Multiple Tamper

Abstract

To provide a compact multiple tie tamper that can be turned around at track maintenance work sites, thereby improving convenience. [Solution] The multiple tie tamper 1 is configured to be small enough to be loaded onto the cargo bed 501 of a truck 500 with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons. It is provided on the underside of the machine body 3 and is equipped with a turntable 13 as a turning means that allows the multiple tie tamper 1 to be raised and lowered between a mounted state in which the wheels 2 are placed on the rails and a lifted state in which the wheels 2 are lifted away from the rails by hydraulic fluid (medium) supplied from a hydraulic pump 47, and also allows the multiple tie tamper 1 to be turned in a substantially horizontal direction in the lifted state.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a small-sized multiple tamper with improved convenience in track maintenance work.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a type of track maintenance machine for railways, a multiple tamper (for example, Patent Document 1) or a multi-headed simple tamper (for example, Patent Document 2) that corrects the distortion of rails caused by train running by ramming the ballast on the track with a beater is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the multiple tamper described in Patent Document 1 is large-sized, while it can ram a wide range of ballast at once, there may be ramming omissions because it is not flexible enough. For the omitted parts, workers had to perform manual ramming work using a portable tamper, but it was heavy labor and difficult to secure manpower.

[0005] On the other hand, the multi-headed simple tamper described in Patent Document 2 is configured to be small and lightweight enough to be transported on roads by a truck with a crane, etc., so it can perform fine ramming work unique to small sizes, but it could not be turned around at the track maintenance work site.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances illustrated above, and aims to provide a small multiple tie tamper that is reversible at track maintenance work sites, thereby improving convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 is a small multiple tie tamper that can be loaded onto the bed of a truck having a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons, comprising: a machine body having wheels that can travel on rails; and a pair of left and right tamping units provided on the machine body spaced apart in the width direction of the rails, comprising: a power supply; a pump driven by a pump motor driven by power supplied from the power supply; and a turning means provided on the underside of the machine body, which can raise and lower the multiple tie tamper between a mounted state in which the wheels are placed on the rails and a lifted state in which the wheels are lifted above the rails by a medium supplied from the pump, and can also rotate the multiple tie tamper horizontally in the lifted state.

[0008] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 2 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1, wherein the machine body comprises a loading platform for loading a load that includes at least the power supply and a unit comprising the pump motor and the pump, and the loading platform is configured with design dimensions that allow the load to be positioned in a manner that adjusts the balance of the multiple tie tamper when it is in a lifted state.

[0009] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 3 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the turning means comprises a turning section that is grounded on a track and rotates the machine horizontally, and a turning section lifting means that is driven by a medium supplied from the pump to raise and lower the turning section, the turning section comprises a receiving section configured as a metal dish, a turning plate configured as a metal disc that is connected to the machine and housed in the receiving section and rotatable substantially horizontally relative to the receiving section, and a resin spacer interposed between the turning plate and the receiving section.

[0010] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 4 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 3, wherein the turntable plate has a circular protrusion in the center of the surface on the receiving side when viewed from above, and the receiving side has a recess into which the protrusion is inserted so that the turntable plate can be rotatably inserted.

[0011] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 5 is a multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a locking means comprising: a rod-shaped member attached to the machine body; a first insertion member attached to the machine body and having an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped member can be inserted; and a second insertion member attached to the turntable means and having an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped member can be inserted, wherein the locking means locks the turntable means in the stored position by passing the rod-shaped member through the insertion holes of the first insertion member and the second insertion member when the turntable means is in a predetermined stored position, and the second insertion member is attached to a part of the turntable means that moves in accordance with the turning when the turntable means turns.

[0012] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 6 is a multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a locking means for locking the turntable means in a predetermined storage position; a locking detection means for detecting that the turntable means is locked in the storage position by the locking means; and a lock release notification means for notifying that the locking by the locking detection means is not detected.

[0013] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 7 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a lateral movement means driven by a medium supplied from the pump to move the tamping unit in the width direction of the rails; a width direction detection means capable of detecting a plurality of locations within the movement range of the tamping unit in the width direction of the rails; and a lateral movement control means that stops the movement by the lateral movement means at a position detected by the width direction detection means while the tamping unit is moving by the lateral movement means, wherein at least half of the plurality of locations detectable by the width direction detection means are positions set so that the tamping unit can be stopped between the rails, and the turning by the turning means is performed after moving the tamping unit to the predetermined position or inward by the lateral movement means if the tamping unit is located outside of a predetermined position set between the rails.

[0014] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 8 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: vertical movement means driven by a medium supplied from the pump to move the tamping unit vertically; fixing means for fixing the tamping unit at a predetermined storage position provided on the upper end side of the vertical movement range of the tamping unit; fixing detection means capable of detecting that the tamping unit is fixed by the fixing means; locking means for locking the turntable means at a predetermined storage position; locking detection means for detecting that the turntable means is locked at the storage position by the locking means; and a running device for driving the wheels, comprising a running drive means and the running drive means The vehicle includes a running gear that includes a power transmission device for transmitting power to the wheels, a transmission release means for releasing the transmission of power to the wheels by the power transmission device, a release detection means for detecting that the transmission by the power transmission device has been released by the transmission release means, and a transportable notification means for notifying that the multiple tie tamper can be transported by towing when the fixing detection means detects that the tamping unit has been fixed by the fixing means, the locking detection means detects that the turntable means has been locked in the storage position by the locking means, and the release detection means detects that the transmission by the power transmission device has been released by the transmission release means.

[0015] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 9 is the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of left and right tamping units each comprises a front tamping unit positioned at the front and a rear tamping unit positioned at the rear, The system includes tamping control means capable of independently controlling the tamping operations of the front tamping unit and the rear tamping unit that constitute one of the left and right tamping units, as well as the front tamping unit and the rear tamping unit that constitute the other tamping unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The multiple tie tamper described in claim 1 is equipped with a pump driven by a pump motor powered by electricity supplied from a power source, which allows it to be smaller in size than conventional multiple tie tampers in which the pump is rotated by a drive shaft driven by an engine, and in particular, it can be made small enough to be loaded onto the bed of a truck with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons.

[0017] Furthermore, the multiple tie tamper described in claim 1 is small enough to be loaded onto the bed of a truck with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons, making it not only suitable for rail travel but also for road transport by truck, thus offering excellent transportability. In addition, its small size allows for detailed tamping work, and by having this multiple tie tamper work on areas that were not properly tamped by a larger multiple tie tamper, the condition of the railway tracks can be improved.

[0018] Furthermore, the multiple tie tamper described in claim 1 is equipped with a turning mechanism, which allows it to be turned in a substantially horizontal direction at the track maintenance work site. This has the advantage of being convenient because, when it becomes necessary to move in the reverse direction due to returning to the base, moving to another site, or emergency evacuation, the turning mechanism can be used to turn the machine, allowing the front and rear orientation to be reversed on the spot.

[0019] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 2 provides the following effects in addition to those of the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1. Specifically, the loading platform for the load, which includes at least a power supply and a unit equipped with a pump motor and a pump, is configured with design dimensions that allow the load to be positioned in a way that adjusts the balance of the multiple tie tamper when it is lifted. This provides the effect that the balance of the multiple tie tamper during turning can be appropriately adjusted by the relatively simple method of adjusting the position of the load.

[0020] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 3 provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2: The turntable part of the turntable means has a relatively simple configuration comprising a receiving part configured as a metal dish, a turntable plate configured as a metal disc that is connected to the machine body and housed in the receiving part and is rotatable horizontally relative to the receiving part, and a resin spacer interposed between the turntable plate and the receiving part, and bearings and the like are not required, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 4 provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the multiple tie tamper according to claim 3. The turntable plate has a circular protrusion in the center of the receiving side surface, and the receiving part has a recess into which the turntable plate is rotatably inserted. Therefore, when the turntable plate is housed in the receiving part, the protrusion of the turntable plate is loosely inserted into the recess of the receiving part, allowing the turntable plate to rotate stably relative to the receiving part. This has the effect of improving the stability of the rotation of the multiple tie tamper by the turntable mechanism.

