Machine for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine (1) for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers. Positioning and squaring means comprise a table (5) that can slide vertically and on which two pairs of longitudinal bars (61, 62; 63, 64) are fastened, said bars being equipped with pushers (7) that protrude vertically downward, and means for longitudinally moving said bars in opposite directions such that, when the table (5) is in a lower position, the pushers (7) push the side faces of the sleepers (T) to position and square them. Aligning means comprise two aligning frames (81, 82) attached to the table (5) and equipped with longitudinal alignment bars (9), and means for transversally moving the frames (81, 82), such that, when the table (5) is in a lower position, the bar (9) pushes the sleepers (T) in a transverse direction to align them. The invention further relates to a method for operating the machine (1).

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is comprised within the transport infrastructure sector, and more particularly in the construction of railways.

[0002] The object hereof is a machine designed for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring railway sleepers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The construction of a rail transport infrastructure involves a large number of works, including the laying of the railway track itself. Laying a railway track requires a series of tasks that are carried out using heavy machinery and intensive labour.

[0004] The main steps for laying the track are as follows: 1. Unloading the sleepers on the sides of the route. 2. Spreading the bed by means of a ballast spreader. 3. Performing an approximate initial placement of sleepers on the ballast bed. 4. Unloading the track onto the sleepers. 5. Measuring the track, where two operators manually measure and mark the desired distance between sleepers on one of the rails. 6. Aligning the sleepers by placing a tie rod, and visually positioning and squaring the sleepers by means of a team of operators. Operators manually move the sleepers into place with the aid of levers and similar equipment, taking measurements to check the separation between sleepers, the alignment of their ends, and their perpendicularity to the track, by means of using a handheld square. 7. Nailing or tightening the fasteners that fasten the track to the sleepers. 8. Performing ballasting and levelling operations until the track is brought into its final position.

[0005] One of the most critical activities in laying a track is the process of aligning, positioning and squaring the sleepers. Aligning sleepers involves placing them in a centred position relative to the centreline of the track. Positioning the sleepers involves placing them at a uniform distance from one another other along said centreline. Squaring the sleepers means ensuring that they are arranged perpendicular to the centreline. Throughout this document, these tasks will be referred to respectively as "aligning" and "positioning" and "squaring".

[0006] Figures 1a-1c show these tasks in a very schematic manner. Figure 1a shows the sleepers (T) arranged in a very approximate manner and, on them, the rails (R) that make up the track. In this situation, the sleepers (T) are already positioned, i.e. equidistantly separated from one another other. Then, the step of squaring the sleepers (T) is carried out, where they are arranged perpendicular to the rails (R), as shown in Figure 1 b. Once this has been done, the alignment of the sleepers (T) is carried out by moving them perpendicular to the direction of the rails (R) to align their ends, as can be seen in Figure 1c.

[0007] Currently, the aligning, positioning and squaring process is carried out manually with the help of a tape measure and square. Due to the very heavy weight of the sleepers and the rails that are supported on them, it is difficult to move the sleepers manually. For this reason, this process is very resource-intensive, as it requires the presence of at least 6 operators and 1 foreman. Another drawback is related to its inaccuracy, as well as its slowness, as it has a maximum daily throughput of about 1500 metres of track.

[0008] To solve these problems, a number of machines have been developed to automate this process.

[0009] Document P2326403 describes a machine for placing sleepers. This machine is made up of a wagon that can move on the rails, which laterally has respective metal profiles arranged longitudinally at the level of the sleepers of the track which, on their inner face, have a series of equidistant wedges that are responsible for coming into contact with and positioning the sleepers such that the wedges are placed between them, pushing them laterally and longitudinally until they are left in the correct position, i.e. centred, perpendicular to the axis, aligned and separated from one another other by a specific distance.

[0010] However, the above machine has the drawback that when placing the sleepers using the wedges, the wedges compress the sleepers along their longitudinal axis, and said compression can be excessive, such that some of the sleepers may break during the squaring task. Furthermore, it does not have the characteristics of being able to change the track gauge (international gauge or national gauge) or the distance between sleepers.

[0011] Document P201430240 describes a tool that has positioning elements between respective sleepers that produce the squaring of same. This positioning tool has the drawback that it requires a machine to move and position the tool, it only carries out the spacing between two sleepers and their squaring, but does not carry out their longitudinal alignment, and the document does not describe the possibility of selecting the distance between sleepers.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The inventor of the present invention has developed a machine for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers that is improved over the known prior art. The machine of the invention has means to perform works on both national and international track gauges, as well as means to modify the separation according to which the sleepers are positioned in a simple and fast manner. Thanks to its unique configuration, the machine of the invention increases the daily sleeper placement throughput to around 3500 metres of single track. Furthermore, only one foreman and one operator are required for its use, such that labour needs are considerably reduced.

[0013] The machine of the present invention has similarities with a machine developed earlier by the same inventor. Said machine, described in application EP22159834, is intended for placing track sections prior to fastening the rails in a ballastless track system. As shown in detail in Figure 2, the machine of application EP22159834 has a structure comprising: a frame (B); a table (M) connected to the frame (B); vertical extendable cylinders (C) connected to the table (M) in a sliding and oscillating manner; and claws (G) attached to the table (M) for gripping the rails (R) of the track. In this way, once the claws (G) hold the rails (R), by extending the cylinders (C), the rails (R) are lifted together with a concrete block (H) to which they are fastened to then reposition them in the desired position and orientation.

[0014] The features of the machine of application EP22159834 constitute the preamble to the main claim of the present application. Specifically, in both machines, the system for gripping and elevating the rails is similar, and what changes are the means for placing the elements that are held according to one or the other requirements.

[0015] Some terms that will be used throughout this specification are defined below.

[0016] Longitudinal / transverse direction: The longitudinal direction is defined relative to the railway track. Thus, the rails are, by definition, oriented according to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sleepers are therefore oriented in a transverse direction.

[0017] Aligning: This refers to placing the sleepers centred relative to an axis of the railway track.

[0018] Positioning: This refers to placing the sleepers in positions equally spaced from one another other along the direction of the track.

[0019] Squaring: This refers to placing the sleepers perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the track, i.e. such that they are oriented in a transverse direction (once squared, the sleepers are at 90° relative to the longitudinal direction). Railway: This term covers both the rails and the cross-members (sleepers or ties) on which the rails sit. The axis of the railway track is a longitudinal axis passing through the centre of the track.First aspect: positioning and squaring machine

[0020] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a machine for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers. The sleepers are part of a railway track where, at an initial stage, the sleepers are placed in an approximate manner, supporting the rails, as shown in Figure 1a. The machine of the invention fundamentally comprises the following elements:a) Main chassis

[0021] The main chassis comprises wheels to move, supported on the rails of the railway track. It is essentially a rigid metallic structure to which the rest of the elements that make up the machine of the invention are fastened.b) Claws

[0022] The claws, configured to grip the rails of the railway track, are attached to the main chassis. Because of the claws, the rails are secured or lashed to the main chassis of the machine.

[0023] More specifically, the claws are vertically movable, such that they are lowered onto the rail in question and then, thanks to a mechanism which is not described in detail, close over the upper flange (called the head) of the rail to grip it firmly for the purpose of pulling it upwards in order to elevate it. For this purpose, the claws are arranged in a position on the main chassis that is vertically above the rails. For example, assuming that the width of the main chassis is similar to the track gauge (i.e. the distance between rails), the sides of the main chassis would essentially be located on two vertical planes passing through the rails. In this case, the claws would be fastened to the sides of the main chassis.c) Legs

[0024] The legs are vertical extendable elements attached to the main chassis.

