Processing equipment and method for performing track operations

Abstract

The processing facility (1) for performing track work includes a railcar (6) equipped with a processing device (50) and a monitoring device (19) for defining and monitoring a working space (A) allowed for the railcar (6). The processing facility (1) further includes a position measuring device (31) for determining the position of the railcar (6). The railcar (6) relies on the determined position and the defined working space (A) to perform track work and is controlled by a control device (32).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The contents of German Patent Application No. 102020201689.5 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a processing facility and a method for performing orbital tasks. [Background technology]

[0003] From WO 2017 / 121441 (corresponding to US 2019 / 016350 A1) a maintenance vehicle is known, which by means of a vehicle frame and side walls defines a protected working space, in which track work is carried out by personnel or by an industrial robot. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is to provide a processing facility which allows the automatic execution of track tasks in an easy and safe manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by a processing installation having the characteristic features of claim 1. The rail vehicle is operated in a defined working space in order to perform the required track work. The working space is defined by a monitoring device in at least one spatial direction, in particular in at least two spatial directions, in particular in three spatial directions. Preferably, the working space is defined in an x-direction in a horizontal plane, corresponding to the rail longitudinal direction, and / or in a y-direction in a horizontal plane, corresponding to the rail transverse direction. When performing the track work, the position of the rail vehicle is determined by means of at least one position measuring device, and depending on the determined position, the movement of the rail vehicle is controlled by means of a control device. The rail vehicle contains in particular a running gear, on which the running drive is arranged. The track work can therefore be easily performed automatically by the rail vehicle and the at least one processing device. In particular when operating the rail vehicle and the at least one processing device, no people, i.e. drivers and / or workers, are present in the defined working space. The working space is monitored by the monitoring device. If at least one workspace boundary is intruded into by an erroneous movement of the rail vehicle and / or by an object in the workspace and / or by a person in the workspace, the rail vehicle or the travelling drive and / or the at least one processing device are stopped, thereby ensuring a safe operation of the processing facility.

[0006] The control device preferably includes a first control unit arranged outside the working space and a second control unit arranged within the working space. The control device is in particular arranged at least partially in the rail vehicle. The second control unit is arranged, for example, in the rail vehicle. The control units are signal-connected to each other. Different processing programs are stored and selectable in the first control unit, for example. The selected processing program is transmitted to the second control unit, where the processing program is then run to perform the track work. Signals of at least one position measuring device and / or monitoring device are transmitted to the first control unit and / or the second control unit, whereby the rail vehicle is stopped if an impermissible operating state is identified.

[0007] The processing arrangement according to claim 2 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. For driverless and / or operatorless operation, the rail vehicle has a sensor system for detecting processing tasks or objects to be processed. The processing arrangement further comprises a processing program implemented in the control device for processing the objects to be processed by means of at least one processing device. Preferably, the rail vehicle further comprises a sensor system for checking the processing results or the processed objects.

[0008] The processing installation according to claim 3 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The at least one sensor detects processing tasks or objects to be processed and / or detects processing results or processed objects. The at least one sensor therefore enables driverless and / or operatorless operation of the rail vehicle and the at least one processing device. The at least one sensor is in particular arranged on the rail vehicle, for example on the at least one processing device.

[0009] The processing system according to claim 4 ensures the automatic execution of the path tasks in an easy and safe manner. The multi-axis robot is in particular configured as an industrial robot. The multi-axis robot preferably comprises at least three axes of movement, in particular at least four axes of movement, in particular at least five axes of movement, in particular six axes of movement. The multi-axis robot in particular comprises a tool holder for receiving a tool.

[0010] The processing facility according to claim 5 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The at least one position measuring device is configured, for example, as a laser measuring device, as a position signal receiver for a satellite-aided positioning system and / or as an optical measuring system for detecting measuring points, which are, for example, arranged on catenary masts and / or signal masts. The at least one position measuring device is preferably at least partially fixed to the rail vehicle.

[0011] The processing facility according to claim 6 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. At least one position measuring device is at least partially fixed to the rail vehicle. The at least one position measuring device is configured, for example, as a measuring rope which is fixed to the rail vehicle and to a monitoring unit for defining and monitoring a working space. The monitoring unit is, for example, fixed to a sleeper of the track and defines the working space in the x-direction in a horizontal plane or in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The monitoring unit is, for example, arranged in the center of the sleeper when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The monitoring unit includes, for example, a support frame to which the measuring rope is fixed.

