WO2023109995A1 - Track system comprising a spindle assembly having an integrated sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Track systems having sensor assemblies in the railway field typically use complex housings, costly communication lines and bulky form factors in order to generate data, especially data in the track bed region. The form factors and costs are due to the quality standards and application scenarios required here. The aim of the invention is to provide a design which makes data more efficient and more economical to access. This aim is achieved in that a spindle assembly in the railway field is provided, which has, as at least one sensor, an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly which is integrated into the spindle assembly. By arranging the sensor assembly in the closed inner volume of a portion of a component of a spindle drive, which component is usually continuous, a suitably durable housing is provided at low cost. By means of wireless communication, communication via the power connection and also by means of generating measured values via the interacting mechanical components, preferably components of a track switch, a plurality of properties can be ascertained via measured data, and states can be determined and communicated. Retrofitting track bed regions, in particular track switches, with additional open-loop and closed-loop circuits in order to quantitatively analyze and communicate conditions, such as operational readiness, functionality, ice formation or corrosion, is therefore accessible for the first time with a significantly lower cost factor.

Description

Track system with spindle assembly with integrated sensor

SCIENTIFIC AREA

The present invention is located in the general area of integrated sensors in mechanical assemblies. For example, B. DE 10 2005 025 748 B4 describes an electric linear drive with a limit switch, in which the position switch and driver interact to provide control signals. Similarly, EP 2 256 032 B1 provides a sensor unit for a spindle drive, which detects a relative movement; analogously, EP 1 832 851 A2 proposes a position transmitter which makes it possible to determine a position using magnets and magnetic sensors. Finally, general assemblies and measures for the area of torques and control and regulation circuits can also be found in DE 20 2006 005 695 U1 or EP 0 784 174 A2. What the general teachings described above have in common is that they do not take into account specific aspects such as those involved in transport-oriented track systems for public passenger transport or goods transport via tracks such as e.g. B. in the railway sector, in track-guided traffic, in track-guided systems - here in particular relating to the track and/or routes and track sections between two points - and generally in the track bed and at a track switch and in devices for leaving one route in the direction of another track-guided systems would have to be taken into account.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a track system with a spindle assembly in the railway sector with an integrated sensor according to the preamble of the independent claims.

confirmation copy Spindle drives are known here, for example, as part of track straightening machines such. B. EP 0 784 174 A2 illustrates.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Generic spindles include an integral, endocorporeal sensor unit, as the applicant z. B. In DE 20 2020 103 194 Ul proposes. The disclosure of this document is fully claimed for the present invention. Due to the endocorporeal arrangement, sensor assemblies are protected from direct weathering and direct access/direct impact and can provide more reliable and long-term measured values for control and regulation systems. Surprisingly, there are no products in the market for spindle drives in the area of track-guided systems/railway systems that propose or explain sensor technology as described above as an innovative and useful assembly group - especially for track-guided traffic/track systems. The inventors assume that the significantly higher requirements in the public transport and rail transport sector in terms of quality and life expectancy justify this: Alloys that have a life expectancy of 25 to 50 years in force-loaded mechanics and control and regulating assemblies , which are designed in the same way and offer similar performance characteristics outdoors, are not established here as a combination. Especially control and regulation assemblies for digital process control are arranged in separate housings in the established manner, and control and regulation circuits become complex and expensive as a result. Applicant is familiar with alloys and mechanics of suitable quality, but the placement of control and regulation assemblies in such mechanical components has not, until now, been a subject of apparent discussion in the railway field. Against this background, the The basic idea of the present innovation is geared towards this area in general.

The solution to the task of equipping a track system with a spindle assembly in the railway sector with new, long-lasting sensors for control and regulation circuits, which take into account the increasing need for digital process control, takes place in accordance with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims and the following description.

The inventors explain the long-standing unmet need for digital measurement and control technology in the track area as follows: In addition to direct weathering, rail traffic is generally exposed to strong and stressful vibrations and shocks, but also to attempts at manipulation by third parties (interventions). Known measurement and control technology therefore often failed or was too expensive to be widely used. Progress in industrial quality management then gradually led to significantly more uniform and uniform qualities of alloy components. Furthermore, advancements in actuator control assemblies have resulted in more consistent and better controlled drive forces. The interaction of these two factors can explain why an industrial spindle that is usually manufactured as a solid body for the application of tensile or compressive forces in the kilo to ton range is surprisingly equipped with an internal cavity and is equipped with additional measuring and control Technology, including force sensors for compressive and shear forces, can be equipped without affecting life expectancy or performance. Experts in the area relevant here are also not aware that the spindle drives for track switches in their safety margins for are designed for the ton range; the usual switch systems, some of which can also be operated manually, require significantly lower forces for normal (regular) operation. Consequently, the designers in this area are not aware that the spindle assemblies installed in the housings here are identical to spindle assemblies for loads in the ton range. In addition, changing the mechanics does not correspond to the established approaches in this area. Rather, a track system such. B. the railway infrastructure is viewed by its operators as a complex system, consisting of substructure and superstructure, tracks, overhead lines and the signaling, train control and train protection system. Only the finely tuned interaction of durable and robust components, including the rolling stock, enables smooth and, above all, safe high-speed rail traffic. This security is in an established way subordinated to the design and operating strategies and solid durability is regularly preferred over possible improvement in order to keep downtime and downtime costs to a minimum.

