Railway Switches: The “Flexible Joints” of Railway Tracks

On the criss-crossing railway network, trains shuttle back and forth like giant steel dragons. Behind this seemingly smooth operation, there is a key but often overlooked “behind-the-scenes hero” – the railway switches (railway turnout). It is like the “flexible joints” of railway tracks, giving the railway system the ability to dispatch flexibly, allowing railway transportation to be carried out efficiently and orderly.

Railway Switches: The “Direction-Changing Magician” of Tracks

A railway switch is a line connection device that allows locomotives and vehicles to switch from one track to another. Simply put, when a train needs to change its direction and switch from one track to another, the turnout can perform its “direction-changing magic”. Imagine that without turnouts, the railway would only be isolated straight lines, and trains could only travel along fixed paths, and could not change tracks, cross, branch or merge. In this way, the efficiency of railway transportation will be greatly reduced, and flexibility will be gone. The emergence of railway switches has completely changed this situation. It has made the railway network more accessible, and trains can flexibly adjust their routes according to transportation needs.

Exquisite structure: various parts work together

The railway switch is mainly composed of a switch, a connection part, a switch and a guardrail. Each part has an important mission. They work together to ensure that the train can pass through the switch safely and smoothly.

Switch: Accurate command of track switching: The switch is the “commander” of the turnout. It is composed of basic rail, point rail and switch machinery. The point rail can move left and right under the drive of the switch machinery. When the point rail fits tightly with the basic rail, it can guide the wheels to travel along a specific track to achieve accurate track switching. The switch machinery is like the “brain” of the point rail. It can accurately control the position of the point rail according to the signal command to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of track switching.

Connection part: Build a smooth transition bridge: The connection part is like the “bridge” of the railway switch. It connects the switch and switches together to ensure the continuity and stability of the track. When the train passes through the turnout, the connection part can provide a smooth transition area, reduce the bumps and vibrations during the train, make passengers feel more comfortable, and also ensure the safety of cargo transportation.
Frog and guardrail: guarding the driving safety line: Frog is the core area of the turnout and the place where the two tracks intersect. When the wheels of the train drive to the frog, they need to pass the intersection accurately, otherwise it may cause a derailment accident. The guardrail is like a loyal “guard”. It is set on both sides of the frog, which can limit the wheel flange and prevent the wheel from deviating from the track when passing through the frog, building a solid line of defense for driving safety.

Diverse types: adapt to different transportation needs

According to the use and structural characteristics, there are many types of railway switches, each of which has unique functions and applicable scenarios, and together constitute a complex and efficient railway turnout system.

Single turnout: the most common “basic model”: The single turnout is the most common type of turnout. It consists of a straight track and a side track. It has a simple structure and is easy to use. It is widely used in railway main lines, station lines and other occasions. Whether it is the train’s passing, overtaking, or the vehicle entering and leaving the station, the single railway switch can easily cope with it.

Double and triple railway switches: meet complex diversion requirements. Double turnouts consist of a straight track and two symmetrical siding tracks. Trains can turn from the straight track to two siding tracks at the same time. They are suitable for places where trains need to divert in both directions. Triple turnouts are more complex. They consist of a straight track and three siding tracks. They allow trains to turn from the straight track to any siding track. They are often used in areas with large traffic volume, such as railway hubs, effectively improving the transportation capacity of railways.

Careful Maintenance: Ensure The Healthy Operation Of Railway Switches

Because railway switches are under great pressure and frequent friction from trains, their components are prone to wear and aging. Therefore, the railway department attaches great importance to the maintenance and management of turnouts. Regular inspections are essential. The staff will carefully check the track geometry, switch status, frog and guardrail wear, etc., to ensure that all parts of the turnout are in good condition. Once a fault or hidden danger is found in the turnout, the maintenance personnel will immediately repair it, replace the worn parts, adjust the track geometry parameters, and ensure the normal use of the turnout. At the same time, with the continuous development of science and technology, the maintenance of turnouts is gradually developing in the direction of intelligence. By installing sensors and monitoring systems, real-time monitoring and remote management of turnout status can be achieved to improve maintenance efficiency and safety.

Although railway switches are small, they are related to the overall situation of railway transportation. It is the key to the flexible operation of the railway system and an important infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains. In the future development of railways, railway switches will continue to be upgraded and optimized to bring more convenience and security to our travel and logistics transportation.

Railway Casting Parts Supplier

Luoyang Fonyo Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, founded in 1998,is a manufacturer in cast railway parts. Our factory covers an area of 72,600㎡, with more than 300 employees, 32 technicians, including 5 senior engineers, 11 assistant engineers, and 16 technicians. Our production capacity is 30,000 tons per year. Currently, we mainly produce casting, machining, and assembly for locomotive, railcar, high-speed trains, mining equipment, wind power, etc. Our products have been exported to Russia, the United States, Germany, Argentina, Japan, France, South Africa, Italy and other countries.
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