A cleaning vehicle for cleaning the monorails of a monorail system.

Abstract

A cleaning vehicle (1) is proposed that can clean a monorail (2) for rail vehicles included in a monorail system by removing foreign matter. The cleaning vehicle (1) is equipped with a plurality of rail wheels (14), and the rail wheels (14) allow the cleaning vehicle (1) to move along the monorail (2) to be cleaned, thereby performing a cleaning run (13a), during which a surface treatment that induces the removal of foreign matter from the monorail (2) can be performed by a laser beam (33) of an mounted laser cleaning device (31a). The rail cleaning device (31a) has at least one cleaning unit (36), and the cleaning unit (36) has a laser beam emission area (42), in which a laser beam (33) that can be generated by the laser device (32) of the laser cleaning device (31a) can be emitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning vehicle for cleaning a monorail used to guide a rail vehicle in a monorail system, the monorail system being designed for a rail vehicle movable along the monorail, particularly located above or below the monorail.

Background Art

[0002] A monorail system is a railway system in which a single rail is used to guide a rail vehicle, unlike a railway system that travels on a track having two parallel rails mainly used for the transportation of people and goods. This single rail is also referred to as a monorail or "single track". The rail vehicle is installed above or below the monorail, and thus, for example, is placed on the upper side of the monorail as a levitated railway supported according to the concept of a conventional railway or magnetically, or is suspended on the lower side of the monorail as a suspended vehicle, thus providing a suspended railway concept. Possible applications include the transportation of people, goods, or working equipment both outdoors and indoors. The means of use of the monorail system in a factory includes, for example, a conveying system for workpiece conveyance in a manufacturing hall and a crane system including the use of a monorail for a suspended vehicle designed as a moving winch of a hoist.

[0003] The monorail in a monorail system may accumulate dirt depending on usage and the influence of the surrounding environment. As a result of this dirt, slippage increases when driving force is transmitted between the driven rail wheels of the rail vehicle and the monorail, which can lead to wear on both the rail wheels and the monorail. To improve friction and reduce slippage, an automatic sand spreader can be installed on the rail vehicle configured as a powered vehicle; however, its use often tends to result in even greater wear. To address this problem, the monorail may be cleaned using chemical or abrasive techniques in the relevant areas. However, chemical cleaning has the disadvantage of contaminating the monorail's support structure, such as the ballast bed or stand-type support structures, which is particularly problematic when cleaning is repeated. Abrasive cleaning only adequately removes residues such as grease or oil, and repeated cleaning may damage the rail geometry based on mechanical material removal.

[0004] Regarding the cleaning of railway tracks with two rails, it is already known that a cleaning vehicle that runs on and along the track is used, for example, the cleaning vehicle described on page 10 of the AMT Group's internal information magazine "Gleisbauanhaenger 20T". It can be set up on the track while taking its operating position, thereby enabling cleaning runs along the track, which can be induced by an assigned drive unit. The cleaning vehicle is equipped with a rail cleaning device, which can perform water spray treatment on the track rails to remove foreign matter. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] AMT Group's internal magazine, "Gleisbauanhaenger 20T" [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The fundamental problem of the present invention is to provide a means for cleaning a monorail that can effectively and quickly remove foreign matter, including corrosion, from the monorail without altering the rail geometry or other mechanical properties of the track rail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This problem is solved by a cleaning vehicle that cleans the monorail used to guide the rail vehicles in the monorail system, in this case, The cleaning vehicle is equipped with multiple rail wheels, and via these rail wheels, the cleaning vehicle can be positioned on the monorail to be cleaned while in use, and in use, the cleaning vehicle can perform running motion along the monorail, which can be induced by the assigned drive unit. The cleaning vehicle is equipped with a rail cleaning device, the rail cleaning device having at least one cleaning unit, the cleaning unit being positionable or positioned near the monorail to be cleaned during the cleaning run, which can be performed by the running motion of the cleaning vehicle, and during the cleaning process, a surface treatment is performed on the monorail to induce the removal of foreign matter. The rail cleaning device is configured as a laser cleaning device, and the laser cleaning device has a laser device mounted on a cleaning vehicle, and at least one cleaning unit has a laser beam emission area for emitting a laser beam that can be generated by the laser device and directed towards the track rail to be cleaned to remove foreign matter.

[0008] The cleaning vehicle according to the present invention enables mobile laser beam cleaning of monorails, and laser beam cleaning is superior in terms of short operating time, high effectiveness, and gentle treatment of monorails. The cleaning vehicle has an appropriate number of rail wheels, like conventional rail vehicles, and via the rail wheels, the cleaning vehicle can be positioned on the monorail to be cleaned, thereby allowing foreign matter adhering to or otherwise generated on the monorail, such as dirt, oil, grease, or corrosion, to be carefully removed by the laser beam during cleaning. Foreign matter such as layers of dirt and areas of corrosion are removed by evaporation without causing damage, and there is no need to use mechanical blasting materials such as sand or glass, or additional cleaning agents. Therefore, the cleaning process is environmentally friendly and economical. The intensity of the surface treatment can be individually adapted according to the rail material by selecting the appropriate radiant energy and / or laser beam shape, thereby obtaining the best possible cleaning results. Laser irradiation may be performed pulsed or continuously, particularly depending on the degree of contamination and the speed of the cleaning vehicle. The laser cleaning system has a laser device mounted on a cleaning vehicle, and since the laser device is always directly involved in the driving motion of the cleaning vehicle, no additional logistical means are required to provide the laser. The cleaning system is provided with at least one cleaning unit, the cleaning unit having a laser beam emission area for a laser beam that can be generated by the laser device, the laser beam emission area being positioned so that the emitted laser beam strikes the monorail to be cleaned at a desired angle. The cleaning vehicle can be equipped with a single cleaning unit, and it is also easy to equip it with multiple cleaning units arranged side-by-side and / or front-to-back in the direction of travel.Laser treatment is highly effective yet extremely gentle on materials, offering a high potential for reducing maintenance costs for monorails and rail vehicles that operate on them compared to conventional cleaning methods. Furthermore, since laser work is medium-free, it avoids contamination of the rail environment by cleaning agents.

[0009] An advantageous development of the present invention is evident from the dependent claims.

