Method and system for inspecting the installation of at least one rail of a track

Abstract

A method for inspecting the installation of at least one rail (4a, 4b) of a track (3), comprising the following steps: V ), and pressing at least one first transmission element (16a, 16b) against the rail (4a, 4b) by at least one first pressing element (14), wherein the first pressing element (14) generates a first static target pressure (P1 Statisch_soll ), generating a first pressing force (P1) according to the mechanical movement (F V ) and transmitting mechanical motion (F) at the first location (27) and the second location (28). V ), recording a motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) as a result of the movement of the rails (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the second location (28), and evaluating the rail installation based on the comparison of the motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the first location with the motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the second location (28). There is also a system (7) for performing the method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for inspecting the installation of at least one rail of a track. [Background technology]

[0002] Defective rail installations are a high safety risk for personnel and railway vehicles. Therefore, track must be inspected very precisely for possible defects in the rail installation, especially after installation or maintenance work. Visual inspections are very costly and often insufficient.

[0003] Since the ground under the rails must also be sufficiently solid, the installation of the rails is determined not only by the direct fastening of the rails to the sleepers, but also by the compaction of the ballast located below. Proper under-compaction of the sleepers is a prerequisite for the long-term maintenance of the track geometry, and thus for reducing infrastructure costs and increasing reliability on railway sections. However, with known methods, it is almost impossible or only possible with great difficulty to inspect the compaction of the ballast below the sleepers. Poor compaction often only becomes apparent when the track geometry changes after operating loads are applied.

[0004] AU 523949 A1 discloses a machine for compacting the ballast bed of a track, which can identify weak points in the track during the stabilization process. The machine has a spreader-clamping drive for applying a variable horizontal load force to the rails and a measuring device for recording the rail head displacement or gauge change caused by the variable horizontal load force. Based on the rail head displacement or gauge change, it is possible to determine whether the track stile itself is stable.

[0005] A disadvantage of the device known from AU 523949 A1 is that the spreading and clamping drive must superimpose a low-frequency additional load force on the high-frequency vibration movement itself, and must accept low-frequency gauge changes intentionally caused by this additional load force, which themselves can impair the quality of the rail installation. Furthermore, it is not possible to check the compaction of the ballast by measuring the response to the additional load force, because the forces resulting from the horizontally acting additional load force are not reacted by the area of ​​the track below the sleepers and cannot be measured. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In light of these statements, the object of the present invention is to mitigate or completely eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art, and preferably to provide a method and a system by means of which the installation of rails on a track can be inspected simply and with little additional cost, and in particular preferably also in connection with the under-compaction of the track. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and by a system according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0008] The method according to the invention for checking the mounting of at least one rail of a track comprises the following steps: generating a mechanical movement, in particular a vibration movement, by means of a movement unit arranged on a device movable along a track; pressing at least one first transmission element, in particular a first roller, of the movable device against the rail by at least one first pressing element, wherein the first pressing element generates a first pressing pressure according to a first static target pressure; transmitting mechanical motion to the rail; recording a motion response of the rail as a result of the mechanical movement at first and second locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the rail; comparing the motion response, particularly amplitude and phase position, of the rail at the first location with the motion response, particularly amplitude and phase position, of the rail at the second location; evaluating the rail attachment based on a comparison of the movement response of the rail at the first location and the movement response of the rail at the second location; It has the following characteristics.

[0009] The knowledge underlying the present invention is that by comparing the movement response of the rail at different locations, it is possible to estimate a possibly insufficient rail attachment. If the rail attachment at one of several locations is insufficient, the rail will be more likely to move at this location than at another location where the rail is properly attached, and as a result of the transmitted mechanical movements, the movement response of the rail at these locations will differ, particularly in amplitude and phase. It was recognized that the method according to the present invention can also record the under-tamp of the track, which forms part of the rail attachment, since the under-tamp affects the movement response of the rail due to the relatively loose ground. This is because the mechanical movements are also transmitted to the under-tamp and generate corresponding reaction forces there, which is not the case with horizontal load forces as in AU 523949.

[0010] The method according to the invention can be advantageously combined with track stabilization using a dynamic track stabilizer (DGS), since during track stabilization, mechanical movements are already transmitted to the rails of the track in order to stabilize the track or the ballast. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, the mobile device according to the invention is advantageously configured as a dynamic track stabilizer. The DGS has a movement unit for generating mechanical movements, in particular vibration movements, and is used to compact the grain in the ballast after the compaction process. The mechanical movements of the DGS can be used to generate movement responses of the rail at different points, which can be compared with each other in the method according to the invention.

[0011] The mechanical motion is preferably a periodic oscillatory motion. However, the mechanical motion may generally have any form and may be time-limited. The mechanical motion may be generated, for example, by one or more rotating unbalanced masses. The motion unit may be mounted on a frame of the movable device, whereby the mechanical motion is transmitted to the rail via the frame, at least one first pressing element, and at least one first transmission element.

[0012] The mobile device may be configured to be able to move autonomously along the rails by its own drive and / or to be able to be moved by a higher-level rail vehicle, preferably. For this purpose, the mobile device may have wheels or rollers that can roll along the track. If the mechanical movement is a vibration movement, its frequency is preferably 25 Hz to 40 Hz, in particular 30 Hz to 35 Hz.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical movement has an amplitude selected such that a properly mounted rail head undergoes a horizontal movement having an amplitude of 1 mm to 2 mm in plan view, which does not impair the rail mounting but makes it possible to determine defects or inadequacies in the rail mounting.

