Method and system for maintaining a track and an overhead line

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for maintaining a track (5) mounted on a ballast bed (4) using a tamping machine (1) for correcting the track position and using an overhead line vehicle (2) for correcting the overhead line position. The following steps are carried out: - raising and tamping the track (5) along a track portion under maintenance, using the tamping machine (1), which is supplied with electric energy from a contact wire (10) of the overhead line (9), and - correcting the position of the overhead line (9) along the portion under maintenance, using remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators (25, 26, 27) of the overhead line vehicle (2). In this manner, the entire process of maintaining the track (5), including the correction of the overhead line (9), is carried out while the overhead line (9) is switched on such that an emission-free operation of the system components (1, 2) is facilitated.

Description

[0001] Method and system for maintaining a track and an overhead line

[0002] The invention relates to a method for maintaining a track laid in a ballast bed by means of a tamping machine for correcting a track position and by means of an overhead line vehicle for correcting an overhead line position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out the method.

[0003] A track laid in a ballast bed is subject to constant wear and tear due to use and weather influences, which makes regular maintenance work necessary. In particular, wear mechanisms in the ballast lead to track geometry errors in the form of horizontal and / or vertical deviations from the desired target track geometry. When defined acceptance limits are reached, the track geometry is corrected. This is done using a tamping machine, with the track geometry being restored by a lifting and straightening unit and then fixed by a tamping unit. In the simplest case, the so-called adjustment method is carried out without known alignment parameters. This reduces deviations from the existing track geometry. With an improved adjustment method, known alignment parameters and alignment points are taken into account when reducing track geometry deviations.

[0004] In the so-called precision method for track alignment correction, measurements are performed prior to the actual track maintenance. Specifically, the track is measured relative to defined fixed points as the basis for calculating correction values ​​based on the determined difference from the nominal track position. Following this preliminary work, the actual track maintenance takes place using the tamping machine, in which the track is lifted and laterally aligned according to the calculated correction values.

[0005] Depending on the condition of the track ballast, it may be necessary to over-correct the track position so that the track settles into its desired final position. Settling is achieved, if necessary, by stabilization using a dynamic track stabilizer. Apart from this slight lowering during a stabilization process, track position correction always involves raising the track and placing additional ballast beneath the track sleepers. Raising the track like this, or even straightening the track sideways, can result in an overhead contact wire no longer being in the desired position. In this case, the overhead line must be adjusted to the new track position using an overhead line vehicle before the construction site is released. The desired course of the contact wire is at a specified height above the track and in a zigzag pattern.

[0006] An overhead line system usually has masts and cross arms. The contact wire and a suspension cable are attached to these cross arms. To correct the position of the overhead line, a specialist loosens the fastening elements on the respective cross arm. The specialist is located on a lifting platform on the overhead line vehicle. The contact wire and the suspension cable are then moved into position using push units on the overhead line vehicle. Finally, the specialist secures the fastening elements. The overhead line remains switched off during the entire process.

[0007] WO 2020 / 216496 A1 discloses a track vehicle with an electrically insulated robot arm. This robot arm can be used to remove unwanted obstructions located on the overhead line. The overhead line can remain switched on.

[0008] The invention is based on the object of improving a method of the type mentioned above to enable efficient track maintenance. In particular, the track maintenance should be carried out without emissions. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a corresponding system for carrying out the method.

[0009] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the features of independent claims 1 and 9. Dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The method comprises the steps of lifting and tamping the track along a processing section of the track by means of the tamping machine, which is supplied with electrical energy from a contact wire of the overhead line and

[0011] Correcting the position of the overhead line along the working section by means of remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators of the overhead line vehicle.

[0012] In this way, all track maintenance, including corrections to the overhead line, is carried out while the overhead line is switched on, enabling emission-free operation of the system components. The energy consumption of the tamping machine, in particular, is considerable for a normal processing section. Supplying it with batteries is therefore difficult using conventional solutions. Providing energy using fuel cells represents an alternative. However, this requires a complex infrastructure for providing hydrogen. The most efficient approach is therefore to use an existing overhead line to supply energy to the tamping machine. To ensure that the track can be cleared without delay if readjustment of the overhead line becomes necessary, the overhead line vehicle also operates with the overhead line switched on.Due to the electrical insulation and remote control of the overhead line manipulators, there is no danger to operating personnel.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the overhead line vehicle is also supplied with electrical energy from the contact wire during the correction of the overhead line position. This eliminates the need to provide an alternative energy supply in the overhead line vehicle, such as an electrical energy storage device sufficient for one processing pass.