[0010] Purposefully, the rail cleaning device of a cleaning vehicle has multiple cleaning units. Preferably, the multiple cleaning units are spaced apart from each other in a direction lateral to the direction of travel. However, the multiple cleaning units may, alternatively or additionally, be spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel of the cleaning vehicle. Some or all of the cleaning units may, in principle, be combined into a single structural unit. However, it is considered more advantageous if the cleaning units are configured separately from each other. This facilitates individual orientation when necessary.

[0011] The cleaning vehicle is equipped with seating facilities for practical purposes. These seating facilities are available for use by the workers on board the cleaning vehicle while it is in motion. The seating facilities specifically include at least one vehicle seat. The seating facilities enable fatigue-free cleaning work over extremely long periods of time.

[0012] It is advantageous for cleaning vehicles to be equipped with wired or wireless remote control devices to control some or all of the vehicle's functions. This allows for convenient operation without direct access to the cleaning vehicle.

[0013] Generally, lasers are classified into different laser classes based on their potential hazards. Class 1 lasers have the lowest potential hazards. In the case of Class 4 lasers, the accessible laser beam is extremely dangerous due to its high intensity. However, for effective rail cleaning, lasers belonging to Class 4 are recommended in terms of intensity. To allow such Class 4 lasers to be used without restriction even in extremely busy surrounding environments, laser cleaning equipment is advantageously equipped with Class 4 laser devices. However, each cleaning unit has a laser beam shielding device to shield the laser beam, and based on the laser beam shielding device, the laser cleaning equipment as a whole belongs only to the safe Class 1 laser.

[0014] Each cleaning unit has a laser beam shielding device, the laser beam shielding device has a shielding housing, the shielding housing surrounds the work chamber in an opaque manner, i.e., without the possibility of laser beam emission, in which case it is considered advantageous for the laser beam emission area to be located within the work chamber. To realize the cleaning means, the shielding housing has a work opening directed or that can be directed only to the monorail to be cleaned during the cleaning process, and through the work opening, the laser beam emitted in the laser emission area within the work chamber can irradiate the assigned track rail without causing harmful effects to the nearby or other surrounding environment.

[0015] Preferably, each cleaning unit has a beam output head having a laser beam emission region, in which case a laser optical system is assigned to the laser beam emission region. The laser optical system may have lenses and / or mirrors, thereby setting the laser beam as needed.

[0016] Each beam output head is preferably housed within the working chamber of its assigned cleaning unit.

[0017] It is advantageous to assign a positioning device to each cleaning unit to enable positioning in different positions. For example, the positioning device may be configured to bring the cleaning unit in question to at least one lowered operating position for performing the laser cleaning process or at least one raised standby position for travel motion other than cleaning travel.

[0018] Preferably, the laser cleaning apparatus is further equipped with a suction device that enables the suction of the medium to be removed that is generated in the area of ​​at least one cleaning unit during the cleaning process. Since the medium to be removed has a gaseous consistency at least in general, suction can effectively prevent the load on the surrounding environment.

[0019] The suction device is configured to be able to suck up the medium to be removed as soon as it is generated. For this purpose, the suction device has, for the sake of purpose, at least one suction opening in the area of ​​each cleaning unit that communicates with the suction unit of the suction device. If the cleaning unit has a laser beam shielding device, for the sake of purpose, the suction opening is located within the working chamber of the assigned cleaning unit. Moreover, as a general rule, the suction opening may be located on the outside of the cleaning unit, particularly at the rear of the cleaning unit in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the cleaning vehicle.

[0020] A drive unit configured to induce propulsion and therefore cleaning motion is, for the purposes of the purpose, a direct component of the cleaning vehicle. Thus, this cleaning vehicle is a "self-propelled vehicle," eliminating the need for additional towing or propulsion vehicles. The drive unit is drivably connected to one or more rail wheels, thus enabling direct propulsion of the cleaning vehicle along the monorail. The drive unit can be used for both cleaning and movement without the need for an active rail cleaning device to travel between sections of rail to be cleaned.

[0021] As a rule, the cleaning vehicle may be configured without its own drive device and have at least one coupling device, which enables preferably detachable coupling to a drive vehicle having a drive device.

[0022] The drive device is preferably an electric drive device, which receives its drive energy, for example, from a mounted accumulator and / or obtains it from an energized conductor system laid along or incorporated into the monorail via a current collection system.

[0023] The electrical energy required for the operation of the laser cleaning device is expediently provided by a generator mounted on the cleaning vehicle. Such a generator expediently has an internal combustion engine as a drive source, so that rail cleaning in non-electrified rail sections is also possible without problems.

[0024] As a rule, the electrical energy required for the operation of the laser cleaning device can be provided additionally or alternatively by a capacitor or an accumulator. For use on an electrified monorail, the cleaning vehicle can be equipped with a current collection system.

[0025] The same generator may be configured to generate electrical energy, for example, for both the drive device and the laser cleaning device.

[0026] The rail wheels expediently have a plurality of running wheels vertically supported on at least one upward running surface of the monorail in the use position of the cleaning vehicle, and the running wheels roll in contact with the running surface during the running movement.

[0027] Preferably, at least one cleaning unit of the rail cleaning device is positionable or positioned such that, in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle, a laser beam emitted from an attached laser beam emission area is directed toward at least one running surface of the monorail.

[0028] A cleaning vehicle provided for cleaning the monorail of a monorail system configured as a suspended railway system is preferably configured as a suspended vehicle that is suspended from the monorail via rail wheels in the operating position.

[0029] A suspended vehicle, for its purpose, has multiple rail wheels configured as running wheels, which, in the operating position of the suspended vehicle, are rotatably in contact with two upward running surfaces of the monorail to enable running motion.

[0030] The rail wheel, for practical purposes, has multiple guide wheels supported on two guide surfaces of the monorail, which are oriented laterally and separated from each other in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle, and the guide wheels are used to support the cleaning vehicle laterally on the monorail.

[0031] Advantageously, at least one cleaning unit of the rail cleaning device is positionable or positioned such that, in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle, the laser beam emitted from the attached laser beam emission area is directed toward at least one of the guide surfaces. Purposefully, one separate cleaning unit is provided for each of the two guide surfaces to be illuminated.

