Method for ballasting a track bed for a screen track

Abstract

A method for cleaning a ballast bed (4) of a track (2) by means of on-track machines (8, 18, 21), wherein, by means of a ballast cleaner (8), ballast (1) located below a track panel (5) is removed using ballast removal devices (10), subsequently, relative to a working direction (12), the cleaned and / or new ballast (1) is laid in multiple layers on the track (2) by means of ballast laying devices (11) and ballast trains (15), and the laid ballast (1) is compacted by means of a tamper (18) and a stabilizer (21), wherein, before the first tampering operation, all layers of new and / or cleaned ballast (1) are laid by means of the ballast laying devices (11) and the ballast trains (15), and during the first tampering operation, the ballast bed (4) is compacted in different depth layers by means of deep-layer tampering units (22), then the track (2) is stabilized by means of the stabilizer (21), subsequently, in a second tampering operation, the track panel (5) is immediately tampered in only one depth layer by means of the same or another tamper (18), and after the second tampering operation, the track (2) is stabilized using the same or another stabilizer (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for cleaning the ballast bed of a track using a track-mounted machine (gleisgebundener Maschinen), wherein the ballast located under the track panel is removed by the cleaning machine using a ballast removal device, and then the cleaned and / or new ballast is laid in the track in fractional layers relative to the working direction by a ballast laying device and a ballast train, and the laid ballast is compacted by a tamping machine and a stabilizing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Ballasted tracks possess characteristics that enable railways to operate safely and efficiently. The primary requirement for ballasted tracks is the absorption of both static and dynamic loads. To this end, the ballast must possess sufficient stability and flexibility, thanks to its appropriate particle distribution and good adhesion between individual ballast particles. A low proportion of fine particles and high edge sharpness are decisive factors in meeting this requirement.

[0003] Over time, dynamic operating loads and weather effects cause ballast to gradually lose its properties. To restore a complete ballast bed, the ballast must be screened, added, or completely replaced. For example, a machine for ballast screening is known from AT 520989 A1. Ballast removal devices, designed as a circular excavation chain, continuously remove ballast located beneath the lifted track panel and feed it to the screening system. Subsequently, the screened and / or new ballast is laid on the existing strata by a ballast laying device.

[0004] Pages 414-422 of Schilling R.'s *Schotterbettreinigung auf eingleisigen Eisenbahnstrecken* (ZEVrail Glasers Annalen 129, Hanover), published on October 10, 2005, describe all the preparatory and main work involved in the ballast sieving process. Several machines, known as mechanized maintenance trains, are used to compact the ballast laid after sieving. These trains include tampers, ballast plows, and dynamic track stabilizers.

[0005] According to existing technology, the first ballast compaction process is carried out immediately after the ballast cleaning machine. Subsequently, new ballast is unloaded onto the track panels by a ballast train consisting of ballast dump trailers. The track panels are lifted, and the new ballast is compacted under the sleepers by a mechanized maintenance train. This process of providing new ballast, lifting the track, and compacting is repeated to obtain a ballast bed with the required height.

[0006] Reference Figure 1 This common practice is explained in detail. Figure 1 A known method with four working stages is shown, where only a single working unit is shown for clarity. These units are mounted on the frame of a screen cleaning machine and a mechanized maintenance train (not shown).

[0007] The diagram above illustrates the first working stage of ballast excavation and laying during track panel lifting. Ballast is removed from beneath the lifted track panel using an excavation chain. The excavation height is typically 300 mm. The removed old ballast is screened and sharpened. This screened ballast is then returned to the track via a ballast conveyor belt and plowed to a maximum initial height of 150 mm. This maximum initial height is mandated by regulations of various railway infrastructure management agencies (e.g., SNCF). According to regulations, the ballast is then immediately compacted using stabilizing devices, where the ballast bed height is reduced to approximately 130 mm.

