MACHINE WITH A BATTERY GRAFF DEVICE

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine with a ballast receiving device for receiving ballast located beneath a track by means of an endless clearing chain guided in a chain channel, wherein the chain channel is composed of a transverse channel positionable beneath the track, an empty channel and a transport channel provided for ballast transport. State of the art

[0002] A machine of this type is known from AT 518225 A1. It is used to clean the ballast bed of a track. The machine travels along the track, with a rotating clearing chain enclosing the track, which consists of sleepers and the rails attached to them. Below the track, the clearing chain is guided approximately parallel to the sleepers in a transverse channel. In this section, finger-like extensions on the chain links of the clearing chain release the ballast from the ballast bed and convey it towards an adjacent transport channel. In the transport channel, the ballast is transported upwards to a screening plant. After an upper deflection, the chain links are guided back towards the track in an empty channel.

[0003] Before work begins, the cross channel is installed in an exposed trench beneath the track. For this process, either the chain channel and clearing chain are removed or the track is temporarily severed. During ballast cleaning, the track remains passable because cleaned ballast is applied to the exposed subgrade immediately behind the work site. The possible cleaning width is determined by the length of the cross channel.

[0004] Smooth ballast transport is crucial for high cleaning performance. If the ballast bed is heavily contaminated, problems can arise because the chain links cannot separate all of the gravel grains. This leads to clumping, which impedes further transport of the ballast towards the transport channel. In some cases, plate-like ballast conglomerates may form and migrate across the cross channel. To prevent such problems, the machine's forward speed is usually reduced when the ballast bed is heavily contaminated. This gives the clearing chain more time to loosen the ballast from the ballast bed at the respective work site.

[0005] Another machine with a ballast pickup device is known from DE 2550820 A1. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the object of improving a machine of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that trouble-free operation with high performance is ensured regardless of the degree of contamination of the ballast bed.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] A conveyor system is arranged along the upper edge of the transverse channel to transport the gravel toward the transport channel. This additional system increases the movement of the gravel so that it is completely conveyed into the transport channel. Any gravel particles or lumps that may be caught by the clearing chain are captured by the conveyor system and transported to the inlet of the transport channel. The additional force breaks up the gravel lumps, which also makes the subsequent screening process more effective.

[0009] In an optimized development, the conveyor system's transport direction runs parallel to the clearing chain's circulation direction in the transverse channel. This makes the conveyor system and clearing chain particularly effective in transporting ballast into the transport channel. This results in a coordinated lateral movement of the entire ballast material, which is released from the ballast bed during the machine's forward travel.

[0010] Advantageously, a ballast guide vane that pivots around a pivot axis is arranged on the outer edge of a lower ballast inlet opening of the transport channel. This arrangement allows for an increase in the conveying width while maintaining the length of the transverse channel. When encountering obstacles such as power poles, the ballast guide vane pivots inward to avoid collisions. This eliminates the need to interrupt work.

[0011] In a further improvement, the conveyor system incorporates a hydraulic motor or an electric motor as the drive unit. A hydraulic motor (hydraulic motor) offers the advantage of a small and robust design with a comparatively high rated power. Furthermore, an existing hydraulic system in the machine can be utilized if necessary. An electric motor is generally more efficient and can be retrofitted to an existing machine via an easy-to-install electrical cable.

[0012] In a beneficial addition, a sensor for detecting accumulated gravel is mounted above the conveyor system. The sensor is coupled to the conveyor system's drive unit. This modification enables situation-dependent operation of the conveyor system. Only when the sensor detects insufficient removal of gravel by the clearing chain is the conveyor system automatically activated. This saves energy and protects the conveyor system, thus extending maintenance intervals.

[0013] A simple embodiment of the invention provides for the conveyor device to comprise a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain with rotating carriers. Such a device is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, individual chain links and carriers (blades) can be replaced when they show signs of wear.

[0014] In another preferred variant, the conveying device is a screw conveyor with a rotational axis running parallel to the transverse channel. This screw conveyor ensures continuous movement of the ballast toward the transport channel with low energy consumption. The forces exerted by the rotating screw conveyor on ballast lumps lead to rapid splitting into individual ballast grains. Furthermore, the dimensions of the screw conveyor are smaller than other designs for the same conveying capacity, allowing installation even in tight spaces.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the screw conveyor is arranged along a section of the cross channel adjacent to the transport channel. In this variant, the screw conveyor operates at the most critical point, namely directly before the transition between the cross channel and the transport channel. The additional ballast movement provided by the conveyor system prevents ballast from accumulating at the inlet of the transport channel.

[0016] Advantages also arise from an alternative variant in which the screw conveyor is arranged along the entire cross channel. This arrangement across the entire length of the cross channel is particularly useful for great excavation depths. This moves ballast material across the entire clearing width, even above the clearing chain, toward the transport channel. In addition, any plate-shaped ballast clumps present are broken up across the entire width. With conventional ballast pickup devices, there is a risk that such ballast clumps will migrate across the cross channel and fall to the subgrade behind the clearing chain.