[0012] The processing arrangement according to claim 7 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. By means of two position measuring devices, the position measurement is performed redundantly. From the two position measurement signals, the position of the rail vehicle can be determined exactly. In the event of a failure and / or a disturbance of the position measuring devices, at least one safety measure can be introduced, for example a warning signal can be generated and / or the execution of the track work can be stopped. The position measuring devices preferably provide position measurement signals according to different measurement techniques. The first position measuring device is for example based on a first measurement technique, whereas the second position measuring device is based on a different second measurement technique. This ensures a high reliability of the position measurement and thus a high safety of the processing arrangement.

[0013] The processing arrangement according to claim 8 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. A working space for the rail vehicle is defined in the x-direction in a horizontal plane by at least two monitoring units. The x-direction in the horizontal plane corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the rail. Thus, the track section to be processed is defined in the longitudinal direction of the rail by at least two monitoring units. When the rail vehicle leaves the defined working space, it straddles one of the monitoring units. This is recognized by the monitoring device, so that the rail vehicle can be stopped by the control device. In particular, at least one position measuring device is partially fixed to the at least one monitoring unit. For example, when the at least one position measuring device is configured as a measuring rope, this measuring rope is fixed to one of the monitoring units. When the at least one position measuring device is configured as a laser measuring device, for example, a reflector is fixed to one of the monitoring units.

[0014] The processing arrangement according to claim 9 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The at least one optical monitoring unit detects the space around the rail vehicle. The monitoring device defines a working space in the detected or detected space. The at least one optical monitoring unit is arranged in particular in the z-direction in a vertical plane above the rail vehicle. The at least one optical monitoring unit is arranged, for example, on a crane and / or an air vehicle. The at least one optical monitoring unit includes, for example, a digital camera. The monitoring device preferably includes an image processing unit, by means of which image data determined by the at least one optical monitoring unit can be evaluated and the defined working space can be monitored. For example, the image processing unit can identify people and / or objects entering the working space and stop the rail vehicle or the running drive and / or the at least one processing unit.

[0015] The processing facility according to claim 10 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. A monitoring unit is arranged on the at least one flying object, which detects the space around the rail vehicle. The monitoring unit is particularly configured optically. A working space for the rail vehicle is defined in the detected space or in the detection space by the monitoring device. The size of the working space in the detected space can be changed depending on environmental influences. Thus, undesired movements of the at least one flying object, which depend on environmental influences, for example wind, can be corrected. The monitoring device is preferably provided with meteorological data. The size of the working space in the detected space can be changed depending on the provided meteorological data. The at least one flying object is particularly configured as a drone.

[0016] The at least one flying vehicle can be moved depending on the position of the rail car, and preferably the at least one flying vehicle is moved synchronously with the rail car, thereby creating a dynamic workspace that allows for processing of long track sections.

[0017] When objects and / or people reach the working space and / or when at least one flying vehicle no longer has sufficient energy for flight and must land and / or when rail vehicles are no longer detected, the rail vehicles or running drives and / or at least one processing device are stopped.

[0018] In addition to the flying object with a monitoring unit for defining the working space for the rail vehicles, the monitoring device may also include at least one other flying object with a monitoring unit. The other monitoring unit monitors the track at a predefined distance for the working space and the rail vehicles present therein. The distance is, for example, at least 1 km, in particular at least 2 km, and in particular at least 3 km. This allows early identification of rail vehicles approaching the working space, for example passenger cars or freight trains, and sudden braking. The monitoring device preferably has two other flying objects with associated monitoring units arranged on either side of the working space.

[0019] The processing facility according to claim 11 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. If the rail vehicle leaves the working space uncontrolled, a safety device mechanically stops the rail vehicle. The safety device can, for example, derail the rail vehicle. This reliably prevents the rail vehicle from leaving the work site area.

[0020] The processing facility according to claim 12 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The tool magazine is in particular arranged in the working space, preferably on the rail vehicle or next to the track. If another tool is required to perform the track work, an automatic tool change can be performed. The tool change is performed, for example, by at least one processing device, which stores the tool that is no longer required in the tool magazine and takes a new tool from the tool magazine. Alternatively, the processing facility may further comprise a tool changer which performs the automatic tool change.

[0021] The processing arrangement according to claim 13 ensures the automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The energy supply preferably comprises at least one energy accumulator which supplies electrical energy. The at least one energy accumulator in particular comprises at least one storage battery. The rail vehicle, in particular the travelling drive and / or the at least one processing device, is preferably driven by electrical energy. The rail vehicle is in particular arranged with at least one energy accumulator which supplies electrical energy to the travelling drive and / or the drive for the at least one processing device. The energy accumulator is preferably replaceable and / or rechargeable. The energy supply comprises, for example, a charging station for recharging the energy accumulator. The energy supply can be connected, for example, to an overhead line.

