EP0684174B1 - Locking device for moveable railway-switch parts - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for locking of end positions of movable switch parts, especially switch locks, in which two are movable relative to each other Parts in a non-positive in at least one direction of movement Position are displaceable, with separate locking members are provided.

For locking movable switch parts, in particular in the form of a switch closure, for example the so-called clip tip lock has become known. With such a design of the closure, two are relative mutually movable parts are provided, a part in one recess of the other is guided and for taking of the two respective operating locations relative to the other part in the shift plane must be pivoted. With other training courses a swivel from the shift plane is required. Overall, these known switch locks are designed so that a more or less complex off-axis movement is required and that the parts causing the closure exposed and thus exposed to pollution. Especially the risk of contamination can secure locking hinder.

EP-A-0 289 978 discloses a device for locking End positions of movable switch parts according to the generic term of Claim 1.

The invention now aims to set up a device to create the type with which a completely closed and thus construction protected against the ingress of dirt is possible and which further impair the service life avoids eccentric loads on the locking members. To achieve this object, there is the invention Training essentially in that relative to each other movable parts of one slidable along its axis Pipe and a guided in the pipe along its axis Bolts are formed that the pipe over part of its axial Lengths in the axial direction under formation of the locking members forming Has spring tongues, and that the free ends of the spring tongues a head with the wall thickness of the pipe Wear wall thickness. The fact that the relative to each other Parts only in the axial direction relative are mutually displaceable, since one of the two parts of a component guided axially in the other part is guided first of all the danger of eccentric and eccentric forces avoided, whereby one of the components is a tube and encompasses the other component, a completely closed one and enables training protected against the ingress of dirt becomes. The locking itself takes place with such Training by separate locking members, which of widened heads are formed by spring tongues. The locking links are to be dimensioned in such a way that during the displacement between the inner contour of the outside Component and the outer contour of the internal component are movable, the locking by radial Displacement of the heads of the spring tongues can be achieved.

In a particularly simple manner, the training is made in such a way that the relatively displaceable parts in a fixed outer tube, which is guided on the inner jacket at least one axial area with increased clear width having. Such an outer tube encompasses in particular Locking member displaceable radially outward and can therefore also penetrate dust at this point or safely prevent contamination. Furthermore, such offers Outer tube as a self-contained further protected Component the possibility, if desired, as one preferred training corresponds to a displacement drive to be arranged, which can be arranged in the stationary outer tube can.

Limiting the relative displacement of the interior, bolt-shaped, axially guided component in the pipe to the outside, tubular, axially displaceable component, can be achieved in a simple manner in that the tubular, at least one part displaceable along its axis has inwardly projecting board, which with a stop on bolt-shaped part that moves along its axis cooperates. Such an inwardly projecting board also has the advantage that between the inwardly projecting board and a stop of the bolt-shaped that interacts with this board Component can be arranged a spring. With advantage such a spring is designed as a coil spring and a such training can serve as a conversion aid, because during the adjustment process when assigning one according to the invention First set up both for each movable rail Springs are compressed, resulting in a dead center position and a spring expands again in the respective end position becomes. With an appropriate design of the spring characteristic results support based on the respective dead center the changeover movement, with the further advantage being achieved is that an operated in this way or with such Locking switch equipped against the force of a Spring can be cut open.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the training is made such that the bolt-shaped movable part over a part its length is reduced to a smaller diameter. About one such part of the length of the bolt-shaped component can the locking members in their radially inward shifted Position in the longitudinal direction of the bolt are shifted so that enables a lead or a lag of the adjustment movement in which a locking position is not yet is achieved. Only after rising over a conical surface the larger diameter of the bolt, the locking members can then dodge when they are in an appropriate ring groove or immerse the recess of the outer tube. Only in this second position enables locking.

The training can be a wear-free shift to enable the locking members to be made so that the diameter difference between the smaller diameter of the bolt-shaped part and the inner diameter of the stationary Outer tube as well as the diameter difference between the larger diameter of the bolt-shaped part and the greater clear width of the excluded area of the stationary Tube is larger than the wall thickness of the head of the spring tongues.

For appropriate storage and guidance of the locking elements and a reduction in the wear of the locking members the training is preferably made so that the Wall thickness of the sliding part is greater than half Wall thickness of the head of the spring tongues.

As already mentioned, locking takes place in the case of the invention Training in that the locking members in radial direction outward and in an annular groove or immerse the recess on the inner circumference of the stationary outer tube.