[0022] The multiple tie tamper according to claim 5 provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or claim 2. In a configuration that includes a locking means for locking the turntable means in a predetermined storage position by passing a rod-shaped member through the insertion holes of the first insertion member and the second insertion member when the turntable means is in a predetermined storage position, the second insertion member is attached to a part of the turntable means that moves in accordance with the turning when the turntable means turns. Therefore, even when the turntable means turns, the positional relationship between the rod-shaped member and the first insertion member attached to the machine body and the second insertion member attached to the turntable means does not change. As a result, even after the turntable means turns, the turntable means can be locked in the storage position in the same way as before the turn.

[0023] According to the multiple tamping machine described in claim 6, in addition to the effects achieved by the multiple tamping machine described in claim 1 or claim 2, the following effects are achieved. When the locking detection means does not detect that the turning means is locked in the storage position, the unlocking notification means notifies the operator attempting to operate the turning means of this fact, so that the operator can confirm whether the turning means is locked by this notification. As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the turning means from being operated while locked.

[0024] According to the multiple tamping machine described in claim 7, in addition to the effects achieved by the multiple tamping machine described in claim 1 or claim 2, the following effects are achieved. The turning by the turning means is performed after moving the tamping unit to a predetermined position set between the rails or inside thereof by the lateral movement means when the tamping unit is located outside the predetermined position set between the rails, so that it is possible to prevent the balance during turning from being disrupted by the tamping unit. Also, at least half of all the positions (multiple positions) detectable by the width direction detection means within the movement range in the width direction of the rails in the tamping unit are positions where the tamping unit can be stopped between the rails, so that the movement of the tamping unit by the lateral movement means can be stopped by the lateral movement control means at these positions, and there is an effect that it is easy to arrange the tamping unit at the predetermined position or inside thereof, which is a position where it is easy to maintain balance during turning.

[0025] According to the multiple tamping machine described in claim 8, in addition to the effects achieved by the multiple tamping machine described in claim 1 or claim 2, the following effects are achieved. When it is detected by the fixing detection means that the tamping unit is fixed by the fixing means, it is detected by the locking detection means that the turning means is locked at the storage position by the locking means, and it is detected by the release detection means that the power transmission from the traveling drive means to the wheels is released by the transmission release means, the rewindable notification means notifies that the multiple tamping machine can be rewound by traction. As a result, there is an effect that damage to the tamping unit, turning means, etc. can be prevented during rewind.

[0026] According to the multiple tamping machine described in claim 9, in addition to the effects achieved by the multiple tamping machine described in claim 1 or claim 2, the following effects are achieved. Since the tamping operations of the tamping units provided on the front, rear, left, and right are configured to be independently controllable by the tamping control means, there is an effect that over-tamping in the tamping operation can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing the multiple tamping machine of the present embodiment loaded on a truck. [Figure 2] (a) is a top view of the multiple tamping machine, and (b) is a side view of the multiple tamping machine. [Figure 3] (a) is a top view of the tamping unit support frame attached to the transverse frame, and (b) is a view taken in the direction of arrow IIIb in FIG. 3(a). [Figure 4] It is a side view of the tamping unit seen from the IV direction in FIG. 2(a). [Figure 5] (a) is a view taken in the direction of arrow Va in FIG. 2(a), and (b) is a side view of the turning device seen from the Vb direction in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the turning part. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multiple tamping machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, some components of the multiple tie tamper 1, such as hydraulic piping, are omitted from the illustration, and each component is illustrated in a schematic manner. Furthermore, where necessary, the front and rear directions in the drawings are represented by arrows F and B, respectively, the left and right directions by arrows L and R, respectively, and the up and down directions by arrows U and D, respectively.

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view showing the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment loaded onto a truck 500. As shown in Figure 1, the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment is a small multiple tie tamper that can be loaded onto the cargo bed 501 of a truck 500, such as a so-called 4-ton truck, which has a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons (6,500 kilograms). This means that the multiple tie tamper 1 is not limited to traveling to the track maintenance work site by rail, but can also be transported by road (land transport) on the truck 500 to the track maintenance work site.

[0030] Furthermore, the size of Truck 500 does not necessarily have to be defined by its maximum load capacity; it may be defined by its gross vehicle weight instead of, or in addition to, its maximum load capacity. For example, Truck 500 may be a truck with a gross vehicle weight of less than 11 tons, or a truck with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons and a gross vehicle weight of less than 11 tons.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2(a) is a top view of the multiple tie tamper 1, and Figure 2(b) is a side view of the multiple tie tamper 1. In Figure 2(a), the roof 31 and other parts have been omitted to make the interior of the work room 26 easier to see. Also, in Figure 2(b), for reference, the top surface of the rails when the multiple tie tamper 1 is placed on the rails is shown by a dashed line.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the multiple tie tamper 1 comprises a body 3 having a pair of left and right wheels 2 (2a, 2b) at the front and rear, a generator 4, a hydraulic unit 5, a hydraulic control valve box 6, an electrical control box 7, tamping units 8, 9, 10, 11, a running gear 12, and a turntable 13. As will be described in detail later, the multiple tie tamper 1 is equipped with a turntable 13, so it can be turned around at the track maintenance work site.

[0033] The wheel 2 comprises a drive wheel 2a and a driven wheel 2b, which are driven by the running gear 12. The drive wheel 2a is the front wheel, and the driven wheel 2b is the rear wheel. Both the drive wheel 2a and the driven wheel 2b are a pair of left and right iron wheels arranged on the machine body 3 to match the track gauge (distance between rails). This allows the machine body 3 (multiple tie tamper 1) to run on the rails. For reference, in Figure 2(b), the top surface of the rails when the multiple tie tamper 1 is placed on the rails is shown with a dashed line.

[0034] The aircraft body 3 comprises a front frame 21, a rear frame 22 positioned behind the front frame 21, a connecting beam 23 connecting the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22, and tamping unit support frames 24 and 25. The front frame 21 has a cargo bed section, on which a generator 4, a hydraulic unit 5, a hydraulic control valve box 6, and an electrical control box 7 are loaded.

[0035] The front frame 21 is designed with dimensions that allow the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning") when the loading platform is turned by the turntable 13 described later, by the arrangement (layout) of the loaded items such as the generator 4. In this case, for example, the arrangement of the loaded items can be adjusted by making the support members that support each loaded item at its installation position sized to allow for adjustment of the position of the loaded item, or by making the bolt holes for fixing the loaded items elongated to allow for adjustment of the position of the loaded item, thereby adjusting the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning.

[0036] Since the load on the front frame 21 often includes heavy items such as the generator 4 and hydraulic unit 5, these easily affect the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning. In contrast, the multiple tie tamper 1 is designed so that the front frame 21 (more specifically, its loading platform) has dimensions that allow the balance to be adjusted by the arrangement of the load. Therefore, the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning can be appropriately set (adjusted) by the relatively simple method of adjusting the arrangement of the load. Furthermore, it is possible to customize the balance in advance according to the conditions of the track maintenance work being performed (for example, terrain, etc.).

[0037] Furthermore, since various track gauges are adopted depending on the country and railway company, it is necessary to appropriately set the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning according to the applicable track gauge. In this respect as well, since the design dimensions of the front frame 21 are configured as described above, even if the track gauge is different, the balance can be set to an appropriate balance according to the applicable track gauge by adjusting the arrangement of the load.

[0038] Therefore, with the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment, the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning can be appropriately set according to the situation, thus suitably ensuring the effectiveness and safety of turning (turning) by the turntable 13. Furthermore, since the machine body 3 having a common front frame 21 can be used for any gauge, the manufacturing cost of the multiple tie tamper 1 can be reduced.