[0017] In an improvement to this variant, the cross channel comprises two cross channel sections connected by a joint, with the screw conveyor comprising two conveyor screws that are connected in the area of ​​the joint by a coupling. The cross channel is also connected to the empty channel and the transport channel via joints. In this way, the clearing width can be changed by bending the two cross channel sections forward. In the raised position, the machine can be moved over without dismantling the cross channel. The coupling between the conveyor screws is, for example, a claw coupling, which allows the conveyor screws to be pivoted relative to one another. In this way, the conveyor screws move together with the associated cross channel sections when the clearing width changes. The coupling also enables the installation of a common drive, which saves space.In an alternative variant, each screw conveyor is equipped with its own drive. Short description of the drawings

[0018] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show schematically: Fig. 1Machine on a track in a side view Fig. 2Top view of a ballast pick-up device with a conveyor along a cross channel area Fig. 3Front view of the ballast pick-up device according to Fig. 2 Fig. 4 Top view of an alternative ballast receiving device with a conveyor along the entire transverse channel Fig. 5 Front view of the ballast receiving device according to Fig. 4 Fig. 6Side view of a ballast pickup device in the area below the track Description of the embodiments

[0019] The Fig. 1The machine 1 shown is a ballast cleaning machine 3 that can be moved along a track 2, in which the track 2 is mounted. The machine 1 can also be designed as a complete track renewal train or as a formation improvement machine. In any case, the machine 1 comprises a ballast pickup device 4 with a chain channel 5 in which an endless clearing chain 6 is guided. The clearing chain 6 consists of articulated chain links with scraper fingers and is driven at an upper deflection point 7 by means of a sprocket drive 8.

[0020] During operation, the clearing chain 6 surrounds the track 2, which is formed from sleepers 9 and the rails 10 fastened to them. The clearing chain 6 is guided from the upper deflection point 7 in an empty channel 11 to a second deflection point 12 located below the track 2. Here, one end of a transverse channel 13 is connected to the empty channel 11 by an articulated connection. The clearing chain 6 runs below the track 2 in this transverse channel 13, which is open at the front. The clearing chain 6 releases 14 ballast grains from the ballast bed 3 as the machine 1 travels forward in the direction of travel.

[0021] At the other end of the cross channel 13 there is a third deflection point 15 of the clearing chain 6. At this point 15, a transport channel 16 is connected to the cross channel 13 by an articulated connection and leads back in the direction of the sprocket drive 8. When the respective chain link enters a lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16, the ballast 3 enters this transport channel 16. By means of the circulating clearing chain 6, the ballast 3 is transported in the transport channel 16 to the upper deflection point 7 and fed to a screening system 18. The screened ballast 3 is transported back under the track 2 via an introduction device 19 and there again forms a support for the sleepers 9. Overburden separated from the cleaned ballast 3 is transported via a conveyor belt 20 to the end of the machine 1 and there transferred to a storage car.

[0022] To expand the clearing width 21, lateral ballast guide vanes 22 are advantageously arranged. In particular, such a ballast guide vane 22 is arranged on the outer edge of the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16, pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 23. This ballast guide vane 22 prevents ballast 3 loosened by the clearing chain 6 from flowing past the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16 when the ballast 3 accumulates. The position of the respective ballast guide vane 22 is changed by means of an associated actuator 24.

[0023] According to the invention, a conveyor device 26 for transporting ballast 3 in the direction of the transport channel 16 is arranged along an upper edge 25 of the transverse channel 13. Advantageously, a transport direction 27 of this conveyor device 26 runs parallel to a direction of rotation 28 of the clearing chain 6 in the transverse channel 13. This optimizes the conveyance of the ballast 3 into the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16. In particular, the conveyor device 26 prevents an unfavorable accumulation of the ballast 3 in front of the transverse channel 13 and, subsequently, an overflow of the transverse channel 13.

[0024] In a variant not shown, the conveying device 26 comprises a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt with two deflections. On one front side, the conveying direction runs parallel to the transverse channel 13 in the direction of the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16. The deflections are achieved by means of horizontally aligned deflection rollers, with one deflection roller being coupled to a drive. Carriers (shovels) for the individual gravel grains are arranged on an outer side of the conveyor chain or conveyor belt.

[0025] An improved variant comprises a screw conveyor 29 with a rotation axis 30, which preferably runs parallel to the transverse channel 13. A conveyor screw 31 rotating about the rotation axis 30 captures the ballast 3 traveling across the transverse channel 13 and conveys it toward the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16. Gravel conglomerates, which occur when the ballast bed 3 is heavily contaminated, are broken up by the rotating conveyor screw 31, thereby facilitating the transport and cleaning of the ballast 3.

