Ballast levelling machine

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a ballast levelling machine with a machine frame which can be moved on rail chassis and to which ballast and levelling devices which can be adjusted relative to the machine frame, namely a ballast sweeping system, a steep conveyor belt, a ballast silo, a central plough and at least one flank plough, for ballast and levelling a track, as well as a control unit are assigned, wherein the ballast and levelling devices comprise ballast shields, ballast trousers, plough shields and a sweeping brush. State of the art

[0002] Such a ballast leveling machine is disclosed in EP 0 915 203 A1, which will be discussed in more detail below. Another ballast leveling machine is known, for example, from EP 0 572 370, with a machine frame supported on rail bogies. This has a height-adjustable center plough between the rail bogies and flank ploughs arranged in front of it. On each longitudinal side of the machine, a height-adjustable flank plough equipped with a plough blade is assigned to a pivot point and a support frame arranged on the machine frame. Combined machines in which the devices of a ballast leveling machine, for example, are integrated with a track tamping machine are also prior art. EP 2 775 035 discloses ballast leveling machines which have a ballast sweeping device, an inclined conveyor belt, and a ballast silo.Distribution conveyor belts are also known which extract ballast from the silo and distribute it specifically on the track by swinging it back and forth. Ballast storage devices are also known which transfer the ballast to coupled ballast storage wagons via a floor conveyor and a transfer conveyor belt. The coupled ballast storage wagons can be connected to the main ballast levelling machine via data interfaces. The coupled ballast storage wagons can in turn be equipped with ballast hoses and ballast distribution systems with drives and position sensors and are understood as an extension of the ballast levelling machine. All of these different designs, as long as they are used for ballast levelling and ballast installation, are incorporated into the invention. There are also ballast levelling machines which, for example,no steep conveyor belt and no silo or ballast sweeping device. In addition, ballast sweeping devices equipped with a cross conveyor belt are known. The ballast can be transported either by the sweeper onto the cross conveyor belt and ejected to the left or right, or onto the steep conveyor belt for storage in the silo. These components and their drives are also covered by the invention. Ballast leveling machines of this type are used for the prescribed ballasting of a track. New ballast can be added to existing track sections with a ballast shortage via a ballast silo, or they can collect the excess ballast and store it in the silo of the ballast leveling machine or on a coupled ballast storage wagon. A ballast leveling machine of this type is also disclosed in US 3494299 A.

[0003] EP 0 915 203 A1 describes a method according to which a non-contact scanning device for detecting an actual ballast profile running perpendicular to the track or machine's longitudinal direction is provided in front of the ballast plough in the working direction of the ballast leveling machine. A position sensor for detecting a relative position change with respect to the machine frame is assigned to the flank plough, a sensor for measuring height is assigned to the center plough, and the control device has a memory unit for storing a desired ballast profile. It is also known from EP 0 915 203 A1 to provide a non-contact scanning device for detecting an actual ballast profile running perpendicular to the track or machine's longitudinal direction.

[0004] The scanning device is installed at the rear end of the ballast leveler to measure the ballast profile achieved after leveling and ballasting.

[0005] Typically, the drives of the ploughs and their adjustment devices are formed by hydraulic cylinders, which may have integrated position sensors for measuring the piston position relative to the cylinder.

[0006] According to EP 2 957 674, there are track geometry computers that can process target track positions and convert them into control signals for track machinery. These track geometry computers process track correction values ​​and can store special features in the track on the computer as notes or markers. They also know the position of masts and their coordinates relative to the track. Infrastructure operators also have precise knowledge of the local location of obstacles on the track. This data can be made available electronically by the infrastructure operators.

[0007] Today's graders are still manually controlled. The operator must avoid obstacles in the track by raising the plows or sweeping brushes. Failure to see these can result in damage to the track equipment and the machine. Such obstacles can include masts, track magnets, measuring devices, detectors that detect overheated axles, axle counters, etc. The target ballast profiles refer to a horizontal track bed. The ballast inclination of the flanks is specified as 1:1.5. If the grader is in the superelevation, the position of the plows must be adjusted accordingly. Today's methods and ballast graders do not automatically consider the target and actual superelevation and do not automatically avoid obstacles. Today's methods primarily only consider the flank angle for controlling the flank plow (EP 0 915 203 A1) and the height for the center plow.The other drives required to generate a target bedding cross-section are largely not equipped with sensors for position detection and therefore cannot automatically control and generate the required edge path width or ballast front width via the plough blades.

[0008] WO 2016061602 A1 discloses a method for measuring and displaying the track geometry of a track system using a track-moving superstructure machine, namely a tamping machine with a lifting and straightening device for correcting a track position. Description of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create a ballast leveling machine of the type described above, with which a largely automatic ballast leveling can be carried out depending on the track geometry, in particular the target and actual track superelevation, the position of known obstacles in the track and the position of the masts.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are presented in the subclaims.