[0039] A rectangular transverse frame 37 extending in the width direction (left-right direction) of the machine body 3 is provided at the rear end of the front frame 21. A mounting base projecting forward is provided approximately in the center of the upper frame of the transverse frame 37, and a movable indicator light 33 is provided above this mounting base. The movable indicator light 33 is a rotating light that illuminates when the movable conditions described later are met.

[0040] The rear frame 22 has a cargo bed section, and a work / operation room 26 is provided in this cargo bed section. The work / operation room 26 is equipped with a driver's seat 27, a control panel 28, a foot switch 29, a parking brake 30, etc. The control panel 28 is equipped with various switches that can be operated by a worker, such as a left movement switch 161 (see Figure 7), and various light-emitting parts, such as a drivable lamp 166 (see Figure 7). A roof 31 is provided above the work / operation room 26, and a rotating warning light 32 is provided above the roof 31.

[0041] Couplers 34 and 35 are provided at the front end of the front frame 21 and the rear end of the rear frame 22, respectively, to which a towing vehicle can be connected. This allows the machine body 3 (multiple tie tamper 1) to be moved forward or backward by being towed by a towing vehicle connected to coupler 34 or coupler 35.

[0042] The tamping unit support frame 24 is a frame for supporting two tamping units 8 and 9 located on the left side in the width direction of the rail, and the tamping unit support frame 25 is a frame for supporting two tamping units 10 and 11 located on the right side in the width direction of the rail. The tamping unit support frame 24 is movable between the center side and the left side in the width direction (left-right direction) of the machine body 3, and the tamping unit support frame 25 is movable between the center side and the right side in the width direction of the machine body 3. Figure 2(a) illustrates the case where the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 are located at the outermost position within their respective ranges of movement.

[0043] The generator 4 is the power source (power supply) for each electrically driven component in the multiple tie tamper 1. The generator 4 is, for example, an engine generator that uses fuel such as diesel oil or gasoline. Alternatively, instead of the generator 4, a storage battery may be installed in the multiple tie tamper 1, and the storage battery may be used as the power source for each electrically driven device.

[0044] The hydraulic unit 5 comprises a hydraulic tank 45 for storing hydraulic fluid (hereinafter also referred to as "hydraulic fluid"), a pump motor 46 driven by electricity supplied from the generator 4, and a hydraulic pump 47. The hydraulic pump 47 is rotationally driven by the pump motor 46 and draws hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic tank 45. This makes the size of the multiple tie tamper 1 smaller than that of conventional multiple tie tampers in which the hydraulic pump was rotationally driven by a drive shaft driven by an engine, and it can be miniaturized to the point where it can be loaded onto the cargo bed 501 of a truck 500 with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons.

[0045] The hydraulic control valve box 6 is a box with an openable door and houses control valves (solenoid valves) 180 (see Figure 7) for selectively supplying hydraulic fluid drawn up by the hydraulic pump 47 to hydraulic actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors) provided on the multiple tie tamper 1. The electrical control box 7 is a box with an openable door and houses controllers 150 (see Figure 7) for electrically controlling various parts of the multiple tie tamper 1.

[0046] Each of the tamping units 8 to 11 is equipped with a spatula-shaped beater 51 and a vibration motor 52 that vibrates the beater 51. The tamping units 8 to 11 insert the beater 51 into the ballast while vibrating it with the vibration motor 52, and compact the ballast by scraping it under the sleepers with the beater 51.

[0047] The tamping units 8 and 9 are mounted so as to be vertically movable to a mounting base 61 fixed to the left tamping unit support frame 24. Figure 2(b) shows the case where the front tamping unit 8 is located at the lower end of its range of motion, and the rear tamping unit 9 is located at the upper end of its range of motion. The tamping units 10 and 11 are mounted so as to be vertically movable to a mounting base 62 fixed to the right tamping unit support frame 25.

[0048] The running gear 12 is a device for driving the drive wheels 2a and is located on the underside of the front frame 21 of the machine body 3. The running gear 12 includes a hydraulic motor 185 (see Figure 7) driven by hydraulic fluid (pressurized oil) supplied from the hydraulic unit 5, and a clutch 186 (see Figure 7) which acts as a power transmission device to transmit rotational power from the hydraulic motor 185 to the drive wheels 2a.

[0049] In this embodiment, the clutch 186 is a manual clutch having a lever 187 (see Figure 7) that functions as a power transmission release means for releasing the transmission of power to the drive wheel 2a. The clutch 186 may also be an electromagnetic clutch in which the power transmission release means is electrically controlled by a controller 150 (see Figure 7), which will be described later.

[0050] The turntable 13 is a device that allows the multiple tie tamper 1 to be raised and lowered between a resting state where the wheels 2 are placed on the rails and a lifted state where the wheels 2 are separated from the rails, and also allows the multiple tie tamper 1 in the lifted state to be rotated (turned) in a substantially horizontal direction by human power. The turntable 13 is installed on the underside (bottom side) of the machine body 3, in a position where it can take the center of gravity of the multiple tie tamper 1. Because the multiple tie tamper 1 has heavy components such as a generator 4 placed on the front frame 21, and its center of gravity is biased forward, the turntable 13 is located on the underside of the front frame 21.

[0051] Figure 3(a) is a top view of the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 attached to the transverse frame 37, and Figure 3(b) is a view in the direction of arrow IIIb in Figure 3(a). In Figure 3, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawing, the mounting bases 61 and 62 and the tamping units 8 to 11 attached to the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 are omitted or shown with dashed lines as necessary.

[0052] The tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 each comprise a rectangular frame 71 parallel to the transverse frame 37 and a rectangular frame 72 erected behind frame 71. Mounting bases 61 and 62 are fixed to the rear frame of frame 72 on its outside (left or right side). Tamping units 8 and 9 are mounted on the front and rear of mounting base 61, respectively, and tamping units 10 and 11 are mounted on the front and rear of mounting base 62, respectively.

[0053] The tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 are attached to the machine body 3 by slidably engaging the shift tables 40 and 41, which are fixed to the front sides of the upper and lower frames of the frame 71, with the upper and lower guide rails 38 and 39, which extend in the left-right direction and are attached to the rear side of the traverse frame 37.

[0054] Hydraulic cylinders 76 and 77 are mounted on the rear side of the traverse frame 37. Hydraulic cylinder 76 is provided such that its rod protrudes to the left (outward) from the center side in the width direction of the machine body 3, and the tip of the rod is fixed to the tamping unit support frame 24. Hydraulic cylinder 77 is provided such that its rod protrudes to the right (outward) from the center side in the width direction of the machine body 3, and the tip of the rod is fixed to the tamping unit support frame 25. As a result, the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 move laterally in the left-right direction along the guide rails 38 and 39 due to the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders 76 and 77.

[0055] A detection unit 89 is installed on the upper side of each frame 71 that constitutes the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25. The detection unit 89 is, for example, a limit switch. The detection unit 89 detects dogs 81 to 88 attached to pipes 90 that extend in the left-right direction and are provided on the rear side of the traverse frame 37.

[0056] Dogs 81-88 are installed according to the stopping positions of the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25. Dogs 81-84, located to the left of the center in the width direction of the machine body 3, are detected by a detection unit 89 attached to the tamping unit support frame 24. Dogs 85-88, located to the right of the center in the width direction of the machine body 3, are detected by a detection unit 89 attached to the tamping unit support frame 25.

[0057] Dogs 81 and 85 are provided corresponding to the respective storage positions of the tamping unit support frame 24 (tamping units 8 and 9) and the tamping unit support frame 25 (tamping units 10 and 11). Dogs 84 and 88 are provided corresponding to the outermost stopping positions of the tamping unit support frame 24 and the tamping unit support frame 25. Dogs 83 and 86 are provided corresponding to predetermined positions where each beater 51 of the tamping units 8 to 11 can compact the inside of the left or right rail. Dogs 83 and 87 are provided corresponding to predetermined positions where each beater 51 of the tamping units 8 to 11 can compact the outside of the left or right rail.

