Method and device for compacting under track sleepers

Abstract

A method for compacting under sleepers (11) of a track (8) by means of a tamping device (2), the method comprising: a tamping device (2) having at least two tamping units (6) each with an opposing tamping tool (9) supported on a descendable tool support (10); and a tamping tool (9) being lowered into a ballast bed (22) under vibration during the tamping process and being squeezed closer to each other via a squeeze drive (13). In order to compact the underside of the obliquely positioned sleeper (11), the tamping tool (9) or the pair of tamping tools is moved in the squeeze direction (26) by the squeeze drive device (13) via the control device (16) in a raised position by various adjustment distances (s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4) so ​​as to rotate the free end of the tamping tool (9) or the pair of tamping tools about a substantially common vertical rotation axis (20) to adapt to the inclined position of the sleeper (11).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for compacting under track sleepers by means of a tamping device, the tamping device having at least two tamping units each with two opposing tamping tools mounted on a lowerable tool support, the tamping tools being lowered into the track ballast bed under vibration during the tamping process and squeezed closer to each other via a squeeze drive. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out this method. [Background technology]

[0002] To restore or maintain a specified track position, tracks with a ballast bed are periodically treated with tie tampers. The tie tampers run along the track and raise the track, formed by the sleepers and rails, to the desired level using a lifting and leveling device. The new track position is fixed by compacting the ballast under the sleepers with a tamping device. During the tamping process, a vibrating tamping tool (tamping pick) penetrates the ballast bed between the sleepers and squeezes the opposing tamping tools closer together, thereby compacting the ballast under each sleeper. Particularly in the area of ​​turnstiles or crossings, it is required to adapt the position of the tamping device to the position and orientation of the sleepers and rails before lowering it.

[0003] To enable flexible positioning of the tamping device, so-called universal or switch multiple ties are known, in which the tamping device is mounted in a number of adjustable positions. EP 0 584 055 A1 discloses such a track construction machine. In this case, a tool frame with the tamping device is rotatably and movably arranged on the machine frame. For example, a rotating device allows the tool frame to rotate relative to the machine frame about a vertical axis. In this way, the position of the tamping device can be adapted to the respective rail or sleeper position, especially for diagonally positioned sleepers, before the actual tamping process. In this case, the additional weight and structural requirements of the rotating device are accepted in order to ensure optimal compaction under the sleepers in the turnout and crossing areas. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to simplify the method of the type mentioned at the beginning with respect to the prior art. Another object is to optimize the device for carrying out the simplified method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 10. The dependent claims present advantageous configurations of the invention.

[0006] The method has the advantage that, in order to compact under obliquely positioned sleepers, the tamping tool is moved in the raised position by a squeeze drive via a control device in a variable adjustment distance in the squeeze direction so that the free end of the tamping tool is rotated about a substantially common vertical axis of rotation to adapt to the inclined position of the sleepers. This method according to the invention eliminates the need for a separate mechanical rotation device. This reduces the weight, which has an advantageous effect on the allowable axle load of a track construction machine provided for carrying out the method. Furthermore, the size of the machine is reduced, resulting in cost advantages in the manufacture, transportation, and operation of the track construction machine. Another advantage is the simple adaptability to existing tamping equipment for optimal use even with obliquely positioned sleepers.

[0007] In a simple embodiment of the method, the various adjustment distances are coordinated with one another via geometric data of the tamping device stored in the control device, and no additional sensors are required in the tamping device, since the position adjustment of the tamping tool performed by the control device occurs on the basis of known geometric data.

[0008] It is further advantageous if the various adjustment distances are determined as a function of the angle of rotation about a common vertical axis of rotation, which can be determined in particular by the first operating element. In this way, the operator can adapt the position of the tamping device to the tilt position of the sleeper to be tamped. In this case, a free view of the sleeper is available, or a live image of the sleeper is transmitted to the control stand via a video system. This also makes it possible to automatically detect the tilt position and adjust the position of the tamping device.

[0009] A variant of the method provides for displacing at least one tamping unit a predetermined lateral displacement distance laterally across the track via a lateral displacement drive, and for the lateral displacement distance to be detected, in particular, via a distance sensor. This expanded method allows the tamping device to be more flexibly adapted to the requirements in the area of ​​a turnout or crossing. For example, the tamping unit can be positioned next to a rail that branches off from the main line before it is lowered.