[0025] The legs are configured to rest on the ground and elevate the main chassis when they are moved from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0026] The legs may be hydraulic cylinders, and are normally positioned on the longitudinal axis of the main chassis, at the beginning and end of the machine, such that when they are lowered, they rest on the ground in the area of the axis of the track between two successive sleepers. They can be provided with just two cylinders with a sufficiently stable support base. In any case, the invention is not limiting as to the number and position of the legs as long as they provide stable support and do not encounter obstacles when they are lowered to rest on the ground.

[0027] Thanks to these elements, the machine is configured to hold the rails of the railway track on which it rests by means of the claws and to lift said rails by moving the legs to the extended position. The purpose is to leave the sleepers under the rails subjected only to their own weight, thus facilitating the subsequent positioning and squaring phases.

[0028] The elements described hitherto are known from the machine described in application EP22159834 mentioned above. However, the machine in said application had certain means for positioning and tilting the rails held by the claws according to certain specifications. In contrast, in the present invention it is not the rails that have been gripped and lifted that are to be placed again, but rather the sleepers that have been left underneath same. Specifically, the machine of the invention comprises differentiated aligning means and differentiated positioning and squaring means.

[0029] The positioning and squaring means are configured for positioning and squaring at least one of the sleepers, and for this purpose comprise:d) Table

[0030] The table is attached to the main chassis in a vertically sliding manner such that the table alternates between an upper position and a lower position.

[0031] It is essentially a structure to which all other elements of the positioning and squaring means are attached. When the table is in the upper position, these elements are in an elevated position at a height above an upper surface of the sleepers, and therefore do not interact with the sleepers. When the table is in the lower position, the elements in question move to a lower position at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers, and can therefore interact with them. Therefore, when the machine moves along the track, the table will be in the upper position and will only be lowered to the lower position once it has been positioned on the section where the sleeper positioning and squaring process is to be carried out, and normally also after having extended the extendable legs to lift the track from its initial position.

[0032] The table can be moved between the upper and lower positions using any suitable motorised means. For example, the machine may comprise at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder configured to move the table vertically.e) Positioning and squaring bars

[0033] These are two pairs of positioning and squaring bars attached to the table, where each pair of positioning and squaring bars comprises adjacent first and second longitudinally oriented positioning and squaring bars. Furthermore, each pair of positioning and squaring bars is arranged on respective side portions of the table. As mentioned above, the sides of the table can be positioned approximately on the rails, such that each pair of positioning and squaring bars will be located in a position close to the rails. This naturally implies that the positioning and squaring bars are arranged on top of an end portion of the sleepers. As described below, the positioning and squaring bars are attached to the table such that they can slide in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The positioning and squaring bars each comprise at least one pusher that protrudes vertically downward. The dimensions of these pushers, as well as the position of the positioning and squaring bars, are configured such that, when the table is in the upper position, a lower end of the pushers is above the upper surface of the sleepers.

[0035] Therefore, as mentioned above, when the table is in the upper position, the pushers do not interact with the sleepers and the machine can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the lower end of the pushers is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers. In this position, the pushers interact with the sleepers as described below.f) Movement means for moving the positioning and squaring bars.

[0036] These are means for moving the first and second bars of each pair of positioning and squaring bars longitudinally in opposite directions. In this way, when one end of a sleeper is positioned between two pushers, respectively, of the first and second bars of a pair of positioning and squaring bars, and when the table is in the lower position, said movement in opposite directions causes said pushers to push a side face of the end of at least one sleeper in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the pushers perform a pincer-like movement, approaching each other in the longitudinal direction, starting from a position in which they are separated (according to the longitudinal direction) by a distance significantly greater than the width of a sleeper, until they reach a position in which they are separated by a distance similar to the width of a sleeper. The result of this movement is that the end of the sleeper in question is brought to a predetermined position, either by one or the other of the pushers. When this process is carried out on each of the two pairs of positioning and squaring bars, both ends of each sleeper are brought to the predetermined position, thus ensuring that they are squared according to the transverse direction and also that they are properly positioned in an equidistant manner.

[0037] In principle, the means that allow movement of the first and second bars longitudinally in opposite directions can be of any type, but preferably comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] For the purpose of positioning a number of sleepers simultaneously, each positioning and squaring bar can be several metres long and comprise several pushers equally spaced from one another other. For example, the positioning and squaring bar may be longer than 4 metres, more preferably between 5 and 7 metres, and even more preferably 6 metres. The number of pushers will depend on the total length of the positioning and squaring bar and the distance between the sleepers, which will depend on each project.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the positioning and squaring bars comprise a plurality of pusher fastening holes aligned in the longitudinal direction to facilitate a modification of the distance at which the sleepers are positioned. That is, each positioning and squaring bar has a series of aligned fastening holes, allowing the pushers to be fastened to same in the appropriate positions according to the desired distance between sleepers of each particular application.

[0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a lower end of the pushers is rotational relative to a vertical axis to facilitate their sliding along the side face of the sleepers when pushing them. For example, each pusher may have at its end an essentially spherical element that is rotational according to a vertical axis. Since the lower ends of the pushers slide over the side faces of the sleepers when pushing them, this facilitates such sliding.

[0041] The aligning means are configured to align at least one of the sleepers, and for this purpose comprise:g) Aligning frames

[0042] These are two aligning frames attached to the table, where each aligning frame comprises a longitudinally oriented alignment bar. In particular, the alignment bar is positioned such that, when the table is in the upper position, said alignment bar is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the alignment bar is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers.

[0043] Thus, as mentioned above, when the table is in the upper position, the alignment bars do not interact with the sleepers and the machine can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the alignment bars are at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers. In this position, the alignment bars interact with the sleepers as described below.h) Movement means for moving the aligning frames

[0044] These are means for moving the aligning frames in a transverse direction.

[0045] Thus, when the alignment bar is located in a position transversely further away from an axis of the track than the corresponding end of the sleepers and the table is in the lower position, a movement in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track causes said alignment bar to push the end of at least one sleeper in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track until it is centred relative to the axis of the track.

[0046] In other words, it starts from a situation in which, once the machine is positioned on the section where the sleepers are to be aligned, the aligning frames are in their position furthest away from the axis of the track and the table is in the lower position. At this point, the movement means move the aligning frames, and therefore also the alignment bars, in a transverse direction towards the axis of the track. The alignment bars hit the ends of the sleepers protruding from that side and, as they move, drag them in a transverse direction to a desired position in which the sleepers are centred. This process can take place before, after, or during the positioning and squaring process described hereinabove.

[0047] In principle, the means allowing for movement of the aligning frames in a transverse direction can be of any suitable type, but preferably comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment bar comprises a contact surface made of a resistant material for contacting the sleepers. This contact surface may consist of a strip which is fastened to the alignment bar and is interchangeable in case of excessive wear.

[0049] Furthermore, the alignment bar may have a cross-section in the form of a parallelogram and be oriented diagonally. In this way, the contact with the sleepers takes place at an edge of said parallelogram.

[0050] For the purpose of aligning a plurality of sleepers simultaneously, each alignment bar can be several metres long. For example, the alignment bar may be longer than 4 metres, more preferably between 5 and 7 metres, and even more preferably 6 metres.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine further comprises two sensors fastened to the sides of the main chassis and oriented downward to detect the presence of a sleeper. This sensor will allow the machine to be placed in the correct position on the track during operation. Indeed, since the number of sleepers that the machine can position and square in each operation is known, it is sufficient to count the number of sleepers that pass under the sensor when the machine moves from one position to the next in order to know when the next working position has been reached.

