Machines equipped with ballast intake devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine (1) with a ballast intake device (4) for intake of ballast (3) located below the track (2) by means of an endless organizing chain (6) guided in a chain path (5), the chain path (5) being composed of a lateral path (13) positionable below the track (2), an empty path (11) and a conveying path (16) provided for transporting the ballast. Along the upper edge (25) of the lateral path (13) is arranged a conveyor device (26) for transporting the ballast (3) in the direction of the conveying path (16). This additional device (26) facilitates the movement of the ballast (3) so that it reaches completely into the conveying path (16).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine comprising a ballast intake device for taking in ballast located below the track by means of an endless organizing chain guided in a chain path, the chain path being composed of a lateral path which can be positioned below the track, an empty path and a transport path provided for transporting the ballast. [Background technology]

[0002] A machine which forms the premise of the invention is known from AU 518225 A1. The known machine is used for cleaning the ballast bed of a track. The machine runs on the track, with a rotating organizing chain surrounding the track, which consists of sleepers and rails mounted on the sleepers. Below the track, the organizing chain is guided in a transverse passage approximately parallel to the sleepers. In this section, finger-like projections on the chain links of the organizing chain separate the ballast from the ballast bed and transport it in the direction of the subsequent transport passage. In the transport passage, the ballast is transported upwards towards a screening device. Via an upper deflection, the chain links are guided back in an empty passage in the direction of the track.

[0003] Before the work begins, the lateral passage is installed in the exposed trench below the track. For this process, the chain passage and the organizing chain are separated or the track is temporarily disconnected. During the ballast cleaning, travel on the track remains possible, because the cleaned ballast is brought onto the exposed roadbed immediately behind the work site. The possible cleaning width is determined by the length of the lateral passage.

[0004] For a high cleaning performance, uninterrupted ballast transport is essential. In the case of a very dirty ballast bed, the chain links are not able to separate all the ballast particles from one another, and this causes interference. Agglomerates form and prevent the further transport of the ballast in the direction of the transport path. In some cases, plate-shaped ballast agglomerates form and move up the transverse path. In order to prevent such interference, the forward travel speed of the machine is usually reduced in the case of a very dirty ballast bed. This results in a longer dwell time for the organizing chain to separate the ballast from the ballast bed at the respective work point. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve a machine of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that unhindered operation with high workability is guaranteed regardless of the degree of contamination of the ballast bed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the independent claim 1. The dependent claims describe advantageous configurations of the invention.

[0007] Along the upper edge of the transverse passage, a conveyor device is arranged for conveying the ballast in the direction of the conveying passage. This additional device promotes the movement of the ballast so that it reaches completely into the conveying passage. Any ballast or agglomerates that may have moved onto the sorting chain are captured by this conveyor device and sent to the entrance of the conveying passage. The additional force action breaks up the ballast agglomerates, so that the subsequent screening process also takes place more effectively.

[0008] In an optimized refinement, the conveying direction of the conveyor device runs parallel to the circulation direction of the organizing chain in the transverse passage, so that the conveyor device and the organizing chain are particularly effective in transporting the ballast into the conveying passage, and all ballast material separated from the ballast bed during the forward movement of the machine is moved in a coordinated manner to the side.

[0009] Advantageously, ballast guide vanes are arranged on the outer edge of the ballast inlet opening below the conveying passage, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis. This arrangement makes it possible to achieve an increase in the feed width when the length of the transverse passage remains unchanged. In the event of an obstacle such as a utility pole, the ballast guide vanes are pivoted inwards to avoid a collision. No interruption of work is required.

[0010] In a further refinement, the conveyor device is equipped with a hydraulic or electric motor as a drive unit. Hydraulic motors have the advantage of a compact and robust construction form and at the same time a relatively high rated power. Furthermore, if necessary, hydraulic systems already present in the machine can be utilized. Electric motors generally have a higher efficiency and can be retrofitted into existing machines via easily installed electrical lines.