[0014] To transmit the mechanical movement to the rail of the track, the movable device has at least one first transmission element, preferably configured as a first roller for the purpose of being movable. The first transmission element is pressed against the rail by a first pressing element, the first pressing pressure used corresponding to a first static target pressure. The first transmission element is preferably pressed against the inside of the rail from the center of the track outwards, as viewed in plan view of the track.

[0015] In order to transmit the mechanical movement to another rail of the same track, preferably at the same longitudinal position of the track, opposite the first transmission element, another first transmission element, which may also be configured as a first roller, can be provided, which can be pressed against the other rail of the track by the same or by a different first pressing element, so that the device is clamped between the rails of the track.

[0016] In the case of the other first pressing element, this other first pressing element generates another first pressing pressure according to another first static target pressure, which is preferably substantially equal to the first static target pressure. The other first transmission elements are preferably pressed against the inside of the other rails, mirror-symmetrically with respect to the first transmission element, from the center of the track to the outside as seen in a plan view of the track. Thus, these first transmission elements can be pressed against the rails of the track in the opposite direction. In this case, the movable device is spread between the rails, and for this reason, at least one first pressing element can also be referred to as a spreading drive.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one second transmission element, in particular a second roller, offset in the travel direction of the device can be provided, which can be pressed against the inside of the rail by a second pressing element that generates a second pressing pressure according to a second target pressure, thereby transmitting the mechanical movement to the rail.

[0018] As with the first transmission element, a second transmission element, which may also be configured as a second roller, may be provided opposite the second transmission element at the same longitudinal position of the track. The second transmission element may be pressed against another rail of the track by the same second pressing element or by another second pressing element. In the case of the second transmission element, the second transmission element generates a second pressing pressure according to a second static target pressure, which is preferably substantially equal to the second static target pressure. As already described in connection with the first transmission element and the first transmission element, the second transmission element or the second transmission element may be pressed against the inside of a rail or another rail. The first and second pressing transmission elements may transmit mechanical motion to two different longitudinal positions of the same or another rail of the track.

[0019] All of the pressing elements and transmission elements may be similarly configured, and descriptions in this disclosure regarding the first pressing element and the first transmission element also apply, as appropriate, to all other pressing elements and all other transmission elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] To further improve the fixation of the device to the track, one or more clamp rollers may be provided, which can abut against the outer surface of the rail and / or the further rail and press the rail and / or the further rail from the outer surface toward the center of the track when viewed in plan view. For example, one clamp roller may be associated with each first transmission element, another first transmission element, second transmission element, and / or another second transmission element. It may be specified that one clamp roller is provided between the first transmission element and the second transmission element and / or between the another first transmission element and the another second transmission element when viewed in the running direction of the device.

[0021] The first pressing element and the first transmission element are described in detail below. However, these descriptions also apply to other pressing elements and other transmission elements, especially if they are configured identically to the first pressing element or the first transmission element. The first pressing element may be formed by a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. The first static target pressure can be controlled in a closed loop and / or an open loop. A dynamic pressure may be superimposed on the first static target pressure during operation. The dynamic pressure generated by the first pressing element may be in the range of 10 bar to 120 bar, in particular 20 bar to 110 bar. The time-averaged value of the pressure that can correspond to the first static target pressure may be 40 bar to 80 bar, for example 60 bar. This results in a dynamic compression force acting on the transmission element of 1.1 kN to 7 kN, in particular 1.2 kN to 6.6 kN. The time average value of the compressive force may be 3 kN to 4 kN, for example 3.6 kN.

[0022] Alternatively, the first pressure element may be formed, for example, by a fixable rod. The mechanical movement transmitted to the rail by the first transmission element also causes the rail to move. The movement response is a measure of the mounting quality of the rail. The movement response of the rail can be recorded directly or indirectly. The movement response can be measured, for example, by optical, inductive, capacitive, and / or electromechanical sensors. The movement response of the rail can be recorded as a discrete or continuous time course.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is specified to record the movement response of the rail at a first location on the rail and at a second location different from the first location. For this purpose, in one embodiment, a movable device can be moved to the first and second locations. The first and second locations on the rail can be separated from each other by, for example, at least 60 cm, preferably at least 100 cm, particularly preferably at least 140 cm. The greater the distance, the better the movement responses at these locations are decoupled from each other.

[0024] After recording the motion responses at the first and second locations, the motion responses are compared. Preferably, only the dynamic components of the motion responses are used for the comparison. If the difference between the motion responses, particularly in amplitude and / or phase, is greater than a predetermined threshold, it can be assumed that one of the two locations has a defective or insufficient rail attachment.

[0025] The comparison of the motion responses can be based on mathematical operations. For this purpose, for example, a class of mathematical operations can be selected that multiply operates on the motion responses, preferably in combination with time integration. Specific examples for this are autocorrelation or cross-correlation functions or convolution. However, the method also works, for example, when the amplitude and / or phase of the motion responses are directly compared with each other. A faulty rail mounting may exist, for example, if the amplitude difference and / or phase difference between the motion responses at the first and second locations exceeds a threshold value.

[0026] The directional statements in this disclosure relate to the intended use of the device according to the invention, in which the device is positioned in a trajectory arranged horizontally, i.e. perpendicular to the acceleration of gravity.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is possible to determine the quality of attachment of two rails of a track, in particular if a further first transmission element and a further first pressure element are provided.