[0008] In the second working phase, new ballast is laid by a ballast train and distributed by a plow. The track panel is then raised by 80 mm while the raised sleepers are tamped. Subsequent stabilization treatment will cause the track panel to settle. The remaining ballast bed height under the sleepers is approximately 205 mm.

[0009] The third working stage is a repetition of the second working stage, in which the track panel is further raised by 80 mm and settled to approximately 280 mm. The ballast in the track is usually sufficient for final tamping in the fourth working stage. However, it may be necessary to remove new ballast in front of the tamping machine.

[0010] In the final stage, the tamping machine brings the track panel to a predetermined geometry, with a lift of 20 to 25 mm. Subsequent stabilization lowers the ballast bed to its original height of approximately 300 mm. In the final working step, the ballast bed is shaped and swept to remove ballast particles from the sleepers.

[0011] The multi-layered ballast laying described requires a prolonged occupation of the track. If necessary, track work must be carried out in several stages; during this period, the track can only be reopened to rail traffic under conditions of significantly reduced speed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon the methods described above, enabling a reduction in track occupancy time for all work compared to existing technologies. The quality of the compacted ballast bed should comply with railway infrastructure management regulations.

[0013] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims illustrate advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0014] In this invention, prior to the first tamping treatment, all layers of new and / or screened ballast are laid using a ballast laying device and a ballast train. During the first tamping treatment, the ballast bed is compacted at different depths using a deep tamping unit mounted on a tamping machine. The track is then stabilized by a stabilizing machine. Subsequently, in the second tamping treatment, the track panels are immediately tamped at only one depth using the same tamping machine or another tamping machine. After the second tamping treatment, the track is stabilized again using the same stabilizing machine or another stabilizing machine. Compared to known methods, this eliminates the need for separate ballast laying using a separate ballast train, as well as subsequent tamping and stabilizing treatments.

[0015] Compared with known methods, the new method not only reduces the necessary track occupancy time, but also has the advantage of being able to reuse more screened ballast. The ballast is immediately laid on the track after screening by the ballast laying device, and does not need to be temporarily stored or replaced with new ballast.

[0016] Using this new method, only one ballast train is needed at the screening site. If necessary, additional new ballast can be brought to the site using a material conveyor and hopper unit (MFS) connected to the screening machine. In the conventional method, the material conveyor and hopper unit are towed to the site empty and loaded with waste ballast.

[0017] Another advantage is the reduction in tamping, which protects the ballast. Furthermore, the processes of ballast plowing and track stabilizers are eliminated. This reduction in work processes means fewer personnel are needed on the track. This lowers labor costs and contributes to safety at the track work site.

[0018] In summary, the length of the work site was reduced by eliminating the previously needed machinery and ballast dump trailers. Consequently, the workload required to protect the work site was also reduced. Fewer safety personnel and equipment were needed. Furthermore, the speed-restricted tracks on adjacent lines were shortened, allowing more trains to pass through the work site.

[0019] Advantageously, in the method according to the invention, the ballast bed is cleared at a removal height of at least 300 mm. This does not result in any loss compared to conventional methods, where the desired compaction quality can be achieved through deep tamping.

[0020] Further improvements are described as follows: ballast with a bed height of at least 200 mm, and particularly at least 250 mm, is laid using a ballast laying device. This ensures that the original ballast bed height is achieved during the remaining lifting process without affecting the compaction quality.

[0021] For the first lifting process after ballast laying by ballast train, it is advantageous to lift the track panel by at least 50 mm, and particularly at least 70 mm. This means that only a small lift is needed for the final second tamping process in order to achieve the desired track geometry.

[0022] Advantageously, during the second lifting process, the track panels are lifted with a lift ranging from 15mm to 25mm, particularly from 20mm to 25mm. This provides sufficient range for achieving the desired track geometry without loosening the track bed.