[0011] In an advantageous addition, a sensor for detecting accumulated ballast is arranged above the conveyor device, which sensor is connected to the drive unit of the conveyor device. This modification allows the conveyor device to be operated according to the situation. Automatic activation of the conveyor device only occurs when the sensor detects that the ballast is not being removed by the arranging chain sufficiently. This saves energy and reduces the use of the conveyor device, which extends the maintenance intervals.

[0012] The simple configuration of the invention specifies that the conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt or conveyor chain with circulating entrainers. Such a device can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, the individual chain links and entrainers (scoops) can be replaced in the event of wear phenomena.

[0013] In another preferred variant, the conveyor device is a screw conveyor, in particular with a rotation axis running parallel to the transverse passage. This screw conveyor ensures a continuous ballast movement in the direction of the conveying passage with low energy requirements. The force exerted on the ballast agglomerates by the rotating conveyor screw causes a rapid break-up into individual ballast particles. Furthermore, the dimensions of the screw conveyor are smaller than other constructions for the same conveying capacity, so that it can be installed even in tight space situations.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the screw conveyor is arranged along a section of the transverse passageway that follows the conveying passageway. In this variant, the screw conveyor acts at the most critical point, i.e. immediately before the transition between the transverse passageway and the conveying passageway. The additional ballast movement by the conveyor device avoids ballast stagnation at the entrance to the conveying passageway.

[0015] Advantages are also obtained with an alternative variant in which the screw conveyors are arranged along the entire transverse passage. An arrangement over the entire length of the transverse passage is advantageous in particular when the excavation depth is large. In this case, the ballast material is also moved over the entire width of the arrangement above the arrangement chain in the direction of the conveying passage. Furthermore, any plate-shaped ballast agglomerates present are broken down over the entire width. With conventional ballast intake devices, there is a risk that such ballast agglomerates will move up the transverse passage and fall onto the roadbed behind the arrangement chain.

[0016] In a refinement of this variant, the transverse passage has two transverse passage sections connected by a joint, and the screw conveyor has two conveyor screws connected by a joint in the region of this joint. The transverse passage is also connected to the empty passage and the transport passage via a joint. The arrangement width can thus be changed by bending both transverse passage sections forward. This also makes it possible to drive the machine in the raised position to the work site without removing the transverse passage. The joints between the conveyor screws are, for example, dog clutches that allow the conveyor screws to pivot relative to one another. In this way, when the arrangement width is changed, the conveyor screws move together with the corresponding transverse passage sections. Furthermore, the joints make it possible to arrange one common drive, which saves space. In an alternative variant, each conveyor screw has its own drive.

[0017] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a machine on track. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a ballast intake arrangement with a conveyor arrangement along one lateral passage region. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the ballast intake device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing an alternative ballast intake arrangement with a conveyor arrangement along the entire lateral path; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of the ballast intake device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the ballast intake device in the area below the track. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a cleaning machine for ballast 3, which is movable on a track 2 and on which the track 2 is supported. The machine 1 can be configured as a complete track renewal vehicle or as a roadbed improvement machine. In any case, the machine 1 has a ballast intake device 4 with a chain path 5, in which an endless arranging chain 6 is guided. The arranging chain 6 consists of chain links pivotally connected to one another with scratching fingers and is driven at an upper turning point 7 by a sprocket drive 8.

[0020] During operation, the arranging chain 6 surrounds the track 2 formed by the sleepers 9 and the rails 10 mounted on the sleepers 9. The arranging chain 6 is guided in an empty passage 11 from the upper turning point 7 to a second turning point 12 located below the track 2, where one end of a lateral passage 13 is connected to the empty passage 11 by a pivotable connection. In the lateral passage 13 which is open towards the front, the arranging chain 6 runs below the track 2. While the machine 1 travels forward in the travel direction 14, the arranging chain 6 separates the ballast granules from the ballast bed 3.