[0011] In particular, the invention is achieved by the machine having a control and track position computer. The control and track position computer is equipped with the data on the target camber, the respective target ballast cross-section (ballast profile), the position of track obstacles, and the position of the masts. The drives are equipped with position sensors. Not only the flank angle and height of the center plough, but also the drives of the plough blades of the center plough, the drives of the flank ploughs (for the height, the angle of attack, the angles of attack of the small plough blades on the front and rear flank plough, and the transverse angle of the flank plough, etc.), the height drive of the sweeping brush, the direction of rotation of the sweeping brush, its rotational speed, and the flap positions of the ballast outlet openings of the ballast silo are equipped with position sensors.The actual cant is measured using a pendulum, a precision inclinometer, or another cant measuring device during grading. The actual position of the grading machine on the track is recorded using an odometer or other device (e.g., GPS).

[0012] The drives of the various working devices are equipped with sensors to record the drive positions. An odometer is provided to record the position on the track (local kilometers). According to the invention, the actual cant of the track is measured by an inclinometer mounted on the ballast leveler. The target track position data (in particular the target cant), infrastructure data regarding the position of obstacles on the track, and the target ballast cross-sections are stored and processed on a control computer. This data can be entered manually into the control computer, read in electronically, or transmitted via wireless data communication. Depending on this data, a control unit controls the drives of the working devices during travel on the track so that the desired target ballast cross-section is achieved.

[0013] The control unit typically consists of a computer that communicates with a freely programmable controller via field bus or similar data connection. This special combination of features makes it possible for the first time to carry out fully automated ballasting and grading of the track to a target ballast profile. By measuring the actual cant and comparing it with the target cant of the track, the flank plough and center plough can be adjusted accordingly so that the desired profile can be created in accordance with regulations, even in canted curves and transition curves. Using the known location of the obstacles on the track and the mast positions, these can be avoided by retracting, twisting, or raising the plough blades, or by raising the sweeping brush or center plough. The evasive action or maneuvers can either be pre-programmed or taught into the computer by the operator and saved.This allows the work tools to be moved fully automatically.

[0014] Deviating from the teaching of EP 0915203 A1, the invention does not assume a comparison of actual and target profiles. Rather, it assumes a target bedding cross-section that varies in the curve. In particular, the angles of attack of the side ploughs change and the center plough moves laterally in the curve. The target track geometry is thus related specifically to the superelevation.

[0015] It is essential to calculate the position of this target cross-section into the track, starting from the target ballast cross-section, which is specified and defined in the straight line at zero superelevation, so that the angles of the side ploughs and their positioning are consistent across the entire track, i.e., both in straight lines and curves. The inclination angles of the flanks of the ballast cross-sections remain the same, because the ballast side angle is related to the center of gravity and not to the vertical axis of the machine.

[0016] This key point is illustrated in the figures. The angle of attack of the side ploughs, how far they are extended, etc., depend on the camber, or rather, the angle of rotation of the machine's vertical axis (camber angle) relative to the centerline (reference for the ballast bed - its angle - and the resulting lengthening or shortening of the ballast flanks).

[0017] According to the invention, the control unit controls the drives, and thus the ballast shields, ballast pants, plough shields, and sweeper height, depending on the target ballast cross-section and the longitudinal position in the track, and thus depending on the actual camber and the target camber, in such a way that a desired ballast cross-section is achieved. This ballast cross-section desired by an operator does not have to be the target ballast cross-section, but rather one defined by the operator. When laying a new track, the ballast must be filled and tamped several times. Here, the operator can certainly create and implement a customized "desired" ballast profile. Only in the very last, final pass does he create the target profile according to the specifications. Brief description of the invention

[0018] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing using an exemplary embodiment. It shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a ballast leveling machine according to the invention, Fig. 2 a bedding cross-section of a track in a straight line, Fig. 3 a bedding cross-section of a track in a canted curve, Fig. 4 a diagram of a center plough of the ballast leveler, Fig. 5 a representation of the individual functional positions of the center plough, Fig. 6 a circuit diagram of the control computer system and Fig. 7 the degrees of freedom of a side plough. Ways to implement the invention