Depending on the admissibility and railway regulations the closure according to the invention also acts directly as a drive use for the adjustment of a switch, with advantage the training is made so that one of the relative to each other axially movable parts, especially the bolt-shaped Part, is connected to a displacement drive, whereby for the arrangement of such a shift drive, as already mentioned above that stationary outer tube is particularly suitable.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawing schematically illustrated embodiments. 1 shows a section through a first embodiment an inventive device for locking End positions of movable switch parts; 2 shows a section the line II-II of Fig.1; 3 in a representation analogous to FIG. 1 a section through a second position of the locking device according to Fig.1; 4 shows a view in the direction of Arrow IV of Figure 3; 5 shows a schematic plan view of a switch, devices according to the invention for locking of end positions of movable switch parts are used; 6 shows a section along the line VI-VI of Figure 5; Fig. 7 one Section along the line VII-VII of Figure 5, being in training 6 and 7, a pressing closure for switches with connecting rods between the movable tongue rails is shown; 8a to 8d different positions a pulling closure using the inventive Devices for locking the end positions of movable switch parts, the representations are partly in section; the Fig.9a and 9b sections through a pulling Closure using devices according to the invention Grooved rails; 10 in a representation similar to FIG. 6 the use of a connecting rod for a changeover aid for movable tongue rails using the inventive Device for locking the end positions of movable Switch parts; 11a to 11d in a to 8a to 8d similar representation using a pushing conversion aid a device according to the invention for locking end positions of moving switch parts; 12a to 12d in a representation similar to FIGS. 11a to 11d is a pressing one and pulling conversion aid using inventive Devices for locking the end positions of movable switch parts, and FIGS. 13 to 16 representations of a modified one Embodiment in a manner analogous to FIGS. 1 to 4.

1 and 2 are sections through a device for locking of the end positions of movable switch parts, being displaceable relative to one another in an outer tube 1 Parts in the form of a tube 2 and one axially guided in the tube 2 Bolt 3 are arranged. The one that forms a housing The outer tube 1 is arranged in a stationary manner and is relative to one another movable parts, i.e. the tube 2 and the bolt 3, are with a movable rail part and / or with a drive connected, as shown in the following figures will be clearly visible. The pipe 2 and the bolt 3 act together via locking members 4. The outer tube or Housing 1 is closed at its front end 5, with seals between the tubular slidable part 2 and the Outer tube 1 or the front end 5 and between the bolt 3 and the tube 2 can be provided. Such seals are with 6 and 7 indicated.

The bolt 3 has a portion 8, the outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the tube 2. The bolt 3 then has a stepped portion on the partial area 8 Area defining stop 9, which with a board 10 of the tube 2 when the bolt 3 is moved after a predetermined displacement path cooperates. After a shift of the bolt 3 in the direction of arrow 11 arrive at one Interaction of the stop 9 with the board 10, the locking members 4 in an area which is again of a separate design 12 of the bolt and allow a further displacement movement the bolt 3 and the tube 2 in the direction of arrow 11. Die Locking members 4 come in when pivoting radial direction outwards in an annular groove 14 Interaction of the stop 9 with the board 10 and one subsequent possible displacement of both the bolt 3 and the pipe 2 also gives the possibility of a lead or caster during a changeover movement of a movable switch part, as this becomes clearer from the following figures will be apparent.

In the representation according to Figures 3 and 4, the device is for locking end positions of movable switch parts in a shifted in the direction of arrow 11 according to FIG Position and it can be clearly seen that the bolt 3 through Interaction of the stop 9 with the rim 10 of the tube 2 also a sliding movement of the tube 2 in the direction of the arrow 11 has caused. Because after a first shifting movement of the bolt 3, the locking members 4 in the offset To reach area 12 of the bolt is to move the tube 2 possible via the position shown in Fig.1.

From the representations in Fig. 2 and 4 it can be seen that the Locking members 4 formed as heads of spring tongues are, the individual spring tongues through axial slots 13 are separated from each other.

In Fig.5 a switch is shown schematically, the change the tongue rails 15, 16 in one each to the Stock rails 17, 18 adjacent position over a plurality of generally carried out with 20 designated closures, each the device shown in more detail in Figures 1 to 4 have, as shown in more detail in the following figures is. In addition, between the tongue rails 15, 16 connecting rods 21 are also provided. The stock rails 17 and 18 and the tongue rails 15, 16 rest in a generally known manner Way on sleepers 22 and are over sliding plates or Supported base plates. For the changeover of the tongue rails 15 and 16 find drives provided between them 23 Use, which with the devices shown in Fig.1 to 4 work together. 5 are schematic Control lines 24 indicated for the changeover drives. Furthermore are indicated evaluation lines 25, which for example with Limit switches 26 cooperate and a display for an adjacent Show tongue rail. At 27 is a common schematic Evaluation and regulation or control unit indicated.