[0022] The processing facility according to claim 14 ensures automatic execution of track work in an easy and safe manner. The control device is in signal connection with at least one position measuring device and / or monitoring device. This allows the rail vehicle or the travel drive and / or the at least one processing device to be stopped in the event of a fault and / or in the event of an intrusion into the working space. The control device preferably comprises a first control unit arranged outside the working space and a second control unit arranged within the working space. The second control unit is preferably arranged on the rail vehicle. The first control unit and the second control unit are in signal connection with each other. This allows signals to be transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit and / or from the second control unit to the first control unit. The monitoring device and / or the at least one position measuring device are in signal connection with the first control unit and / or with the second control unit.

[0023] The problem underlying the invention is further to provide a method which allows the automatic execution of track tasks in an easy and safe manner.

[0024] This object is achieved by a method having the characterizing features of claim 15. The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to the already described advantages of the treatment plant according to the invention.

[0025] Further features, advantages and details will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a processing facility according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the treatment facility according to FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a processing facility according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a processing facility according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the treatment facility according to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] A first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The treatment installation 1 is used to carry out track work on a track 2. The track 2 comprises a number of rails 3 which extend in the rail longitudinal direction or x-direction in a horizontal plane and are spaced apart in a y-direction in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the x-direction. The rails 3 are arranged (seen in the z-direction in a vertical plane) on sleepers 4. The sleepers 4 are embedded in a ballast bed 5. The z-direction extends perpendicular to the x-direction and the y-direction. The x-direction, the y-direction and the z-direction form a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0028] The treatment facility 1 includes a rail vehicle 6. The rail vehicle 6 includes a vehicle frame 7 in which two axles 8 with wheels 9 are rotatably supported. An electric travel drive 10 is arranged on the vehicle frame 7 for driving one of the axles 8 in rotation.

[0029] Two processing devices 11, 12 are arranged on the vehicle frame 7. The processing devices 11, 12 are configured as tamping units. Each processing device 11, 12 comprises a support frame 13 in which a tamping tool 14 is pivotably supported about an axis of rotation. The respective support frame 13 with the tamping tool 14 can be moved in the z-direction by means of a drive 15. Drives 16, 17 enable the tamping tools 14 to be put into an oscillatory movement and to be fed in pairs relative to one another. The processing devices 11, 12 are known and typical.

[0030] In order to detect the sleepers 4, a sensor 18 is arranged on the vehicle frame 7. The sensor 18 is of an optical type. The sensor 18 is, for example, configured as a digital camera.

[0031] The processing installation 1 further comprises a monitoring device 19, which is used to define and monitor an allowable working space A for the rail vehicle 6. The monitoring device 19 comprises two mechanical monitoring units 20, 21, which are fixed to the track 2 and spaced apart from each other in the x-direction. The rail vehicle 6 is arranged between the monitoring units 20, 21.

[0032] Each of the monitoring units 20, 21 includes one support frame 22. Each support frame 22 is arranged, for example, centrally with respect to the sleeper 4 when viewed in the x direction. A detector 23 is arranged on each of the support frames 22. The detector 23 detects the railway vehicle 6 when it reaches the respective monitoring unit 20, 21. The monitoring units 20, 21 thus define a working space A in the x direction or in the rail longitudinal direction, and define the track section to be processed.

[0033] Each monitoring unit 20, 21 further comprises a laser beam generating and receiving device 24 and a reflector 25, which are arranged with their ends in the y direction on the support frame 22. The laser beam generating and receiving device 24 of the first monitoring unit 20 is arranged opposite the reflector 25 of the second monitoring unit 21 in the x direction and vice versa, thereby generating two light grids L, which define and monitor a workspace A laterally in the y direction with respect to the track 2.

[0034] Each monitoring unit 20, 21 further comprises a signal generator 26. If a rail vehicle 6 is detected by the detector 23 and / or if the laser beam generating and receiving device 24 detects that the associated light grid L has been interrupted, an emergency stop signal is generated by the associated signal generator 26.