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a ballast leveling machine 1 operating in working direction A with a sweeping brush 11 and sweeping brush shaft 21, a ballast silo 15, a side plough on the left and right 13 of a track and a center plough 12. In the driving and working cabin 8 there is a computer 10 with a modem for data transmission 32 and a touch screen 9. The data is transmitted from the modem via an antenna 31. Furthermore, a diesel tank 5, a railing 7 and a loading area 6 are provided. The leveling machine rests on two bogies 4 which can be moved on rails 2 of the track. The rails 2 are mounted on sleepers 3 in the ballast bed 33. The sweeping brush 11 has a sweeping shaft 21 which rotates to sweep the ballast onto an inclined conveyor belt 14. The sweeping shaft 21 is height-adjustable. The height of the sweeping brush 11 together with the steep conveyor belt 14 can be adjusted via a rail guide roller 18 and a drive 19 in order to avoid obstacles 35, 36.The ballast stored in silo 15 can be metered and discharged in a controlled quantity to the left and right of rail 2 on both sides of machine 1 via ballast hoses 16 and associated drives 17. The position of machine 1 on the track can be measured and determined using a position measuring wheel 30. The transverse slope of the track is measured using an inclinometer 29, which is mounted on the machine frame transversely to the track. Center plough 46 has rotatable ballast guide plates 44 installed inside. In addition, fixed ballast guide plates 23 are provided within center plough 12. Additional ballast guide plates 43 are provided on the outside, which can be adjusted using drives 46. The height of the center plough can be adjusted using a drive 45. Rail transfer plates 42 are provided so that the ballast can be guided over the rail in the area of ​​center plough 12. A flank plough 13 is mounted on the left and right of machine 1.This consists of the main plough blade 49 and two smaller plough blades 48 at the front and rear, adjustable via drives 26. The position of the plough blades 48, 49 relative to the ballast to be ploughed can be adjusted via drives 27, 28, and 25. The flank plough 13 can also be moved longitudinally via drive 24. The motor 22 provides the required drive power.

[0020] Fig. 2 schematically shows the double-track ballast cross-section on a straight earth surface. The masts 34 can pose a hooking hazard for the flank plough 13 when leveling the edge path 50. The position and distance of the masts 34 from the track are therefore essential so that the flank plough 13 can avoid the masts 34 as an obstacle. Other obstacles, such as track magnets 35 or detectors for detecting hot axle bearings or hot disc brakes 36, can be installed on the sleepers 3. If their location on the track is known, the sweeping brush 11, the center plough 12, and the flank plough 13 can be raised in good time. The ballast cross-section shown indicates the conditions in the straight line. The ballast flanks are to be constructed with an absolute gradient of 1:1.5; the ballast head width 51 from the sleeper 3 to the flank and the distance 40 between the sleepers 3 are also defined. Below the ballast bed 33 is the subgrade which is laid at 1:20.After the edge path 50 follows the dam which has a gradient of 1:n.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a schematic of the double-track line cross-section in a curve with the superelevation u. It is easy to see that the flank plough 13 on the left and right now has to be set very differently. Since the ballast gradient must still be an absolute 1:1.5, the angle of attack of the flank plough 13 changes by the superelevation angle u. The ballast must now be removed between the two sleepers 3 using an inclined intermediate straight line 41. It can also be seen from the drawing that on the left the length of the ballast flank 37 up to the edge path 50 is considerably shorter than that of the adjacent track 38 on the right. This also requires a correspondingly modified adjustment of the flank plough 49 and its plough blades 48, 49. In the transition curve from the straight line to the full curve, the radius decreases more and more until it reaches that of the full curve.This means that the course of the superelevation and thus the setting of the flank plough blades are constantly changing.

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a center plough 12. The center plough 12 has, for example, four fixed ballast guide plates 23. Two rotatable ballast guide flaps 44 with the associated drives 45 are mounted in the center of the center plough. Movable ballast guide flaps 43 with respective drives 46 are attached to the fixed ballast guide plates 23. For the sake of simplicity, not all drives 45, 46 are shown in the drawing. So that the ballast can be guided, for example, from one side to the other, the rails 2 are protected in the area of ​​the transfer points by convex-shaped transfer plates 42.

[0023] Fig. 5 shows four different ways of setting the outer and inner ballast guide flaps of the center plough 12. L shows the position of the flaps 44 (dashed line) when the ballast is to be moved from right to left, R the position of the flaps 44 when the ballast is to be moved from left to right. In position B, the flaps 44 move the ballast from the center to the flanks. M shows the position in which the ballast is moved to the center of the track. Since all drives 45, 46 are equipped with position detection, the various positions can be set automatically by the computer 10. A indicates the working direction.

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the control computer system 9, 10, 47, 30, 31, 32, 52. IN shows a schematic diagram of the inputs via which the computer reads in the sensor data (distance sensors of the drives), the signals from the signaling devices (user controls), etc. The operator can enter information into the computer via a keyboard 47. 9 shows a screen via which the user receives information or can give instructions by pressing symbolic elements on the screen. 32 shows the modem via which data (e.g. infrastructure data) can be received or sent via a data connection (antenna 31). If the work equipment comes close to an obstacle (34, 35, 36), an acoustic warning can be given to the operator via a buzzer 52. The control system 10 controls the drives via the OUT outputs OUT, e.g. via valves or signaling devices.30 shows the position measuring wheel, which can be used to measure the position of the machine on the track. Data can be transferred and exchanged on electronic data storage devices via the computer interface 53.