6 and 7 show the fixing of the stock rails 17 and 18 on ribbed plates or base plates 28 and 29 clearly visible. In Figure 6 is also the arrangement of the connecting rod 21 can be seen between the tongue rails 15 and 16, which the desired distance between the tongue rails 15th and 16 ensures. The tongue rails are of a known type and arranged displaceably on a sliding chair 30.

It is clearly evident from FIG. 7 that each tongue rail 15 and 16 a device for locking end positions of movable Switch parts is assigned, which is in the fixed Outer tube 1 of such a device guided, slidable Pipe 2 to the inside of the rail base of each assigned Tongue rail 15 and 16 presses while in tube 2 slidably guided bolt 3 with a schematically indicated and interacts drive 20 lying between the tongue rails. By appropriately loading the bolt-shaped sliding parts 3 in the devices for locking the End positions of the movable switch parts are changed the tongue splint.

The embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 of a pushing Closure with a connecting rod 21 is in particular can be used for switches for high speeds, whereby no cutting of the switch is desired, but a flutter the tongue rails by a mutual locking is avoided. Overall, there is only an oppressive Installation of the device for locking end positions on the Tongue rails 15 and 16, so that no length-compensating connectors required are. Furthermore there is one Locking on both sides with one-sided locking through additional use of the tongue rails 15 to 16 connecting rod coupled via joints 31.

In Figures 8a to 8d a pulling closure is used of devices for locking end positions of movable Turnout parts partly in different cut Positions of the rails shown schematically. The tongue rails 15 and 16 are in this embodiment via connectors 32 directly with the tubular sliding parts 2 of the associated device for locking the End position of the tongue rails connected. The movable bolt-shaped Parts 3 are in turn with a between the tongue rails arranged drive 20 connected. Furthermore, this one Embodiment provided that between the stop 9 of the bolt-shaped Part 3 and the associated board 10 of the tubular Part compression springs 33 are arranged, which accordingly the position taken in each case either compressed or expanded are.

The sequence of a changeover movement is shown in FIGS. 8a to 8d the tongue rails 15 and 16 respectively. When applied the interconnected bolt-shaped sliding parts 3 by the displacement drive 20 takes place on the basis of the in 8a shows a compression of the position in the drawing compression spring 33 and it shown on the left at the same time the movement starts on the right Page shown tongue rail 15 while the tongue rail 16 still remains in its original position. Only at the in The position shown in FIG. 8b is a release of the displacement movement of the tubular part 2 by lowering the locking members 4 in the lowered region 12 of the bolt-shaped Part 3, so that starting from this location now together with a displacement of the tongue rail 15 also entraining the Tongue rail 16 takes place, as shown in Fig.8c.

In Figure 8d the second end position is shown, in which the Tongue rail 16 is at a distance from the stock rail 18, while the tongue rail 15 in its closest to the stock rail 17 Location is. For limiting the displacement movement of the bolt-shaped parts 3, a stop 34 is also indicated. Overall, it shows that by coupling two facilities for locking end positions of movable switch parts one lead or one lag in the changeover movement is achievable, the springs 33 having a supporting effect.

The embodiment shown in Figures 8a to 8d is for openable switches intended because the open tongue was cut first the lock is not locked on this side is.

9a and 9b, the end positions are similar pressing closure for a grooved rail shown. The rigid elements of the grooved rail are designated 35 and 36, while the movable rail or the movable Switch part is designated 37. The rigid inside Rail part 36 is penetrated by the tubular part 2, which is connected to the movable rail 37. On the inside Part 36 of the grooved rail is also the fixed one Outer tube 1 arranged. The drive is in this embodiment similar to the embodiment according to FIGS. 8a to 8d, being supported by compression springs at this Embodiment is dispensed with.

In Figure 10 is a connecting rod analogous to the representation of Figure 6 21 shown between the tongue rails 15 and 16.