[0032] The rail vehicle may have, in addition to the rail wheels, conventionally used transport wheels, which enable the rail-free movement of the cleaning vehicle on ordinary foundations such as roads or other terrain. These additional transport wheels preferably have pneumatic tires. The transport wheels enable the easy movement of the cleaning vehicle between various locations of use that do not rely on rails. For the purposes of the project, the cleaning vehicle is configured such that, selectively, either the rail wheels or the transport wheels can be used to move the cleaning vehicle, while each other wheel is in a non-operational standby position at that time.

[0033] The cleaning vehicle, for its purpose, has a bogie on which rail wheels are arranged. The bogie is formed, for example, in a frame-like and / or plate-like manner. The cleaning unit is preferably arranged on the bogie, and more specifically, in a position-adjustable manner, so that the working distance between the laser beam emission area and the portion of the monorail rail surface to be cleaned can be variably adjusted. The position-adjustable performance may be implemented, in particular as a height-adjustable performance, so that the cleaning unit can be moved to a raised or upward-swept standby position when not in use.

[0034] It is considered advantageous to have not only rail wheels but also optional movable wheels on the trolley. In particular, this arrangement allows the rail wheels and movable wheels to be adjusted relative to each other in the height direction, thereby selectively positioning either the rail wheels or the movable wheels in a lowered working position, where they can be used for moving the cleaning vehicle.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning vehicle comprises two separate vehicles, which are pivotally supported from one another in a non-propelled and non-towing manner (i.e., without propulsion and towing), and each has its own rail wheels for installation on a monorail. For better distinction, these two vehicles are referred to as the main vehicle and the auxiliary vehicle. The main vehicle comprises at least one cleaning unit, and the auxiliary vehicle comprises a laser device. At least one flexible optical connection line enables the transmission of the generated laser beam between the laser device and each cleaning unit. Such a vehicle structure allows for rapid equipment changes between different lasers when necessary, for example, to equip lasers of various power levels or to change equipment in a short time during maintenance work. For example, multiple auxiliary vehicles equipped with laser devices may be provided, which can alternatively be coupled to the same single main vehicle.

[0036] In a practical sense, the main vehicle is equipped with a drive system used for propulsion. In this case, the main vehicle functions, in a practical sense, as a towing vehicle for an additional vehicle coupled to the main vehicle as a trailer.

[0037] If a cleaning vehicle is equipped with a suction device, purposefully, at least one suction opening is located on the main vehicle, and the suction unit, which is crucial for generating the suction flow, is located on the auxiliary vehicle. A flow connection is provided between the suction unit and each suction opening by one or more flexible suction lines that allow for curved travel without damage, with the aim of enabling the suction flow.

[0038] Optionally, generators installed to produce the operating energy for the laser are mounted, particularly in auxiliary vehicles.

[0039] In an equally advantageous structural configuration, the cleaning vehicle consists of a single vehicle, which contains all the components necessary to operate the laser cleaning device. Such a structure allows for a particularly compact form of the cleaning vehicle and facilitates transportation between different locations of use using separate transport vehicles.

[0040] There is further advantage in configuring the cleaning vehicle as a so-called standard railway vehicle. A standard vehicle refers to a specific rail vehicle in German railways, which includes, for example, a powered car, passenger car, or freight car. This structural configuration can be realized, for example, by directly integrating the laser cleaning device and all other components provided for the cleaning vehicle into a standard railway vehicle. It is considered particularly advantageous if the cleaning vehicle is a powered vehicle. Such a configuration can enable the cleaning process during normal railway operation, and thus can be implemented in a way that saves time and cost without interrupting railway operations or temporarily stopping the track.

[0041] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] A schematic plan view shows a preferred embodiment of the cleaning vehicle according to the present invention in a position set on a monorail, where the track bed supporting the monorail is not depicted for clarity. [Figure 2] The unit in Figure 1 is shown in a side view from the line of sight indicated by arrow II in Figure 1. Here, the area enclosed by the dashed line is further enlarged to make the structure of a suitable cleaning unit easier to understand. [Figure 3] A schematic side view similar to that in Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the cleaning vehicle according to the present invention, where a possible embodiment as a powered vehicle is further indicated by a dashed line. [Figure 4]A schematic front view shows a further embodiment of the cleaning vehicle according to the present invention, as a suspended vehicle. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the following embodiments relate to all examples of the present invention.

[0044] The drawings show cleaning vehicles according to the present invention, generally denoted by reference numeral 1, in various advantageous embodiments.

[0045] Cleaning vehicle 1 is used for mobile laser beam cleaning of monorail 2, also called a "single rail," which belongs to a monorail system. The monorail is used to move any rail vehicle. A suspended rail concept is provided, as rail vehicles not shown are installed above or below the monorail and are therefore mounted on or suspended below the monorail 2, for example, based on the concept of a railway or a magnetically supported levitation railroad. Possible applications include the transport of people, goods, or work equipment both outdoors and indoors. Means of using the monorail system in a factory also include a crane system, for example, a transport system for transporting workpieces in a manufacturing hall and the use of monorail 2 as a support beam for rail vehicles, and the transport system and crane system are conceived as a mobile winch for a hoisting machine.

[0046] In particular, the monorail 2, which is formed in the form of a beam or a deformed support and is in the shape of a continuous strip, extends in the rail longitudinal direction 4 indicated by the dashed line, and in this case, the rail longitudinal direction 4 may extend in a straight line or a curved shape.

[0047] The monorail 2 is fixed to a support structure 6 in a form known to itself, and the support structure 6 is, for example, the track bed in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, or a stand-shaped support structure in the embodiment of Figure 4.

[0048] The cleaning vehicle 1, in its operating position, has a vehicle vertical axis 8 parallel to the rail longitudinal direction 4, a vehicle horizontal axis 11 perpendicular to it and normally extending horizontally in the same way as the vehicle horizontal axis 8, and a vehicle height axis 12 perpendicular to the vehicle vertical axis 8 and the vehicle horizontal axis 11 and normally extending vertically.

[0049] When the cleaning vehicle 1 takes a working position adjacent to or positioned on the monorail, it can perform a running motion 13 along the monorail 2, as indicated by the arrow. During this running motion 13, the cleaning vehicle 1 rolls along the monorail 2 with its rail wheels 14. The running motion 13 can be both forward and reverse.