[0025] Fig. 7shows a schematic of the adjustment options for the main blade 49 of the flank plough 13 with the two auxiliary blades 48 at the front and rear on the main blade 49. Each adjustment option is associated with a drive whose position is recorded using sensors. The drives with the sensors such as 25, 26, 27, 28 etc. are not shown in the diagram for the sake of clarity. The main blade 49 is articulated on a pivoting support arm B. The support arm B can be deflected sideways by the angle α to the machine frame MF and vertically up and down Bv. The main blade 49 can be rotated relative to the support arm B by the angle β, vertically up and down by Pv and around the longitudinal axis of the main blade by the angle γ. The two auxiliary blades 48 can be adjusted relative to the main blade 49 by the angle ε. Thus, the flank plough 13 with the main blade 49 has a total of 5 degrees of freedom of rotational movement.With the auxiliary plates 48, on the one hand, the edge path 50 can be leveled, on the other hand, the ballast can be transferred in a line to the movable flap 45 of the center plough 12 via the rear flap 48 and the ballast front head 51 can also be leveled.

Claims

1. Ballast levelling machine (1) having a machine frame (MF) which can be moved on rail undercarriages (4) and to which are assigned ballasting and levelling devices which are adjustable relative to the machine frame (MF), namely a ballast sweeper (11), an inclined conveyor belt (14), a ballast silo (15), a central plough (12) and at least one flank plough (13), for ballasting and levelling a track (2, 3, 33), and a control unit, wherein the ballasting and levelling devices comprise ballast shields, ballast trousers, plough blades and a sweeping brush, characterised in that the ballast levelling machine (1) is equipped with an inclinometer (29) for measuring the actual superelevation (u) of the track (2, 3, 33), in that the control unit can store target ballast cross-sections (Fig. 2, Fig. 3) and the course of the target superelevation (u) of the track as a function of the track kilometre, in that the ballast plates, ballast trousers, plough blades and the sweeper brush are provided with drives, wherein sensors (25, 26, 27, 28) are provided to detect their control movements, in that an odometer (30) is provided to detect the position of the ballast levelling machine (1) in the track, and in that depending on the target ballast cross-section of the longitudinal position in the track and therefore depending on the actual superelevation and the target superelevation (u) the control unit can control the drives and thus adjust the ballast plates, ballast trousers, plough plates and the sweeper brush height in such a way that a ballast cross-section defined by an operator results.

2. Ballast levelling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that, if the target superelevation (u) is zero, the measured actual superelevation at the current track position forms the target specification and the drives can be controlled in such a way that the ballast plates of the central plough (43, 44), ballast trousers (16), plough plates (48, 49) and the sweeper brush height can be adjusted in such a way that the ballast cross-section defined by the operator results.

3. Ballast levelling machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the control unit can control the drives as a function of knowledge of the local position of track obstacles (34, 35, 36) in the track (2, 3, 33) in such a way that it lifts and moves the ballast plates of the centre plough (43, 44), ballast trousers (16), plough plates (48, 49) and the sweeper brush in such a way that these can be guided past the track obstacles (34, 35, 36) without collision.

4. Ballast levelling machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the control unit (10) can establish a connection to an external computing unit via a data modem (32) and an antenna (31) and can exchange track infrastructure data with this unit.

5. Ballast levelling machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a specific position of the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) can be preset by an operator, this position can be stored on the control unit (10) under an identification designation and the control unit (10) can automatically call up and reproduce the stored position of the working devices at a later time.

6. Ballast levelling machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a sequence of the positions of the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) depending on an initial position in the track in the longitudinal direction of the track can be recorded in a learning mode in a path-dependent sequence by the control unit and stored under an identification designation, and in that the control unit (19) can call up the recorded data at a later time and automatically start the path-dependent sequence in the longitudinal direction of the track and automatically preset the positions of the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) in a reproducing manner.

7. Ballast levelling machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the drives and / or the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) and their components are provided with sensors for detecting the position of the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) and their components.

8. Ballast levelling machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a control unit (19) with a display unit (9), with inputs for sensors and signalling devices (IN), with outputs for drives and control units, as well as signalling displays (OUT), with a keyboard (47), with a connected odometer (30), with a data interface (53) and a warning device (52) for controlling the working devices (11, 14, 15, 12, 13) and their movable components is provided.