[0010] In this case, it is advantageous to define different adjustment distances as a function of the lateral travel distance. In particular, the use of a distance sensor allows for accurate reporting of the current position to the control device, so that the starting position of the tamping tool can be set accordingly.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the opening width of the respective opposing tamping tool is adjusted, in particular by means of the second operating element. This method allows for simple adaptation to different sleeper widths or sleeper section widths. The adjustment can be performed by an operator or automatically.

[0012] Another refinement provides for adjusting the position of the common vertical axis of rotation, in particular by means of a third operating element, which allows for flexible adaptation to local conditions. For example, in the area of ​​the turnout, the common vertical axis of rotation is positioned symmetrically between the outermost rail of the main line and the outermost rail of the branch line.

[0013] For the automation of individual method steps or the entire positioning process, it is advantageous to detect the sleeper position before the tamping process by means of a sensor device and to provide the control device with the adjustment settings derived therefrom. The reduced workload for the operator achieved in this way leads to a higher level of process safety. Furthermore, automation can improve the reproducibility of the work results.

[0014] In another embodiment of the method, during the calibration process, the squeeze drive is operated with the tamping tool raised, thereby moving the assigned tamping tool from end position to end position, and the respective required time is determined. In hydraulic squeeze drives, the squeeze distance is correlated with the opening time of the control valve. Deviations occur due to temperature fluctuations or for other reasons, and the effect of these deviations is compensated for by the calibration process.

[0015] An apparatus according to the present invention for carrying out one of the above-described methods comprises at least two tamping units with opposing tamping tools mounted on a lowerable tool support, each coupled to a squeeze drive that can apply vibrations to the tamping tools. The squeeze drives are each assigned a hydraulic control valve and controlled by a common control device that is configured to set various adjustment distances. This configuration allows for adaptation to obliquely positioned sleepers with a simple structure that does not require a rotating device. The various adjustment distances are precisely adjusted by the hydraulic control valve connected to the control device. This offers the significant advantage of system simplicity, as no separate sensor equipment is required in the tamping device.

[0016] In an advantageous refinement of the device, for each squeeze drive the squeeze distance is a defined function of the opening time of the assigned control valve, and the respective function is stored in the control device so that the assigned control valve is opened for a precisely defined time in order to adjust the desired end position of the respective tamping tool.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one tamping unit is arranged laterally movable relative to the machine frame, and a distance sensor connected to the control device is assigned to the tamping unit for detecting the lateral movement distance. The laterally movable tamping unit makes it possible to compact the underside of the branched rail in a simple manner. The distance sensor accurately reports the position of the tamping unit to the control device.

[0018] Another advantageous configuration of the device provides that operating elements are arranged for setting the angle of rotation about a common vertical axis of rotation and / or for setting the opening width to be adjusted of each opposing tamping tool and / or for setting the position of the common vertical axis of rotation, which allows the operator to quickly and accurately adapt the position of the tamping device to the site conditions before the lowering process.

[0019] It is further advantageous if the control device has a memory device in which adjustment distance values ​​are stored for each squeeze drive, in particular as a function of the angle of rotation about a common vertical axis of rotation. Since the adjustment distance values ​​are therefore directly available and do not need to be calculated continuously, the control device only has to meet low requirements in terms of calculation power and data processing. Therefore, the present invention can be realized with simple electronic components.

[0020] Another improvement provides that a sensor device is arranged for automatically detecting the sleeper position, and that the sensor device is connected to the control device for providing adjustment settings. In this way, individual method steps for positioning the tamping device or the entire method can be carried out automatically.

[0021] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a track construction machine equipped with a tamping device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the tamping device. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of a track segment with a positioned tamping tool; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a track section with diagonally positioned sleepers and a rotationally positioned tamping tool; [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic view of a turnout section with a rotationally positioned tamping tool; FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a plan view showing a schematic representation of a turnout section with a rotated and positioned tamping tool and a displaced common axis of rotation; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing two tamping units. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a tamping unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hydraulic circuit diagram of the tamping device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The track construction machine 1 shown in Figure 1 is configured as a tie tamper and comprises a tamping device 2, a lifting and leveling device 3, and a measuring system 4. The tamping device 2 is mounted on a machine frame 5 and has a number of lowerable tamping units 6. The machine frame 5 is supported on a running gear 7 and can travel on the track 8. The invention has the advantage that a section tie tamper can be used for tamping turns and crossings without a rotatable suspension of the tamping device 2.