Furthermore, wireless measures such as data communication, near-field charging, energy harvesting or LAN capability of assemblies in technically parallel areas have been developed: What works in dry rooms, buildings and with mobile phones regularly fails when exposed to direct outdoor exposure. Accordingly, data acquisition devices in the field of railway technology always provide for data lines, encapsulated housing and heavy, permanent assembly mechanisms. Thus, a person skilled in the relevant area is not familiar with any measure as being sufficiently secure and long-lasting, which would rely on wireless, stationary sub-networks or complex, integrated, independent assemblies that can be assembled on site. Consequently, a surprisingly simple and advantageous solution is proposed here for the first time, with which this long-standing need in this special area can be met, contrary to the established prejudices that such components will not function permanently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a track system comprises a spindle assembly with at least one integrated sensor, the at least one sensor being integrated into the spindle assembly via an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly in the closed interior of the spindle designed for loads in the ton range. In analogy to the term 'endoskeleton', 'endocorporal' refers to the arrangement of the sensor assembly inside a body and 'integral' refers to the effective connection to the body itself: the sensor assembly is inserted into the body in such a way that the volume conditions and Volume properties of the body such as elastic deformation, volume conductivity, temperature, temperature gradient, etc. become detectable. Consequently, 'integral' designates a material and data-technically usable connection between the endocorporeal component and the body itself. In the present case, the body is a spindle; Conductivities, acting forces and temperature can, for example, be detected in their amounts and gradients by the sensor assembly inserted in this way. The sensor assembly is thus specifically integrated into the spindle assembly. With regard to possible additional features, functions and measures for such a spindle assembly, reference is made to the teaching of DE 20 2020 103 194 U1 and the documents cited therein; the sensor assembly is integrated in accordance with the teaching of this document in the operationally closed internal volume of a mechanical component of a spindle assembly; the outside tightly enclosing component excludes direct weathering and is designed in the alloy for continuous, long-lasting function, preferably for a function of 25 to 50 years, and thus offers a sensor assembly arranged on the inside the necessary, high-quality protection directly and without further housing or additional measures .

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGEOUS FEATURES

In the track system according to the invention, comprising a spindle assembly with at least one integrated sensor, the at least one sensor is integrated into the spindle assembly via an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly in the closed interior of the spindle, which is designed for loads in the ton range. This makes it possible for the first time to use measurement data such as B. Conductivities, stresses, forces, torques or data groups such as frequency-dependent conductivity, frequency-dependent ultrasonic resonance, frequency-dependent permeability or resonance for radio waves or group conductivity of entire mechanical assemblies such as e.g. B. a track switch to derive statements about different states of an outdoor track system with surprising accuracy. In this way, data can be generated, collected, evaluated and used for control and/or regulation, preferably for open track systems on the open route, in tunnels, in train stations and also in underground route sections, reliably and permanently. Preferably coupled with supplementary data such as humidity, temperature or temperature gradients, operating states can be quantitatively evaluated with improved quality and durability and used for control and regulation tasks, and operational safety and stability can be increased. Superordinate measuring and control systems of the track system more effective and precise as a result, and the operation of the track system becomes more efficient overall.

The spindle assembly is preferably arranged in the branch area in a track-guided system. Junction areas where a vehicle is to change lanes on the lanes specified by the tracks are regularly trouble spots: the lane change places more stress on transition areas and, in the event of a fault, leads to a stoppage of all crossing lanes. By improving the control of such an area with long-lasting and effectively protected sensors, such incidents can be detected before they start and avoided by taking appropriate measures.