[0058] Figure 4 is a side view of the tamping units 8 and 9 as seen from direction IV in Figure 2(a). The tamping units 8 and 9 located on the left side of the aircraft body 3 will be described below, but the tamping units 10 and 11 located on the right side of the aircraft body 3 are configured similarly except that the mounting base 61 is replaced by the mounting base 62, so their description will be omitted. The tamping units 8 and 9 have a link mechanism 53 that swings the beaters 51 inserted into the ballast toward each other by the force of hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68, with one end of the link mechanism 53 fixed to the outside of the carrier 63. Two shift tables 64 are fixed to the inside of the carrier 63, one above the other. The shift tables 64 are slidably engaged with vertically extending guide rails 65 and 66 attached to the front or rear side of the mounting base 61.

[0059] Hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68 are provided on the front and rear of the upper side of the mounting base 61 to move the tamping units 8 and 9 up and down along the guide rails 65 and 66. The rods of the hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68 protrude downward, and the tips of the rods are fixed to mounting parts (not shown) provided on the front and rear carriers 63, respectively. As a result, the tamping units 8 and 9 move up and down along the guide rails 65 and 66 by the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68.

[0060] On the outer surface of the mounting base 61 in the width direction of the rail (front side in Figure 4), detection units 91 to 94 capable of detecting the position of the tamping unit 8 and detection units 95 to 98 capable of detecting the position of the tamping unit 9 are provided. Detection units 91 to 98 are, for example, limit switches. Detection units 91 to 98 detect the dog 69 attached to the underside of the carrier 63.

[0061] Detection units 91 and 95 are provided at positions corresponding to the upper limit positions of the tamping units 8 and 9. Detection units 92 and 96 are provided at positions below the upper limit positions of the tamping units 8 and 9, where the tip of the beater 51 is positioned to correspond to the upper surface of the sleeper (hereinafter also referred to as the "intermediate stop position"). Detection units 93 and 97 are provided at positions below the intermediate stop position, where the tip of the beater 51 is positioned to correspond to the lower surface of the sleeper (hereinafter also referred to as the "pressurized position"). Detection units 94 and 98 are provided at positions corresponding to the lower limit positions of the tamping units 8 and 9. The lower limit position of the tamping units 8 and 9 is, for example, a position where the tip of the beater 51 is positioned several centimeters (for example, about 10 centimeters) below the lower surface of the sleeper.

[0062] A lock plate 99 having two engagement holes 99a is provided on the outer surface of the rail in the width direction of the mounting base 61. The lock plate 99 is rotatably mounted at its base on a pivot axis extending in the front-rear direction of the machine body 3, and under normal conditions, is biased by an elastic body such as a spring (not shown) and is in the released position shown by the solid line. When the lock plate 99 is rotated around the pivot axis by being pushed down by an operator, it moves from the released position to the locked position shown by the dashed line.

[0063] A claw-shaped engaging portion 100 is erected on the outer surface (left side) in the width direction of the rail of each carrier 63. When the tamping units 8 and 9 are in the upper end position, the lock plate 99 can be moved to the locked position, and the engaging hole 93a can be engaged with the engaging portion 95. This allows the tamping units 8 and 9, which have been moved to the upper limit position (storage position), to be fixed (locked) by the lock plate 99.

[0064] A detection unit 101 capable of detecting the lock plate 99 in the locked position is provided on the outer surface of the rail in the width direction of the mounting base 61. The detection unit 101 is, for example, a proximity sensor, but a configuration using contact-detectable switches such as microswitches may be used instead of non-contact-detectable sensors.

[0065] Figure 5(a) is a view taken in the direction of the arrow Va in Figure 2(a), and Figure 5(b) is a side view of the turntable 13 taken in the direction of Vb in Figure 5(a). Note that in Figure 5(b), some components such as brackets 136 and 137, which will be described later, are not shown for the purpose of making the drawing easier to understand.

[0066] The turntable 13 comprises a rod 121, a rod holder 122, a hydraulic cylinder 123, and a turntable section 124. The rod 121 is cylindrical, and one end of it is fixed to the center of the turntable plate 131 (see Figure 6) of the turntable section 124. The rod 121 is inserted through an insertion hole (not shown) in the rod holder 122. The rod holder 122 is inserted through an opening (not shown) in a mounting plate 115 that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and is fixed to the underside of the machine body 3 (front frame 21), and is fixed thereto.

[0067] The hydraulic cylinder 123 is fixed to the mounting plate 115 by a fixing member 125 such that its rod (hereinafter also referred to as the "cylinder rod") protrudes downward through an opening (not shown) in the mounting plate 115. In this embodiment, two hydraulic cylinders 123 are provided in symmetrical positions with the rod 121 in between. The cylinder rod of each hydraulic cylinder 123 is fixed to the turntable plate 131 via a block 126 located below the mounting plate 115.

[0068] The turntable section 124 is initially in a retracted position (initial position) where it does not touch the track G when the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 123 is retracted. As the cylinder rod of the hydraulic cylinder 123 extends downward, it gradually descends and eventually touches the track G (dotted line in Figure 5(a)). It is preferable for stability to connect the turntable section 124 to the track G via a plate-shaped base.

[0069] After the turntable section 124 is grounded on the track G, extending the cylinder rod further causes the entire multiple tie tamper 1 to be lifted upward by the hydraulic cylinder 123, and the wheels 2 that were in contact with the rails move upward away from the rails. As a result, the multiple tie tamper 1 transitions from a mounted state to a lifted state, making it possible to turn using the turntable section 124.

[0070] When the multiple tie tamper 1 is turned using the turntable 13, the tamping units 8, 9 and tamping units 10, 11 are positioned at a predetermined location between the rails (hereinafter also referred to as the "balance position") or inside of it before turning. Therefore, if tamping units 8, 9 or tamping units 10, 11 are located outside the balance position, they are moved to the balance position or inside of it before the multiple tie tamper 1 is turned. This prevents the balance from being disrupted during turning by the tamping units 8-11.

[0071] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the turntable section 124. The turntable section 124 comprises a turntable plate 131, a plate holder 132, a spacer 133, and a plate retainer 134. The turntable plate 131 is a disc-shaped member with concentric protrusions on its lower (bottom) side. The plate holder 132 is a dish-shaped member capable of accommodating the turntable plate 131. The plate holder 132 has a recess into which the protrusions of the turntable plate 131 can be inserted, allowing the accommodated turntable plate 131 to rotate. The turntable plate 131 and the plate holder 132 are made of metal (for example, general structural rolled steel (SS material)).

[0072] When the turntable plate 131 is housed in the plate holder 132, the protrusion of the turntable plate 131 is loosely inserted into the recess of the plate holder 132. This allows the turntable plate 131 to rotate stably relative to the plate holder 132, thereby ensuring the stability of the turn of the multiple tie tamper 1 by the turntable device 13. Alternatively, the turntable plate 131 may not have a protrusion (i.e., its bottom is flat), and the plate holder 132 may not have a corresponding recess.

[0073] The spacer 133 is a plate interposed between the turntable plate 131 and the plate holder 132. The spacer 133 has an annular shape with an outer diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the turntable plate 131, and its inner diameter is configured to be large enough to penetrate the protrusions of the turntable plate 131. The spacer 133 is made of a wear-resistant resin (for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene such as Newlight®). Preferably, the resin constituting the spacer 133 has self-lubricating properties (low coefficient of friction) in addition to wear resistance.