[0052] Furthermore, the system has a lap meter with which the distance travelled and the distance between each of the aligned sleepers can be calculated, which allows the correct position of the sleepers to be verified.

[0053] In principle, the energy source required to carry out the described operations can be of any type. For example, heat engines are conventionally used. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment the machine of the invention comprises a battery-powered electric motor to drive the pump providing hydraulic pressure to the respective hydraulic cylinders. This prevents the emission of exhaust gases, which can be very advantageous in the case of operating inside tunnels. Additionally or alternatively, a generator set can be arranged to provide sufficient power to cause this action.Second aspect: method for operating the machine

[0054] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a machine for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers as described above. This method essentially involves the following steps: moving the machine on the track until the sensor detects the presence of a certain sleeper; operating the claws to grip the rails; extending the legs until they rest on the ground and cause the elevation of the main chassis together with the rails; lowering the table until the lower ends of the pushers and the alignment bars are both at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers; moving an aligning frame in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers until they are centred relative to the axis of the track; moving the first and second bars of each pair of positioning and squaring bars longitudinally in opposite directions to cause the pushers to push the side face of the end of the sleepers in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and moving the other aligning frame in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers until they are centred relative to the axis of the track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figures 1a-1c schematically show what aligning, positioning and squaring operations consist of in the context of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a front view of a machine for aligning, positioning and squaring of ballastless track according to the above technique. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with some parts removed, including the main chassis and table, in order to illustrate more clearly the elements that move the sleepers for aligning, positioning and squaring same. Figure 5 shows a profile view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b show the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed and with the table respectively in the upper and lower positions. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed. Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed. Figures 9a and 9b show an end view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed, with the table respectively in the upper and lower positions. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0056] An example of a machine (1) for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers (T) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0057] Note that the figures show the sleepers (T) in two separate parts. It should be understood, however, that the sleepers (T) consist of a single piece spanning the full distance between one rail (R) and another.

[0058] Figures 3 and 5 show the complete machine (1) of the invention, with the exception of essentially only a set of batteries (B) that power a hydraulic set (GH) which provides pressure for a hydraulic circuit responsible for actuating the different elements of the machine (1), mainly hydraulic cylinders. These figures also show control panels (CC) for housing the various electrical and electronic components required to control the machine (1).

[0059] The above elements, i.e. battery (B), hydraulic set (GH) and control panels (CC), as well as other auxiliary elements not explicitly described in this document, are supported by a main chassis (2). The main chassis (2) is several metres long, such that it spans a length of track including a plurality of sleepers (T). The exact number of sleepers (T) depends on the distance between them, but can be between 7-9 sleepers (T). The main chassis (2) has two pairs of wheels (RU) located at its ends and configured to rest on the rails (R) of the track. In this way, the machine (1) of the invention can move along the railway track until it reaches the desired working location at any given time.

[0060] The machine (1) further comprises two claws (3) firmly fastened to two sides of the main chassis (2). Each of these claws (3) protrudes vertically downward in a position vertically above the rails (R). These claws (3) can move vertically downward to reach the height of the rails (R) and grip them firmly.

[0061] The machine (1) of the invention furthermore has extendable legs (4) that allow it to be supported on the ground underneath the railway track. In this example, two legs (4) are fastened to the ends of the main chassis (2) and protrude vertically downward. Specifically, each leg (4) is a hydraulic cylinder equipped with a support foot (4a) at the lower end thereof. When the machine (1) moves along the tracks, the legs (4) are in their retracted position, such that the support feet (4a) are raised relative to the ground and the railway track resting on said ground. Once the machine (1) has reached its working position, the legs (4) are extended such that the support feet (4a) first are lowered until they are resting on the ground and then, by extending further, cause the elevation of the main chassis (2) as a whole relative to the ground.

[0062] Thus, during normal operation of the machine (1), it is first positioned at the work site by rolling along the tracks with the legs (4) in the retracted position. The claws (3) are then lowered and hold the rails (R) firmly. The legs (4) then move to the extended position, such that the main chassis (2) is elevated, and with it the rails (R) are also elevated. The effect of this process is that the sleepers (T) no longer support the weight of the rails (R), being subjected only to their own weight.

[0063] The machine (1) of the invention furthermore has two types of means intended for, respectively, aligning the sleepers (T) on the one hand and for positioning and squaring the sleepers (T) on the other. The aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are connected to a vertically movable table (5). The table (5) is essentially a flat plate arranged horizontally and connected to the main chassis (2) in a vertically sliding manner. Actuation means, in this case a pneumatic cylinder (10), allow the table (5) to be moved selectively between a lower position and an upper position. As will be described in more detail below, when the table (5) is in the upper position, the aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are in an elevated position where they do not interact with the sleepers (T), thus allowing the machine (1) to move along the tracks. Conversely, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are lowered to a position where they can interact with the sleepers (T) to carry out the corresponding tasks.Positioning and squaring means

[0064] The positioning and squaring means comprise mainly two pairs of parallel bars (61, 62; 63, 64) extending longitudinally and being connected to the table (5) in a sliding manner. A first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) are arranged in a side portion of the table (5), while a second pair of positioning and squaring bars (63, 64) are arranged in an opposite side portion of the table (5). Each bar (61, 62; 63, 64) has a set of pushers (7) that protrude vertically downward. In this example, the pushers (7) are essentially vertical bars, as can be seen in more detail in Figures 9a and 9b. As can also be seen in these figures, when the table (5) is in the upper position (Figure 9a), the pushers (7) are located at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T), whereas, when the table (5) is in the lower position (Figure 9b), the lower end of the pushers (7) is below the upper surface of the sleepers (T).

[0065] Furthermore, the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) are connected to actuation means which simultaneously move them in opposite directions. When moving in opposite directions, the pushers (7) of the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) move towards or away from one another other in the longitudinal direction. This movement allows the sleepers (T) to be positioned as described below and shown in further detail in Figure 8.

[0066] Figure 8 shows the first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) in a first position which can be referred to as "open position", whereas the second pair of bars (63, 64) is depicted in a second position referred to as "closed position". To move from one position to the other, it is sufficient to longitudinally move the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair a certain distance in opposite directions.

[0067] In the open position showing the first bar of the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62), the pushers (7) are positioned such that pairs of pushers (7) of different bars (61, 62) are separated from one another other by a first distance greater than the width of a sleeper (T). The upper left-hand side of Figure 8 shows a pair of such pushers (7) which, as can be seen, are spaced far enough apart such that a sleeper (T) is located between them with room to spare on both sides. Generalising this description, it can be said that the first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) has 9 pairs of pushers (7), where one of the pushers (7) of each pair belongs to bar (62) and the other belongs to bar (62). There is a sleeper (T) between each of these pairs of pushers (7).

[0068] The positioning and squaring of the sleepers (T) is achieved by moving the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) to the closed position, which is adopted by the second pair of bars (63, 64) in Figure 8. As can be seen, the bar (63) has moved to the right relative to the initial position of the bar (61), whereas the bar (64) has moved to the left relative to the initial position of the bar (62). As a result of this movement, the pushers (7) of each pair have moved closer to one another until they are at a second distance from one another other, where this second distance essentially coincides with the width of a sleeper (T). Therefore, the end of the sleeper (T) that is located between a pair of pushers (7) of the second pair of positioning and squaring bars (63, 64) can only adopt a single predetermined position.