The spindle assembly is particularly preferably arranged in the area of the track bed; the track bed area is exposed to direct weathering as a free, widely accessible area and is therefore particularly susceptible to faults in rapidly changing weather conditions; Recording the necessary and exercisable operating forces and accompanying, acoustic characteristics in operation allow here the same direction an improved analysis of the actual state; In this way, lane-change areas can be kept in operation more effectively through preventive measures. A spindle assembly is particularly preferably arranged in at least one encapsulated servomotor of a track switch. The motor, which is already encapsulated, is double-shielded from the outside and offers a particularly robust, time-saving and safe option (because it is outside the route) of integrating measurement and control technology into an existing system as a maintenance and replacement element, without having to the system itself has to be changed or supplemented, only the analog spindle is exchanged for the smart spindle. The latter is particularly advantageous when combined with wireless communication via the sensor assembly directly via existing or parallel or additional radio networks, the WLAN radio network of passing trains prefers to synchronize data and keep it up to date.

The spindle assembly is preferably designed to record states of a railway system and transmit them digitally and/or analogously to measurement and control systems. By using resistant (e.g. to oil) cable sheaths, these are adequately protected against liquids that are prevalent in railway operations.

The spindle assembly is preferably integrated into existing and parallel systems via digital and/or analog communication.

The spindle assembly can preferably be connected to other spindle assemblies of the same type via digital communication to form a peer-to-peer network for emergencies.

The spindle assembly preferably includes a tool-free quick-release device with anti-theft device, a power supply and a transmitter and takes into account an application with limited, given space conditions.

An electric spindle drive is preferably designed in the spindle assembly to simulate movement and force profiles of pneumatically controlled thrust mechanisms.

The sensor preferably includes an assembly for synchronization with a time signal.

The sensor preferably includes a multiplex assembly, via which data packets can be exchanged in a synchronized manner with other spindle assemblies of the same type. Especially In a preferred combination with an assembly for synchronization with a time signal, several spindle assemblies can be operated synchronously at different force application points. The smooth, uniform shifting but also the efficient adjustment before the first use of long track segments, such as those required for high-speed switches, can be carried out more efficiently and with less wear and can be checked regularly. Furthermore, the sensor packages enable data to be recorded at each point of application of the accompanying friction and deformation forces and can detect wear, dirt and also accumulated dirt in the switch system earlier and more efficiently. Necessity and type of maintenance of the track system in this section, especially in the area of high-speed switches, is better recognized and the operational safety and reliability is increased.

The spindle assembly is preferably arranged in the track bed area/superstructure area. The track bed area is regularly exposed to high loads, which include both direct weathering and vibrations and released operating resources and trickle losses from trains and freight cars. In addition, there are natural stresses caused by plant growth, rodent populations and settlement movements in the subsoil/substructure and superstructure. Equal and force-absorbing connection of sleepers, tracks and track bed must be checked. Stresses in the tracks, atypical vibrations during use and traffic, and also elastic deformations and the associated changes in the sound characteristics and conductivity indicate impermissible deviations from a target state. The measurement data accessible with the presently claimed subject matter are preferably transferred to a system for condition monitoring; correlated to a condition monitoring system Measured values during and outside the times of use and can correlate initial deviations of the ACTUAL values from TARGET values with possible causes of error and advantageously correlate/check and/or confirm or refute these via further measured value acquisitions; an operating condition monitoring is accessible, which advantageously include the railway superstructure as a whole and advantageously improve maintenance, repairs and operational safety.

The spindle assembly is preferably part of a switch mechanism. In a switch mechanism, in addition to the general loads in the track bed, there are still possible blockages, deformations or corrosion of the movable, articulated components necessary for the function; Furthermore, the moving components can be blocked or their function completely impaired by foreign bodies, icing, deformation or corrosion. Unsteady changes in force or torque, noise during operation, unsteady changes in sliding friction and/or static friction, unsteadily increasing displacement forces, strong changes in group conductivities and atypical operating noises indicate operating states which, with preventive intervention on site, can advantageously result in system failure and downtimes and the associated associated costs.

The spindle preferably comprises at least one wire that is at least partially inserted into the thread and can be used as an antenna, preferably as a data antenna and/or charging antenna; wireless charging and/or communication enables time-saving evaluation and charging via established short-range transmitters and receivers without the need for expansion or connection to an evaluation unit.

At least one capacitor with a high Capacitance, also known as ultracap, as energy storage; Compared to established batteries, capacitors offer many more charging and discharging cycles and better current carrying capacity with fast charging in a short time.

Traversing forces and traversing distances are particularly preferably recorded and used for the digital control of the traversing speed and/or the traversing force; Stop and end points during the movement of mechanical components from one position to the other can be regulated iteratively or also according to a digitally stored control character chain determined by calculation, Fourier transformation or approximation; Advantageously, soft and gentle starting, travel and braking speeds and/or forces can be regulated and/or controlled digitally in this way. The digital simulation of established hydraulic or pneumatic components such as e .g . B. Brake, buffer or escapement cylinders are now accessible for the first time.