[0074] By interposing a spacer 133 and lubricating oil between the turntable plate 131 and the plate support 132, the turntable plate 131 can be rotated relative to the plate support 132 which is grounded on the track G, that is, the turntable plate 131 can be rotated approximately horizontally with respect to the track G. As described above, since the turntable plate 131 is connected to the machine body 3 via a block 126 fixed to the turntable plate 131 and a hydraulic cylinder 123 attached to the mounting part 115, when a worker holds the machine body 3 of the lifted multiple tie tamper 1 and rotates it approximately horizontally by hand, the turntable plate 131 can be rotated approximately horizontally with respect to the track G, and as a result, the multiple tie tamper 1 can be turned.

[0075] The turntable 124 enables the rotation of the multiple tie tamper 1 with a relatively simple configuration that interposes a spacer 133 between the turntable plate 131 and the plate support 132. As this eliminates the need for bearings and the like, the manufacturing cost of the multiple tie tamper 1 can be reduced. The turntable 124 is configured to enable the rotation of the multiple tie tamper 1 by human power, so a drive device such as a motor to rotate the multiple tie tamper 1 is unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost of the multiple tie tamper 1 can be reduced accordingly.

[0076] The plate retainer 134 is an annular shape with an outer diameter approximately the same as that of the plate receiver 132. The plate retainer 134 is fixed to the opening edge of the plate receiver 132. The inner diameter of the plate retainer 134 is smaller than the diameter of the turntable plate 131, and larger than the distance from the center of the turntable plate 131 to the furthest point of the block 126. This allows the turntable plate 131 to rotate relative to the plate receiver 132, while preventing the turntable plate 131 from detaching from the plate receiver 132.

[0077] Returning to Figure 5(a), the configuration for preventing the turntable section 124 from falling will be explained. The multiple tie tamper 1 is equipped with a rod-shaped stopper 141. The stopper 141 is positioned with its axial direction facing left to right, behind the rod 121 and the hydraulic cylinder 123 (towards the front of the page). The stopper 141 is supported by being inserted through holes (not shown) in brackets 144 and 145 that are erected on the rear surface of the mounting plate 143 fixed to the machine body 3.

[0078] A bracket 136 having a through hole (not shown) through which the stopper 141 can be inserted is erected on the lower surface of the mounting plate 115. A bracket 137 having a through hole (not shown) through which the stopper 141 can be inserted is erected on the rear side of the rear of the two blocks 126. Brackets 136 and 137 are positioned so that the stopper 141 can pass through the through holes provided in these brackets when the turntable section 124 is in the stowed position.

[0079] A rod-shaped lever 142 is provided at one end of the stopper 141, and is approximately perpendicular to the stopper 141. The stopper 141 is installed so that the lever 142 faces outward in the width direction of the rail on the machine body 3 (left side in Figure 5(a)). By pushing the lever 142 inward in the width direction of the rail on the machine body 3 or pulling it outward, the worker can move the stopper 141 between the released position shown by the dashed line and the locked position shown by the solid line.

[0080] When the stopper 141 is in the locked position, as shown in Figure 5(a), the end opposite to the lever 142 protrudes from the insertion hole of the bracket 136 that is furthest from the lever 142. In this case, the stopper 141 penetrates all the insertion holes of the brackets 136 and 137 and locks the turntable 124, preventing the heavy turntable 124 from unexpectedly descending or falling from its storage position.

[0081] When the stopper 141 is in the released position, the end opposite to the lever 142 is in a position where it does not reach the insertion hole of the bracket 137 closer to the lever 142, that is, the stopper 141 is not inserted into either of the insertion holes of the two brackets 137. Therefore, in this case, the stopper 141 is detached from the bracket 137, making it possible to raise and lower the turntable 124 by operating the hydraulic cylinder 123.

[0082] The stopper 141 is attached to the machine body 3 via brackets 144 and 145, and the bracket 136 is attached to the machine body 3 via mounting plate 143. The bracket 137 is attached to the block 126, which is a part that moves (more specifically, rotates around the turning axis) in accordance with the rotation of the multiple tie tamper 1 when it is turned by the turntable 13. Therefore, even when the multiple tie tamper 1 is turned, the positional relationship between the stopper 141 and the brackets 136 and 137 does not change. Thus, even when the turntable section 124 is returned to its stowed position after the multiple tie tamper 1 has been turned by the turntable 13, the turntable section 124 can be locked by the stopper 141 in the same way as before it was turned.

[0083] A thin, elongated plate portion 146 extending in the left-right direction is erected on the mounting plate 143 at a position that overlaps with the upper end of the lever 142 when viewed from the rear. The elongated plate portion 146 has a recess at a position corresponding to the lever 142 of the stopper 141 in the release or lock position. When the stopper 141 is in the release or lock position, twisting the lever 142 so that its upper end approaches the elongated plate portion 146 allows the upper end of the lever 142 to be locked into the recess of the elongated plate portion 146. This allows the stopper 141 to be fixed in the release or lock position, thus preventing problems caused by the stopper 141's position moving unexpectedly, such as the stopper 141 moving from the lock position to the release position and disengaging the turntable portion 124.

[0084] A detection unit 147 is installed on the rear surface of the mounting plate 143. The detection unit 147 is, for example, a limit switch. The detection unit 147 detects a dog 148 attached to the stopper 141. The dog 148 is positioned so that it is not detected by the detection unit 147 when the stopper 141 is in a position other than the locked position, such as the release position, but is detected by the detection unit 147 when it reaches the locked position.

[0085] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the multiple tie tamper 1. The multiple tie tamper 1 includes a controller 150. The controller 150, as a hardware configuration not shown, includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as ROM, RAM, or a hard drive disk, and input / output devices. The controller outputs the calculation results obtained by executing a control program (software) pre-stored in the storage device on the arithmetic processing unit as signals from the input / output devices.

[0086] The controller 150 is connected as an input device (input unit) to various switches 161-165, a foot switch 29 (see Figure 2), and a lift switch 167, which are provided on the control panel 28, as well as detection units such as detection unit 89, detection units 91-94, detection units 95-98, detection unit 101, detection unit 147, detection unit 171, and detection unit 172. Signals corresponding to the operation of these switches, and detection signals from these detection units are input to the controller 150 via the input / output device.

[0087] The left movement switch 161 is a switch that controls the movement of the tamping unit support frame 24 on the left side of the machine 3 and the direction of that movement. The right movement switch 162 is a switch that controls the movement of the tamping unit support frame 25 on the right side of the machine 3.

[0088] The target selection switch 163 is a switch that selects the unit from among the tamping units 8 to 11 to be moved up and down. The up and down movement switch 164 is a switch that indicates the movement of the unit selected by the target selection switch 163 among the tamping units 8 to 11 and the direction of that movement. The travel direction switch 165 is a switch that selects the travel direction (self-propelled direction) of the multiple tie tamper 1.

[0089] The foot switch 29 is a switch that instructs the multiple tie tamper 1 to move (self-propel) and brake. The lifting switch 167 is a switch that instructs the lifting or lowering of the turntable section 124 of the turntable device 13. The lifting switch 167 is, for example, a toggle switch. The lifting switch 167 is operably disposed through an opening provided in the side wall of the hydraulic control valve box 6.

[0090] Detection unit 89 outputs a detection signal when it detects dogs 81-84, 85-88 (see Figure 3). Detection units 91-94, 95-98 output a detection signal when they detect dog 69 (see Figure 4) moving in the vertical direction. Detection unit 101 outputs a detection signal when it detects lock plate 99 (see Figure 4). Detection unit 147 outputs a detection signal when it detects dog 148 (see Figure 5).

[0091] In Figure 7, to clearly indicate the installation location of the detection units, for example, the detection unit 89 provided on the left tamping unit support frame 24 is represented as 89L, and the detection unit 89 provided on the right tamping unit support frame 25 is represented as 89R. Similarly, for the detection units 91-94 provided on the front tamping units 8 and 10, the detection units 95-98 provided on the rear tamping units 9 and 11, and the detection unit 101 provided on the mounting bases 61 and 62, the detection unit on the left is denoted with the letter L after its number, and the detection unit on the right is denoted with the letter R after its number.