[0069] Figure 8 is merely illustrative, but during normal operation of the machine (1) both pairs of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) will initially be in the first position, i.e. with the respective pairs of pushers (7) separated by a distance significantly greater than the width of a sleeper (T). The table (5) is then lowered from the upper position to the lower position, with a respective sleeper (T) being located between each pair of pushers (7). The situation is shown in the top portion of Figure 8. Then, each bar (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of bars is moved in opposite directions with respect to one another, such that the pushers (7) of each pair of pushers (7) move towards one another until reaching the situation shown in the lower part of Figure 8. During this process, any sleeper (T) that was incorrectly positioned or incorrectly squared, when the pushers (7) move from the first position to the second position, is dragged and positioned in a predetermined location and perfectly squared relative to the track.

[0070] The pushers (7) may be fastened to the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) by means of certain holes. In order to modify the position of the pushers (7) and thus be able to adjust the machine to different widths of the sleeper (T) and / or different distances between sleepers (T), the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) have a plurality of holes (O) arranged along their longitudinal direction.Aligning means

[0071] The aligning means mainly comprise two aligning frames (81, 82) attached to the table (5). Each aligning frame (81, 82) is a bar structure fastened to the table from which a longitudinally oriented alignment bar (9) protrudes downward. The alignment bar (9) is positioned such that, when the table (5) is in the upper position, it is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T). In this way, when the table (5) is in the upper position, the machine (1) can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the alignment bar (9) is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T).

[0072] The aligning frames (81, 82) are connected to the table such that they can slide in a transverse direction. In this way, they can move from a position that could be referred to as "open" to a position that could be referred to as "closed". In the open position, the alignment bar (9) is separated from the axis of the track by a distance greater than the distance at which the corresponding ends of the sleepers (T) must be located when they are in the desired position. In the closed position, the alignment bar (9) is separated from the axis of the track by precisely the distance at which the corresponding ends of the sleepers (T) must be located when they are in the desired position.

[0073] These positions are shown in Figures 7 and 8, where it can be seen how the aligning frame (81), which is located at the top portion of both figures, is positioned at such a distance from the axis of the track that the corresponding alignment bar (9) is flush with the ends of the sleepers (T) in the desired position thereof. Conversely, the aligning frame (82), which is located at the bottom portion of both figures, is positioned at such a distance from the axis of the track that the corresponding alignment bar (9) is separated from the ends of the sleepers (T) when they are in the desired position. Figures 9a and 9b are also illustrative in this sense.

[0074] Thus, during normal operation of the machine (1), both aligning frames (81, 82) would be in the open position, i.e. with the alignment bars (9) separated from the axis of the track by a distance greater than the desired position of the ends of the sleepers (T). Once the machine (1) is positioned at the work site, the table (5) is lowered from the upper position (shown in Figure 9a) to the lower position (shown in Figure 9b). The alignment bars (9) will be located at a lower height relative to the upper surface of the sleepers (T). Then, by activating the corresponding actuation means, one or both of the squaring frames (81, 82) are moved to the closed position, such that the respective alignment bars (9) move into the desired position. In this movement, the alignment bars (9) push the sleepers (T) in a transverse direction, thus moving them to said desired perfectly centred position relative to the track.

[0075] In addition to these elements, the machine (1) of the invention has other auxiliary elements, such as for example: A sensor fastened to the main chassis (2) and oriented vertically downward to detect the sleepers (T) and suitably position itself relative to said sleepers. A rotational lower end of the pushers (7), such that the pushers slide better along the side surface of the sleepers (T) when moving them during the positioning operation. The alignment bars (9) have a square or rectangular cross-section and are positioned diagonally relative to the vertical. In this way, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b, contact with the sleepers (T) is made through an edge and wear is minimised. The alignment bars (9) have, in their contact area for contacting the sleepers (T), a sheet or strip of a particularly resistant material, which is also interchangeable.

[0076] By using the machine (1) of the invention, the positioning and squaring method can be carried out according to different sequences, but preferably operates as follows: 1. The machine (1) is moved on the track until the sensor detects the presence of a certain sleeper (T). 2. The claws (3) are operated to cause them to grip the rails (R). 3. The legs (4) are extended until they rest on the ground and cause the elevation of the main chassis (2) together with the rails. 4. The table (5) is lowered until the lower ends of the pushers (7) and the squaring bars (9) are both at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T). 5. The first aligning frame (81) is moved in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track, pushing those sleepers (T) protruding from that side of the track until they are centred relative to the axis of the track. 6. The first and second positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) are moved longitudinally in opposite directions by moving each pair of pushers from the open position to the closed position. In this way, the pushers (7) push the side face of the end of the sleepers (T) in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 7. The second aligning frame (82) is moved in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track, pushing the sleepers (T) protruding from that side of the track until they are centred relative to the axis of the track.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]An example of a machine (1) for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers (T) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0057]Note that the figures show the sleepers (T) in two separate parts. It should be understood, however, that the sleepers (T) consist of a single piece spanning the full distance between one rail (R) and another.

[0058]Figures 3 and 5 show the complete machine (1) of the invention, with the exception of essentially only a set of batteries (B) that power a hydraulic set (GH) which provides pressure for a hydraulic circuit responsible for actuating the different elements of the machine (1), mainly hydraulic cylinders. These figures also show control panels (CC) for housing the various electrical and electronic components required to control the machine (1).

[0059]The above elements, i.e. battery (B), hydraulic set (GH) and control panels (CC), as well as other auxiliary elements not explicitly described in t...

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is comprised within the transport infrastructure sector, and more particularly in the construction of railways.

[0002] The object hereof is a machine designed for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring railway sleepers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The construction of a rail transport infrastructure involves a large number of works, including the laying of the railway track itself. Laying a railway track requires a series of tasks that are carried out using heavy machinery and intensive labour.

[0004] The main steps for laying the track are as follows: 1. Unloading the sleepers on the sides of the route. 2. Spreading the bed by means of a ballast spreader. 3. Performing an approximate initial placement of sleepers on the ballast bed. 4. Unloading the track onto the sleepers. 5. Measuring the track, where two operators manually measure and mark the desired distance between sleepers on one of the rails. 6. Aligning the sleepers by placing a tie rod, and visually positioning and squaring the sleepers by means of a team of operators. Operators manually move the sleepers into place with the aid of levers and similar equipment, taking measurements to check the separation between sleepers, the alignment of their ends, and their perpendicularity to the track, by means of using a handheld square. 7. Nailing or tightening the fasteners that fasten the track to the sleepers. 8. Performing ballasting and levelling operations until the track is brought into its final position.

[0005] One of the most critical activities in laying a track is the process of aligning, positioning and squaring the sleepers. Aligning sleepers involves placing them in a centred position relative to the centreline of the track. Positioning the sleepers involves placing them at a uniform distance from one another other along said centreline. Squaring the sleepers means ensuring that they are arranged perpendicular to the centreline. Throughout this document, these tasks will be referred to respectively as "aligning" and "positioning" and "squaring".

[0006] Figures 1a-1c show these tasks in a very schematic manner. Figure 1a shows the sleepers (T) arranged in a very approximate manner and, on them, the rails (R) that make up the track. In this situation, the sleepers (T) are already positioned, i.e. equidistantly separated from one another other. Then, the step of squaring the sleepers (T) is carried out, where they are arranged perpendicular to the rails (R), as shown in Figure 1 b. Once this has been done, the alignment of the sleepers (T) is carried out by moving them perpendicular to the direction of the rails (R) to align their ends, as can be seen in Figure 1c.