[0021] At the other end of the transverse path 13, a third turning point 15 of the arranging chain 6 is located. At this point 15, the transverse path 13 is connected by a pivotable connection with a conveying path 16 which runs back in the direction of the sprocket drive 8. The ballast 3 reaches the conveying path 16 when each chain link enters the lower opening 17 of the conveying path 16. The circulating arranging chain 6 transports the ballast 3 in the conveying path 16 to the upper turning point 7 and supplies it to a screening device 18. The screened ballast 3 is transported back below the track 2 via a feeder 19, where it again forms a support for the sleepers 9. The waste separated from the ballast 3 to be cleaned reaches the end of the machine 1 via a conveyor belt 20, where it is transferred to a storage vehicle.

[0022] To expand the sorting width 21, lateral ballast guide vanes 22 are advantageously arranged. In particular, such ballast guide vanes 22 are arranged pivotably about a vertical pivot axis 23 on the outer edge of the lower opening 17 of the conveying passage 16. The ballast guide vanes 22 prevent the ballast 3 separated by the sorting chain 6 from passing outside the lower opening 17 of the conveying passage 16 during accumulation / stagnation. The change in position of each ballast guide vane 22 is effected by a corresponding actuating drive 24.

[0023] According to the invention, a conveyor device 26 is arranged along the upper edge 25 of the transverse passage 13 for transporting the ballast 3 in the direction of the transport passage 16. Advantageously, the transport direction 27 of this conveyor device 26 runs parallel to the circulation direction 28 of the organizing chain 6 in the transverse passage 13. This optimizes the feeding of the ballast 3 into the lower opening 17 of the transport passage 16. In particular, the conveyor device 26 prevents the ballast 3 from undesirably accumulating in front of the transverse passage 13 and thus overflowing therefrom.

[0024] In a configuration not shown, the conveyor device 26 has a conveyor chain or belt with two deflectors. At the front, the conveyor device runs parallel to the transverse path 13 in the direction of the lower opening 17 of the conveying path 16. The deflection is effected by horizontally oriented deflection rollers, one of which is connected to a drive. On the outer surface of the conveyor chain or belt, entrainers (scoops) for the individual ballast granules are arranged.

[0025] An improved variant has a screw conveyor 29 with a rotation axis 30 which preferably runs parallel to the transverse passage 13. A conveyor screw 31 rotating about the rotation axis 30 captures the ballast 3 which has moved above the transverse passage 13 and conveys it in the direction of the lower opening 17 of the conveying passage 16. Ballast agglomerates occurring on a heavily soiled ballast bed 3 are broken up by the rotating conveyor screw 31, which makes it easier to transport and clean the ballast 3.

[0026] 2 and 3 show a commonly available configuration of the ballast intake device 4. In this configuration, the screw conveyor 29 is arranged parallel to the subsection 32 of the transverse passage 13, which follows the third turning point 15. One open end of the conveyor screw 31 is arranged immediately before the lower opening 17 of the conveying passage 16. At the other end of the conveyor screw 31, a drive unit 33 is arranged. This drive unit 33 has, for example, a hydraulic motor which is connected to the hydraulic system of the machine 1. In an alternative configuration, an electric motor is provided. An electric motor is particularly suitable for retrofitting an existing ballast intake device 4, since an electrically driven screw conveyor 29 can be more easily integrated into existing systems.

[0027] A sensor 34 is advantageously arranged on the conveyor device 26, which detects ballast backlogs. This is done, for example, by means of a mechanical or optical sensor. The area monitored by this sensor 34 is the area in front of the lateral path 13. As soon as too much ballast 3 accumulates and can no longer be transported sufficiently in the direction of the conveying path 16 by the organizing chain 6, the sensor 34 signals a ballast backlog. This signal triggers an automatic activation of the conveyor device 26. This ensures that the conveyor device 26 only operates if it is actually required.