[0024] 2 shows a tamping device 2 with four tamping units 6. Each of the four tamping units 6 has four tamping tools 9. The four tamping tools 9 of each tamping unit 6 are supported so that they can be lowered on a tool support 10. In this example, two tamping tool pairs are arranged opposite each other per tamping unit 6 and can be squeezed closer to each other. During the tamping process, both tamping tool pairs surround the sleeper 11 to be compacted underneath. If the tamping area is too narrow (for example, in the area of ​​the turnout center), one tamping tool 9 of each tamping tool pair can be pivoted higher to the side.

[0025] Each tamping tool pair is connected via a pivot arm 12 to a squeeze drive 13 and a vibrating drive 14. The tamping unit 6 is structurally designed to achieve the largest possible overall squeeze distance b0. Furthermore, a large overall opening width w0 allows for problem-free tamping under double ties. According to the invention, the large overall squeeze distance b0 and the large overall opening width w0 are used to adapt the position of the tamping tools 9 to the diagonally positioned ties 11. For tamping under long ties in turnouts, it is advantageous if at least the outer tamping units 6 are designed to be movable relative to the machine frame 5 in the cross-track direction 15.

[0026] A control device 16 is assigned to the tamping device 2. This control device 16 is connected to a first operating element 17 and a second operating element 18. The two operating elements 17, 18 are arranged on a control console in a control stand 19 of the track construction machine 1. Both operating elements 17, 18 are configured, for example, as rotary potentiometers. The operator sets the sleeper inclination position via the first operating element 17, for example by adjusting the angle of rotation α about a vertical axis of rotation 20. The inclination position of the sleeper 11 is detected by direct visual observation or via a video camera 21. The second operating element 18 adjusts the opening width w of the respective opposing tamping tool 5 or tamping tool pair. With this adjusted opening width w, the tamping tool 9 penetrates into the ballast bed 22 of the track 8 during its descent.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the positioning of a tamping device 2 without the method according to the invention. A plan view of a straight track section with sleepers 11 oriented perpendicular to the rail 23 is shown. On one of the sleepers 11, a tamping device 2 is positioned, and a tamping tool 9 is shown in cross section. On both sides of each rail 23, a tamping tool 9 is located in a starting position for carrying out the tamping process. The tamping tools 9 located on the same sleeper section are oriented along a reference line 24 that runs parallel to the sleeper 11.

[0028] The present invention is used with diagonally positioned sleepers 11 as shown in Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 shows a plan view of a track section with two rails 23 and diagonally positioned sleepers. Before the tamping unit 6 is lowered into the ballast bed 22, the squeeze drive 13 adjusts the position of the tamping tools 9. Specifically, the tamping tools 9 are pivoted differently around a horizontal pivot axis 25. The tamping tools 9 located closer to the vertical rotation axis 20 pivot less than the tamping tools further out. In this manner, the free ends of the tamping tools 9 (tamping ice axe plates) move in the squeeze direction 26 by different adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, and s'4.

[0029] The position of the tamping tool ends with the overall opening width w0 is shown by the dotted lines in Figure 4. Starting from this position, adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4 are defined by the control device 16 so that the tamping tool ends are oriented on each sleeper section along a common reference line 24 parallel to the sleeper 11. The result of this adjustment process, shown by the solid lines, is equivalent to a rotation of the tamping tool ends by a rotation angle α about a common vertical axis of rotation 20.

[0030] When setting the rotation angle α, individual adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4 result based on the geometry of the tamping device 2. For example, the lateral spacings y1, y2, y3, y4 of each tamping tool 9 or tamping tool pair relative to a common vertical axis of rotation 20 are stored in the control device 16. The adjustment distances s, s' are then obtained by the following formula: s=(w0-w) / 2-y·tanα and s'=(w0-w) / 2+y·tanα In this case, a table may be stored in the control device 16 with values ​​for the respective adjustment distances s, s' which depend on the rotation angle α, the lateral spacing y and the adjusted opening width w.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a section of a turnout with a rail track 28 branching off from the main track 27. Prior to the lowering of the tamping units 6, an adjustment of the position of the tamping tools 9 is performed by the squeeze drives 13, as in the previous example. By setting the adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4 adapted to the geometry of the tamping devices, this process is equivalent to a rotation of the tamping tool ends about the common vertical axis of rotation 20. It should be noted that the right-outside tamping unit 6 is additionally moved by a predetermined movement distance v4 via the lateral movement device. The movement is performed by operating the corresponding movement drive. The movement distance v4 is preferably detected by a distance sensor 29 and reported to the control device 16. Via the described geometric relationships, the lateral spacing y 4v During expansion, larger adjustment distances s4, s'4 are also defined for orienting the tamping tool ends along the respective common reference line 24. Similar movements may be defined for the other tamping units 6.