[0007] Currently, the aligning, positioning and squaring process is carried out manually with the help of a tape measure and square. Due to the very heavy weight of the sleepers and the rails that are supported on them, it is difficult to move the sleepers manually. For this reason, this process is very resource-intensive, as it requires the presence of at least 6 operators and 1 foreman. Another drawback is related to its inaccuracy, as well as its slowness, as it has a maximum daily throughput of about 1500 metres of track.

[0008] To solve these problems, a number of machines have been developed to automate this process.

[0009] Document P2326403 describes a machine for placing sleepers. This machine is made up of a wagon that can move on the rails, which laterally has respective metal profiles arranged longitudinally at the level of the sleepers of the track which, on their inner face, have a series of equidistant wedges that are responsible for coming into contact with and positioning the sleepers such that the wedges are placed between them, pushing them laterally and longitudinally until they are left in the correct position, i.e. centred, perpendicular to the axis, aligned and separated from one another other by a specific distance.

[0010] However, the above machine has the drawback that when placing the sleepers using the wedges, the wedges compress the sleepers along their longitudinal axis, and said compression can be excessive, such that some of the sleepers may break during the squaring task. Furthermore, it does not have the characteristics of being able to change the track gauge (international gauge or national gauge) or the distance between sleepers.

[0011] Document P201430240 describes a tool that has positioning elements between respective sleepers that produce the squaring of same. This positioning tool has the drawback that it requires a machine to move and position the tool, it only carries out the spacing between two sleepers and their squaring, but does not carry out their longitudinal alignment, and the document does not describe the possibility of selecting the distance between sleepers.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The inventor of the present invention has developed a machine for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers that is improved over the known prior art. The machine of the invention has means to perform works on both national and international track gauges, as well as means to modify the separation according to which the sleepers are positioned in a simple and fast manner. Thanks to its unique configuration, the machine of the invention increases the daily sleeper placement throughput to around 3500 metres of single track. Furthermore, only one foreman and one operator are required for its use, such that labour needs are considerably reduced.

[0013] The machine of the present invention has similarities with a machine developed earlier by the same inventor. Said machine, described in application EP22159834, is intended for placing track sections prior to fastening the rails in a ballastless track system. As shown in detail in Figure 2, the machine of application EP22159834 has a structure comprising: a frame (B); a table (M) connected to the frame (B); vertical extendable cylinders (C) connected to the table (M) in a sliding and oscillating manner; and claws (G) attached to the table (M) for gripping the rails (R) of the track. In this way, once the claws (G) hold the rails (R), by extending the cylinders (C), the rails (R) are lifted together with a concrete block (H) to which they are fastened to then reposition them in the desired position and orientation.

[0014] The features of the machine of application EP22159834 constitute the preamble to the main claim of the present application. Specifically, in both machines, the system for gripping and elevating the rails is similar, and what changes are the means for placing the elements that are held according to one or the other requirements.

[0015] Some terms that will be used throughout this specification are defined below.

[0016] Longitudinal / transverse direction: The longitudinal direction is defined relative to the railway track. Thus, the rails are, by definition, oriented according to the longitudinal direction. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sleepers are therefore oriented in a transverse direction.

[0017] Aligning: This refers to placing the sleepers centred relative to an axis of the railway track.

[0018] Positioning: This refers to placing the sleepers in positions equally spaced from one another other along the direction of the track.

[0019] Squaring: This refers to placing the sleepers perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the track, i.e. such that they are oriented in a transverse direction (once squared, the sleepers are at 90° relative to the longitudinal direction). Railway: This term covers both the rails and the cross-members (sleepers or ties) on which the rails sit. The axis of the railway track is a longitudinal axis passing through the centre of the track.First aspect: positioning and squaring machine

[0020] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a machine for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers. The sleepers are part of a railway track where, at an initial stage, the sleepers are placed in an approximate manner, supporting the rails, as shown in Figure 1a. The machine of the invention fundamentally comprises the following elements:a) Main chassis

[0021] The main chassis comprises wheels to move, supported on the rails of the railway track. It is essentially a rigid metallic structure to which the rest of the elements that make up the machine of the invention are fastened.b) Claws

[0022] The claws, configured to grip the rails of the railway track, are attached to the main chassis. Because of the claws, the rails are secured or lashed to the main chassis of the machine.

[0023] More specifically, the claws are vertically movable, such that they are lowered onto the rail in question and then, thanks to a mechanism which is not described in detail, close over the upper flange (called the head) of the rail to grip it firmly for the purpose of pulling it upwards in order to elevate it. For this purpose, the claws are arranged in a position on the main chassis that is vertically above the rails. For example, assuming that the width of the main chassis is similar to the track gauge (i.e. the distance between rails), the sides of the main chassis would essentially be located on two vertical planes passing through the rails. In this case, the claws would be fastened to the sides of the main chassis.c) Legs

[0024] The legs are vertical extendable elements attached to the main chassis.

[0025] The legs are configured to rest on the ground and elevate the main chassis when they are moved from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0026] The legs may be hydraulic cylinders, and are normally positioned on the longitudinal axis of the main chassis, at the beginning and end of the machine, such that when they are lowered, they rest on the ground in the area of the axis of the track between two successive sleepers. They can be provided with just two cylinders with a sufficiently stable support base. In any case, the invention is not limiting as to the number and position of the legs as long as they provide stable support and do not encounter obstacles when they are lowered to rest on the ground.

[0027] Thanks to these elements, the machine is configured to hold the rails of the railway track on which it rests by means of the claws and to lift said rails by moving the legs to the extended position. The purpose is to leave the sleepers under the rails subjected only to their own weight, thus facilitating the subsequent positioning and squaring phases.

[0028] The elements described hitherto are known from the machine described in application EP22159834 mentioned above. However, the machine in said application had certain means for positioning and tilting the rails held by the claws according to certain specifications. In contrast, in the present invention it is not the rails that have been gripped and lifted that are to be placed again, but rather the sleepers that have been left underneath same. Specifically, the machine of the invention comprises differentiated aligning means and differentiated positioning and squaring means.

[0029] The positioning and squaring means are configured for positioning and squaring at least one of the sleepers, and for this purpose comprise:d) Table

[0030] The table is attached to the main chassis in a vertically sliding manner such that the table alternates between an upper position and a lower position.

[0031] It is essentially a structure to which all other elements of the positioning and squaring means are attached. When the table is in the upper position, these elements are in an elevated position at a height above an upper surface of the sleepers, and therefore do not interact with the sleepers. When the table is in the lower position, the elements in question move to a lower position at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers, and can therefore interact with them. Therefore, when the machine moves along the track, the table will be in the upper position and will only be lowered to the lower position once it has been positioned on the section where the sleeper positioning and squaring process is to be carried out, and normally also after having extended the extendable legs to lift the track from its initial position.

[0032] The table can be moved between the upper and lower positions using any suitable motorised means. For example, the machine may comprise at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder configured to move the table vertically.e) Positioning and squaring bars

[0033] These are two pairs of positioning and squaring bars attached to the table, where each pair of positioning and squaring bars comprises adjacent first and second longitudinally oriented positioning and squaring bars. Furthermore, each pair of positioning and squaring bars is arranged on respective side portions of the table. As mentioned above, the sides of the table can be positioned approximately on the rails, such that each pair of positioning and squaring bars will be located in a position close to the rails. This naturally implies that the positioning and squaring bars are arranged on top of an end portion of the sleepers. As described below, the positioning and squaring bars are attached to the table such that they can slide in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The positioning and squaring bars each comprise at least one pusher that protrudes vertically downward. The dimensions of these pushers, as well as the position of the positioning and squaring bars, are configured such that, when the table is in the upper position, a lower end of the pushers is above the upper surface of the sleepers.