[0028] A first embodiment of the present invention specifies recording the rail's motion response at a first location and a second location by measuring a first pressing pressure and moving the device from the first location to a second location. The first pressing pressure is preferably recorded as a pressure curve over time. The measurement of the first pressing pressure can be used for its closed-loop control by a first static target pressure. The rail's motion response reacts on the first transmission element and the first pressing element, thereby superimposing a dynamic pressure component on the static target pressure. Since this dynamic pressure component is related to the rail's motion response, measuring the first pressing pressure allows the rail's motion response to be recorded. If the rail's motion margin increases due to a faulty rail installation, the amplitude of the dynamic pressure component increases. Furthermore, a faulty rail installation can also cause a phase shift in the dynamic pressure component.

[0029] The measurement of the first pressure force can be performed within or at the first pressure element. If the first pressure element is a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder, the fluid can be measured, for example, in the pressure chamber or at its inlet or outlet. If multiple first pressure elements are provided, the first pressure force of each of these first pressure elements can be measured. However, the first pressure force does not necessarily have to be directly used to record the motion response. The motion response of the rail also acts on a quantity related to the first pressure force, which may also be referred to as a quantity derived from the first pressure force. Such a derived quantity may be, for example, a control input variable, a control deviation, or a manipulated variable of closed-loop control for the first pressure force. Therefore, "by measuring the first pressure force" means that the measurement of the first pressure force can also be used indirectly to record the motion response. In the case of another first transmission element connected to the first pressure element, the measurement of the first pressure force can also record the motion response of another rail. If another first pressing element and another first transmission element are provided, it can be determined by measuring the another first pressing pressure and by moving the device from a first location on the another rail to a second location, recording the movement response of the another rail at the first location and the movement response of the another rail at the second location.

[0030] To facilitate a comparison of the movement response of the rail at a first location with that at a second location, it is advantageous to consider only the dynamic component of the movement response, in particular the dynamic component of the first pressure or a quantity derived from the first pressure, when comparing the movement response of the rail at the first location with that at the second location. In this way, possible coincidences between the static components of the movement response at the first and second locations are ignored, thereby enabling reliable identification of defects in the rail installation. The static component can be filtered, for example, by low-pass filtering. Since the first static target pressure is known, if the first pressure is used directly, this first static target pressure can be subtracted from the measured first pressure instead of low-pass filtering. These statements also apply correspondingly to other first pressures or quantities derived from these other first pressures when multiple first pressure elements are provided. The derived quantity of the pressing force may, as already mentioned, for example be a control input quantity or a control deviation or a manipulated variable for closed-loop control of the first pressing force.

[0031] A particularly reliable embodiment of the present invention is achieved when the comparison of the movement response of the rail at the first location with the movement response of the rail at the second location is performed by mathematically calculating the first pressure or a quantity derived from the first pressure with itself, taking into account a time lag, in particular by using an autocorrelation function of the first pressure or a quantity derived from the first pressure. This mathematical calculation is preferably a multiplicative calculation, in particular in combination with a time integral. The mathematical calculation is preferably normalized. Particularly preferably, an autocorrelation function is used. As already mentioned, the derived quantity can be, for example, a control input quantity, a control deviation, or a manipulated variable for closed-loop control of the first pressure. The time lag preferably corresponds to the time between recording the movement response at the first and second locations. In this case, particularly in the case of periodic mechanical movements, a phase shift in the movement response can be compensated for, which is not due to the quality of the rail mounting but is solely due to the time interval caused by the displacement of the movable device between the first and second locations. This can be done, for example, by considering the phase position of the motor responses recorded at the first and second locations relative to the phase position of the mechanical movement.

[0032] Alternatively, the phase shift can be compensated for based on the path traveled or the time interval between the comparison of the motion responses at the first and second locations, by determining the phase shift due to the path traveled or the time interval between the comparison of the motion responses based on a signal from the motion unit, in particular a rotation angle signal, and correcting the phase of the motion response at the second location. In this way, errors in assessing the rail attachment can be avoided. These statements also apply, in particular, to other first pressure forces or quantities derived from these other first pressure forces when multiple first pressure elements are provided.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device can be moved along a trajectory, the first pressure is recorded, and the time course of the first pressure can be mathematically calculated, in particular autocorrelated, with itself, taking into account the time lag between the measurements at the first and second locations, which time lag results from the speed of movement of the device and the distance between the first and second locations. Autocorrelation can be performed, for example, using the general formula

number

number

[0034] A second embodiment of the present invention can be specified in that a second transmission element, in particular a second roller, is provided, offset relative to the first transmission element in the longitudinal direction of the rail and pressed against the rail by a second pressure element, which generates a second pressure according to a second static target pressure. Recording of the rail's movement response at the first and second locations is performed by measuring the first and second pressures. This allows for easy generation and recording of the rail's movement response at two different locations. This does not require movement of the device, but is advantageous for inspecting the rail and its mounting over a specific distance. The first and second transmission elements are spaced apart from each other in the running direction of the device. The distance between the first and second transmission elements may be at least 60 cm, preferably at least 100 cm, and particularly preferably at least 140 cm. The second static target pressure may substantially correspond to the first static target pressure. The second transmission element may be configured identically to the first transmission element. As already explained in relation to the first transmission element, the second transmission element may be pressed against the inside of the rail from the center of the track outwards when viewed in plan view. As already mentioned above, further first and second transmission elements may be provided, which may be connected to the first or second pressing element or to another first or second pressing element. In this case, the explanations also apply to these pressing elements and transmission elements, as appropriate.