Associated in FIGS. 11a to 11d is a pressing changeover aid shown, with each in this embodiment bolt-shaped, displaceable parts 3 on the inner surface of the Rail foot of the tongue rails 15 and 16 abut. The tubular Part 2 is in turn in the stationary outer tube or housing 1 slidably mounted and it is again between the stop 9 of the bolt-shaped movable part and the board 10 of the tube 2, a compression spring 33 is provided. At this In one embodiment, the bolt 3 has a section that is offset 12 corresponding to the closures of the previous embodiments Circumferential groove 38 in which in the corresponding Location of the interconnected bolt-shaped parts 3, the locking members 4 can immerse, so that a shift the tubular part 2 in the outer tube 1 is also possible. Corresponding the circumferential groove 38 has the outer tube 1 on it Inner circumference on a circumferential groove 39, which is the offset area 14 corresponds to the previous embodiments. At the changeover of the tongue rails from that shown in Fig.11a Starting position in the second end position shown in Fig.11d the stored spring force, as shown in Fig.11b and Fig. 11c is shown while moving to closing tongue rail, i.e. 11a to 11d Tongue rail 15 shown on the right hand.

12a to 12d is again a changeover aid using the devices for locking End positions of moving switch parts shown, where in In contrast to the configuration according to FIGS. 11a to 11d, a connection between the bolt-shaped elements 3 and the rail foot the tongue rails 15 and 16 take place via joint pieces 40, which are articulated at 41 or 42 to the rail foot or connect the respective bolt-shaped displaceable element 3. This results in a pulling and pushing change aid, so that there is no need for a connecting rod. The changeover movement takes place as in that shown in FIGS. 11a to 11d Embodiment, in addition for an exact adjustment a connection element at the position of the respective tongue rail 43 of the joint part 40 in a recess 44 of the End of the bolt-shaped element 3 can be screwed. Also at This embodiment uses the stored spring force of the springs 33 while moving to the closing tongue rail submitted.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 a separate drive is used for the changeover, which is known per se and is not shown in detail.

Overall results for the device for locking End positions of movable switch parts that all parts, etc. the outer tube 1, the tubular movable part 2 and the bolt-shaped movable part 3, consist of turned parts and thus coaxial with each other and movable relative to each other are. Furthermore, the stationary outer tube can be easily sealed will.

It also follows that all the closure elements or Elements of the changeover aid can only be moved in the longitudinal direction to one another are, so that overall a simple overall structure is given is and mounting relative to the rail on a threshold can be done between the movable tongue rails.

For a turnout, especially a high-speed turnout with a large radius of curvature, for example, eight closures used.

In the illustration in FIGS. 13 to 16, the reference numerals are 1 to 4 have been retained unchanged. Instead of Ring groove 14, the free end of the outer tube 1 acts as a stop for locking. In this training, the application of force take place laterally on the tube 2 in a manner not shown, so that such training does not have all the advantages of training 1 to 4 in relation to the seal and the centric force transmission.

Claims (9)

1. A device for locking the end positions of movable railway switch parts, in particular a switch lock, in which two relatively movable parts (2, 3) are displaceable into a position positive and force-transmitting in respect of one direction of movement, with separate locking elements (4) being provided, characterized in that the relatively movable parts are comprised of a tube (2) displacable along its axis and a pin (3) displaceable along its axis and guided within the tube (2), that the tube (2), over a portion of its axial length, is provided with axially extending slots (13) forming flexible tongues (4) constituting said locking elements, and that the free ends of the flexible tongues (4) each carry a head having a wall thickness exceeding the wall thickness of the tube.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the relatively movable parts are guided in a stationary external tube (1) including at least one axial region of an enlarged inner width on its internal jacket.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tube-shaped part (2) displaceable along its axis comprises at least one inwardly projecting brim (10) cooperating with a stop (9) provided on the pin-shaped part (3) displaceable along its axis.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the pin-shaped displaceable part (3) is stepped to have a smaller diameter over a portion of its length.
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the difference in diameter between the smaller diameter of the pin-shaped part (3) and the inner diameter of the stationary external tube (1) as well as the difference in diameter between the larger diameter of the pin-shaped part (3) and the region (14) recessed to have a larger inner width, of the stationary tube (1) is larger than the wall thickness of the heads of the flexible tongues (4).
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wall thickness of the tube-shaped displaceable part (2) is larger than half of the wall thickness of the heads of the flexible tongues (4).
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a spring, in particular a helical spring (33), is arranged between an inwardly projecting rim (10) of the tube-shaped displaceable part (2) and a stop shoulder (9) of the pin-shaped displaceable part (3).
8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that one of the relatively axially displaceable parts (2, 3), in particular the pin-shaped part (3), is connected with a displacement drive (23).
9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the displacement drive (23) is arranged in the stationary external tube (1).

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