[0023] The method is further improved by a favorable deep tamping process, wherein, after the first lifting process, a first tamping process is performed in the lower depth layer of the ballast bed using a vibration and compaction tamping pick via a deep tamping unit, and a second tamping process is performed in the upper depth layer of the ballast bed using the same tamping pick. During the tamping process, the track panel is held in place by the lifting unit.

[0024] If the tamping process is performed after the second lifting process using a multi-sleeper tamping unit, the efficiency of the method according to the invention is further improved. In this way, the second tamping process can be completed at a faster working speed.

[0025] If the tamping work is performed using a tamping machine integrated into the tamping train, the maintenance speed is further improved. In this case, the tamping process and the corresponding compaction process are synchronized with each other through a higher-level control system. In addition, the energy supply of the integrated machine is optimized by powering all units through the shared power car of the tamping train. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will be explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following figure is a schematic diagram:

[0027] Figure 1 It is based on existing technological methods.

[0028] Figure 2 This is the method according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 The method described at the beginning of this document is shown, in which sifted and / or new ballast 1 is laid in layers into the track 2. The ballast 1 located on the ground stratum 3 forms a ballast bed 4 for the track panel 5, which consists of sleepers 6 and rails 7 fixed to the sleepers 6. A rail cleaning machine 8 is used to clean the ballast bed 4. For clarity, the rail cleaning machine is shown only in dashed outline and includes several frames supported on the rail traveling mechanism. Devices and units for processing the track 2 are arranged on the frames.

[0030] The track panel 5 is lifted and held in place by the lifting device 9, while the ballast removal device 10 removes the ballast 1 at a removal height h1 (e.g., 300 mm). This defined removal height h1 extends from the exposed stratum 3 to the lower edge of the sleepers 6 supported in the ballast bed 4. Of course, the ballast 1 located between the sleepers 6 is also picked up. Typically, the ballast removal device 10 includes a rotating annular digging chain that continuously picks up the ballast 1 as it moves forward and transfers the ballast to a conveying device for transport to a screening unit.

[0031] Another conveying device transports the screened ballast 1 to the ballast laying device 11. Relative to the working direction 12, the ballast laying device 11 lays the first layer of screened ballast 1 on the exposed stratum 3 immediately following the removal device 10. A plow 13 is used to distribute the laid ballast 1 on the stratum 3 at a desired first bed height h2 (e.g., 150 mm).

[0032] The track panel 5, laid on the newly formed ballast bed 4, is brought into a state of vibration under load by the stabilizing unit 14. This stabilization process controls the settlement of the ballast bed 4 in advance. As a result, the bed height is reduced, and a second bed height h3 is obtained (e.g., about 130 mm).

[0033] In the second working phase, another layer of ballast is dumped onto track 2 by a ballast train 15. A ballast plow 16, preferably designed as a separate machine, distributes the ballast 1 via adjustable plow blades 17. This means that there is sufficient ballast 1 on and between the sleepers 6 for the initial tamping process.

[0034] The tamping machine 18, designed for this purpose, includes a lifting unit 19 and a tamping unit 20. The lifting unit 19 lifts the track panel 5 to a third bed height h5 (e.g., 210 mm) with a first lift h4 (e.g., 80 mm). Then, a stabilizing machine 21, also known as a dynamic track stabilizer, is used. This stabilizer is either designed as a separate machine or coupled to the tamping machine 18. The stabilizing unit 14 functions to compact the ballast bed 4 to a fourth bed height h6 (e.g., 205 mm).

[0035] The work steps of the second working stage are repeated in the third working stage, in which the third layer of ballast is laid in the track 2 by the ballast train 15. Subsequently, the track panel 5 is first raised to the fifth bed height (e.g., 285 mm) by the second lift h7 (e.g., 80 mm). After being fixed by the tamping unit 20, the height is again slightly lowered to the sixth bed height h9 (e.g., 280 mm) by the stabilizing unit 14.