[0014] A further development of the method enables, in particular, automated control of the overhead line manipulators of the overhead line vehicle. In this case, a distance between the track and the overhead line is determined using a measuring device, which is arranged in particular on the tamping machine. The determined distance is compared with a predetermined permissible range in an evaluation device using a comparison algorithm. The distances between the track and the overhead line are preferably measured after the track has been lifted and straightened. The need for an overhead line correction can then be assessed immediately. However, it can also be useful to only record a distance between the track and the overhead line during a measuring process prior to track maintenance. The decisive values ​​for an overhead line correction are then obtained taking into account the lifting and straightening values ​​​​that are applied during a tamping process.

[0015] Advantageously, the evaluation device specifies a section of the processing section for correcting the overhead line position, with the overhead line vehicle being positioned at the beginning of this section. This improvement leads to increased efficiency if the overhead line can remain largely unchanged after the track position correction because the distances to the track are still within the permissible range. The overhead line is then corrected only along the section determined by the evaluation device.

[0016] A further improvement provides that the evaluation device calculates at least one correction value at a suspension point of the overhead line, and that this at least one correction value is transmitted, in particular, to a control device of the overhead line vehicle. This enables automated readjustment of the contact wire and the suspension cable.

[0017] Preferably, the position of the contact wire is determined using a height-adjustable measuring bracket on the overhead line vehicle. This measuring bracket is one of the electrically insulated and remotely controlled overhead line manipulators. During a correction of the contact wire, the measuring bracket rests against it, allowing the height distance from the track to be easily determined.

[0018] In a further preferred development, the position of the contact wire and / or a suspension cable is changed by means of at least one remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulator designed as a pusher unit. Such a pusher unit comprises a contact unit at its free end for changing the position or for holding the contact wire or suspension cable. For example, fork-shaped or V-shaped extensions are provided as the contact unit. The contact unit is height- and laterally adjustable by means of actuators, so that the contact wire or suspension cable can be pushed upwards and positioned in a zigzag pattern.

[0019] Advantageously, the fixing of the contact wire is changed by means of a remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulator designed as a handling device. Such a handling device comprises a tool holder for interchangeable tools and multi-axis adjustable links that are connected to one another by joints. This allows the tools to be freely positioned in space. A robot arm with an associated tool magazine is preferably arranged as the handling device. For example, a remote-controlled screwing tool is used to change the fixing of the contact wire by loosening a screw connection at a suspension point of the overhead line and screwing it back on after the position of the contact wire has changed.In the system according to the invention for carrying out one of the described methods, the tamping machine is configured to be powered by the overhead line during track maintenance, and the overhead line vehicle comprises remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators. These system components allow the track position correction and the position adjustment of the overhead line to be performed directly one after the other, with the tamping machine always being powered by the overhead line.

[0020] An advantageous improvement of this system comprises a measuring device arranged, in particular, on the tamping machine for measuring a distance between the track and the overhead line. An evaluation device is configured to compare the measured distance with a predetermined permissible range. For example, the measuring device is arranged at a rear end of the tamping machine. There, the track is in the corrected position, so that the measurement can be used to assess whether a correction of the overhead line position is necessary.

[0021] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show schematically:

[0022] Fig. 1 Maintenance system with a tamping machine and an overhead line vehicle during a work process;

[0023] Fig. 2 Overhead line vehicle in a side view;

[0024] Fig. 3 Track section with gauge diagram;

[0025] Fig. 4 shows measured data of the track position and the position of the contact wire. Fig. 1 shows a tamping machine 1 and an overhead line vehicle 2 as components of a system 3 for maintaining a track 5 laid in a ballast bed 4. The track 5 comprises sleepers 6 which, with rails 7 fastened thereon, form a track grid. An overhead line system comprises masts 8 to which an overhead line 9 with a contact wire 10 and a supporting cable 11 is fastened by means of a boom 12. Between the masts 8, the contact wire 10 is connected to the supporting cable 11 by means of a hanger. The contact wire 10 is usually laid in a zigzag pattern at a predetermined height above the associated track 5.

[0026] The tamping machine 1 comprises a lifting and straightening unit 13 for lifting and laterally straightening the track grid. The track grid is secured in the desired position by means of a tamping unit 14. Before a processed track section can be released for regular traffic, the quality of the track position correction must be checked. Therefore, a measuring carriage 17 is arranged in a working direction 15 downstream of a rear bogie 16. The recorded measurement data is fed to an electronic recorder, also called a data recording processor (DRP).