[0035] Therefore, as mentioned above, when the table is in the upper position, the pushers do not interact with the sleepers and the machine can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the lower end of the pushers is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers. In this position, the pushers interact with the sleepers as described below.f) Movement means for moving the positioning and squaring bars.

[0036] These are means for moving the first and second bars of each pair of positioning and squaring bars longitudinally in opposite directions. In this way, when one end of a sleeper is positioned between two pushers, respectively, of the first and second bars of a pair of positioning and squaring bars, and when the table is in the lower position, said movement in opposite directions causes said pushers to push a side face of the end of at least one sleeper in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In other words, the pushers perform a pincer-like movement, approaching each other in the longitudinal direction, starting from a position in which they are separated (according to the longitudinal direction) by a distance significantly greater than the width of a sleeper, until they reach a position in which they are separated by a distance similar to the width of a sleeper. The result of this movement is that the end of the sleeper in question is brought to a predetermined position, either by one or the other of the pushers. When this process is carried out on each of the two pairs of positioning and squaring bars, both ends of each sleeper are brought to the predetermined position, thus ensuring that they are squared according to the transverse direction and also that they are properly positioned in an equidistant manner.

[0037] In principle, the means that allow movement of the first and second bars longitudinally in opposite directions can be of any type, but preferably comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0038] For the purpose of positioning a number of sleepers simultaneously, each positioning and squaring bar can be several metres long and comprise several pushers equally spaced from one another other. For example, the positioning and squaring bar may be longer than 4 metres, more preferably between 5 and 7 metres, and even more preferably 6 metres. The number of pushers will depend on the total length of the positioning and squaring bar and the distance between the sleepers, which will depend on each project.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the positioning and squaring bars comprise a plurality of pusher fastening holes aligned in the longitudinal direction to facilitate a modification of the distance at which the sleepers are positioned. That is, each positioning and squaring bar has a series of aligned fastening holes, allowing the pushers to be fastened to same in the appropriate positions according to the desired distance between sleepers of each particular application.

[0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a lower end of the pushers is rotational relative to a vertical axis to facilitate their sliding along the side face of the sleepers when pushing them. For example, each pusher may have at its end an essentially spherical element that is rotational according to a vertical axis. Since the lower ends of the pushers slide over the side faces of the sleepers when pushing them, this facilitates such sliding.

[0041] The aligning means are configured to align at least one of the sleepers, and for this purpose comprise:g) Aligning frames

[0042] These are two aligning frames attached to the table, where each aligning frame comprises a longitudinally oriented alignment bar. In particular, the alignment bar is positioned such that, when the table is in the upper position, said alignment bar is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the alignment bar is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers.

[0043] Thus, as mentioned above, when the table is in the upper position, the alignment bars do not interact with the sleepers and the machine can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table is in the lower position, the alignment bars are at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers. In this position, the alignment bars interact with the sleepers as described below.h) Movement means for moving the aligning frames

[0044] These are means for moving the aligning frames in a transverse direction.

[0045] Thus, when the alignment bar is located in a position transversely further away from an axis of the track than the corresponding end of the sleepers and the table is in the lower position, a movement in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track causes said alignment bar to push the end of at least one sleeper in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track until it is centred relative to the axis of the track.

[0046] In other words, it starts from a situation in which, once the machine is positioned on the section where the sleepers are to be aligned, the aligning frames are in their position furthest away from the axis of the track and the table is in the lower position. At this point, the movement means move the aligning frames, and therefore also the alignment bars, in a transverse direction towards the axis of the track. The alignment bars hit the ends of the sleepers protruding from that side and, as they move, drag them in a transverse direction to a desired position in which the sleepers are centred. This process can take place before, after, or during the positioning and squaring process described hereinabove.

[0047] In principle, the means allowing for movement of the aligning frames in a transverse direction can be of any suitable type, but preferably comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alignment bar comprises a contact surface made of a resistant material for contacting the sleepers. This contact surface may consist of a strip which is fastened to the alignment bar and is interchangeable in case of excessive wear.

[0049] Furthermore, the alignment bar may have a cross-section in the form of a parallelogram and be oriented diagonally. In this way, the contact with the sleepers takes place at an edge of said parallelogram.

[0050] For the purpose of aligning a plurality of sleepers simultaneously, each alignment bar can be several metres long. For example, the alignment bar may be longer than 4 metres, more preferably between 5 and 7 metres, and even more preferably 6 metres.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the machine further comprises two sensors fastened to the sides of the main chassis and oriented downward to detect the presence of a sleeper. This sensor will allow the machine to be placed in the correct position on the track during operation. Indeed, since the number of sleepers that the machine can position and square in each operation is known, it is sufficient to count the number of sleepers that pass under the sensor when the machine moves from one position to the next in order to know when the next working position has been reached.

[0052] Furthermore, the system has a lap meter with which the distance travelled and the distance between each of the aligned sleepers can be calculated, which allows the correct position of the sleepers to be verified.

[0053] In principle, the energy source required to carry out the described operations can be of any type. For example, heat engines are conventionally used. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment the machine of the invention comprises a battery-powered electric motor to drive the pump providing hydraulic pressure to the respective hydraulic cylinders. This prevents the emission of exhaust gases, which can be very advantageous in the case of operating inside tunnels. Additionally or alternatively, a generator set can be arranged to provide sufficient power to cause this action.Second aspect: method for operating the machine

[0054] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating a machine for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers as described above. This method essentially involves the following steps: moving the machine on the track until the sensor detects the presence of a certain sleeper; operating the claws to grip the rails; extending the legs until they rest on the ground and cause the elevation of the main chassis together with the rails; lowering the table until the lower ends of the pushers and the alignment bars are both at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers; moving an aligning frame in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers until they are centred relative to the axis of the track; moving the first and second bars of each pair of positioning and squaring bars longitudinally in opposite directions to cause the pushers to push the side face of the end of the sleepers in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and moving the other aligning frame in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers until they are centred relative to the axis of the track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figures 1a-1c schematically show what aligning, positioning and squaring operations consist of in the context of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a front view of a machine for aligning, positioning and squaring of ballastless track according to the above technique. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with some parts removed, including the main chassis and table, in order to illustrate more clearly the elements that move the sleepers for aligning, positioning and squaring same. Figure 5 shows a profile view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention. Figures 6a and 6b show the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed and with the table respectively in the upper and lower positions. Figure 7 shows a plan view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed. Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed. Figures 9a and 9b show an end view of the aligning, positioning and squaring machine of the present invention with parts removed, with the table respectively in the upper and lower positions. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0056] An example of a machine (1) for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers (T) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0057] Note that the figures show the sleepers (T) in two separate parts. It should be understood, however, that the sleepers (T) consist of a single piece spanning the full distance between one rail (R) and another.

[0058] Figures 3 and 5 show the complete machine (1) of the invention, with the exception of essentially only a set of batteries (B) that power a hydraulic set (GH) which provides pressure for a hydraulic circuit responsible for actuating the different elements of the machine (1), mainly hydraulic cylinders. These figures also show control panels (CC) for housing the various electrical and electronic components required to control the machine (1).

[0059] The above elements, i.e. battery (B), hydraulic set (GH) and control panels (CC), as well as other auxiliary elements not explicitly described in this document, are supported by a main chassis (2). The main chassis (2) is several metres long, such that it spans a length of track including a plurality of sleepers (T). The exact number of sleepers (T) depends on the distance between them, but can be between 7-9 sleepers (T). The main chassis (2) has two pairs of wheels (RU) located at its ends and configured to rest on the rails (R) of the track. In this way, the machine (1) of the invention can move along the railway track until it reaches the desired working location at any given time.

