Return current units and incremental encoders for rail vehicles
At the Uetendorf site, for decades. Tibram is a technological leader in the current return circuit for rail vehicles.
The three models
Return current units establish a low-resistance, reliable electrical connection at the axle end and, acting as sliding contacts, carry currents of up to 1,000 A. In this way, they protect the wheel set bearings from harmful stray currents. In the rail vehicle’s electrical design, they can be incorporated as both a functional return current unit and a protective ground contact.
Which model is right for which application? A quick comparison, with detailed profiles below.
| Model | Electricity |
|---|---|
| TIB-EB Type 3/6 | up to 600 A |
| TIB-EB Type 5 | up to 1,000 A |
| TIB-EB Type 12 with incremental encoder | up to 1,000 A |
Our earthing contacts in detail
TIB-EB type 3/6
The versatile return current unit for the medium current class.
Used in locomotives, high-speed trains, commuter trains, and subways. As a sliding contact, the type 3/6 transmits up to 600 A; it is fully insulated and can be customized for specific applications using accessories.
Features:
- Six individually spring-loaded carbon brushes with integrated wear indicators
- High power density and current in a compact design, weighing approximately 1.5 kg
- Low contact resistance thanks to a wear-less contact disc
- Serialization with a unique serial number: Tracking of installed components and access to the serial inspection report
- designed for low life-cycle costs (LCC)
- Proven reliability throughout the entire service life
- integrated recycling plan
With the right accessories, it can be customized to meet the customer’s specific needs:
- Available with or without a protective tube
- Custom and application-specific contact discs for AC and DC applications
- as a compact, separately bearing-loaded unit for inboard-mounted bogies
- Available in two versions when combined with an incremental encoder:
- The incremental encoder is axially flanged into a separate housing (BMIV technology)
- The patented shielding solution for bearingless sensor systems – magnetic rotor + sensor – enables the integration of up to two BPIK sensors (pick-up sensors)
TIB-EB type 5
The rugged return current unit for high-current applications.
The type 5 is designed for applications involving high currents and harsh operating conditions. It handles currents up to 1,000 A at a weight of approximately 2.6 kg – featuring four insulated carbon brushes designed for high-speed operation as well as for locomotives, railcars, commuter trains, and subways. The non-ferrous metal housing can withstand stresses that exceed standard requirements. With the appropriate accessories, the type 5 can be adapted to the customer’s specific installation situation.
TIB-EB type 12
Current return circuit and speed signal in a single component.
The type 12 combines both functions in a single shaft end. The return current unit is based on the design of the type 5 and carries currents up to 1,000 A. An incremental encoder is flanged to the outside, providing a reliable speed signal for slip protection, slip control, and other applications – with galvanically isolated and programmable outputs. This eliminates the need for a separate encoder unit at the shaft end; the component weighs approximately 6.5 kg.
One technology. Many implementation solutions.
We offer a variety of solutions for sliding contacts. If none of the available axial return current units are suitable, we will be happy to assess your specific installation situation and discuss whether the problem can be solved using radial or axial design approaches.