[0032] 6 shows a turnout section with a rail track 28 branching off to the left from the main track 27. To simplify the geometric relationships, the common vertical axis of rotation 20 is moved onto the axis of symmetry of the outer tamping unit 1 by means of a third operating element 30. This has the advantage that minimum adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4 are defined for each tamping tool end to achieve the desired position.

[0033] 7 shows two tamping units 6, which are positioned on either side of the rail 23. The tamping tools 9 on the opposite side of the rail 23 are swivellable. These tamping tools 9 can be swiveled completely into a horizontal position by the respective swiveling drives 31 if the tamping area is too narrow for two tamping tools 9 (for example in the area of ​​the central part of the turnout). In another variation, the tamping tools 9 of the tamping units 6 are simply spread apart in order to increase the coverage during compaction under the sleepers. The overall spreading distances e1, e2 of the tamping tools 9 are detected and reported to the control device 11, so that the possibly defined adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2 of the tamping tool ends can be adjusted to the modified lateral spacing y 1e ,y 2e can be adapted based on

[0034] Advantageously, the control device 11 has a memory device in which all end position or geometric data of the tamping device 2 are stored. These data define the required adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4 of the tamping tool ends for the desired rotation angle α about the common rotation axis 20 and for each desired opening width w. This also takes into account the movement and / or pivoting of the tamping tool 5 in the transverse direction 7 of the orbit.

[0035] 8 shows a side view of the tamping unit 6. The various squeeze positions and opening widths of the tamping tool 9 are indicated by dashed and dotted lines. The tamping tool 9 shown by solid lines shows the opening width w adjusted for the diagonally positioned sleeper 11. Furthermore, the overall opening width w0, the adjusted opening width w' for the non-diagonally positioned sleeper 6, and the overall squeeze distance b0 are shown.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram 32 of the described tamping device 2. Each of the four tamping units 6 has a squeeze drive 13, each configured as two hydraulic cylinders. Each squeeze drive 13 is controlled separately via a control valve 33 (e.g., a solenoid valve). Time-dependent valve control is performed to achieve the required adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, and s'4. Advantageously, the control device 11 comprises a general machine control device 34 (already present in the existing machine 1) and an auxiliary control device 35 for the adjustment movement. Both control devices 34, 35 are connected to a distance sensor 29 for detecting the lateral travel distance v or the opening distance e. Operating elements 17, 18, and 30 transmit setpoints for the rotation angle α, the opening width w to be adjusted, and the position of the common vertical rotation axis 20 to the auxiliary control device 35.

[0037] For system calibration, a pressure transducer 37 is arranged in the hydraulic line 36 of each squeeze drive 13. The pressure transducer 37 detects the end positions of each of the hydraulic cylinders. During the calibration process, the tamping device 2 is fully squeezed with the tamping device 2 raised, and the time after which each of the hydraulic cylinders reaches its end position is determined. Various factors, such as oil temperature, oil viscosity, and ambient temperature, are important in this case. The relationship between the control time and the squeeze distance thus determined is used to calibrate the control device for each squeeze drive 13 separately.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally to the adjustment distances s1, s'1, s2, s'2, s3, s'3, s4, s'4, corresponding control times for the control valves 33 of the respective squeeze drives 13 can be stored in the control device 11 or in the memory device. By corresponding control of the control valves 33, an adjustment step of the tamping tool 9 in the squeeze direction 26 takes place before the actual tamping step, so that the tamping tool ends are oriented along the parallel reference lines 24.

[0039] The control device 11 is configured, for example, as a simple industrial computer that may already be present in the track construction machine 1. The existing machine control device 34 can be adapted with corresponding hardware or software. Visual operating elements 17, 18, 30 on a monitor or touchpad can also be used to adjust the tamping device 2.