[0050] The cleaning vehicle 1 has multiple rail wheels 14. Each rail wheel 14 contacts the rail surface 34 of the monorail 3 when the cleaning vehicle 1 is in operation.

[0051] Preferably, the cleaning vehicle 1 has a plurality of rail wheels 14, the rail wheels 14 are designed as running wheels 14a, and each is rotatably in contact with the vertically upward running surface 34a of the monorail 2 to support the cleaning vehicle 1 vertically in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle 1. This applies to all illustrated embodiments. Preferably, the cleaning vehicle 1 has at least two pairs of running wheels 14a, in which case the running wheels 14a belonging to the same running wheel pair face each other in the axial direction of the vehicle's transverse axis 11. The cleaning vehicle 1 is rotatably supported on the monorail 2 by, for example, at least two pairs of running wheels 14a spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis 8.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the monorail 2 to be cleaned has a single running surface 34a, which is preferably located on the upper surface of the monorail 2 having a rectangular cross-section. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the monorail 2 preferably has a double T-shaped cross-section comprising two transverse plates 69, 70 joined to each other by a vertical web 68, one of which the lower transverse plate 69 has two support legs 72 projecting laterally beyond the web 68, with a running surface 34a formed on the upper surface of each support leg 72, on which at least one running roller 14a of the cleaning vehicle 1 is supported.

[0053] In conventional use of monorail systems, rail vehicles (not shown) are supported vertically on at least one running surface 14a by rail vehicle running wheels, and the rail vehicle running wheels are capable of rolling in contact with the assigned running surface 14a when the rail vehicle is moving.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the rail wheel 14 further has a plurality of guide wheels 14b in addition to the running wheel 14a, and the guide wheels 14b are horizontally supported on two laterally oriented guide surfaces 34b on opposite sides of the monorail 2 when the cleaning vehicle is in use. The guide wheels 14b are used to support the cleaning vehicle 1 laterally on the monorail 2 in the axial direction of the vehicle's lateral axis 11 for the purpose of guiding it during running motion 13. The guide wheels 14b also prevent the cleaning vehicle 1 from tilting laterally, thereby ensuring a stable upright position for the cleaning vehicle 1.

[0055] Alternatively, the guide wheels 14b in the embodiment of Figure 4 may be omitted. In this case, the cleaning vehicle 1 includes only the rail wheels 14, which are set as running wheels 14a. In this case, the running wheels 14a may have flanges 22 for lateral support relative to the monorail 2.

[0056] In one embodiment not shown, the cleaning vehicle 1 may have a gyroscopic device to stabilize its posture.

[0057] In conventional use of monorail systems, rail vehicles (not shown) can be supported horizontally on the guide surface 14b by rail vehicle guide wheels, and the guide wheels can roll on the assigned guide surface 14b when the rail vehicle is moving, ensuring a stable upright position for the rail vehicle.

[0058] The cleaning vehicle 1 has, for the purposes of its purpose, a one-piece or multi-piece bogie 15 as shown schematically, on which rail wheels 14 are rotatably arranged via a suitable suspension device.

[0059] The running motion 13 is generated by the drive unit 16. In all illustrated embodiments, the drive unit 16 is an intrinsic component of the cleaning vehicle 1. Exemplarily, the drive unit 16 is mounted on the bogie 15. The drive unit 16 is driven-connected to at least one, in particular, a plurality of rail wheels 14 via at least one drive train 17. The at least one drive train 17 can transmit the drive torque generated by the drive unit 16 to the assigned rail wheels 14 that function as drive wheels, thereby forming the running motion 13. Preferably, one or more running wheels 14a function as one or more drive wheels.

[0060] The drive unit 16 is preferably an electric drive unit, which receives its driving energy from an onboard accumulator 18 and / or from a powered conductor system laid along the monorail 2, such as an overhead line, via the power supply system 21 shown only in Figure 3.

[0061] Purposefully, the cleaning vehicle 1 has, exemplary, at least one seating arrangement 23 formed by a vehicle seat, and the presence of the seating arrangement 23 allows the operator of the cleaning vehicle 1 to occupy a place during operation of the cleaning vehicle 1. This applies to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0062] The control device 24, located in the area of ​​the seating equipment 23, can be grasped by an operator to instruct the cleaning vehicle 1 to move 13 or stop, if necessary. The control device 24 allows control-technical access to the drive unit 16.

[0063] The cleaning vehicle 1 may be configured such that its movement can be controlled by a wireless remote control device 74, which is based on radio waves or infrared rays. This applies to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Preferably, the remote control device 74 has a receiver 74a mounted on the cleaning vehicle 1 and an external operating unit 74b that can be held by hand and has a transmitter mounted on it. Alternatively, the remote control device 74 may have a wired support function.

[0064] Preferably, all functions of the cleaning vehicle 1, including the cleaning function described later, can be controlled via the remote control device 74.

[0065] The cleaning vehicle shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, and drawn with a solid line in Figure 3, is specifically configured for the laser cleaning of the monorail 2, which will be described later, and is not used for any other purpose. However, the cleaning vehicle 1, shown with a dashed line in Figure 3, may also be configured as a powered vehicle 25 or in the form of other so-called standard railway vehicles. In this case, a rail vehicle is provided that has two functions, as a powered vehicle 25 and a cleaning vehicle 1, and can be used for both standard operation in railway activities and, in particular, for cleaning the monorail 2 at the same time. For example, the rail cleaning process can be carried out while a train is running for the purpose of transporting people and / or goods.

[0066] According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaning vehicle 1 is composed of a plurality of vehicles, particularly two vehicles 26 and 27, which are connected to each other via a mechanical coupling device 28 and are referred to as the main vehicle 26 and the auxiliary vehicle 27 for good distinction. The coupling device 28 is configured in particular for detachable coupling so that the two vehicles 26 and 27 can be separated from each other when necessary.

[0067] The coupling device 28 connects the two vehicles 26 and 27 in a non-towing and non-pushing manner, and simultaneously in a pivotal manner. Preferably, the main vehicle 26 is configured as a towing vehicle, and the auxiliary vehicle 27 is configured as a trailer vehicle of the main vehicle 26. During running motion 13, the main vehicle 26 runs in front, pulling the auxiliary vehicle 27 behind it. The drive device 16 and at least one rail wheel 14 that functions as a drive wheel are preferably components of the main vehicle 26.