[0060] The machine (1) further comprises two claws (3) firmly fastened to two sides of the main chassis (2). Each of these claws (3) protrudes vertically downward in a position vertically above the rails (R). These claws (3) can move vertically downward to reach the height of the rails (R) and grip them firmly.

[0061] The machine (1) of the invention furthermore has extendable legs (4) that allow it to be supported on the ground underneath the railway track. In this example, two legs (4) are fastened to the ends of the main chassis (2) and protrude vertically downward. Specifically, each leg (4) is a hydraulic cylinder equipped with a support foot (4a) at the lower end thereof. When the machine (1) moves along the tracks, the legs (4) are in their retracted position, such that the support feet (4a) are raised relative to the ground and the railway track resting on said ground. Once the machine (1) has reached its working position, the legs (4) are extended such that the support feet (4a) first are lowered until they are resting on the ground and then, by extending further, cause the elevation of the main chassis (2) as a whole relative to the ground.

[0062] Thus, during normal operation of the machine (1), it is first positioned at the work site by rolling along the tracks with the legs (4) in the retracted position. The claws (3) are then lowered and hold the rails (R) firmly. The legs (4) then move to the extended position, such that the main chassis (2) is elevated, and with it the rails (R) are also elevated. The effect of this process is that the sleepers (T) no longer support the weight of the rails (R), being subjected only to their own weight.

[0063] The machine (1) of the invention furthermore has two types of means intended for, respectively, aligning the sleepers (T) on the one hand and for positioning and squaring the sleepers (T) on the other. The aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are connected to a vertically movable table (5). The table (5) is essentially a flat plate arranged horizontally and connected to the main chassis (2) in a vertically sliding manner. Actuation means, in this case a pneumatic cylinder (10), allow the table (5) to be moved selectively between a lower position and an upper position. As will be described in more detail below, when the table (5) is in the upper position, the aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are in an elevated position where they do not interact with the sleepers (T), thus allowing the machine (1) to move along the tracks. Conversely, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the aligning means and the positioning and squaring means are lowered to a position where they can interact with the sleepers (T) to carry out the corresponding tasks.Positioning and squaring means

[0064] The positioning and squaring means comprise mainly two pairs of parallel bars (61, 62; 63, 64) extending longitudinally and being connected to the table (5) in a sliding manner. A first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) are arranged in a side portion of the table (5), while a second pair of positioning and squaring bars (63, 64) are arranged in an opposite side portion of the table (5). Each bar (61, 62; 63, 64) has a set of pushers (7) that protrude vertically downward. In this example, the pushers (7) are essentially vertical bars, as can be seen in more detail in Figures 9a and 9b. As can also be seen in these figures, when the table (5) is in the upper position (Figure 9a), the pushers (7) are located at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T), whereas, when the table (5) is in the lower position (Figure 9b), the lower end of the pushers (7) is below the upper surface of the sleepers (T).

[0065] Furthermore, the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) are connected to actuation means which simultaneously move them in opposite directions. When moving in opposite directions, the pushers (7) of the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) move towards or away from one another other in the longitudinal direction. This movement allows the sleepers (T) to be positioned as described below and shown in further detail in Figure 8.

[0066] Figure 8 shows the first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) in a first position which can be referred to as "open position", whereas the second pair of bars (63, 64) is depicted in a second position referred to as "closed position". To move from one position to the other, it is sufficient to longitudinally move the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair a certain distance in opposite directions.

[0067] In the open position showing the first bar of the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62), the pushers (7) are positioned such that pairs of pushers (7) of different bars (61, 62) are separated from one another other by a first distance greater than the width of a sleeper (T). The upper left-hand side of Figure 8 shows a pair of such pushers (7) which, as can be seen, are spaced far enough apart such that a sleeper (T) is located between them with room to spare on both sides. Generalising this description, it can be said that the first pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62) has 9 pairs of pushers (7), where one of the pushers (7) of each pair belongs to bar (62) and the other belongs to bar (62). There is a sleeper (T) between each of these pairs of pushers (7).

[0068] The positioning and squaring of the sleepers (T) is achieved by moving the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) to the closed position, which is adopted by the second pair of bars (63, 64) in Figure 8. As can be seen, the bar (63) has moved to the right relative to the initial position of the bar (61), whereas the bar (64) has moved to the left relative to the initial position of the bar (62). As a result of this movement, the pushers (7) of each pair have moved closer to one another until they are at a second distance from one another other, where this second distance essentially coincides with the width of a sleeper (T). Therefore, the end of the sleeper (T) that is located between a pair of pushers (7) of the second pair of positioning and squaring bars (63, 64) can only adopt a single predetermined position.

[0069] Figure 8 is merely illustrative, but during normal operation of the machine (1) both pairs of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) will initially be in the first position, i.e. with the respective pairs of pushers (7) separated by a distance significantly greater than the width of a sleeper (T). The table (5) is then lowered from the upper position to the lower position, with a respective sleeper (T) being located between each pair of pushers (7). The situation is shown in the top portion of Figure 8. Then, each bar (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of bars is moved in opposite directions with respect to one another, such that the pushers (7) of each pair of pushers (7) move towards one another until reaching the situation shown in the lower part of Figure 8. During this process, any sleeper (T) that was incorrectly positioned or incorrectly squared, when the pushers (7) move from the first position to the second position, is dragged and positioned in a predetermined location and perfectly squared relative to the track.

[0070] The pushers (7) may be fastened to the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) by means of certain holes. In order to modify the position of the pushers (7) and thus be able to adjust the machine to different widths of the sleeper (T) and / or different distances between sleepers (T), the bars (61, 62; 63, 64) have a plurality of holes (O) arranged along their longitudinal direction.Aligning means

[0071] The aligning means mainly comprise two aligning frames (81, 82) attached to the table (5). Each aligning frame (81, 82) is a bar structure fastened to the table from which a longitudinally oriented alignment bar (9) protrudes downward. The alignment bar (9) is positioned such that, when the table (5) is in the upper position, it is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T). In this way, when the table (5) is in the upper position, the machine (1) can move freely along the track. Conversely, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the alignment bar (9) is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T).

[0072] The aligning frames (81, 82) are connected to the table such that they can slide in a transverse direction. In this way, they can move from a position that could be referred to as "open" to a position that could be referred to as "closed". In the open position, the alignment bar (9) is separated from the axis of the track by a distance greater than the distance at which the corresponding ends of the sleepers (T) must be located when they are in the desired position. In the closed position, the alignment bar (9) is separated from the axis of the track by precisely the distance at which the corresponding ends of the sleepers (T) must be located when they are in the desired position.

[0073] These positions are shown in Figures 7 and 8, where it can be seen how the aligning frame (81), which is located at the top portion of both figures, is positioned at such a distance from the axis of the track that the corresponding alignment bar (9) is flush with the ends of the sleepers (T) in the desired position thereof. Conversely, the aligning frame (82), which is located at the bottom portion of both figures, is positioned at such a distance from the axis of the track that the corresponding alignment bar (9) is separated from the ends of the sleepers (T) when they are in the desired position. Figures 9a and 9b are also illustrative in this sense.