[0035] To determine the position of the rail vehicle 6, the processing facility 1 has a first position measuring device 27 and a second position measuring device 28. Each of the position measuring devices 27, 28 is configured as a laser measuring device and includes a transmitting / receiving unit 29 and an associated reflector 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 29 is fixed at its end in the x direction to the rail vehicle 6. The associated reflector 30 is fixed to a support frame 22 of the monitoring units 20, 21. The first position measuring device 27 measures the distance x1 between the transmitting / receiving unit 29 and the reflector 30 and thus the position of the rail vehicle 6 relative to the reflector 30. Correspondingly, the second position measuring device 28 measures the distance x2 between the transmitting / receiving unit 29 and the reflector 30 and thus the position of the rail vehicle 6 relative to the reflector 30. The position measuring devices 27, 28 are configured optically and therefore contact-free.

[0036] The processing installation 1 further includes a third position measuring device 31. The third position measuring device 31 is configured as a GPS receiver and is able to determine the absolute position of the rail vehicle 6. The third position measuring device 31 is fixed to the rail vehicle 6.

[0037] For controlling the rail vehicle 6 as a function of the determined position and the defined working space A, the processing facility 1 includes a control device 32. The control device 32 is in signal connection with the position measuring devices 27, 28 and 31 and with the monitoring units 20, 21. The control device 32 includes a transmitter 33 for transmitting signals and a receiver 34 for receiving signals. The receiver 34 is in signal connection with the signal generator 26 for receiving the emergency stop signals of the monitoring units 20, 21. The control device 32 is in signal connection with a central control unit, not shown in detail, by means of the transmitter 33. In the case of an emergency stop signal, the control device 32 transmits a corresponding signal by means of the transmitter 33 to the central control unit. The control device 32 controls the travel drive 10 and the drives 15, 16, 17 of the processing devices 11, 12 by means of a control unit 35.

[0038] For the energy supply, the processing installation 1 comprises an energy supply device 36. The energy supply device 36 comprises a first energy accumulator 37 which supplies electrical energy. The first energy accumulator 37 is arranged in the rail vehicle 6. The first energy accumulator 37 supplies electrical energy to the travel drive 10, the processing devices 11, 12, the position measuring devices 27, 28, 31, the sensor 18 and the control device 32.

[0039] The energy supply device 36 further comprises a second energy accumulator 38 and a third energy accumulator 39. The energy accumulator 38 supplies the first monitoring unit 20 with electrical energy, whereas the energy accumulator 39 supplies the second monitoring unit 21 with electrical energy.

[0040] The treatment installation 1 further comprises a safety device 40 with two derailment elements 41, 42. The derailment elements 41, 42 are arranged on the track 2 in such a way that the monitoring units 20, 21 are between the derailment elements 41, 42. The safety device 40 with the derailment elements 41, 42 is therefore arranged outside the working space A.

[0041] Next, the operation of the processing equipment 1 will be described.

[0042] The treatment installation 1 is transported by a transport vehicle to the track section to be treated. The transport vehicle is, for example, a road vehicle and / or a rail vehicle. The treatment installation 1 is then installed. A working space A is defined in the x- and y-directions by means of monitoring units 20, 21. For safety reasons, the derailment elements 41, 42 are arranged on the track 2 outside the working space A. The rail vehicle 6 is then positioned on the rail 3 in the working space A, for example by means of a working crane.

[0043] After the monitoring units 20, 21 are connected to the energy stores 38, 39, the processing program stored in the control unit 35 is started. The railcar 6 is then ready to operate without a driver and without an operator. Based on the position measurement signals x1 and x2, the railcar 6 is moved by the control device 32 so that the processing devices 11, 12 are in a position above the sleeper 4. The control device 32 checks that the position measurement signals x1 and x2 are correct, since a certain distance traveled with a different sign should also result in position measurement signals x1 and x2. In the process, the sleeper 4 is detected by the sensor 18, so that the position can be corrected if necessary. The processing devices 11, 12 then carry out the tamping process in the usual way. When the tamping process is finished, the railcar 6 is moved to the next sleeper 4. This sequence is repeated until the sleeper 4 located in the working space A and reachable by the processing devices 11, 12 has been tamped.

[0044] The absolute position of the rail vehicle 6 is determined by the third position measuring device 31. This absolute position is transmitted by the control device 32 to, for example, a central control unit.

[0045] In the event of a fault, the travelling drive 10 and the processing units 11, 12 are shut down. A fault occurs if the detector 23 detects a rail vehicle 6, if the light grid L is interrupted, if one of the energy stores 37, 38 or 39 is empty and / or if the position measuring devices 27, 28 transmit abnormal position measurement signals x1, x2 to the control device 32. In the event of a fault, one of the monitoring units 20, 21 transmits an emergency stop signal to the control device 32 by means of the associated signal generator 26. If abnormal position measurement data x1, x2 are present in the control device, the control device 32 generates an emergency stop signal.