[0035] To facilitate a comparison of the motion responses of the rail at the first and second locations, it is advantageous to consider only the dynamic components of the motion responses, in particular the dynamic components of the first and second pressures or the dynamic components of quantities derived from the first and second pressures, when comparing the motion responses of the rail at the first and second locations. A low-pass filter can be used to filter the static components. Since the static target pressure is known, this static target pressure can be subtracted from the measured pressure, instead of low-pass filtering, if the pressure is used directly for the comparison of the motion responses. As already mentioned, the derived quantity can be, for example, a control input variable or a control deviation or a manipulated variable for closed-loop control of the first pressure. These statements also apply correspondingly, in particular to the separate first pressing pressure and the separate second pressing pressure, or to quantities derived from the separate first pressing pressure and the separate second pressing pressure, if separate first pressing elements and separate second pressing elements are provided.

[0036] It is advantageous if the comparison of the movement response of the rail at the first location with the movement response of the rail at the second location is carried out by mathematical calculation of the first and second pressure forces or quantities derived from the first and second pressure forces, respectively, in particular by means of a cross-correlation function. This mathematical calculation is preferably a multiplicative operation combined with time integration. It is particularly preferred to use a cross-correlation function. However, convolution is also possible. The derived quantity can be, for example, a control input quantity or a control deviation or a manipulated variable for closed-loop control of the first pressure force. These statements also apply, accordingly, when another first pressure element and another second pressure element are provided, in particular to quantities derived from the other first pressure force and another second pressure force or from the other first pressure force and another second pressure force. The cross-correlation can be carried out, for example, by the general formula:

number

number

number

number

[0037] To be able to determine the rail attachment of the track along one section of the railway track, it is advantageous if mathematical operations are carried out consecutively or several times at time intervals during the movement of a movable device along the track, in which case first and second points on the rail can be determined consecutively, and also on another rail if further first transmission and further second transmission elements are provided.

[0038] To ensure that the rail installation quality can be evaluated equally at all locations, it is advantageous to normalize the mathematical operation and determine a rail installation defect if the absolute value of the mathematical function is below a threshold value, preferably between 0.75 and 0.95. Normalization allows for a uniform evaluation of the rail installation quality. In one example, the mathematical operation is normalized to the product of the maximum expected values ​​of the motion response at the first and second locations. The autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions can be normalized as shown above.

[0039] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is obtained when the mechanical movement is an oscillatory movement with a frequency of 20 Hz to 40 Hz, preferably 25 Hz to 35 Hz. Tests have shown that it is advantageous when the amplitude of the oscillatory movement is selected so that the horizontal movement of a properly mounted rail head has an amplitude of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0040] The above-mentioned problem is also solved by a system for inspecting the installation of rails of a track according to claim 11. The system comprises: - a device movable along a track, in particular for compacting the ballast bed of a track, -frame and at least one first transmission element, preferably a first roller, in particular a wheel flange roller; a movement unit in the frame for generating a mechanical movement, in particular a vibration movement; a first pressing element configured to generate a first pressing pressure according to a first static target pressure to press at least one transmission element against a rail of the track, thereby transmitting a mechanical movement to the rail; a recording unit for recording the movement response of the rail as a result of the mechanical movement; and an apparatus having an evaluation unit configured to compare a movement response of the rail at a first location with a movement response of the rail at a second location and to evaluate the rail attachment based on this comparison; Contains:

[0041] The system according to the present invention is configured to implement the above-described method for inspecting the installation of rails on a track. Therefore, the features and advantages described in connection with the method are applicable to the system. At least one first transmission element, a movement unit, at least one first pressure element, and a recording unit may be directly or indirectly attached to the frame. In one embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit may also be directly or indirectly attached to the frame. In an alternative embodiment, the evaluation unit is not located on the device but is configured as a remote evaluation unit located at a remote location or on a superordinate railway vehicle (see below). The evaluation unit may be connected to the recording unit by cable or wirelessly. The evaluation unit may be formed by a microprocessor, a computer, or a server. The recording unit may include an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, and / or an electromechanical sensor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recording unit includes at least one pressure measurement sensor for measuring the first pressure of the first pressure element. The first transmission element is preferably a rotatable roller, but may also be formed, for example, by a log. The device may have its own drive, for example an electric motor, for moving the device or may form part of a higher-level rail vehicle that can move the device. As described above in connection with the method, a further first transmission element may be provided, which is connected to the first pushing element or to another first pushing element.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure element is formed by a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. The hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder can transmit a target pressure to the rail via the first transmission element. The hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder can be arranged substantially horizontally, i.e., substantially transversely to the gravitational acceleration. If a second pressure element is provided, the second pressure element can also be formed, in particular, by a similar hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. Any further first or second pressure elements that are provided can also be formed by hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinders and preferably arranged horizontally.