[0068] Both the main vehicle 26 and the auxiliary vehicle 27 have their own rail wheels 14. Exemplarily, each of the two vehicles 26, 27 has two pairs of rail wheels 14 configured as running wheels 14a, arranged in a continuous manner along the axial direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis 8, and is further fitted with at least one pair of rail wheels 14 configured as guide wheels 14b.

[0069] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning vehicle 1 consists of a single vehicle, which is a cleaning vehicle 1 used exclusively for cleaning purposes or a cleaning vehicle 1 that functions simultaneously as a powered vehicle 25.

[0070] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cleaning vehicle 1 is configured as a rail vehicle that stands almost upright on the monorail 2, and the cleaning vehicle 1 is located above the monorail 2, whereas in Figure 4, the cleaning vehicle 1 is configured as a rail vehicle suspended from the monorail 2 via its rail wheels 14 in the operating position, and the rail vehicle may therefore be referred to as a suspended vehicle 1a, and an embodiment is shown that can be used for cleaning the monorail 2 of a monorail system configured as a suspended railway system.

[0071] The cleaning vehicle 1 is equipped with a rail cleaning device, collectively denoted by reference numeral 31, regardless of its specific form, and this rail cleaning device is configured as a laser cleaning device 31a. Therefore, the terms rail cleaning device 31 and laser cleaning device 31a refer to the same single device. The laser cleaning device 31a is configured to treat the rail surface 34 of the monorail 2 in order to remove foreign matter using a laser beam 33 that can be generated by a laser device 32. This relates in particular to the thermal removal of foreign matter by evaporating it with the energy of the laser beam 33, as a result of the laser beam treatment.

[0072] Laser beam cleaning is performed during the movement 13 of the cleaning vehicle 1, which is referred to as cleaning run 13a. During cleaning run 13a, the cleaning vehicle 1 moves forward, particularly with its front 35. Moreover, cleaning run 13a can also be performed within the range of reverse movement, if it is appropriate.

[0073] The laser cleaning device 31 includes the laser device 32 described above, which is mounted on the cleaning vehicle 1 and is attached to or on the trolley 15 in an appropriate manner. Preferably, the laser device 32 is mounted behind the optional seating equipment 23, facing in the opposite direction to the direction of travel with respect to forward travel.

[0074] In the two-piece configuration of the cleaning vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the laser device 32 is, for practical purposes, mounted on the auxiliary vehicle 27.

[0075] The laser cleaning device 31a includes at least one cleaning unit 36, which is positionable or positioned within the area of ​​the track rail 2 to be cleaned in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle 1.

[0076] Preferably, in all embodiments, the laser cleaning device 31a has a plurality of cleaning units 36, which can irradiate and clean various surface areas of the rail surface 34. Purposefully, the number and distribution of the cleaning units 36 are selected so that all of the running surfaces 34a and guide surfaces 34b provided therein can be irradiated and cleaned.

[0077] If the monorail 2 has, for example, a single running surface 34a and no guide surface 34b, it is sufficient that the cleaning vehicle 1 is equipped with a single cleaning unit 36. In the case of a single cleaning unit 36, it is sufficient that the multiple surface areas of the rail surface 34 to be cleaned are arranged adjacent to each other so that the laser beam 33 of the single cleaning unit 36 ​​can reach them.

[0078] Each existing cleaning unit 36 ​​is, exemplary, positioned in the area of ​​the front of the vehicle 35, in which case the cleaning unit 36 ​​is, for the purpose of its function, fixed to the bogie 15 via an appropriate interface device 37. Moreover, other installations and distributions are equally conceivable.

[0079] The multiple cleaning units 36 are, for practical purposes, arranged spaced apart from each other laterally with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis 8, in which case the cleaning units 36 are positioned at the same height, particularly in the axial direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis 8. Preferably, the spacing between the multiple cleaning units 36 is variably adjustable.

[0080] The position of at least one cleaning unit 36 ​​in standby mode is selected such, among other things, that the cleaning unit 36 ​​is positioned above or beside the monorail 2, laterally with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis 8, in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle 1.

[0081] Exemplary, the laser cleaning device 31a is configured such that each traveling surface 34a has its own cleaning unit 36 ​​facing it at a vertical height interval. Thus, the cleaning vehicle 1 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes only one cleaning unit 36 ​​for cleaning the traveling surface, while the cleaning vehicle 1 in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 has two such cleaning units 36. Each of these cleaning units 36 is installed above the traveling surface 34a to be cleaned, in the axial direction of the vehicle height axis 12.

[0082] Furthermore, the laser cleaning device 31a is purposefully configured so that each guide surface 34b has its own cleaning unit 36, positioned horizontally opposite and spaced laterally apart. Thus, the cleaning vehicle 1 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 includes two cleaning units 36 for cleaning the guide surfaces. Each of these cleaning units 36 is positioned lateral to the guide surface 34b to be cleaned, in the axial direction of the vehicle's transverse axis 11. The height position of these cleaning units 36 in the axial direction of the vehicle's height axis 12 is purposefully lower than the height position of the cleaning unit 36 ​​provided for laser cleaning of the running surface 34a.

[0083] Since the monorail 2 to be cleaned by the suspended vehicle 1a shown in Figure 4 does not have a guide surface 34b, the cleaning units 36 suitable for cleaning the guide surface 14b are omitted there.

[0084] The arrangement and orientation of the cleaning units 36 described above are applied accordingly to the laser beam emission area 42 of each cleaning unit 36. The laser beam emission area 42 enables the emission of a laser beam 33 that can be generated or is generated by the laser device 32, and in the operating position of the cleaning unit 36 ​​as seen in the overall figure, the laser beam emission area 42 is oriented to face the monorail 2 to be cleaned, and in particular, depending on the configuration, the running surface 34a or guide surface 34b to be cleaned.

[0085] The laser beam emission region 42 is connected to the laser device 32 via optical transmission through at least one optical connection line 43, which is only schematically shown. Through the optical connection line 43, the laser beam generated by the laser device 32 reaches the laser beam emission region 42, where it can be emitted to irradiate the assigned track rail 2 with high energy.