[0028] In a variant suitable for very dirty ballast, the conveyor device 26 extends over the entire length of the transverse passage 13 (FIGS. 5, 6). In this case, the action of the conveyor device 26 covers the entire sorting width 21. The resulting increased performance ensures that the entire ballast material above the sorting chain 6 is conveyed in the direction of the conveying passage 16, particularly in the case of large excavation depths. Furthermore, plate-like agglomerates that occur in the case of very dirty foundations (for example loam) are broken up. With conventional ballast intake devices 4, these plates would be pushed above the transverse passage 13 by the forward movement of the machine 1 and would break up behind the transverse passage 13 and fall onto the roadbed.

[0029] When configured as a screw conveyor 29, the two conveyor screws 31 are preferably connected by a flexible quick-release coupling 35. For example, one of the two conveyor screws 31 is directly connected to the drive unit 33, and the second conveyor screw 31 is connected to the first conveyor screw 31 via a dog clutch 35. The torque generated by the drive unit 33 is thus transmitted to both conveyor screws 31. The flexible coupling 35 allows a variable angular position of both conveyor screws 31 relative to each other.

[0030] Such a screw conveyor 29, like the screw conveyor 29 shown in Figures 2 and 3, is suitable for a ballast intake device 4 with a divided transverse passage 13. In this case, two transverse passage sections 36 are connected by a joint 37. At the joint 37, the transverse passage 13 can be bent, so that the effective sorting width 21 can be adjusted. For the transfer run to the work site, the raised transverse passage 13 is also bent in order to remain within the permitted clearance. If two conveyor screws 31 are provided, a corresponding bending of the screw conveyor 29 is possible by a separable joint 35.

[0031] The cross-section shown in FIG. 6 relates to both variants and shows the position of the screw conveyor 29 relative to the marshaling chain 6. One chain link is outlined in dashed and hatched lines. Above it lies the conveyor screw 31. While the machine 1 moves forward in the travel direction 14, the marshaling chain 6 separates the ballast 3 from the ballast bed. The marshaling chain 6 and the rotating conveyor screw 31 have the same feed direction. This arrangement ensures that all the ballast 3 is delivered to the lower opening 17 of the conveying passage 16. Larger amounts of ballast can also be handled, as adjustable ballast vanes 22 prevent the displaced ballast 3 from passing outside the opening 17.

Claims

1. A machine (1) comprising a ballast intake device (4) for taking in ballast (3) located below a track (2) by means of an endless organizing chain (6) guided in a chain path (5), the chain path (5) comprising a lateral path (13) positionable below the track (2), an empty path (11), and a conveying path (16) provided for transporting the ballast, A machine (1) characterized in that along the upper edge (25) of said transverse passage (13) there is arranged a conveyor device (26) for conveying ballast (3) in the direction of said conveying passage (16).

2. 2. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying direction (27) of the conveyor device (26) runs parallel to the circulation direction (28) of the organizing chain (6) in the transverse passage (13).

3. 3. The machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ballast guide vanes (22) rotatable about a pivot axis (23) are arranged on the outer edge of the lower opening (17) of the conveying passage (16).

4. 2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) comprises a hydraulic or electric motor as drive unit (33).

5. 5. The machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a sensor (34) for detecting accumulated ballast (3) is arranged above the conveyor device (26), the sensor (34) being connected to the drive unit (33) of the conveyor device (26).

6. 2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) comprises a conveyor belt or a conveyor chain with circulating followers.

7. 2. Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor device (26) is a screw conveyor (29) having an axis of rotation (30) extending in particular parallel to the transverse passage (13).

8. 8. Machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw conveyor (29) is arranged along a subsection (32) of the transverse path (13) which follows the conveying path (16).

9. 8. Machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the screw conveyor (29) is arranged along the entire transverse path (13).

10. 10. The machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the lateral passage (13) comprises two lateral passage sections (36) connected by a joint (37), and the screw conveyor (29) comprises two conveyor screws (31) connected by a coupling (35) in the region of the joint (37).

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