The spindle assembly is preferably arranged in electrically measurable contact with at least part of the track bed. By using materials and lubricants that are at least electrically conductive, a current signal can be fed into the ground in a targeted manner via all mechanically coupled components; Analysis of the residual signal flowing out over the ground, comparison with stored data sets and correlation with known changes for ground moisture, air humidity and temperature preferably allows the checking of an entire assembly at once. By successively prestressing the spindle drive in the retracted or extended position with a set torque, the sliding surface required for import and removal can advantageously be tested separately and a more precise test of the spindle drive components can be carried out. An analysis of measured values particularly preferably enables a deviation to be assigned; By correlating values during operation and outside of operation, it is advantageously possible to draw a conclusion as to whether the reason for the deviation can be attributed to the mechanics of the assembly or the structure and condition of the surrounding track bed and railway superstructure or both; the necessary maintenance or repair can be advantageous directly z. B. be aligned individually or in combination with the track bed, track body, drive or spindle assembly. The maintenance and repair of the entire railway superstructure can be regulated more efficiently, faster and cheaper, interruptions are reduced, improper use and insufficient maintenance/subsidence are detected.

Preferably, the sensor includes an AC signal emitter assembly. An AC signal with a preset frequency will not see capacitances, which hardly charge at that frequency. Consequently, an alternating current signal of constant frequency allows a selective check of characteristic alternating current resistances of assembly parts at determined, specified frequencies.

The sensor preferably comprises an AC signal detector assembly, particularly preferably an impedance analysis assembly. Frequency-resolved analysis of an AC conductivity often results in separable components for volume conductivity, grain boundary conductivity and surface conductivity as well as capacitive and inductive components or components; Consequently, a complete, conductively connected subassembly can advantageously be tested for uniformity and constancy of the grain boundaries, volumes and surfaces with a varied frequency and subsequent analysis of the impedance. corrosion, microcracks, cracks, External contributions from ice, rust or jammed foreign bodies can advantageously be better recognized, assigned to more specific sections and taken into account in control and regulation circuits.

The sensor preferably includes an assembly for wireless data communication; A radio connection, particularly preferably a radio connection via the respective WLAN networks of passing trains, allows measurement data to be exchanged directly. Queries and Loop Commands .

The sensor preferably includes a multiplex module, via which data packets can be output in a modulating manner superimposed on a supply stream of other modules, preferably bidirectionally. A power supply line can advantageously be used in parallel as a data connection by modulation and parasitic signal superimposition of the current available therein; this advantageously enables data to be exchanged without additional physical data lines.

The exchange of data is preferably encrypted; this advantageously makes access or reading by unauthorized third parties more difficult.

Further advantages result from the exemplary embodiments. Unless explicitly described as such, the features and advantages described above and the following exemplary embodiments are not to be understood as conclusive feature combinations. Additional, advantageous features and additional feature combinations, as explained in the description and according to the documents cited here and their

State of the art are available, can be realized within the scope of the independent claims in the claimed subject both individually and differently combined, without departing from the scope of the invention.

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION USING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In an advantageous embodiment, a spindle assembly according to the invention has at least one integrated sensor in the railway sector. The at least one sensor is integrated into the spindle of a spindle assembly as an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly. The spindle assembly is arranged in the track bed area and is part of a switch mechanism. The spindle assembly is mounted in electrically measurable contact with at least a portion of the roadbed. The sensor includes an AC signal emitter assembly with AC signal detector assembly and impedance analysis assembly. The sensor includes an assembly for wireless data communication via a micromemory controller, preferably an FRAM microcontroller with a non-volatile memory with improved reliability. Furthermore, the sensor comprises a multiplex module, via which data packets can be output in a modulating manner superimposed on a supply stream of other modules, preferably bidirectionally. With sensor assemblies arranged inside a spindle, the established long-life spindle of at least one spindle drive of a track switch becomes a data acquisition unit capable of communication for the first time, which can record and evaluate measured values and evaluate and communicate operating states.