[0043] To be able to record the movement response of the rail, it can be specified that the recording unit has a pressure measurement sensor in or at the hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. If several pressure elements formed by hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinders are provided, each hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder can be provided in or at its own pressure measurement sensor, which can measure the pressure of the pressure element associated with it.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one second pressure element offset in the travel direction of the device relative to the first pressure element may be provided, and this second pressure element is configured to generate a second pressure according to a second static target pressure and press the second transmission element against the rail of the track. This second pressure element is preferably arranged horizontally. The second pressure element and the first pressure element may be configured identically. Advantageously, two pressure elements offset in the travel direction can move the rail at two locations simultaneously. The second pressure element may also be configured as a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. The optional additional second pressure element (see above) may also be formed by a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder. Another second transmission element may also be provided. The additional second transmission element may likewise be pressed against another rail by the second pressure element or by another second pressure element. In the case of the other second pressing element, the other second pressing element generates another second pressing pressure according to another second static target pressure, and the other second pressing pressure is preferably equal to the second static target pressure.

[0045] To enable the adjustment of the pressure load in the vertical direction on the track, at least one pressure element can be provided, by means of which the pressure force in the vertical direction on the rail can be adjusted. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the device forms part of a railway vehicle. The pressure element can likewise be formed by a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder.

[0046] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention should not be limited to these drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a top rail vehicle moving a movable device of a system for inspecting rail installation; FIG. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a mobile device of a system for inspecting the installation of rails of a track. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing in plan view a movable device of a system for inspecting the installation of rails of a track; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a movable device of a system for inspecting the installation of rails of a track; [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 shows an unfiltered pressure signal. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 shows a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 illustrates the dynamic pressure component of a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross-correlation signal. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 shows an unfiltered pressure signal. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 shows a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 illustrates the dynamic pressure component of a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 shows an unfiltered pressure signal. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 shows a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 8C] FIG. 10 illustrates the dynamic pressure component of a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 shows an unfiltered pressure signal. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 shows a filtered pressure signal. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 shows the dynamic pressure component of a filtered pressure signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] 1 shows an upper rail vehicle 1 with a rail vehicle drive 2 running along a track 3 with two parallel rails 4a, 4b. Between the wheel sets 5 of the upper rail vehicle 1 is arranged a mobile device 6 of a system 7 according to the invention for inspecting the mounting of the rails 4a, 4b of the track 3. The mobile device 6 is connected to the upper rail vehicle 1, preferably to a chassis 8 of the upper rail vehicle 1. The upper rail vehicle 1 can move the mobile device 6 along the track 3. In another embodiment, the mobile device 6 may have its own drive (not shown) and may move by itself. The mobile device 6 is preferably configured as a device for compacting the ballast bed of the track 3 (dynamic track stabilization device 52).

[0049] 2 shows the connection of the mobile device 6 with the chassis 8 of the upper rail vehicle 1. The mobile device 6 has a number of load-pressing elements 9 in the form of hydraulic cylinders 10 in the illustrated embodiment, which exert a vertical pressing force F of the mobile device 6 on the rails 4a, 4b. A The end 11 of the load pressing element 9 is connected to the chassis 8 of the upper rail vehicle 1. By means of the load pressing element 9 the load of the movable device 6 on the rails 4a, 4b can be adjusted.

[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the movable device 6 has a frame 12, which has a mechanical movement F V The first pressing element 14 is assembled with a movement unit 13 for generating a preferably periodic oscillatory movement. The movement unit 13 generates a mechanical movement F, preferably by means of one or more unbalanced masses (not shown). V Generates mechanical motion F VThe pressure preferably has a frequency of 30 Hz to 40 Hz. A first pressure element 14, which in the illustrated embodiment is configured as a hydraulic cylinder, connects a first transmission element 16a and a further first transmission element 16b at their opposite ends 15a, 15b. It is also conceivable (not shown) that the first pressure element 14 is associated with the first transmission element 16a and that a further first pressure element is associated with the further transmission element 16b. The transmission element 16a and the further transmission element 16b are configured as first rollers 17a, 17b, which are pressed by the first pressure element 14 against an inner side 18a of the rail 4a facing the track center 21 and against an inner side 18b of the further rail 4b of the track 3 facing the track center 21. For this purpose, the first pressure element 14 generates a first static target pressure P1 Statisch_soll This first static target pressure P1 Statisch_soll The first static target pressure P1 is applied to the first transmission elements 16a and 16b. Statisch_soll A closed-loop control may be provided for closed-loop control of the pressing pressure P1 of the first pressing element 14 according to the formula (1). The transmission elements 16a, 16b spread the movable device 6 between the rails 4a, 4b. To further secure the device 6, in the illustrated embodiment, oppositely located clamp rollers 19a, 19b are provided, which contact the rails 4a, 4b in the securing position and press the rails 4a, 4b with their outer surfaces 20a, 20b towards the track center 21. The clamp rollers 19a, 19b can be moved from the securing position to the release position by means of deflection mechanisms 22a, 22b and actuators 23a, 23b.

[0051] a mechanical movement F transmitted to the rails 4a, 4b in order to check the mounting of the rails 4a, 4b on the track 3, which is determined not only by the fixing 50 of the rails 4a, 4b to the sleepers 24 by means of bolts and screws, but also by the under-tamping 25 of the sleepers 24 with the ballast 26; VThe resulting movement responses R of the rails 4 a, 4 b are recorded at different, spaced apart locations 27, 28 on the track 3 and compared with each other. By comparing the movement responses R at the locations 27, 28, differences in the installation of the rails 4 a, 4 b can be identified. This comparison can take place, for example, in an evaluation unit 51, which can be arranged on the upper rail vehicle 1.