[0026] The Figures 2 and 3show a form of a generally usable ballast receiving device 4. The screw conveyor 29 is arranged parallel to a section 32 of the transverse channel 13 adjoining the third deflection point 15. A free end of the screw conveyor 31 is placed directly in front of the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16. A drive unit 33 is arranged at the other end of the screw conveyor 31. This drive unit 33 comprises, for example, a hydraulic motor that is connected to a hydraulic system of the machine 1. In an alternative form, an electric motor is provided. This is particularly suitable for retrofitting an existing ballast receiving device 4 because an electrically driven screw conveyor 29 is easier to integrate into an existing system.

[0027] Advantageously, a sensor 34 is arranged on the conveyor device 26 to detect a ballast jam. This occurs, for example, using a mechanical or optical sensor. This sensor 34 monitors the area in front of the transverse channel 13. As soon as too much ballast 3 accumulates, which can no longer be adequately transported toward the transport channel 16 by the clearing chain 6, the sensor 34 reports a ballast jam. This signal automatically activates the conveyor device 26. This ensures that the conveyor device 26 only runs when needed.

[0028] In a variant suitable for heavily contaminated gravel, the conveyor device 26 extends over the entire length of the transverse channel 13 ( Fig. 5, 6). The effect of the conveying device 26 extends across the entire clearing width 21. The resulting increase in performance ensures that, particularly at great excavation depths, all of the ballast material above the clearing chain 6 is conveyed in the direction of the transport channel 16. In addition, slab-like conglomerates that arise in heavily contaminated subsoils (e.g., clay) are broken up. With a conventional ballast pickup device 4, these slabs can migrate across the transverse channel 13 as a result of the advance of the machine 1, break behind it, and fall to the subgrade.

[0029] When configured as a screw conveyor 29, preferably two screw conveyors 31 are coupled by means of a flexible quick-action coupling 35. For example, one of the two screw conveyors 31 is connected directly to a drive unit 33, and the second screw conveyor 31 is connected to the first screw conveyor 31 via a claw coupling 35. In this way, a torque generated by the drive unit 33 is transmitted to both screw conveyors 31, with the flexible coupling 35 enabling a variable angular position of the two screw conveyors 31 relative to one another.

[0030] Such a screw conveyor 29 is, like the screw conveyor 29 according to the Figures 2 and 3Suitable for a ballast pickup device 4 with a split transverse channel 13. Two transverse channel sections 36 are connected by a joint 37. At the location of the joint 37, the transverse channel 13 is bendable, allowing the effective clearing width 21 to be adjusted. The raised transverse channel 13 is also bent for transfer travel in order to remain within a permitted clearance profile. With two conveyor screws 31, the split coupling 35 enables the screw conveyor 29 to be bent accordingly.

[0031] The cross-section in Fig. 6refers to both variants and shows the position of the screw conveyor 29 in relation to the clearing chain 6. The outline of a chain link is drawn with a dash-dotted line and filled with hatching. Above it is the conveyor screw 31. While the machine 1 is still moving forward in the direction of travel 14, the clearing chain 6 releases ballast 3 from the ballast bed. The clearing chain 6 and the rotating conveyor screw 31 have the same conveying direction. This arrangement ensures that all of the ballast 3 is transported to the lower opening 17 of the transport channel 16. Even large quantities of ballast can be managed, with the adjustable ballast wing 22 preventing the moved ballast 3 from wandering past the opening 17.

Claims

1. A machine (1) with a ballast receiving device (4) for receiving ballast (3) located under a track (2) by means of an endless excavating chain (6) guided in a chain channel (5), with the chain channel (5) being composed of a transverse channel (13) which can be positioned under the track (2), an empty channel (11), and a transport channel (16) provided for ballast transport, characterized in that a conveyor device (26) for transporting ballast (3) in the direction of the transport channel (16) is arranged along a top edge (25) of the transverse channel (13).

2. A machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a transport direction (27) of the conveyor device (26) runs parallel to a direction of rotation (28) of the excavating chain (6) in the transverse channel (13).

3. A machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a ballast guide blade (22) that can be slewed about a slewing axis (23) is arranged at the outer edge of a bottom opening (17) of the transport channel (16).

4. A machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) comprises a hydraulic motor or an electric motor as a drive unit (33).

5. A machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a sensor (34) for detecting piled-up ballast (3) is arranged above the conveyor device (26) and that the sensor (34) is coupled with the drive unit (33) of the conveyor device (26).

6. A machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) comprises a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain with revolving pushers.

7. A machine (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) is a screw conveyor (29) with an axis of rotation (30) that runs, in particular, parallel to the transverse channel (13).

8. A machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw conveyor (29) is arranged along a subsection (32) of the transverse channel (13) adjoining the transport channel (16).

9. A machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw conveyor (29) is arranged along the entire transverse channel (13).

10. A machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the transverse channel (13) comprises two transverse channel sections (36) that are connected with a joint (37) and that the screw conveyor (29) comprises two conveying screws (31) that are connected in the area of the joint (37) by means of a coupling (35).