[0036] Subsequently, in the third tamping process, the track panel 5 is brought to the predetermined track geometry with a third lift h10 (e.g., 20 mm to 25 mm). After final stabilization by stabilizing unit 14, the final track position is set. The ballast bed 4 updated in this way has approximately the same height as before the sieving process. A disadvantage of this known method is the large number of work steps required due to the layered ballast laying that includes ballast compaction.

[0037] The method according to the present invention reduces the number of working steps without reducing the quality of the ballast bed 4 after screening. (Refer to...) Figure 2 Explain the sequence of the new work steps.

[0038] As previously described, the cleaning of the ballast bed 4 begins with the cleaning machine 8. The lifting device 9 of the cleaning machine 8 lifts the section of track 5 to be processed. For this purpose, the lifting device 9 includes roller clamps that clamp the corresponding rail head of the rail 7 and roll along the rail 7 as the cleaning machine 8 moves forward.

[0039] A ballast removal device 10 with a crossbeam extends below the lifted portion of the track panel and picks up ballast 1 at a predetermined removal height h1 (e.g., 300 mm). Specifically, the ballast is picked up by a ring-shaped digging chain surrounding the track panel 5. The digging chain conveys the removed ballast 1 upward through a lateral channel to a first conveying device (not shown). In this way, the ballast 1 is fed to a screening unit mounted on a cleaning screen 8.

[0040] The ballast 1 is screened in the screening unit. If necessary, the edges of the ballast are then sharpened in an impact mill. The screened ballast 1 is then conveyed to the ballast laying device 11 via another conveyor. If there is not enough processed ballast 1, it is replenished with new ballast 1. For example, the new ballast 1 is transported in the storage unit of the screener 8. Alternatively, the new ballast 1 can be transported together with a so-called material conveyor and hopper unit (MFS). These units are rail vehicles connected to the screener 8 and are used to pick up the waste generated during ballast screening.

[0041] According to the invention, the ballast laying device 11 of the ballast cleaning machine 8 lays significantly more ballast 1 in the track 2 than before. The ballast layer leveled by the plow 13 of the ballast cleaning machine 8 advantageously has a first bed height h2' of 250 mm, measured from the exposed stratum 3 to the lower edge of the sleeper 6. The stabilizing unit 14 integrated in the ballast cleaning machine 8 compacts the ballast bed 4 to a second bed height h3' (approximately 230 mm).

[0042] In the second working phase, new ballast 1 is discharged onto track 2 by ballast train 15. Ballast plow 16 distributes this ballast 1 for subsequent tamping. In this case, the lifting unit 19 of tamping machine 18 advantageously lifts track panel 5 by 70 mm with a first lift h4'. This achieves a third bed height h5' of approximately 300 mm.

[0043] According to the present invention, the track panel 5 is fixed in its raised position in two steps by means of the deep tamping unit 22. Such a unit is disclosed in another patent of the applicant, AT 522237 A1. Compared with the conventional tamping unit 20, the deep tamping unit 22 has a larger vertical range for moving the tamping tool carrier. In addition, a longer tamping pick 23 is used.

[0044] In the first step, the tamping pick 23 of the deep tamping unit 22 penetrates the lower depth layer of the ballast bed 4 and compacts it there in a vibratory manner. In this case, the upper edge of the pick plate located at the end of the tamping pick is at least 100 mm below the lower edge of the sleeper 6. Advantageously, the vibration is generated by a rotating eccentric shaft connected to a hydraulic compaction cylinder. The compaction motion and vibration can also be superimposed in a corresponding hydraulic cylinder; this will provide a corresponding actuation with integrated displacement measurement.

[0045] To achieve the predetermined compaction pressure and time, it is essential to ensure that the pressure applied by the compaction cylinder is regulated during deep compaction. The pressure settings must be adjusted to achieve the same force and time during deep compaction as during subsequent normal compaction. If necessary, setting the tamping pick 23 to vibrate only during the first compaction step will have a positive impact on the overall compaction results, eliminating the need for compression treatment.