[0052] In order to be able to determine the movement response R of the rails 4a, 4b, the movable device 6 comprises a recording unit 29 which is connected to an evaluation unit 51. The recording unit 29 may comprise, for example, optical, inductive, capacitive and / or electromechanical sensors which are able to measure the movement response R. However, it is preferred that in order to record the movement response R, the recording unit 29 comprises a pressure measurement sensor 30 which measures a first pressing pressure P1 of the first pressing element 14, which first pressing pressure P1 is equal to a first static target pressure P1. Statisch_soll and the dynamic pressure component P1 dyn The dynamic pressure component P1 is synthesized from dyn is affected by the motion response R, so the motion response R of the rails 4a, 4b can be estimated by the first pressing pressure P1. To record the motion response R of the rails 4a, 4b at the points 27, 28, the pressing pressure P1 or a quantity derivable from the pressing pressure P1, such as a control deviation or a manipulated variable of a closed control loop for closed-loop control of the first pressing pressure P1, can be directly used.

[0053] To check the mounting of the rails 4a, 4b, it is specified to compare the movement response R of the rails 4a, 4b at at least two different locations 27, 28. For this purpose, in a first embodiment of the invention, the movable device 6 can be moved from a first location 27 to a second location 28. At the two locations 27, 28, the rails 4a, 4b are subjected to mechanical movements F. VThe time course of the first pressing pressure P1 can be transmitted, and preferably by pressure measurement of the first pressing pressure P1, a movement response R can be recorded at each of the two points 27, 28. The time course of the first pressing pressure P1 is shown, for example, in FIG. 5A. FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A show portions of the time course of the first pressing pressure P1 according to FIG. 5A at different times during the movement of the device 6 along the track 3, and thus at different points 27, 28. After recording the movement response R, the movement responses R of the rails 4a, 4b at the points 27, 28 can be compared with each other. For example, the time course of the first pressing pressure P1 according to FIG. 7A (exemplary first point 27) can be compared with the time course of the first pressing pressure P1 according to FIG. 8A (exemplary second point 28). In order to be able to determine deviations in the movement response R, preferably the dynamic pressure component P1 of the pressing pressure P1 at the points 27, 28 can be measured. dyn Only the dynamic pressure component P1 of the first pressing pressure P1 is compared with the dynamic pressure component P1 of the first pressing pressure P1. dyn is shown in Figures 7C, 8C and 9C. The dynamic pressure component P1 dyn If there are deviations in the amplitudes A1, A2 and / or phases φ1, φ2, in particular, it is possible to deduce from this an insufficient attachment of the rails 4a, 4b at one of the locations 27, 28. For example, if the deviations in the amplitudes A1, A2 or in the phases φ1, φ2 exceed boundary values, it can be assumed that the rail attachment at one of the locations 27, 28 is defective.

[0054] The movement response R of the rails 4a, 4b is recorded over time (see FIG. 5A for the time course of the first pressure P1). In the first embodiment described, the pressure P1 or a quantity derivable from the pressure P1, such as a manipulated variable or a control deviation, is compared with itself at another time when the device is located at the location 27, 28. As described, preferably, only the dynamic component of the first pressure P1 is used for this comparison (see FIG. 5C). This comparison can be based, for example, on an autocorrelation function or another mathematical operation by multiplication, preferably by integration. In order to avoid errors when checking the rail attachment, it is advantageous to compensate for a phase shift in the movement response R, which is due not to a possible insufficient rail attachment but to the time and positional interval between the positioning of the device 6 at the first location 27 and the positioning of the device 6 at the second location 28. This can be done, for example, by a mechanical movement F V This can be done by taking into account the phase positions of the motor responses R recorded at the first location 27 and the second location 28 relative to the phase position of the motor responses R recorded at the first location 27 and the second location 28. Alternatively, the phase shift can be compensated based on the path traveled or the time interval between comparing the motor responses R at the first location 27 and the second location 28 by determining the phase shift due to the path traveled or due to the time between comparing the motor responses R based on the signals of the motor unit 13, in particular the rotation angle signal, and thus correcting the phase of the motor response.

[0055] In a second embodiment of the invention, a second pressure element 31 and two second transmission elements 32a, 32b are provided in the form of second rollers 33a, 33b, as shown in Figure 3 or 4. The second pressure element 31 is configured substantially identically to the first pressure element 14 and generates substantially the first static target pressure P1 Statisch_soll A second static target pressure P2 corresponding to Statisch_sollThe second pressing element 31 presses the first transmission element 32a against the inner side 18a of the rail 4a and the second transmission element 32b against the inner side 18b of the other rail 4b, thereby spreading the movable device 6 at two points 27, 28 on the track 3 and generating a mechanical movement F on the rails 4a, 4b at the two points 27, 28. V is transmitted. The distance between the first transmission element 16a and the second transmission element 32a is preferably at least 60 cm. The same applies to the further transmission elements 16b, 32b. The first pressing element 14 and the first transmission elements 16a, 16b are configured substantially identically to the second pressing element 31 and the second transmission elements 32a, 32b. In the second embodiment of the invention, the first pressing element 14 and the second pressing element 31 transmit a mechanical movement F V is transmitted to the rails 4a, 4b at two different points 27, 28, the motion responses R at the two points 27, 28 can also be recorded and compared with each other. As already explained in the first embodiment, the motion response R of the rail 4a can be recorded by a first pressing pressure P1. Correspondingly, the motion responses of the rails 4a, 4b can also be recorded by a second pressing pressure P2.