[0074] Thus, during normal operation of the machine (1), both aligning frames (81, 82) would be in the open position, i.e. with the alignment bars (9) separated from the axis of the track by a distance greater than the desired position of the ends of the sleepers (T). Once the machine (1) is positioned at the work site, the table (5) is lowered from the upper position (shown in Figure 9a) to the lower position (shown in Figure 9b). The alignment bars (9) will be located at a lower height relative to the upper surface of the sleepers (T). Then, by activating the corresponding actuation means, one or both of the squaring frames (81, 82) are moved to the closed position, such that the respective alignment bars (9) move into the desired position. In this movement, the alignment bars (9) push the sleepers (T) in a transverse direction, thus moving them to said desired perfectly centred position relative to the track.

[0075] In addition to these elements, the machine (1) of the invention has other auxiliary elements, such as for example: A sensor fastened to the main chassis (2) and oriented vertically downward to detect the sleepers (T) and suitably position itself relative to said sleepers. A rotational lower end of the pushers (7), such that the pushers slide better along the side surface of the sleepers (T) when moving them during the positioning operation. The alignment bars (9) have a square or rectangular cross-section and are positioned diagonally relative to the vertical. In this way, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b, contact with the sleepers (T) is made through an edge and wear is minimised. The alignment bars (9) have, in their contact area for contacting the sleepers (T), a sheet or strip of a particularly resistant material, which is also interchangeable.

[0076] By using the machine (1) of the invention, the positioning and squaring method can be carried out according to different sequences, but preferably operates as follows: 1. The machine (1) is moved on the track until the sensor detects the presence of a certain sleeper (T). 2. The claws (3) are operated to cause them to grip the rails (R). 3. The legs (4) are extended until they rest on the ground and cause the elevation of the main chassis (2) together with the rails. 4. The table (5) is lowered until the lower ends of the pushers (7) and the squaring bars (9) are both at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T). 5. The first aligning frame (81) is moved in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track, pushing those sleepers (T) protruding from that side of the track until they are centred relative to the axis of the track. 6. The first and second positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) are moved longitudinally in opposite directions by moving each pair of pushers from the open position to the closed position. In this way, the pushers (7) push the side face of the end of the sleepers (T) in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. 7. The second aligning frame (82) is moved in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track, pushing the sleepers (T) protruding from that side of the track until they are centred relative to the axis of the track.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]An example of a machine (1) for aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers (T) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the attached figures.

[0057]Note that the figures show the sleepers (T) in two separate parts. It should be understood, however, that the sleepers (T) consist of a single piece spanning the full distance between one rail (R) and another.

[0058]Figures 3 and 5 show the complete machine (1) of the invention, with the exception of essentially only a set of batteries (B) that power a hydraulic set (GH) which provides pressure for a hydraulic circuit responsible for actuating the different elements of the machine (1), mainly hydraulic cylinders. These figures also show control panels (CC) for housing the various electrical and electronic components required to control the machine (1).

[0059]The above elements, i.e. battery (B), hydraulic set (GH) and control panels (CC), as well as other auxiliary elements not explicitly described in t...

Claims

1. A machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers, comprising: a) a main chassis (2) fitted with wheels to move on the rails (R) of a railway track, said rails (R) being supported on sleepers (T) b) claws (3) attached to the main chassis (2), said claws (3) being configured to grip the rails (R) of the railway track; and c) extendable vertical legs (4) attached to the main chassis (2), said legs (4) being configured to rest on the ground and elevate the main chassis (2) when they are moved from a retracted position to an extended position, such that the machine (1) is configured to grip the rails (R) of the railway track on which it rests by means of claws (3) and to lift said rails (R) by moving the legs (4) to the extended position, characterised in that it further comprises positioning and squaring means for positioning and squaring at least one of the sleepers (T), wherein said positioning and squaring means comprise: d) a table (5) attached to the main chassis (2) in a vertically sliding manner such that the table (5) alternates between an upper position and a lower position; e) two pairs of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) attached to the table (5), wherein each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) comprises adjacent first and second bars (61, 62; 63, 64) oriented longitudinally, each pair of bars (61, 62; 63, 64) being arranged in respective side portions of the table (5), and each bar (61, 62, 63, 64) having at least one pusher (7) that protrudes vertically downward, such that, when the table (5) is in the upper position, a lower end of the pushers (7) is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T), whereas, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the lower end of the pushers (7) is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T); and f) means for moving the first and second bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) longitudinally in opposite directions, such that, when one end of a sleeper (T) is positioned between two pushers (7), respectively, of the first and second bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of a pair of bars (61, 62; 63, 64) when the table (5) in the lower position, said movement in opposite directions causes said pushers (7) to push a side face of the end of at least one sleeper (T) in the longitudinal direction until it is placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and characterised in that it further comprises aligning means for aligning at least one of the sleepers (T), wherein said aligning means comprise: g) two aligning frames (81, 82) attached to the table (5), wherein each aligning frame (81, 82) comprises a longitudinally oriented alignment bar (9), the alignment bar (9) being positioned such that, when the table (5) is in the upper position, said alignment bar (9) is at a height above the upper surface of the sleepers (T), whereas, when the table (5) is in the lower position, the alignment bar (9) is at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T); and h) means for moving the aligning frames (81, 82) in a transverse direction such that, when the alignment bar (9) is located in a position transversely further away from an axis of the track than the corresponding end of the sleepers (T) and the table (5) is in the lower position, a movement in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track causes said alignment bar (9) to push the end of at least one sleeper (T) in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track until it is centred relative to the axis of the track.

2. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to claim 1, wherein each positioning and squaring bar (61, 62; 63, 64) is several metres long and comprises several pushers (7) equally spaced from one another, and wherein the alignment bars (9) are several metres long, such that the machine (1) is configured for aligning, positioning and squaring a plurality of sleepers (T) simultaneously.

3. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) comprise a plurality of holes (O) for fastening the pushers (7) aligned in the longitudinal direction to facilitate a modification of the distance at which the sleepers (T) are positioned.

4. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower end of the pushers (7) is rotational relative to a vertical axis to facilitate the sliding thereof along the side face of the sleepers (T) when pushing them.

5. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment bar (9) comprises a contact surface made of a resistant material for contacting the sleepers (T).

6. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment bar (9) has a cross-section in the form of a parallelogram, said alignment bar (9) being oriented diagonally such that the contact with the sleepers (T) takes place at an edge of said parallelogram.

7. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder (10) configured to move the table (5) vertically.

8. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two sensors fastened to the sides of the main chassis (2) and oriented downward to detect the presence of a sleeper (T).

9. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving the first and second bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) longitudinally in opposite directions comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

10. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving the aligning frames (81, 82) in a transverse direction comprise at least one pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

11. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extendable vertical legs (4) attached to the main chassis (2) comprise at least two pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.

12. The machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery-powered electric motor (11) to drive a compressor providing pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to the respective pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.

13. A method for operating a machine (1) for automatically aligning, positioning and squaring sleepers according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: - moving the machine (1) on the track until the sensor detects the presence of a certain sleeper (T); - operating the claws (3) to cause them to grip the rails (R); - extending the legs (4) until they rest on the ground and cause the elevation of the main chassis (2) together with the rails; - lowering the table (5) until the lower ends of the pushers (7) and the alignment bars (9) are both at a height below the upper surface of the sleepers (T); - moving an aligning frame (81) in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers (T) until they are centred relative to the axis of the track; - moving the first and second bars (61, 62; 63, 64) of each pair of positioning and squaring bars (61, 62; 63, 64) longitudinally in opposite directions to cause the pushers (7) to push the side face of the end of the sleepers (T) in the longitudinal direction until they are placed in a desired position and squared perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and - moving the other aligning frame (82) in a transverse direction in the direction of the axis of the track by pushing sleepers (T) until they are centred relative to the axis of the track.

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