[0046] The second compaction step follows, in which the tamping pick 23 descends into the upper depth layer of the ballast bed 4. There, it is compacted under vibration. This upper depth layer lies between the previously compacted lower depth layer and the lower edge of the sleeper 6. In this way, the ballast bed 4 is compacted over the entire bed height h5' by the deep tamping unit 22. This is followed by stabilization using the stabilizer 21, resulting in a slightly reduced bed height h6' (approximately 295 mm).

[0047] The final geometry of track 2 will be produced in the final working stage. During this process, track 2 is processed using the same or another tamping machine 18. The lifting unit 19 lifts the track panel 5 with a slightly excessive lift compared to the predetermined track geometry. This takes into account subsequent track settlement during the stabilization period. This second lift h7' is in the range of 20 mm to 25 mm and is therefore significantly lower than the first lift h4'. Furthermore, the track panel 5 is laterally aligned.

[0048] The tamping unit 20, used for simultaneously tamping several sleepers 6, shortens the maintenance time for this stage of the work. In addition to the deep tamping unit 22, the tamping unit 20 can also be installed on the same tamping machine 18, or on a separate tamping machine 18. In the first case, the same lifting unit 19 is advantageously used for all lifting steps. Finally, stabilization is performed by the stabilizing unit 14. The stabilizing unit 14 is installed in a separate stabilizing machine 21 or on a frame connected to the tamping machine 18.

[0049] The new working method is not limited to the exemplary conventional ballast cleaning method shown. In particular, the method according to the invention is applicable to ballast cleaning trains with integrated tamping machines 18, stabilizing machines 21, and plows 17 (if necessary). The method can also be used for cleaning or replacing turnouts. The invention can also involve laying ballast at a bed height of up to 250 mm h2' in one go, and then compacting the ballast in one go through deep tamping, normal tamping, and stabilization.

Claims

1. A method for cleaning the ballast bed (4) of a track (2) using track-mounted machines (8, 18, 21), wherein, The ballast (1) located below the track panel (5) is removed by a ballast removal device (10) using a ballast cleaning machine (8). Then, the ballast (1) after cleaning and / or new ballast (1) is laid in multiple layers in the track (2) relative to the working direction (12) by a ballast laying device (11) and a ballast train (15), and the laid ballast (1) is compacted by a tamping machine (18) and a stabilizing machine (21). The ballast (1) is characterized in that, before the first tamping treatment, the ballast (1) is laid by the ballast laying device (11) and the ballast train (15). Assuming all layers of new and / or sifted ballast (1), during the first tamping process, the ballast bed (4) is compacted in different depth layers by a deep tamping unit (22), and then the track (2) is stabilized by the stabilizer (21). Subsequently, in the second tamping process, the track panel (5) is immediately tamped in only one depth layer by the same or another tamping machine (18), and after the second tamping process, the track (2) is stabilized by the same or another stabilizer (21).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ballast bed (4) is screened at a removal height (h1) of at least 300 mm.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ballast (1) with a bed height (h2') of at least 200 mm is laid by the ballast laying device (11).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ballast (1) with a bed height (h2') of at least 250 mm is laid by the ballast laying device (11).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the first lifting process, the track panel (5) is lifted by at least 50 mm.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the first lifting process, the track panel (5) is lifted by at least 70 mm.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the second lifting process, the track panel (5) is lifted with a lift ranging from 15 mm to 25 mm.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the second lifting process, the track panel (5) is lifted with a lift ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the first lifting process, the deep tamping unit (22) uses vibration and compression tamping picks (23) to perform the first tamping process in the lower depth layer of the ballast bed (4), and uses the same tamping picks (23) to perform the second tamping process in the upper depth layer of the ballast bed (4).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tamping process is carried out after the second lifting process by the multi-sleeper tamping unit (20).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tamping work is carried out using a tamping machine (18) integrated into the cleaning train.

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