[0086] In the embodiment having a two-piece cleaning vehicle 1 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cleaning unit 36 ​​is located on the main vehicle 26. In this case, at least one optical connection line 43 preferably has flexible properties, so that the optical connection line 43 is not damaged when the cleaning vehicle 1 bends in the area of ​​the coupling device 28 during curve travel. Of course, the optical connection line 43 may also have flexible properties in the cleaning vehicle 1 consisting of a single vehicle as shown in Figure 3.

[0087] To provide the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the laser device 32, the laser cleaning device 31a is, for the purposes of its purpose, equipped with a generator 44. The generator 44 is, for example, a diesel unit. Since the generator 44 is mounted on the cleaning vehicle 1, the generator 44 is always involved in the driving motion 13 of the cleaning vehicle 1.

[0088] In the cleaning vehicle 1, which consists of a main vehicle 26 and an auxiliary vehicle 27, the generator 44 is, for the purposes of its purpose, a component of the auxiliary vehicle 27, as is the case in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2. Since the generator 44 is, for the purposes of its purpose, located near the laser device 32 regardless of the vehicle structure, the current supply line 45 can be made as short as possible.

[0089] In embodiments not shown, power is supplied to the laser device 32 from the same energy source as that for the drive unit 16, for example, via the accumulator 18, or via the power supply system 21, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3 in relation to the powered vehicle 25.

[0090] The laser cleaning device 31a, for its purpose, has a beam output head 46 configured as a component of the corresponding cleaning unit 36 ​​for each cleaning unit 36, and a laser beam emission area 42 is located in the beam output head 46. Preferably, the beam output head 46 is equipped with a laser optical system 47, which is important for the beam shape of the emitted laser beam 33, for example, to ensure that the laser beam strikes the rail surface 34 to be cleaned in a point or line manner.

[0091] Preferably, the laser optical system 47 is configured or can be configured so that the laser beam 33 hits the entire width of the running surface 34a or guide surface 34b to be cleaned, so that the laser cleaning process can be performed without periodic lateral motion of the laser beam 33 in the axial direction of the vehicle's transverse axis 11.

[0092] Preferably, each cleaning unit 36 ​​is equipped with a laser beam shielding device 48, which in particular prevents the laser beam 33 that may be harmful to health from being emitted in a way that is dangerous to humans.

[0093] Exemplary, the laser beam shielding device 48 has a shielding housing 51, which is clearly visible in the partially enlarged view of Figure 2, and the shielding housing 51 has light-opaque housing walls 51a. The shielding housing 51 surrounds a housing chamber called a working chamber 52, and the laser beam emission area 42 is located inside the housing chamber. For example and preferably, all beam output heads 46 are housed in the working chamber 52, in which case the beam output heads 46 are purposefully fixed directly or indirectly to the housing walls 51a.

[0094] The housing wall 51a purposefully surrounds the work chamber 52, except for the work side closer to the monorail 2 in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle 1. On the work side, the shielding housing 51 has a work opening 53 enclosed by the housing wall 51a, through which the laser beam 33 emitted in the laser beam emission area 42 within the work chamber 52 can be emitted from the shielding housing 51 to irradiate adjacent track rails 2, according to the arrows shown in the drawing. The work opening 53 is oriented toward the area of ​​the rail surface 34 to be cleaned.

[0095] During at least the cleaning run 13a, the work opening 53 is positioned very close to the track rail 2, i.e., at a very small distance from the area of ​​the rail surface 34 to be cleaned (running surface 34a and / or guide surface 34b), so that the reflected laser beam is reflected and returned to the work chamber 52 through the work opening 53, at least for the most part, and is not radiated around the cleaning unit 36.

[0096] In particular, each cleaning unit 36 ​​may be configured to be position-adjustable in order to allow for adjustment of the optimally small gap between the cleaning unit 36 ​​and the monorail 2 to be cleaned. Exemplarily, each cleaning unit 36 ​​is mounted on a bogie 15 via a position adjustment device 54, which is position-adjustable in the axial direction of the vehicle height axis 12 relative to the bogie 15 while performing an adjustment movement 55 indicated by double arrows, and is positionable to various height positions. The position adjustment device 54 is, for example, a component of or forms part of an interface device 37.

[0097] The position adjustment device 54 enables, for example, height adjustment of the cleaning unit 36 ​​in the axial direction of the vehicle height axis 12 and / or lateral position adjustment in the axial direction of the vehicle lateral axis 11.

[0098] Preferably, the position adjustment device 54 allows for variable adjustment of the distance between the laser emission area 42 and the running surface 34a and / or the guide surface 34b.

[0099] The position adjustment device 54 may be configured such that the assigned cleaning unit 36 ​​can be selectively positioned to an operating position corresponding to the aforementioned arrangement or to a standby position away from the operating position. In the standby position, the spacing from the monorail 2 is greater than the spacing in the operating position. Purposefully, each cleaning unit 36 ​​is brought to the standby position for purposes other than cleaning runs, for example, to replace the cleaning vehicle 1, thereby avoiding damage.

[0100] Preferably, the laser cleaning device 31a is equipped with a laser device 32 corresponding to laser class 4. However, in the standby state, the attribute of laser class 1 is achieved based on the surrounding of the laser beam emission area 42 by the aforementioned laser beam shielding device 48. In this way, a cleaning means with high laser energy and therefore high thoroughness can be performed, and it is not necessary to consider that the cleaning operation is performed in, for example, a public place or an area with frequent traffic.

[0101] To eliminate or minimize undesirable effects on the surrounding environment caused by foreign matter, advantageously, in all illustrated embodiments, the laser cleaning apparatus 31a is equipped with a suction device 56, which enables the suction of the medium to be removed generated in the area of ​​the cleaning unit by laser processing during the cleaning process.

[0102] The suction device 56 includes, exemplary, a suction unit 57, which is mounted on the cleaning vehicle 1. In the case of the cleaning vehicle 1 having a main vehicle 26 and an auxiliary vehicle 27, the suction unit 57 is, for the purpose of purposes, configured as a component of the auxiliary vehicle 27. This case corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0103] The suction unit 57 is equipped with a filter device in a form known to the purpose, and the suction unit 57 has at least one containment chamber in which the aspirated particles are collected for later disposal.