[0046] If the railcar 6 cannot be stopped in the event of a fault, it is derailed by one of the derailment elements 41, 42 when it leaves the workspace A by stepping over one of the monitoring units 20, 21. This ensures that the railcar 6 is prevented from moving uncontrolled on the track.

[0047] Thus, the processing facility 1 allows automatic execution of orbital operations within the working space A in an easy and safe manner.

[0048] A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. In contrast to the first embodiment, the position measuring devices 27, 28 are of mechanical design. Each of the position measuring devices 27, 28 comprises a measuring rope unit 43 and a fixing element 44. The measuring rope unit 43 is fixed to the vehicle frame 7. Each measuring rope S is connected to the associated fixing element 44. The respective fixing element 44 is fixed to the support frame 22 of the monitoring units 20, 21. For alternative configurations and alternative ways of functioning of the processing installation 1, please refer to the previous embodiment.

[0049] A third embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the monitoring device 19 comprises an air vehicle 45 in which an optical monitoring unit 46 is arranged. The air vehicle 45 is configured, for example, as a drone. The optical monitoring unit 46 comprises, for example, a camera and / or an image processing unit. The air vehicle 45 comprises a base 47 to which a rotor 48 that can be rotated or is driven in rotation is fixed. The air vehicle 45 further comprises a transceiver unit 49 that is fixed to the base 47. The transceiver unit 49 is in signal connection with the optical monitoring unit 46. For localization, the monitoring device 19 comprises a position measuring device 58. The position measuring device 58 is configured as a GPS receiver.

[0050] The optical monitoring unit 46 has a conical detection space E. In the detection space E, a working space A is defined by the optical monitoring unit 46. The working space A is defined in the x-, y- and z-directions. The working space A is, for example, conical. The working space A is smaller than the detection space E. In a plane defined by the rail 3 or in the area of ​​the rail 3, the boundaries of the working space A in all horizontal directions are spaced apart from the boundaries of the detection space E by at least the dimension ΔR.

[0051] The railcar 6 is placed on rails 3 in the working space A. A processing device 50 is fixed to the vehicle frame 7. The processing device 50 is configured as a multi-axis robot. This multi-axis robot is, for example, a normal industrial robot. This multi-axis robot has six motion axes B1 to B6. The motion axis B6 is formed by a tool storage section 51 that can be rotated. A sensor 18 is fixed to the multi-axis robot. A tool W is set in the tool storage section 51.

[0052] For supplying various tools W, the processing installation 1 comprises a tool magazine 52. The tool magazine 52 is fixed to the vehicle frame 7. By means of the processing device 50, an automatic tool change can be carried out, i.e. a tool W can be placed in the tool magazine 52 and a new tool W can be removed from the tool magazine 52.

[0053] The control device 32 includes a first control unit 53 disposed outside the working space A and the detection space E, and a second control unit 54 disposed on the vehicle frame 7. The first control unit 53 includes a transmitter 33, a receiver 34, and a central control unit 35. The second control unit 54 includes a transmitter 55, a receiver 56, and a local control unit 57.

[0054] The first control unit 53 is signal-connected to the second control unit 54 and the transceiver unit 49. The local control unit 57 controls the railcar 6, and is signal-connected to the travel drive device 10, the processing device 50, the sensor 18, and the position measuring device 31.

[0055] An energy accumulator 38 is arranged on the base body 47 for supplying energy to the flying vehicle 45. The first control unit 53 is connected to a third energy accumulator 39.

[0056] After sending out the processing installation 1 to the track section to be processed, the railcar 6 is placed on the rails 3 and the first control unit 53 is positioned next to the track 2 at a sufficient distance. The control program stored in the central control 35 is then started. The control program activates the monitoring device 19. For this purpose, the flying object 45 is started and positioned in the z-direction above the railcar 6. The optical monitoring unit 46 defines a working space A in the detection space E and detects the railcar 6 in the working space. The control program then starts a processing program stored in the local control 57. The processing program causes the railcar or processing device 50 to carry out the planned track work.

[0057] In the event of a fault, the travelling drive 10 and the processing device 50 are shut down if the rail vehicle 6 leaves the defined working space A, if persons and / or objects enter the working space A, if the position measuring device 31 and the optical monitoring unit 46 determine different positions of the rail vehicle 6 in relation to the position measuring device 58 and / or if one of the energy accumulators 37, 38 or 39 becomes empty.