[0056] Advantageously, it is not necessary to move the movable device 6 in order to record the movement response R at different points 27, 28. However, for testing relatively long track sections for installation, it may be advantageous to move the movable device 6 and thereby successively determine new first and second points 27, 28 on the track 3.

[0057] 5A to 5C show the time course of the pressures P1 and P2 while the movable device 6 is moved. The horizontal axis of FIGS. 5A to 5C represents time t in seconds. The vertical axis of FIGS. 5A to 5C represents the pressure P in bar. During the illustrated time of about 60 seconds, according to the second embodiment, the movable device 6 is moved along the trajectory section of the trajectory 3 and the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 are measured. FIG. 5A shows the time course of the unfiltered pressures P1 and P2. FIG. 5B shows the time course of the unfiltered pressures P1 and P2. filt and P2 filt The time course of the pressures P1 and P2 after low-pass filtering is shown. The limit frequency of the low-pass filter is the mechanical movement F of 25 Hz to 40 Hz. V Figure 5C shows the static pressure component P1 Statisch_soll or P2 Statisch_soll The pressures P1 and P2 after subtraction, i.e., P1 dyn and P2 dyn The time course of is shown. By comparing the dynamic pressure components at different points 27, 28, which are continuously newly determined during the movement of the mobile device 6 and which are determined by the spacing between the first transmission elements 16a, 16b and the second transmission elements 32a, 32b, it is possible to estimate the attachment of the rails 4a, 4b to the track 3. In particular, deviations in amplitude A1, A2 and phase φ1, φ2 indicate an insufficient attachment of the rails 4a, 4b.

[0058] To be able to efficiently compare the motion responses R at the points 27 and 28, it is advantageous to mathematically compare the first and second pressures P1 and P2, or quantities derivable from the first and second pressures P1 and P2, with one another. It is particularly advantageous if the pressures P1 and P2 are compared with one another, preferably by means of a normalized cross-correlation function. dyn and P2 dynThe normalized cross-correlation Corr is shown in FIG. 6, where the horizontal axis shows time t in seconds. The vertical axis shows a scaling from 0 to 1. It can be seen in FIG. 6 that the cross-correlation value drops to about 0.82 at about t=31 seconds, below the exemplary boundary value S=0.9. This suggests that the rails 4a, 4b may be insufficiently attached at one of the two points 27, 28 defined at this time point. Three time regions 34, 35, and 36 are marked in FIG. 6. In these time regions, the unfiltered pressures P1 and P2, the filtered pressures P1 and P2, and the dynamic pressure component P1 are shown. dyn and P2 dyn is shown in more detail in Figures 7A to 7C, 8A to 8C and 9A to 9C, and therefore Figures 7A to 7C, 8A to 8C and 9A to 9C represent portions of Figures 5A to 5C.

[0059] 7A-7C show the time domain 34. The horizontal axis of FIGS. 7A-7C plots time t in seconds. The vertical axis shows pressure P in bar. In FIG. 7A, similar to FIG. 5A, the unfiltered pressing pressures P1 and P2 are shown over time. In FIG. 7B, P1 and P2 are shown over time. filt and P2 filt The time course of the pressures P1 and P2 after low-pass filtering is shown in FIG. 7C. Statisch_soll or P2 Statisch_soll The filtered pressing pressure P1 after subtracting filt and P2 filt , i.e. P1 dyn and P2 dyn The time course of the dynamic pressure component P1 is shown. dyn and P2 dyn are substantially identical in phase φ1 and φ2. The amplitudes A1 and A2 differ slightly, but harmlessly.

[0060] 8A-8C show a time domain 35. The horizontal axis of FIGS. 8A-8C plots time t in seconds. The vertical axis shows pressure P in bar. In FIG. 8A, similar to FIG. 5A, the unfiltered pressing pressures P1 and P2 are shown over time. In FIG. 8B, P1 and P2 are shown over time. filt and P2 filt The time course of the pressures P1 and P2 after low-pass filtering is shown in FIG. 8C. Statisch_soll or P2 Statisch_soll The filtered pressing pressure P1 after subtracting filt and P2 filt , i.e. P1 dyn and P2 dyn The time course of the dynamic pressure component P1 is shown. dyn and P2 dyn are clearly different from each other in phase φ1, φ2 and amplitude A1, A2, which results in a significant reduction in the values ​​in the cross-correlation (see FIG. 6, time domain 35).