[0092] The detection unit 171 is a detection unit for detecting when the manual clutch 186 has been switched to the release position by the operation of the lever 187, which releases the transmission of power from the hydraulic motor 185 to the drive wheel 2a. For example, it is a limit switch. A member (not shown) that is linked to the movement of the lever 187 is provided with a dog (not shown) at a position that can be detected by the detection unit 171 when the clutch 186 is switched to the release position by the lever 187. The detection unit 171 outputs a detection signal when it detects the dog.

[0093] The detection unit 172 is a detection unit for detecting when the manual parking brake 30 (see Figure 2) has been switched to a braking position that brakes the multiple tie tamper 1 by operating the lever, and is, for example, a limit switch. A member (not shown) that is linked to the movement of the lever of the parking brake 30 is provided with a dog (not shown) at a position that can be detected by the detection unit 172 when the parking brake 30 is switched to the braking position by the lever. The detection unit 172 outputs a detection signal when it detects the dog.

[0094] Furthermore, the detection units 171 and 172, as well as the aforementioned detection units 89, 91-89, and 147, do not necessarily have to be contact-detectable switches such as limit switches; they may also be configured to use non-contact-detectable sensors such as proximity sensors.

[0095] A control valve 180 is connected to the controller 150 as an output device (output unit) to which signals are output. The controller 150 calculates the operating conditions of the hydraulic actuator based on input signals from various switches such as the left movement switch 161 or various detection units such as the detection unit 89, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operating conditions to the control valve 180 via the input / output device. Based on the signal received from the controller 150, the control valve 180 controls the pressure, flow rate, and direction of the hydraulic fluid drawn up by the hydraulic pump 47 to operate under the operating conditions and supplies it to the target hydraulic actuator.

[0096] The control valve 180 is connected to hydraulic actuators such as a hydraulic cylinder 76 for moving the tamping unit support frame 24 laterally (moving it in the left-right direction), a hydraulic cylinder 77 for moving the tamping unit support frame 25 laterally, a hydraulic cylinder 67 for moving the tamping units 8 and 10 up and down, a hydraulic cylinder 68 for moving the tamping units 9 and 11 up and down, a hydraulic cylinder 123 for raising and lowering the turntable section 124 (moving it up and down), and a hydraulic motor 185 for the running gear 12.

[0097] In Figure 7, to clarify the installation positions of the hydraulic cylinders 67 and 68, the hydraulic cylinder 67 corresponding to the tamping unit 8 located on the left front side is represented as hydraulic cylinder 67FL, the hydraulic cylinder 67 corresponding to the tamping unit 10 located on the right front side is represented as hydraulic cylinder 67FR, the hydraulic cylinder 68 corresponding to the tamping unit 9 located on the left rear side is represented as hydraulic cylinder 68BL, and the hydraulic cylinder 68 corresponding to the tamping unit 11 located on the right rear side is represented as hydraulic cylinder 68BR.

[0098] The controller 150 is connected to other output devices, including a drivable lamp 166 located on the control panel 28, a lock release lamp 168 located near the lift switch 167, and a forward-moving indicator light 33 (see Figure 2). The notification device is not limited to light-emitting units such as the drivable lamp 166; a display screen capable of displaying text characters or a sound output unit such as a speaker may also be used.

[0099] The controller 150 includes, as functional units realized by the hardware configuration and software of the controller 150, a running control unit 191, a lateral movement control unit 192, a tamping control unit 193, a turntable lock status notification unit 194, a transfer-ready notification unit 195, and a run-ready notification unit 196.

[0100] The travel control unit 191 makes the multiple tie tamper 1 move on its own (travel) according to the operation status of the travel direction switch 165 and the foot switch 29. Specifically, when a worker presses the foot switch 29 while indicating the travel direction (forward or backward) by operating the travel direction switch 165, the travel control unit 191 controls the control valve 180 and operates the hydraulic motor 185 so that the multiple tie tamper 1 travels in the indicated direction. As a result, the rotational power of the hydraulic motor 185 is transmitted to the drive wheels 2a via the clutch 186, and the multiple tie tamper 1 travels in the indicated direction.

[0101] The travel control unit 191 allows the multiple tie tamper 1 to travel when the foot switch 29 is operated, provided that predetermined travel conditions are met. The travel conditions are, for example, when the tamping units 8-11 are in their upper limit position, as detected by the detection units 91 (91L, 91R) and 95 (95L, 95R), and the stopper 141 is in the locked position (i.e., the turntable 124 is locked in the stored position), as detected by the detection unit 147.

[0102] By enabling the multiple tie tamper 1 to run only when the conditions for running are met, it is possible to prevent the beaters 51 of the tamping units 8-11 from coming into contact with ballast or the like and being damaged during operation, and also to prevent the turntable section 124 from falling and being damaged.

[0103] The lateral movement control unit 192 moves the tamping unit support frame 24 on the left side of the machine body 3 (tamping units 8, 9) or the tamping unit support frame 25 on the right side (tamping units 10, 11) laterally in the left-right direction, according to the operation status of the left movement switch 161 and the right movement switch 162, as well as the detection status of the dogs 81 to 88 by the detection unit 89 (89L, 89R).

[0104] Specifically, when an operator operates at least one of the left movement switch 161 or the right movement switch 162, the lateral movement control unit 192 controls the control valve 180 to actuate the hydraulic cylinder 76 so that the tamping unit support frames 24, 25 move in the direction of movement specified by the operation (left or right) while the operation continues (for example, while the switches 161, 162 are lever switches and are tilted to the left or right). As a result, the hydraulic cylinders 76, 77 extend or retract to move in the specified direction of movement, and the tamping unit support frames 24, 25 move in the specified direction of movement.

[0105] When the worker finishes operating the left movement switch 161 or the right movement switch 162 (for example, when the lever switch returns to its initial position by releasing the hand), the lateral movement control unit 192 controls the control valve 180 to stop the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 76 and 77. This stops the moving tamping unit support frames 24 and 25.

[0106] If the detection unit 89 (89L) detects dogs 81-84 while the tamping unit support frame 24 is moving, the lateral movement control unit 192 controls the control valve 180 to stop the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 76. If the detection unit 89 (89R) detects dogs 85-88 while the tamping unit support frame 25 is moving, the lateral movement control unit 192 controls the control valve 180 to stop the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 77. As a result, the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 (tamping units 8-11) stop at positions corresponding to the installation positions of dogs 81-88.

[0107] Of the dogs 81 to 88 detected by the detection unit 89, two dogs 81 and 82, which are half of the dogs corresponding to the tamping unit support frame 24, and two dogs 85 and 86, which are half of the dogs corresponding to the tamping unit support frame 25, are positioned between the rails (inside the rails) in a location that allows the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 to stop. At these positions, the tamping units 8 and 9 and tamping units 10 and 11 are stopped, making it easy to position the tamping units 8 to 11 in a position that makes it easy to balance them when turning (i.e., the balance position or inside the balance position described above). The balance position may also be set to the position corresponding to dogs 81 and 85 (i.e., the storage position of the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25) or the position corresponding to dogs 82 and 86.

[0108] The lateral movement control unit 192 allows lateral movement of the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 when the left movement switch 161 or the right movement switch 162 is operated, provided that predetermined lateral movement conditions are met. The lateral movement conditions include, for example, the detection units 91 (91L, 91R) and 95 (95L, 95R) detecting that the tamping units 8 to 11 are in their upper limit positions.

[0109] By allowing lateral movement of the tamping unit support frames 24 and 25 only when the conditions for lateral movement are met, it is possible to prevent the beaters 51 of the tamping units 8 to 11 from coming into contact with ballast or other materials and being damaged during lateral movement.

