Compact turnout setting device ECOSTAR

The compact electro-hydraulic switch machine ECOSTAR is designed to set turnouts with flat bottom rails using an external locking device and it is independent of gauge. It is constructed for both sub urban and long distance traffic especially up to moderate speeds.
We developed this innovative switch machine with our experience of more than 155 years as producer of turnouts.
ECOSTAR can be put on the same level as a conventional switch machine facing functionality.

ECOSTAR is a compact modularly designed turnout operating system which consists of an electro-hydraulic motor drive, a detection module for monitoring the final position of the tongue (including the lock of the tongue detector) and a connection to the external lock. You are able to use various types of locks. Moreover, there are various types of ECOSTAR available for different power supplies and signalling standards. To optimise Life Cycle Costs a combination with the encapsulated locking device SPHEROLOCK® is recommended.

The integrated hydraulic hand pump allows comfortable manual operation of the turnout. Due to the compact design, it is possible to install ECOSTAR between two sleepers or even within a trough sleeper. Therefore, the turnout can be delivered as a whole and can be tamped mechanically. Furthermore, it is also possible to retrofit existing turnouts.

In the course of the development designers chose only high quality components in order to generate a universally useable and lucid modularly structured product. Its main features are highest availability at lowest life cycle costs and low maintenance.
All these attributes create a universally applicable switch machine which meets all requested requirements concerning reliability and cost effectiveness of modern railways 
 


ECOSTAR and SPHEROLOCK®
Operating mode

ECOSTAR is an electro-hydraulic switch machine which is used to set turnouts and lock and detect switch rails in end position. For this, an extern lock is activated and detector rods in combination with detector bolts identify the correct end position which means that it is permanently monitored in a signal technical manner.
There are various types of electrical engines with different supply voltages available, for the motor drive itself as well as for different signal technical versions. This results in a wide range of usage.

The lock of the detector rods ensures safe locking and represents the fall-back level for the external lock.

The motor drive itself can be delivered as trailable or non-trailable version.

The hydraulic-system is encapsulated. In the course of the development designers focused on clearly arranged, modular components that are easy to access. Consequently, technical service and maintenance can be carried out quickly and easily.

ECOSTAR installed in a hollow steel sleeper with covered external locking device
ECOSTAR mounted between sleepers in combination with SPHEROLOCK® NG

Advantages and Characteristics

ECOSTAR combined with SPHEROLOCK® and HYDROLINK® in a UIC60-500 turnout
  • Developed for sub urban and long distance traffic
    especially up to moderate speeds
  • In tie switch machine – automatic tamping possible
  • Installation between sleepers with same model
  • Retrofitable
  • Compact design
  • Modular structure
  • Monoblock hydraulic drive
  • Applicable for different supply voltages and signalling requirements
  • Low life cycle costs
  • High reliability

Technical Details ECOSTAR:

ECOSTAR hydraulic pump for manual operation
 
StrokesUp to 240 mm
Setting force of total installation4500 up to 8000 N
Retaining force9000 up to 10000 N
TrailableAccording to customer
Technical serviceTwice a year
Ambient temperature-35 up to +80 °C
Type of protectionIP 54
Supply voltagesWide range
WeightApproximately 100 kg