[0061] 9A-9C show a time domain 36. The horizontal axis of FIGS. 9A-9C plots time t in seconds. The vertical axis shows pressure P in bars. In FIG. 9A, as in FIG. 5A, P1 filt and P2 filt 9B shows the time course of the unfiltered pressing pressures P1 and P2, which can be referred to as the static pressure components P1 and P2. FIG. 9C shows the time course of the pressing pressures P1 and P2 after low-pass filtering. Statisch_soll or P2 Statisch_soll The filtered pressure P1 after subtracting filt and P2 filt , i.e. P1 dyn and P2 dyn The time course of the dynamic pressure component P1 is shown. dyn and P2 dynare substantially identical in phase φ1 and φ2. The amplitudes A1 and A2 differ slightly, but harmlessly.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting the mounting of at least one rail (4a, 4b) of a track (3), comprising the following steps: A mechanical movement (F) is generated by a movement unit (13) arranged on the device (6) movable along the track (3). Ｖ ), in particular generating a vibrational movement; Pressing at least one first transmission element (16a, 16b), in particular a first roller (17a, 17b) of the movable device (6) against the rail (4a, 4b) by at least one first pressing element (14), wherein the first pressing element (14) presses the first transmission element (16a, 16b), in particular a first roller (17a, 17b) against the rail (4a, 4b) at a first static target pressure (P1 Ｓｔａｔｉｓｃｈ＿ｓｏｌｌ generating a first pressing pressure (P1) according to The rails (4a, 4b) are provided with the mechanical movement (F Ｖ ) and The mechanical movement (F) is performed at a first location (27) and a second location (28) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the rails (4a, 4b). Ｖ recording the movement response (R) of said rails (4a, 4b) as a result of said comparing the motion response (R), in particular the amplitude (A1, A2) and phase position (φ1, φ2) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the motion response (R), in particular the amplitude (A1, A2) and phase position (φ1, φ2) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the second location (28); evaluating rail attachment based on a comparison of the motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the motion response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at the second location (28); 10. A method for inspecting a rail installation, comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of recording the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) and at the second location (28) is performed by measuring a first pressing force (P1) and by moving the device (6) from the first location (27) to the second location (28).

3. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that in comparing the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the second location (28), only the dynamic component of the movement response (R), in particular the dynamic component of the first pressing force (P1) or a dynamic component of a quantity derived from the first pressing force (P1), is taken into account.

4. 4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the comparison of the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the second location (28) is carried out by mathematically calculating the first pressing force (P1) or a quantity derived from the first pressing force (P1) with itself, taking into account a time lag, in particular by means of an autocorrelation function of the first pressing force (P1) or a quantity derived from the first pressing force (P1).

5. Second transmission elements (32a, 32b), in particular second rollers (33a, 33b), are provided which are offset relative to the first transmission elements (16a, 16b) in the longitudinal direction of the rails (4a, 4b) and are pressed against the rails (4a, 4b) by second pressing elements (31), which apply a second static target pressure (P2 Ｓｔａｔｉｓｃｈ＿ｓｏｌｌ 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of recording the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) and the second location (28) is carried out by measuring the first and second pressing forces (P1) and (P2).

6. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that when comparing the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the second location (28), only the dynamic components of the movement response (R), in particular the dynamic components of the first pressing pressure (P1) and the second pressing pressure (P2) or the dynamic components of quantities derived from the first pressing pressure (P1) and the second pressing pressure (P2), respectively, are taken into account.

7. 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the comparison of the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the first location (27) with the movement response (R) of the rail (4a, 4b) at the second location (28) is carried out by mathematically calculating the first pressing pressure (P1) and the second pressing pressure (P2) or quantities derived from the first pressing pressure (P1) and the second pressing pressure (P2), respectively, in particular by means of a cross-correlation function.

8. 8. A method according to claim 4 or 7, characterized in that said mathematical operations are performed consecutively or multiple times at time intervals while said movable device (6) moves along said track (3).

9. 9. The method according to claim 4, 7 or 8, characterized in that if the absolute value of a mathematical function is below a boundary value, the mathematical operation is normalized and a defect in the rail mounting is determined, preferably the boundary value is between 0.75 and 0.

95.

10. The mechanical movement (F Ｖ 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the vibration is a vibration movement having a frequency of 20 Hz to 40 Hz, preferably 25 Hz to 35 Hz.

11. A system (7) for inspecting the installation of rails (4a, 4b) of a track (3), comprising: - a device (6) movable along said track (3), in particular a device (52) for compacting the ballast bed of the track (3), - frame (12), at least one first transmission element (16a, 16b), preferably a first roller (17a, 17b), in particular a wheel flange roller; - mechanical movement (F Ｖ ), a movement unit (13) in said frame (12) for generating a vibration movement in particular, - First static target pressure (P1 Ｓｔａｔｉｓｃｈ＿ｓｏｌｌ ), a first pressing force (P1) is generated according to the first pressing force (P1) to press the first transmission elements (16a, 16b) against the rails (4a, 4b) of the track (3), thereby causing the rails (4a, 4b) to undergo the mechanical movement (F Ｖ At least one first pressing element (14) configured to transmit - the mechanical movement (F Ｖ a recording unit (29) for recording the movement response (R) of said rails (4a, 4b) as a result of said an apparatus (52) having an evaluation unit (51) configured to compare the movement response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at a first location (27) with the movement response (R) of the rails (4a, 4b) at a second location (28) and to evaluate the rail mounting based on the comparison; A system (7) comprising:

12. 12. The system (7) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first pressure element (14) is formed by a hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder.

13. 13. The system (7) according to claim 12, characterized in that the recording unit comprises a pressure measuring sensor (30) in or at the hydraulic and / or pneumatic cylinder, respectively.

14. A second pressure element (31) is provided in the travel direction of the device (6) offset relative to the first pressure element (14), the second pressure element (31) being adapted to apply a second static target pressure (P2 Ｓｔａｔｉｓｃｈ＿ｓｏｌｌ 14. The system (7) according to claim 11, wherein the system (7) is configured to generate a second pressing pressure (P2) according to a second pressing pressure (P2) command, which presses the second transmission elements (32a, 32b) against the rails (4a, 4b) of the track (3).

15. The vertical pressing force (F Ａ 15. The system (7) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that at least one load-pressing element (9) is provided, the load-pressing element (9) having an adjustable width.

Images