[0110] Alternatively, instead of detecting the upper limit position by detection units 91 and 95, the detection unit 101 (101L, 101R) may be configured to add to the lateral movement condition or the above-mentioned drivability condition that the tamping units 8 to 10 are fixed by the lock plate 99.

[0111] The tamping control unit 193 moves the four tamping units 8 to 11 up and down according to the operation status of the target selection switch 163 and the up / down movement switch 164, as well as the detection status of the dog 69 by the detection units 91 to 94 (91L to 94L, 91R to 94R) and detection units 95 to 98 (95L to 98L, 95R to 98R), and also performs tamping (compacting) work with the beater 51 inserted into the ballast.

[0112] Specifically, when an operator performs a downward operation on the up / down switch 164 (for example, if the up / down switch 164 is a lever switch, the operator pushes the switch forward to tilt it), the tamping control unit 193 controls the control valve 180 and, while the operation continues (for example, while the lever switch is tilted), extends the hydraulic cylinder corresponding to the tamping unit selected as the target of operation by the operation of the target selection switch 163 (hereinafter also referred to as the "target tamping unit") among the hydraulic cylinders 67 (67FL, 67FR) and hydraulic cylinders 68 (68BL, 68BR), thereby lowering the target tamping unit.

[0113] On the other hand, if an operator performs an upward movement operation on the up / down switch 164 (for example, by pulling the lever switch towards the operator (rearward) to tilt it), the tamping control unit 193 controls the control valve 180 and, while the operation is continued, retracts the hydraulic cylinder corresponding to the target tamping unit selected by the operation of the target selection switch 163 among the four hydraulic cylinders 67, 68, thereby raising the target tamping unit.

[0114] When the detection unit 94 or detection unit 98 of the target tamping unit has descended to a position where it detects the dog 69 (i.e., the lower limit position of the target tamping unit), and the worker has finished operating the up / down switch 164 (for example, when the lever switch returns to its initial position by releasing the hand), the tamping control unit 193 starts the automatic tamping operation by the target tamping unit.

[0115] Automatic tamping is a process in which, for example, the tip of a beater 51 vibrated by a vibration motor 52 moves the target tamping device up and down several times (for example, three times) between the pressurized position and the lower limit position, and then raises the target tamping device to the intermediate stop position. This series of operations is performed automatically a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). The tamping control unit 193 controls the control valve 180 based on the detection status of the detection units 92-94 or 96-98 of the target tamping unit, causing the target tamping unit to perform the automatic tamping operation.

[0116] When the automatic tamping operation is completed, the tamping control unit 193 retracts the hydraulic cylinder corresponding to the target tamping unit and raises the target tamping unit to the position where the detection unit 91 or detection unit 95 detects the dog 69 (i.e., the upper limit position of the target tamping unit). If an operator performs an upward movement operation on the up / down movement switch 164 before the automatic tamping operation is completed, the tamping control unit 193 will terminate the automatic tamping operation and raise the target tamping unit.

[0117] The tamping control unit 193 can perform tamping on the target tamping unit selected by the target selection switch 163 from among the tamping units 8 to 11. In other words, the tamping control unit 193 independently controls the tamping operation of each of the tamping units 8 to 11 located in the front, back, left, and right directions, enabling precise work and preventing any areas from being missed during tamping.

[0118] The turntable lock status notification unit 194 illuminates the unlock lamp 168 when the detection unit 147 does not detect that the stopper 141 is in the locked position. The unlock lamp 168 is located near the lifting switch 167. This allows workers attempting to operate the lifting switch 167 to confirm that the unlock lamp 168 is illuminated. This prevents the turntable 124 from being lowered while locked by the stopper 141, thereby preventing damage to the stopper 141 and other components.

[0119] The transfer-ready notification unit 195 illuminates the transfer-ready indicator light 33 when predetermined transfer-ready conditions are met. The transfer-ready conditions are, for example, when the detection unit 147 detects that the stopper 141 is in the locked position (i.e., the turntable unit 124 is locked in the stowed position), the detection unit 101 (101L, 101R) detects that the tamping units 8-10 are fixed by the lock plate 99, and the detection unit 171 detects that the lever 187 of the clutch 186 has been switched to the release position.

[0120] By visually confirming the "ready to move" indicator light 33, the worker can recognize that the conditions for readiness for readiness have been met. This prevents the beaters 51 of the tamping units 8-11 from coming into contact with ballast or other materials and being damaged during readiness (towing), and also prevents the turntable section 124 from falling and being damaged. Furthermore, it prevents damage to the clutch 186, hydraulic motor 185, etc., caused by forcibly towing while the clutch 186 is engaged.

[0121] Furthermore, the system may be configured to include the case where braking force is applied to the drive wheels 2a by pulling the lever of the parking brake 30 and switching it to the braking position, as a condition for being able to move the vehicle. In other words, the system may be configured to include the case where the detection unit 172 detects that the manual parking brake 30 has been switched to the braking position, in addition to the above conditions, as a condition for being able to move the vehicle.

[0122] The drivable notification unit 196 illuminates the drivable lamp 166 when the above-described drivable conditions are met. This allows workers to determine whether or not the multiple tie tamper 1 is drivable based on the illumination status of the drivable lamp 166. In addition, the drivable control unit 191 may be configured to drive the multiple tie tamper 1 even when the drivable conditions are not met. By providing the drivable notification unit 196 in such a configuration, it is possible to prevent workers from driving the multiple tie tamper 1 when the drivable conditions are not met.

[0123] As explained above, the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment is small enough to be loaded onto the cargo bed 501 of a truck 500 with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons, so it is not limited to rail travel but can also be transported on roads by the truck 500, making it highly transportable. Furthermore, because it is small, it is possible to perform detailed tamping work (compacting work), so by having the multiple tie tamper 1 work on the parts that were not tamped by a large multiple tie tamper, the condition of the railway tracks can be improved.

[0124] Furthermore, the multiple tie tamper 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a turntable 13, which allows it to be turned around at the track maintenance work site. This makes it convenient to reverse direction when it becomes necessary to move in the reverse direction due to returning to the base, moving to a different site, or emergency evacuation, etc., by turning it around with the turntable 13.

[0125] <Example 1> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the design dimensions of the front frame 21 are set so that the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning can be adjusted by the arrangement of the load. However, instead of the front frame 21, or in addition to the front frame 21, the design dimensions of other parts that make up the machine body 3, such as the rear frame 22, may be set so that the balance of the multiple tie tamper 1 during turning can be adjusted by the arrangement of the load. Alternatively, the loading platform portion of the front frame 21 may be set to design dimensions that allow weights for balance adjustment to be loaded as cargo. In this case, multiple locations for loading balance weights may be provided.

[0126] <Modification 2> In the above embodiment, a configuration was illustrated in which the multiple tie tamper 1 is turned by manually moving the turntable 13. However, a configuration is also available in which the turntable plate 131 is rotated using a drive device such as a motor, thereby turning the multiple tie tamper 1. In this case, the controller 150 may be configured to control the drive device so that the multiple tie tamper 1 turns in a direction and by an amount (turning angle) specified by the operator. When the controller 150 controls the drive device, it may be configured to allow the multiple tie tamper 1 to turn only if predetermined turning conditions are met. The turning conditions may include, for example, each of the conditions illustrated as the travelable conditions described above, as well as the case where the tamping units 8 to 11 are located in the balance position or inside of it.

[0127] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, a configuration in which a spacer 133 is interposed between the turntable plate 131 and the plate holder 132 was illustrated, but a configuration in which the turntable plate 131 is rotated substantially horizontally relative to the plate holder 132 using bearings may also be used.

[0128] <Modification 4> In the above embodiment, the case in which the bracket 137 is attached to the block 126 was illustrated, but the mounting position of the bracket 137 does not necessarily have to be the block 126. It can be any part that constitutes the turntable 13 and moves in accordance with the rotation when the multiple tie tamper 1 is turned by the turntable 13. For example, the bracket 137 may be attached to a mounting part provided on the surface of the turntable plate 131. Alternatively, instead of the bracket 137, a through-hole that penetrates laterally may be provided in the rod 121, and the stopper 141 may be inserted through the through-hole to lock the turntable section 124.