In an advantageous embodiment, sensor data are used to check the condition of assemblies in the railway sector. The sensor data preferably includes at least one data packet from a group of data packets, preferably consisting of the group of data packets off , ultrasonic echo, ultrasonic echo with varied frequency, alternating current resistance, alternating current resistance with varied frequency, frequency and intensity of a resonant oscillation, electrical resistance, electrical resistance of a track section, electrical resistance of a track bed section, electrical resistance of at least one sleeper, electrical Track surface resistance, electrical volume resistance of track switch components, electrical grain boundary resistance of track switch components, track temperature, track bed temperature, temperature of at least one component of a switch, torsional stress, resonance frequency, resonance frequencies, pressure, force, torque, sliding friction , static friction, conductivity, moisture, air humidity, soil moisture, local temperature, voltage, current, vibration behavior, operational acoustics.

Measured and control values preferably allow conclusions to be drawn about the state of assemblies also, preferably exclusively, in the idle state; this takes into account the problem that established control circuits often only record measured values during operation and then only enable error detection shortly before the decisive function/application. Defects can be better identified and remedied outside of operation by detecting measured values in the idle state and/or in a test mode with a small travel distance, which advantageously increases the reliability of the overall system. In this case, measurements are also possible and advantageously provided in the idle state of the spindle drive, that is to say after a switching operation of a switch. The spindle itself can also be used as a data source via its conductivity and the mechanical, often conductive, connection to the track system. A spindle equipped according to the invention is therefore preferably permanent—during operation/shifting of a Points and also afterwards / when trains pass over them as a measuring point. A communication as well as metrological, additional recording of and with the passing trains and digitally communicative road users offers a network of data networks, which particularly preferably through parallel, redundant transmission of important status data can increase operational safety and improve the avoidance of failures and accidents; It is particularly advantageous to use mobile devices to generate information about the position of other road users such as motor vehicles or pedestrians relative to the track system when measuring points are arranged in a surrounding area, and the risk of a track being blocked by people or motor vehicles can be better assessed and blockages recognized earlier.

The testable condition preferably includes at least one property from a group of properties, the group of properties comprising, preferably consisting of, no cracks in track sections, strength of track sections, fastening of track sections, no cracks in sleeper bodies, uniformity of the track bed, deformation due to the tensile load of a passing vehicle / Train moving over the section, Train part, Locomotive, Wagon, Work unit, Vibration from a passing train / Train going over the section, Train part, Locomotive, Wagon, Work unit Train, Temperature in and out of service, Torsion in the track body, Thermal stress in the track body, Position of a track switch, mechanical coupling within the track switch mechanism, play in the track switch mechanism, corrosion of the track switch, changed surface structure of an assembly or component, occurrence of a stick-slip effect in the assembly, material deformation, e.g. B. due to temperature fluctuations, material deformations due to released stresses in the material, pitch errors in the Spindle, lead error in the nut, fluidity of the lubricant, no cracks in a spindle, no cracks in a spindle housing, permissible preload of a ball screw, permissible stress within a spindle drive, permissible grain boundary conductivity of an assembly, freedom from microcracks, permissible relations of the operating forces, TARGET value of a frequency pattern in the Operation, TARGET value of a frequency pattern with a passing train, TARGET value of an acoustic frequency pattern, condition of wheel tires, condition of switch components of a track switch, sterility of lubricants, overload due to faulty lubricants, crack fracture or thermal deformation in/on a spindle drive, Contamination on/in sliding surfaces, lack of lubricant, corrosion, permissible speed and/or feed range, permissible torque range, mobility of a track switch, temperature of a track switch, torsion in a track switch, degree of icing of a track switch, deviations of the current ACTUAL values from the TARGET operating parameters, discontinuities in changing operating parameters, exceeding limit values in operating parameters, functional failure, lack warning, necessary maintenance, necessary blocking.

In an advantageous embodiment, all sensor assemblies and wireless interfaces for communication and/or energy supply are arranged inside a spindle assembly; Such a spindle assembly enables a switch system to be retrofitted with the functions provided internally when the existing spindle drive is replaced. Also, by means of sensor assemblies, an auxiliary control and safety technology, e.g. B. can also be shown in construction stages or for temporary infrastructures. Modules with electronics with low energy requirements can be particularly preferably equipped with energy stores of high performance and fall below 10% of the original stored amount of energy (or maximum storage levels due to loss of battery capacity) can be replaced as a whole by a complete assembly equipped with a new energy storage device; this preferably tool-free exchange enables the shortest possible maintenance times on the track, careful analysis of the components used during charging and performance-related billing of the component use; The latter increases the profitability of products that are as long-lasting and durable as possible and makes an effective contribution to the development of durable assemblies.