[0058] Sudden changes in the attitude or position of the flying body 45, for example as a result of environmental influences, will result in a change in the detection volume E and thus in a change in the defined working volume A. The interval ΔR is selected in such a way that the changed volume A does not move outside the original detection volume E due to changes in the attitude or position, if these changes cannot be directly corrected. This ensures a high degree of safety when monitoring the working volume A.

[0059] When performing track operations on long track sections, the air vehicle 45 is moved synchronously with the rail vehicle 6, thereby dynamically defining the workspace A. The workspace A thus moves together with the rail vehicle 6. The safety of the processing facility 1 is ensured by identifying intrusions into the workspace A by persons and / or objects.

[0060] In the event of a fault, an emergency stop signal is generated by the control device 32, in particular by the first control unit 53, and transmitted to the second control unit 54 and to the central management.

[0061] For alternative configurations and alternative ways of functioning, please refer to the previous embodiments.

[0062] What generally applies is that the features of the embodiments can be combined with one another in any way.

[0063] An observer can monitor the operation of the processing equipment 1. An emergency stop key can be provided outside the work space A, allowing the observer to stop the processing equipment 1 at any time by operating the emergency stop key.

[0064] The optical monitoring unit 46 may include a camera, a laser scanner and / or a radar. For detection, the rail vehicle 6 may have a marking that can be uniquely identified by the optical monitoring unit 46.

[0065] The interval ΔR may be variable depending on environmental influences or weather conditions. The monitoring device 19 may be supplied with data about weather conditions, for example by means of the control device 32.

Claims

1. 1. A processing facility for performing track operations, comprising: A rail vehicle (6) including at least one processing device (11, 12, 50); at least one position measuring device (27, 28, 31) for determining the position of said rail vehicle (6); a control device (32) for controlling the rail vehicle (6) depending on the determined position; In a treatment facility having The processing facility has a monitoring device (19) that determines and monitors a working space (A) allowed for the railway vehicle (6) in an x-direction in a horizontal plane corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the rail and in a y-direction in a horizontal plane corresponding to the lateral direction of the rail, and the control device (32) is configured to control the railway vehicle (6) depending on the determined working space (A).

2. 2. The treatment installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the rail vehicle (6) is adapted for driverless and / or operatorless operation.

3. 3. Treatment installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (18) for controlling at least one of said treatment devices (11, 12, 50).

4. 4. The treatment installation according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the treatment devices (50) is configured as a multi-axis robot.

5. 5. The process installation according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the position measuring devices (27, 28, 31) is designed contact-free.

6. 6. The process installation according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the position measuring devices (27, 28) is of mechanical design.

7. First position measurement signal (x １ a first position measuring device (27) for supplying a second position measuring signal (x ２ 7. The treatment plant according to claim 1, further comprising a second position measuring device (28) for supplying a position measuring signal (14) to the treatment plant.

8. 8. The treatment installation according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device (19) comprises at least two monitoring units (20, 21) for arrangement on a first side and on a second side of the rail vehicle (6) in the x-direction in the horizontal plane.

9. 9. The treatment plant according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device (19) comprises at least one optical monitoring unit (46).

10. 10. The treatment installation according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device (19) comprises at least one flying object (45).

11. 11. Treatment installation according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a safety device (40) for mechanically stopping the rail vehicle (6) outside the working space (A).

12. 12. Treatment installation according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tool magazine (52) for supplying tools (W) for at least one of the treatment devices (50).

13. 13. The treatment plant according to claim 1, further comprising an energy supply device (36) for supplying energy.

14. 14. The treatment installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (32) has at least one transmitter (33, 55) for transmitting signals and / or at least one receiver (34, 56) for receiving signals.

15. 1. A method of performing an orbital task, comprising: Providing a treatment installation (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14; Defining a working space (A) by means of said monitoring device (19); and moving the rail car (6) to perform track work within the defined working space (A), determining the position of the rail vehicle (6) by means of at least one position measuring device (27, 28, 31); controlling said rail vehicle (6) by means of said control device (32) depending on said identified position and said defined working space (A); The working space (A) is monitored by the monitoring device (19), - if at least one workspace boundary is invaded by the rail vehicle (6) moving erroneously and by an object entering the workspace (A) and / or by a person entering the workspace (A), the rail vehicle (6) and / or the at least one processing device (11, 12, 50) are stopped, How to perform orbital work.

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