing component is a frog, wherein the basic component is a frog block and the exchangeable component is a frog insert which is connected to the frog block by means of the releasable connection, preferably in the form of a screwable clamping connection.

5. The points or crossing component according to at least claim 4, characterized in that the frog insert is arranged in a recess of the frog block which is accessible in a non-destructive manner in the covered state of the frog, and that the sensor is arranged in the recess, preferably in the vertical direction, below the exchangeable frog insert and is preferably covered by the latter without contact with the sensor.

6. The points or crossing component according to at least claim 5, characterized in that the sensor is arranged in a channel formed in a region of the frog block delimiting the bottom of the recess, wherein the channel preferably forms at least one portion of a water outlet and opens into an outlet.

7. The points or crossing component according to at least claim 1, characterized in that the sensor has a cable connection which is led out of the frog block preferably into a cable shaft connected to the frog block through the outlet formed in the region of the frog block delimiting the bottom of the recess and/or through a channel formed in the frog block transversely to the direction of travel.

8. The points or crossing component according to claim 1, characterized in that the points or crossing component is a tongue device, wherein the basic component is a tongue rail adapter and the exchangeable component is a tongue rail which is connected to the tongue adapter by means of the at least one releasable connection in the form of at least one screwable clamping connection.

9. The points or crossing component according to at least claim 8, characterized in that the releasable connection has at least one clamping wedge, wherein the clamping wedge is penetrated by a clamping screw which can be screwed into a threaded bore, such as a blind-hole threaded bore, formed in the basic component.

10. The points or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the points or crossing component is a tongue device of monobloc construction with a tongue bed formed in an integrally formed upper part or upper portion for the sliding adjustment of a tongue rail, in that the tongue rail can be fixed in the upper part or upper portion by means of clamping wedges, which in turn can be fixed by means of clamping screws which can be screwed into the upper part or into the upper portion, and in that the sensor is arranged in the upper part or upper portion.

11. The points or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor is arranged in a region, such as a recess, of the basic component which is covered at least in some regions, preferably completely, by the exchangeable component.

12. The points or crossing component according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exchangeable component is connected to the basic component via a releasable connection, which comprises a clamping wedge as well as a clamping screw passing therethrough, which can be screwed into the basic component, in that the shank of the clamping screw is surrounded by a closed-cell sealing element, which extends between the wedge element and the basic component in such a way that, when the wedge element is fixed, the shank is sealed from the bore in the basic component which receives it.

13. The points or crossing component according to at least claim 12, characterized in that at least one, preferably two, clamping disks generating a preloading force is or are arranged between the head of the clamping screw and the clamping wedge (528, 530, 532).

14. A method for monitoring the quality of a releasable connection of a points or crossing component, such as a frog or tongue rail device, wherein by means of the releasable connection an exchangeable, in particular drivable, component resting on the basic component, such as a frog block or tongue rail is fastened to a basic component, such as a frog blog or tongue rail adapter or tongue device of monobloc construction, with a tongue bed present in an upper part or upper portion thereof, characterized in that by means of a sensor, a signal for checking the quality of the releasable connection is detected, which signal is generated when a rail vehicle passes over the points or crossing component and is representative of the quality of the releasable connection, wherein the signal is generated by at least one impact exerted by the exchangeable component on the releasable connection and/or on the basic component when the rail vehicle passes over the exchangeable component (20, 206, 508).

15. The method according to at least claim 14, characterized in that the signal is generated, when the rail vehicle passes, by a relative movement of the exchangeable component and/or by an exchangeable component being displaced from the optimum position with respect to the releasable connection and/or the basic component .

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the sensor used is an acceleration sensor or a structure-borne noise sensor, wherein the sensor, when the rail vehicle passes over the exchangeable component, detects at least one characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne noise exerted by an inadequately fastened exchangeable component onto the at least one releasable connection and/or basic component.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the signal generated by the passing of the rail vehicle is compared as an actual value signal with a reference signal or a limit value in order to detect a signal having the characteristic acceleration or characteristic structure-borne noise.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that in the event of a deviation of the actual value signal from the reference signal or the limit value, a message is generated about an inadequate quality, in particular of the force transmission and/or of the form-fitting connection, of the releasable connection.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that that at least two measurements are carried out in the case of a passage of the rail vehicle or in the case of two successive passing rail vehicles, and that the message is triggered only if at least two events per passage or successive passages are detected, the event being the detection of a characteristic signal.

20. An arrangement comprising the points or crossing component according to at least claim 1, characterized in that the arrangement comprises an evaluation unit connected to the sensor, wherein the sensor is connected exclusively to the basic component and is designed in such a way that it detects a signal generated by at least one impact exerted on the basic component by the releasable connection and/or the exchangeable component.

21. The arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the evaluation unit has a computing unit with a comparator for comparing the detected sensor signal with a reference signal or a limit value.

22. The arrangement according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the basic component has a region, such as a recess, which is covered at least in some regions, preferably completely, by the exchangeable component and in that the sensor is arranged in said region.