[0104] The suction device 56 is provided with, exemplary, a plurality of suction openings 58, each of which at least one is located in the area of ​​each cleaning unit 36. Each suction opening 56 is flow-connected to a suction unit 57 via a suction conduit 61, which is only schematically shown, so that when the suction device 56 is in operation, a suction flow can be formed between the area of ​​the suction opening 58 and the suction unit 57. The suction process that takes place in the area of ​​the monorail 2 is indicated by arrows labeled 50.

[0105] The suction conduit 61 is purposefully flexible and is implemented, for example, by one or more suction hoses.

[0106] Preferably, the suction openings 58 assigned to each cleaning unit 36 ​​are located within the working chamber 52 of the laser beam shielding device 48. Therefore, the non-removable media generated, which are generally gaseous in nature, can be very effectively sucked up in close proximity to the point of generation, according to the arrow 50.

[0107] In embodiments not shown, the suction opening 58 is located outside the working chamber 52, but preferably very close to the cleaning unit 36, in which case, for the purpose of purposes, it is located in a region behind the cleaning unit 36 ​​in the opposite direction to the direction of travel of the cleaning run 13a.

[0108] The suction device 56 is specifically configured to be electrically powered. The aforementioned generator 44 is also used, for practical purposes, to supply power to the suction device 56. Exemplarily, the generator 44 is connected to an electrically powered suction unit 57 via a separate power supply line 59.

[0109] In accordance with the embodiment shown by the solid lines in Figure 3, the cleaning vehicle 1 has a plurality of movable wheels 62 in addition to the rail wheels 14, and the movable wheels 62 enable the cleaning vehicle 1 to move without using the rails, without the involvement of the rail wheels 14. In this way, the cleaning vehicle 1 can move between various places of use with or without rails by traveling on public or private roads, roads or other traffic areas. Since the movable wheels 62 are pneumatic in particular, they can easily travel over relatively small obstacles.

[0110] The cleaning vehicle 1 is equipped with four movable wheels 62, each pair of movable wheels 62 facing each other in the axial direction of the vehicle's transverse axis 11.

[0111] In Figure 3, only the moving wheels 62 assigned to either of the two longitudinal sides of the cleaning vehicle 1 are visible.

[0112] In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 3, both the rail wheels 14 and the moving wheels 62 are purposefully arranged on the bogie 15.

[0113] It is advantageous that the rail wheels 14 or the movable wheels 62 can be adjusted relative to the bogie 15 in the axial direction of the vehicle height axis 12, which is referred to as the height direction, thereby enabling adjustment to various height positions.

[0114] Illustratively, the height adjustment performance relates to the movable wheels 62. The movable wheels 62 are pivotally supported on the trolley 15 via, for example, a rotating arm 63, and are driveable by an assigned actuator 64, forming a position adjustment movement 65 indicated by a double arrow, in which case the position adjustment movement is, in example, a rotational movement. Within the range of the position adjustment movement 65, each movable wheel 62 can be selectively positioned either in a raised position relative to the rail wheels 14, as indicated by a solid line, or in a lowered position relative to the rail wheels 14, as indicated by a dashed line.

[0115] As can be seen in Figure 3, the raised position of the moving wheel 62 causes the rail wheel 14 to be in an operational position, lowered relative to the moving wheel and protruding downward beyond the moving wheel 62. In this position, the cleaning vehicle 1 can assume a working position. In contrast, the lowered position of the moving wheel 62, indicated by the dashed line, is accompanied by a non-operating position of the rail wheel 14, which is raised relative to the moving wheel 62. In this position, the cleaning vehicle 1 can move without being restricted by the rails, using the moving wheel 62 that is prepared for use at that time.

[0116] In other embodiments not shown, the moving wheels 62 always maintain a constant height position relative to the bogie 15, and the switching of the rail wheels 14 between the working position and the non-working position is performed by a positional adjustment movement between the rail wheels 14 and the bogie 15.

[0117] Preferably, the cleaning vehicle 1 is equipped with an electronic control unit 66, which is only schematically shown. The electronic control unit 66 is configured to control the components of the laser cleaning device 31a in accordance with their operation, and in this case, the electronic control lines provided for this purpose are not shown in the drawings for clarity. The electronic control unit 66 is preferably configured as a component of the operating device 24 or the remote control device 74.

[0118] For example, the electronic control device 66 also enables control of the position adjustment movement 65 for the purpose of changing the setting of the cleaning vehicle 1 between a cleaning mode using rail wheels 14 and a standby mode using moving wheels 62.

Claims

1. A cleaning vehicle for cleaning a monorail (2) used to guide rail vehicles in a monorail system, wherein the monorail system is designed for rail vehicles that are located above or below the monorail (2) and are movable along the monorail (2), The cleaning vehicle (1) is equipped with multiple rail wheels (14), and via these rail wheels (14), the cleaning vehicle (1) can be positioned on the monorail (2) to be cleaned while in use, and in use, the cleaning vehicle (1) can perform a running motion (13) along the monorail (2) that can be induced by the assigned drive unit (16). The cleaning vehicle (1) is equipped with a rail cleaning device (31), the rail cleaning device (31) having at least one cleaning unit (36), the cleaning unit (36) being positionable or positioned near the monorail (2) to be cleaned during a cleaning run (13a) that can be performed by the running motion (13) of the cleaning vehicle (1), and during the cleaning process, a surface treatment is performed on the monorail (2) that induces the removal of foreign matter. The rail cleaning device (31) is configured as a laser cleaning device (31a), the laser cleaning device (31a) having a laser device (32) mounted on a cleaning vehicle (1), and at least one cleaning unit (36) having a laser beam emission area (42) for emitting a laser beam (33) that can be generated by the laser device (32) and directed toward the track rail (2) to be cleaned to remove foreign matter, the cleaning vehicle.

2. The rail cleaning device (31) is characterized in that, for purpose, it has a plurality of cleaning units (36) arranged apart from each other and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the cleaning vehicle (1), as described in claim 1.

3. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning vehicle is equipped with seating facilities (23) for an operator who boards the cleaning vehicle (1) during driving motion (13).