The problem with the established systems is that they require complex, mechanical and time-consuming digital integration into the existing analysis landscape and infrastructure for additional or new sensors and sensor assemblies. In an advantageous embodiment, the claimed system makes it possible for the first time to overcome this disadvantage. Due to the mechanical separation, it even allows parallel and test operation, which can preferably serve as part of a structured analysis method for section analysis and data acquisition; particularly preferably, the spindle assembly with the integrated sensors can be mounted using fastening means with a consistently identical size, which reduces the number of tools required and to be carried along and makes replacing/retrofitting, even temporarily, easier/simplified and advantageously combined with an anti-theft device which when the mechanical connection is released, which preferably also includes a digital connection or a measurement-electrical connection, a tracker and/or a lock is activated.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly, preferably via a locking mechanism, particularly preferably coupled to a safety lock with digital and/or mechanical lock, can be inserted and suspended via a single release and removal movement. This advantageously allows direct, rapid replacement with a fully functional assembly. maintenance / repair etc. can thus take place outside the track in the case of a defective spindle assembly. Intervention times are minimized, the dangers from railway operations for employees are reduced (unlike established detectors or those built into the track, which have to be installed by personnel on the threshold or on the rail web with unavoidable waiting times in the track). Maintenance is thus safer, faster and more efficient.

Preferably allowed in an advantageous assembly with spindle drive according to the invention, a first spindle drive the non-positive integration of the module in the track system, while a second spindle drive, if necessary. can provide the necessary control function while continuing to control a power supply and a computer-implemented program, advantageously secured via wireless two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, for automatic insertion/removal and tightening/release by the first spindle drive; Against this background, the present document also proposes a self-sufficient sensor assembly as part of a track system, in which a spindle drive according to the invention can advantageously provide the necessary stability of the mechanical connection to the track system and thus provide the track system with a sufficiently stable and special easy to assemble measurement point for multiple data .

The spindle assembly is advantageously designed as a spindle drive for a switch, comprising an energy supply and a transmitter. The transmitter includes again a plug-and-play capable interface ; Consequently, the assembly can be installed and automatically integrated into the data network provided for this purpose, preferably a wireless data network analogous to established IoT cloud applications, through the first operation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly, advantageously designed as a spindle drive for a switch, includes additional assemblies which take into account possible additional requirements and loads in the track bed. Depending on the construction and structure of the track bed, improper operation or insufficient construction can lead to unusual impact, impact or shearing loads or to external influences including theft. Stress can be counteracted via reinforced composite segments and/or vibration dampeners between frictionally connected segments; Advantageously, direct weathering/environmental influences on the one hand and wear and tear due to vibration on the other hand are avoided and a significantly increased life expectancy is made possible, even in adverse environments.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly in the version for points is designed for uniform fastening means, preferably comprising a tool-free quick-clamping device with anti-theft device. A tool-free quick-clamping device enables manual insertion and release of the assembly; the anti-theft device is mechanical and/or electronic in nature and only releases a lock after inserting a suitably coded key in a lock and/or detecting the code, which blocks the quick-release mechanism until then. The lock preferably includes a signal assembly for sending an alarm in the event of an unauthorized access attempt, particularly preferably combined with a GPS tracker. The problem with the established systems is that entire tracks have to be shut down when they are replaced or repaired, which results in downtime and economic losses. This problem is taken into account for the first time with the presently proposed, advantageously designed mountability. Rapid, unproblematic installation with an integrated anti-theft device particularly advantageously allows entire network sections to be analyzed during operation, particularly preferably with sensor assemblies which are designed to transmit and receive measurement signals alternately over longer track sections; Against this background, this description also reveals a possible new use of the assembly proposed here in a QM system.

Also, by reading out the data, it can be determined quickly and efficiently from the outside by workers assigned to rectify the fault whether a fault indicated in the point section is caused by the point machine or the superstructure or the track section results. This makes walking on track sections more efficient and troubleshooting is optimized.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly includes devices for analyzing acquired data; Typical, relevant information such as the type of train, number of axles, axle loads, speeds, additional or different operating noises, danger or failure indicators can be determined, compiled and made available by comparison with stored data. The problem with the established systems is that safety-relevant deviations in the passing trains are recorded late or not at all; this problem contributes to the one proposed here Spindle assembly first invoice . Uneven loads due to incorrectly loaded wagons, acute and/or permanent deformation of the track body, compactness and homogeneity of the ballast, hollow layers on or under the sleepers, asymmetric loading of the rails and associated high wear are examples of parameters and detectable deviations that can be corrected in good time of rapidly increasing sources of danger with consequent damage/destruction of material.