[0129] <Modification 5> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the lock release lamp 168 is illuminated by the turntable lock status notification unit 194 when the detection unit 147 does not detect that the stopper 141 is in the locked position. However, the turntable lock status notification unit 194 may be configured to illuminate a lock confirmation lamp in addition to, or instead of, the lock release lamp 168, when the detection unit 147 detects that the stopper 141 is in the locked position. In such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the turntable 124 from being lowered while it is locked by the stopper 141.

[0130] <Variation 6> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which two dogs (dogs 81, 82 or dogs 85, 86) are provided within the movement range of each tamping unit support frame 24, 25 as dogs that can stop the tamping unit support frames 24, 25 inside the rail. However, in addition to these two, a configuration may be provided in which at least one more dog is provided to enable the tamping unit support frames 24, 25 to stop inside the rail. This makes it possible to place more than half of the stopping positions of the tamping unit support frames 24 (tamping units 8, 9) and tamping unit support frames 25 (tamping units 10, 11) inside the rail, making it easier to position the tamping units 8-11 in a position that makes it easier to balance when turning. In this case, an additional dog may be provided at a position corresponding to the balance position.

[0131] <Example 7> In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder 123 is used as an actuator to operate various parts of the multiple tie tamper 1, such as the turntable 13. However, instead of some or all of the hydraulic actuators, actuators that are operated by a medium other than hydraulic fluid may be used, for example, a hydraulic actuator operated by a liquid other than hydraulic fluid (for example, water or glycerin) or a gas actuator operated by a gas such as air.

[0132] <Differentiation Example 8> In the above embodiment, the case in which the multiple tie tamper 1 is driven by the rotational power of the hydraulic motor 185 is illustrated. However, the multiple tie tamper 1 may be driven by an electric motor instead of the hydraulic motor 185. Alternatively, the multiple tie tamper 1 may be driven by an engine.

[0133] The present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments and modifications, but it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each embodiment or modification may be modified by adding some or more parts of the configuration of the embodiment or modification to that embodiment or modification, or by replacing some or more parts of the configuration of the embodiment or modification. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​given in the above embodiments or modifications are merely examples, and it is naturally possible to use other numerical values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1 Multiple Tamper 4. Generator (power supply) 8-11 Tamping Unit 12. Traveling device 13 Turntable 21 Front frame (cargo bed section) 46 Pump motor 47 Hydraulic pump 67, 68 Hydraulic cylinder (up and down movement mechanism) 76,77 Hydraulic cylinder (lateral movement means) 89 Detection unit (width direction detection means) 99 Locking plate (fixing means) 101 Detection unit (fixed detection means) 123 Hydraulic Cylinder 124 Turntable 131 Turntable Plate 132 Plate receiver 133 Spacer 136 Bracket (first insertion member, locking means) 137 Bracket (second insertion member, locking means) 141 Stopper (rod-shaped member, locking means) 147 Detection unit (locking detection means) 185 Hydraulic motor (driving means) 186 Clutch (power transmission means) 187 Lever (transmission release mechanism) 192 Lateral movement control unit (lateral movement control means) 193 Tamping control unit (tamping control means) 194 Turntable Lock Status Notification Unit (Lock Release Notification Means) 195 Transferable notification unit (transferable notification means)

Claims

1. A small multiple tie tamper that can be loaded onto the cargo bed of a truck with a maximum load capacity of less than 6.5 tons, comprising a body having wheels capable of running on rails, and a pair of left and right tamping units provided on the body spaced apart in the width direction of the rails, Power supply and A pump driven by a pump motor powered by electricity supplied from the aforementioned power source, The machine is provided with a turning mechanism located on the underside of the machine body, which allows the multiple tie tamper to be raised and lowered between a mounted state in which the wheels are placed on the rails and a lifted state in which the wheels are separated upward from the rails by a medium supplied from the pump, and which also allows the multiple tie tamper to be rotated horizontally in the lifted state. A multiple tie tamper characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned aircraft comprises a loading platform for loading cargo, which includes at least the power supply, the pump motor, and the pump unit, The cargo bed section is configured with design dimensions that allow the load to be positioned in a way that allows the balance of the multiple tie tamper in the lifted state to be adjusted. The multiple tie tamper according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned turning means is, A turntable section that makes contact with the track and rotates the machine horizontally, The system includes a turntable lifting mechanism that is driven by a medium supplied from the pump to raise and lower the turntable, The aforementioned turntable section is, A receiving part made of metal in the shape of a dish, A metal, disc-shaped turntable plate is connected to the machine body and housed in the receiving portion, and is rotatable in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the receiving portion. It comprises a resin spacer interposed between the turntable plate and the receiving portion, A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The turntable plate has a circular protrusion in the center of the receiving side surface when viewed from above, The receiving portion has a recess into which the protrusion is inserted so that the turntable plate can rotate. The multiple tie tamper according to feature 3.

5. A rod-shaped member attached to the aforementioned aircraft, A first insertion member is attached to the aforementioned aircraft and has an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped member can be inserted, The locking means comprises a second insertion member attached to the turntable means and having an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped member can be inserted, The locking means locks the turntable in the storage position by passing the rod-shaped member through the insertion holes of the first insertion member and the second insertion member when the turntable is in a predetermined storage position. The second insertion member is attached to a part of the turntable that moves in accordance with the turning motion when the turntable is turned. A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A locking mechanism for locking the aforementioned turntable mechanism in a predetermined storage position, A locking detection means for detecting that the turntable means is locked in the storage position by the locking means, The system includes a lock release notification means that notifies the user if the locking detection means does not detect the locking. A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A lateral movement means, driven by the medium supplied from the pump, moves the tamping unit in the width direction of the rail, A widthwise detection means capable of detecting multiple locations within the widthwise movement range of the rail in the tamping unit, The system includes a lateral movement control means that stops the movement of the tamping unit by the lateral movement means at a position detected by the width direction detection means while the tamping unit is moving by the lateral movement means, At least half of the multiple locations detectable by the widthwise detection means are positions where the tamping unit can be stopped between rails. The turning by the aforementioned turning means is performed after moving the tamping unit to the predetermined position or inward using the aforementioned lateral movement means if the tamping unit is located outside the predetermined position set between the rails. A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A vertical movement means, driven by the medium supplied from the pump, moves the tamping unit in the vertical direction, A fixing means for fixing the tamping unit in a predetermined storage position located at the upper end of the vertical movement range of the tamping unit, A fixing detection means capable of detecting that the tamping unit is fixed by the fixing means, A locking mechanism for locking the aforementioned turntable mechanism in a predetermined storage position, A locking detection means for detecting that the turntable means is locked in the storage position by the locking means, A running device for driving the aforementioned wheels, comprising a running drive means and a power transmission device for transmitting power from the running drive means to the aforementioned wheels, A transmission release means capable of releasing the transmission of power to the wheel by the power transmission device, A release detection means for detecting that the transmission by the power transmission device has been released by the transmission release means, The system includes a transportable notification means that notifies that the multiple tie tamper can be transported by towing when the fixing detection means detects that the tamping unit is fixed by the fixing means, the locking detection means detects that the turntable means is locked in the storage position by the locking means, and the release detection means detects that the transmission by the power transmission device has been released by the transmission release means. A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The pair of left and right tamping units each comprises a front tamping unit positioned at the front and a rear tamping unit positioned at the rear. The tamping control means is provided that allows for independent control of the tamping operations of the front tamping unit and the rear tamping unit constituting one of the left and right tamping units, and the front tamping unit and the rear tamping unit constituting the other tamping unit. A multiple tie tamper according to claim 1 or 2.

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