4. The cleaning vehicle (1) is equipped with a wired-supported or wireless remote control device (74) for controlling the functions of the cleaning vehicle (1), in particular for controlling the driving motion or functions of the laser cleaning device (31a), as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the laser device (32) corresponds to laser class 4 with respect to the intensity of the laser beam (33) that can be generated by the laser device (32), at least one cleaning unit (36) has a laser beam shielding device (48), and the laser cleaning device (31a) is assigned to laser class 1 as a whole based on the laser beam shielding device (48).

6. A cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one cleaning unit (36) has a laser beam shielding device (48), the laser beam shielding device (48) has a shielding housing (51) that surrounds a work chamber (52) so as not to transmit light, a laser beam emission area (42) located within the shielding housing (51), the shielding housing (51) has a work opening (53) directed or capable of being directed only to the track rail (2) to be cleaned during the cleaning process, and a laser beam (33) emitted in the laser beam emission area (42) within the work chamber (52) can be transmitted through the work opening (53) to irradiate the assigned monorail (2).

7. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each laser beam emission area (42) is assigned to the laser optical system (47) of the beam output head (46) of the laser cleaning device (31a).

8. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 7, referencing claim 6, characterized in that each beam output head (46) is housed in a work chamber (52) of at least one cleaning unit (36).

9. A cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one cleaning unit (36) is assigned a position adjustment device (54), and the position adjustment device (54) allows at least one cleaning unit (36) to be positioned on a cleaning vehicle (1) in various positions, particularly being able to be positioned in at least one operating position approaching the monorail (2) to be cleaned for performing a laser cleaning process, and a standby position further away from the monorail (2) than the operating position for running motion (13) other than cleaning run (13a).

10. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the laser cleaning apparatus (31a) is equipped with a suction device (56) for suctioning the medium to be removed that is generated in the area of ​​at least one cleaning unit (36) during the cleaning process.

11. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 10, characterized in that the suction device (56) has at least one suction opening (58) in the area of ​​at least one cleaning unit (36) that communicates with the suction unit (57) of the suction device (56).

12. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 11, referencing claim 6, characterized in that at least one cleaning unit (36) has a suction opening (58) located within the working chamber (52) of the cleaning unit (36).

13. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the drive unit (16) configured to induce a driving motion (13) is an electric drive unit (16).

14. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the drive unit (16) configured to induce a driving motion (13) is a direct component of the cleaning vehicle (1).

15. The cleaning vehicle is equipped with a generator (44) that generates the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the laser cleaning device (31a), as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the rail vehicle (14) has a plurality of running wheels (14a) that are vertically supported on at least one upward-facing running surface (34a) of the monorail (2) and that are capable of rolling on the running surface (34a) when the cleaning vehicle (1) is in use.

17. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 16, wherein at least one cleaning unit (36) of the rail cleaning device (31) is positionable or positioned such that, in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle (1), a laser beam (33) emitted from an attached laser beam emission area (42) is directed toward at least one running surface (34a).

18. The cleaning vehicle is configured as a suspended vehicle (1a) that is suspended from the monorail (2) via rail wheels (14) in a working position for cleaning the monorail (2) of a monorail system configured as a suspended railway system, according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 18, referencing claim 16 or 17, wherein the suspended vehicle (1a) has rail wheels (14) configured as running wheels (14a), and the rail wheels (14) are rotatably in contact with two upward running surfaces (34a) of the monorail (2) in the operating position of the suspended vehicle (1a) to enable running motion (13).

20. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the rail wheel (14) has a plurality of guide wheels (14b) that are horizontally supported on two guide surfaces (34b) of the monorail (2) that are oriented laterally and separated from each other in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle (1), and the guide wheels (14b) are used to laterally support the cleaning vehicle (1) on the monorail (2) for the purpose of guiding it during running motion (13).

21. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 20, wherein at least one cleaning unit (36) of the rail cleaning device (31) is positionable or positioned such that, in the operating position of the cleaning vehicle (1), a laser beam (33) emitted from an attached laser beam emission area (42) is directed toward at least one of the guide surfaces (34b), and for purpose, one independent cleaning unit (36) is provided for each of the two guide surfaces (34b).

22. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a plurality of, in particular, pneumatically inflated, mobile wheels (62) that enable the cleaning vehicle (1) to move without being restricted by rails, without the involvement of the rail wheels (14).

23. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the cleaning vehicle has a bogie (15) and rail wheels (14) are arranged on the bogie (15).

24. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one cleaning unit (36) is arranged on a trolley (15) in a particularly position-adjustable manner.

25. A cleaning vehicle according to claim 23 or 24, referencing claim 22, wherein both rail wheels (14) and moving wheels (62) are arranged on a trolley (15), and the rail wheels (14) or the moving wheels (62) are adjustable in height relative to the trolley (15), thereby allowing the rail wheels (14) to be selectively positioned in an operational position lowered and protruding downward beyond the moving wheels (62) to take an operational position, or in a non-operating position raised relative to the moving wheels (62) to enable running motion (13) not restricted by rails using the moving wheels (62).

26. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 25, comprising two vehicles (26, 27) that are non-propelled and non-towed and simultaneously pivotally connected to each other, each vehicle (26, 27) having its own rail wheels (14), the vehicles (26, 27) being a main vehicle (26) and an auxiliary vehicle (27), the main vehicle (26) having at least one cleaning unit (36), and the auxiliary vehicle (27) having a laser device (32), wherein an optical connection is formed between the laser device (32) and at least one cleaning unit (36) by at least one flexible optical connection line (43) used for transmitting the generated laser beam (33).

27. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 26, referencing claim 14, characterized in that the main vehicle (26) has a drive unit (16).

28. A cleaning vehicle according to claim 26 or 27, referencing claim 11, characterized in that the main vehicle (26) has at least one suction opening (58), and the auxiliary vehicle (27) has a suction unit (57), and a flow connection is formed between the drive unit (57) and the at least one suction opening (58) by at least one flexible suction conduit (61) to enable suction flow.

29. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 26 to 28, referencing claim 15, characterized in that the generator (44) is mounted on an additional device (27).

30. The cleaning vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the cleaning vehicle consists of a single vehicle having all the components that exist to operate the laser cleaning device (31a).

31. The cleaning vehicle according to claim 30, characterized in that the cleaning vehicle (1) is configured as a standard railway vehicle, particularly a powered vehicle (25).

Images