In an advantageous embodiment, parameters such as rail quality, rail condition, operating noise, sleeper condition, vibrations, movements in the track bed, small iron condition can be individually, preferably correlated, recorded via the spindle assembly and used for analysis during operation in order to carry out maintenance and repairs both in terms of scope and extent as well as in terms of To help identify and eliminate sources of damage and to regulate them more efficiently.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly includes devices that can directly or indirectly detect and quantify wear; this can be combined particularly advantageously with a connection to an analysis module that is integrated or accessible via a data stream. In the particularly preferred combination, the work or performance of the spindle assembly can be recorded quantitatively for the first time, preferably used as the basis of a loan purchase system: with quantifiable wear, such an assembly can be made available for a previously defined and payable amount of performance/work performance for the first time . Advantageously, this enables optimal operation, in which the ecologically and economically necessary is reduced to a minimum, the service life is increased to a maximum and the Operational disruption is minimized.

In an advantageous embodiment, a spindle assembly can be connected to a database comprising analysis data from a virtual operating model; such data is also referred to as 'Building Information Modeling' and often abbreviated to 'BIM'. Depending on the level of detail of a BIM model, the recorded and transmitted values can advantageously be connected to software for controlling and optimizing technical-commercial business processes.

Relevant data, e.g. B. how and when something was installed, how many movements a switch has already experienced, etc. pp, used for scheduled maintenance. Consequently, the use of a data model as a common data and knowledge platform for all those involved is also disclosed here, with the data model serving as the basis for decision-making during the entire life cycle of a plant (from the design and construction phase to the use phase and decommissioning). . Various stakeholders can use the BIM system to add, retrieve or edit information at different lifecycle stages of the asset/switch. In this way, they support their own work as well as the work of others, since everyone involved has access to this information.

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly is designed for data integration into existing and parallel systems. Integration includes data that occurs directly in the point machine as opposed to indirect data from the established systems, such as e.g. B. On/off currents inside switch boxes or third sensed Train data, which only allow indirect conclusions for the switch operation.

A self-sufficient installation advantageously enables third parties to gain additional insights. Third parties are manufacturers, providers or operators, financers of track technology or research institutes parallel to the infrastructure operator itself.

Manufacturers but also authorities (e.g. financial EBA, which monitors the funds used) thus have the advantage of being able to independently monitor and analyze the product in operation. The transparency created in this way also enables the direct integration of research and development into ongoing operations.

Advantageously, manufacturers can quickly and easily test a new approach to sales in the form of guaranteed useful lives under the given conditions and price them in a comprehensible manner. Significant factors such as B. Axle loads, freight services, clock frequencies, speeds, train types, transitions from one track to another or Journeys over points as well as temperatures, weather conditions, use of point heating, maintenance cycles and the condition of the superstructure and/or points can be correlated for the first time during operation with minimal or no downtime.

Both manufacturers and service providers/suppliers can thus put together new products, including financing, service and maintenance, on the basis of reliable practical data in a highly transparent manner, offer them and, if necessary, adapt them flexibly to actual use during use. In an advantageous embodiment, a diverter system with the claimed spindle assembly includes an analysis assembly which detects and stores the optimal operating mode of the spindle for different working conditions and then specifies it, as a result of which the spindle can be operated with minimal energy consumption.

In an advantageous embodiment, the threaded spindle claimed here is equipped with an endocorporeal sensor cartridge, which enables measured value acquisition and communication in real time in the sense of direct availability and/or evaluation of the data. Condition-based maintenance and monitoring based on delta measurements, trigger detection, identification of damage frequencies and acceleration sensors are becoming more efficient and cost-effective compared to established standard maintenance depending on the workload.

In a particularly preferred manner, supplementary vibration monitoring when crossing points allows conclusions to be drawn about the states of wheel bearings, wheel disks and roller bearings of the passing vehicles. Advantageously, this can be communicated directly to the respective vehicle via wireless communication interfaces or handed over as a data packet while driving past, thus enabling the fleet owner/owner to provide a check/maintenance if necessary at the earliest possible time, but also the infrastructure provider if necessary. to intervene

In an advantageous embodiment, the spindle assembly includes passive and/or active protection against vandalism and sabotage. Passive protection against vandalism includes housings and covers that protect sensitive assemblies from unauthorized access Protecting access, while active protection against vandalism includes sensors and alarm systems that detect manipulation, prioritize evaluation and display and transmit an alarm signal. The active elements are advantageously also integrated into the assembly in the sensor area and can thus provide increased protection of the system and the network without additional installation or housing costs.

Advantageously, integration into a spindle enables retrofitting without a change to established drives being necessary; It is also not necessary to create space in/on the drive. In the same way, no safety-relevant changes are necessary, because the spindle is only adapted in the mechanically non-relevant inner area.