[0040] The present invention also relates to an arrangement with automatic sleeper position detection. In this arrangement, the track construction machine 1 is equipped with a sensor device 38 that detects the position or inclination of the sleeper 11. The sensor device 38 is arranged, for example, at the front of the track construction machine 1 and includes a laser scanner, an evaluation device, and an odometer. Via a known distance between the sensor device 38 and the tamping device 2, the control device 11 is constantly informed of the position of the sleeper 11 currently located under the tamping device 2. Based on the detected data, an automatic adjustment of the position of the individual tamping tools 9 or tamping tool pairs is then performed before the actual tamping process is carried out.

Claims

1. 1. A method for compacting under sleepers (11) of a track (8) by means of a tamping device (2), the tamping device (2) having at least two tamping units (6) each with an opposing tamping tool (9) supported on a lowerable tool support (10), the tamping tools (9) being lowered into a ballast bed (22) under vibration during a tamping process and squeezed together via a squeeze drive (13), In order to adapt the free end of the tamping tool (9) or the tamping tool pair to the inclined position of the diagonally positioned sleeper (11), the tamping tool (9) or the tamping tool pair is moved by the squeeze drive device (13) via the control device (16) in a raised position, starting from the position of the tamping tool end having the overall opening width (w 0 ), by various adjustment distances (s 0 ) so that the end of the tamping tool (9) is oriented along a common reference line (24) parallel to the sleeper (11). １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ ) in a squeezing direction (26), so that the position of the free end of the tamping tool (9) or of the tamping tool pair is substantially equal to the rotation of the end of the tamping tool (9) about a common vertical axis of rotation (20); The squeeze drive (13) is assigned a hydraulic control valve (33) for adjusting the various adjustment distances (s １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ ) is achieved by time-related valve control of said control valve (33).

2. The various adjustment distances (s １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tamping device is coordinated with the control device via geometric data of the tamping device stored in the control device.

3. The various adjustment distances (s １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotation angle (α) of the first operating element (17) is determined as a function of the rotation angle (α) about the common vertical axis of rotation (20).

4. At least one tamping unit (6) is moved by a predetermined lateral movement distance (v) in the track lateral direction (15) via a lateral movement drive device. ４ ), and the horizontal movement distance (v ４ 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distance sensor (29) detects the distance between the first and second electrodes.

5. The various adjustment distances (s ４ , s' ４ ) when defining the lateral movement distance (v ４ 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising taking into account:

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of defining an opening width (w) of the respective opposing tamping tool (9) or tamping tool pair (18) to be adjusted by means of a second operating element (18).

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting the position of the common vertical axis of rotation (20) by means of a third operating element (30).

8. 8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, before the tamping step, the sleeper position is detected by a sensor device (38) and the control device (16) is supplied with the adjustment setting derived therefrom.

9. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein during the calibration step, the squeeze drive (13) is operated in a state in which the tamping tool (9) is raised, thereby moving the assigned tamping tool (9) from end position to end position, and the respective required time periods are determined.

10. 10. An apparatus for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two tamping units (6) each with an opposing tamping tool (9) or tamping tool pair mounted on a lowerable tool support (10), the tamping tools (9) being each coupled to a squeeze drive (13) and capable of applying vibration to the tamping tools (9), The squeeze drives (13) are assigned hydraulic control valves (33) and are controlled by a common control device (16), which controls the various adjustment distances (s １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ 20. An apparatus for carrying out a method, characterized in that it is configured to set a

11. At least one tamping unit (6) is arranged to be laterally movable relative to the machine frame (5), and a distance sensor (29) connected to the control device (16) is provided in the tamping unit (6) to measure a lateral movement distance (v ４ 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is assigned to detect a signal.

12. 12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein operating elements (17, 18, 30) are arranged for setting the angle of rotation (α) about the common vertical axis of rotation (20) and / or for setting the opening width (w) to be adjusted of the respective opposing tamping tools (9) and / or for setting the position of the common vertical axis of rotation (20).

13. The control device (16) comprises a memory device in which for each squeeze drive (13) an adjustment distance value (s) is stored as a function of the rotation angle (α) about the common vertical axis of rotation (20). １ , s' １ , s ２ , s' ２ , s ３ , s' ３ , s ４ , s' ４ 13. The device according to claim 10, wherein the information is stored in the memory.

14. 14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a sensor device (38) is arranged for automatically detecting the sleeper position, said sensor device (38) being connected to said control device (16) for providing adjustment settings.

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