For track networks with existing control and predictive maintenance mechanisms, the proposed spindle assembly offers the advantageous option of an additional, redundant control circuit in the sense of a fail-safe protection through a double system. This is preferably done in combination with a redundant, additional software system with a wireless connection, as a result of which the digital component is also constructed effectively and redundantly as a parallel system and can effectively contribute to superior reliability. Particularly preferably, the spindle assembly includes a communication assembly, which builds a decentralized peer-to-peer network with adjoining communication assemblies of other spindle assemblies and provides a parallel emergency communication network for operating data.

In a further advantageous embodiment, several spindle assemblies according to the invention come in synchronized control in a track system in the range of High-speed turnouts used. Advantageously, at least 3 force application points of a point setting system and/or heat extraction are combined in their data and operated in a coupled manner for synchronized setting of the points and switching of de-icing measures. Particularly preferred are up to 300 meters, preferably 150 to 200 m, long switch segments over eight according to the invention equipped and integrated motors used to set a switch tongue, with three drives equipped according to the invention are still assigned to a frog; Advantageously, precisely controlled and set switches can be traveled over in the branching branch at up to 600 km/h, preferably 200 to 550 km/h, particularly preferably around 250 km/h. In extreme weather conditions such as B. In winter, the track system is advantageously able to use temperature, humidity, conductivity of the track segments to each other and also traversing resistances and force curves to check the necessary ice-freeness of the points more precisely during operation and advantageously by briefly switching on heating or hot water Ensure spray devices.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a plurality of the spindle assemblies according to the invention are used over a wide area in a track system in various functional areas, including track switch drives, force application points and also measuring points. Wireless monitoring, regulation and control of the area of a track bed that is enclosed in this way becomes possible while generating a meaningful data record. By simply replacing established track switch drives (?) drives with identical assemblies with spindles according to the invention and supplementing them with spindle assemblies with quick-release devices and their own power supply at other critical points, an existing track system can be retrofitted and replaced in a very short time without additional hardware then be operated more effi ciently, more effectively and more economically. Against this background, the present document also discloses a retrofit kit with which track bed areas can be equipped and upgraded. Existing systems can be upgraded quickly and cheaply, even temporarily in the context of interim construction work and systems that are no longer up-to-date can be put back into operation with the simplest of measures.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Track systems with sensor assemblies in the railroad sector usually provide complex housing, expensive communication lines and clumsy form factors in order to generate data, especially data in the track bed area. Form factors and costs are due to the quality standards and application scenarios required here.

The task is to propose a design that makes data more efficient and more economical to access. The solution is achieved with a spindle assembly in the railway sector, which has an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly as at least one sensor, which is integrated into the spindle assembly.

By arranging the sensor assembly in the closed interior volume of a section of a component of a spindle drive that is usually designed to be continuous, a suitably durable housing is provided at low cost. Wireless communication, communication via the power connection and also the generation of measured values via the mechanical components that interact with one another, preferably components of a track switch, can be used to record a number of properties via measured data and determine states and be notified.

The retrofitting of track bed areas, in particular track switches, with additional control and regulation circuits to states such. B. Evaluating and communicating operational readiness, functionality, icing or corrosion is now accessible for the first time with a significantly lower cost factor.

Claims

EXPECTATIONS

1 . Track system comprising a spindle assembly with at least one integrated sensor, characterized in that the at least one sensor is integrated into the spindle assembly via an integral and endocorporeal sensor assembly in the closed interior of the spindle designed for loads in the ton range.

2 . Spindle assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spindle assembly is arranged in the junction area in a track-guided system, preferably in the track bed area, particularly preferably in at least one encapsulated servomotor of a track switch.

3. Spindle assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spindle assembly is designed to detect states of a railway system and forward them digitally and/or analogously to measurement and control systems.

4 . Spindle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle assembly is integrated into existing and parallel systems via digital and/or analog communication.

5. Spindle assembly according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle assembly can be connected to other spindle assemblies of the same type via digital communication to form a peer-to-peer network for emergencies.

6. Spindle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle assembly comprises a tool-free quick-release device with anti-theft device, a power supply and a transmitter.

7 . Spindle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the spindle assembly an electric spindle drive is designed to simulate movement and force profiles of pneumatically controlled thrust mechanisms.

8th . Spindle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor comprises an assembly for synchronization with a time signal.

9. Spindle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor comprises a multiplex assembly, via which data packets can be exchanged for synchronization with other spindle assemblies of the same type.

10 . Track system according to all the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the spindle assemblies used as track switch drives, force application points and also measuring points in a track system areally used provide wireless monitoring, regulation and control of a planar enclosed area of a track bed.