[0027] For a transfer journey between construction sites, the two rail vehicles 1, 2 preferably form a vehicle convoy. In this case, the tamping machine 1, for example, is designed as a drive vehicle with a drive 18 supplied from the overhead line 9. The overhead line vehicle 2 is preferably connected to the tamping machine 1 by means of an automated coupling 19. In this way, the rail vehicles 1, 2 can be automatically separated from one another when a construction site is reached. The overhead line vehicle 2 comprises its own drive 18, which is designed in particular for a work journey at low speed. In an extended variant, the drive 18 also enables higher speeds for separate transfer journeys. Optionally, each rail vehicle 1, 2 comprises an electrical energy storage device 20, which serves to supply energy when the overhead line 9 is switched off.The respective electrical energy storage device 20 is designed at least for emergency operation. For example, it can be used to move the respective rail vehicle 1, 2 away from the construction site if the overhead line 9 is faulty.

[0028] When the overhead line 9 is intact, it serves to supply electrical power to the two rail vehicles 1, 2. During a work run, the tamping machine 1 is supplied via a pantograph 21 from the overhead line 9. Due to lower energy requirements, the overhead line vehicle 2 can be supplied from the electrical energy storage device 20 during the work run. This energy storage device 20 is charged, for example, via the tamping machine 1 when the two vehicles 1, 2 are coupled together. The couplings 19 comprise line contacts for transmitting a corresponding charging current. However, the overhead line vehicle 2 is preferably also supplied from the overhead line 9 during work operation via a pantograph 21. The energy storage device 20 then has a lower capacity and is only used for emergency supply. This reduces the space required and the weight of the overhead line vehicle 2.

[0029] The decisive factor for the use of the overhead line vehicle 2 is the changed track position as a result of processing by means of the tamping machine 1 and, if necessary, by means of a dynamic track stabilizer. At each point T of the

[0030] For track 5, a Cartesian coordinate system XYZ is used to determine the distances between track 5 and the overhead line 9. The Y-axis lies on a track axis 22 that runs symmetrically between the inner edges of the rails 7 of track 5. The X-axis lies on a transverse axis through the inner edges of the rails, and the Z-axis is aligned perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0031] A relevant height of the overhead line 9 with respect to the track 5 is measured along the Z-axis. For example, the distance A zbetween a top edge 23 of the rail and a bottom edge 24 of the contact wire 10. The relevant lateral position of the overhead line 9 relative to the track 5 is measured along the X-axis. Specifically, for example, the lateral distance between the track axis 22 and the bottom edge 24 of the contact wire 10 is measured.

[0032] The target position of the contact wire 10 runs in a zigzag pattern over the track axis 22 within a permissible height range H. As soon as the contact wire 10 lies outside of this permissible height range H or a permissible lateral distance, the overhead line 10 is readjusted by means of the overhead line vehicle 2. The contact wire 10 and the supporting cable 11 are brought into the desired position by means of hydraulic pusher units 25. An adjustable measuring bracket 26 is used to specify this desired position. The overhead line 9 is fixed to the respective boom 12 by means of a handling device 27 and various tools. For example, a robot arm with an associated tool magazine is arranged as the handling device 27. The handling device 27, the measuring bracket 26 and the pusher units 25 are controlled by means of a control device 28 of the overhead line vehicle 2.If correction values ​​are specified for a change in the position of the overhead line 9, the control of the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 can be largely automated. An operator monitors the control processes if necessary.

[0033] According to the invention, all overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 that come into contact with the overhead line 9 are insulated from a supporting frame 30 of the overhead line vehicle 2 by means of a respective electrical insulation 29. Furthermore, these overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 are remotely controlled, so that the contact wire 10 and the supporting cable 11 can be adjusted when the overhead line 9 is switched on. For example, the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 comprise hydraulic drives that are connected to a hydraulic system of the overhead line vehicle 2 by means of electrically insulated hydraulic lines. Further possibilities for the electrical insulation of the remote-controlled overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 are pneumatic actuators with electrically insulated cables and electric drives that are connected to an electrical supply via isolating transformers.Sensors arranged on the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 for feedback of control processes are connected, for example, by means of optocouplers to the control device 28 of the overhead line vehicle 2.

[0034] For efficient use of the overhead line vehicle 2, a measuring device 31 is arranged to record the distances between the track 5 and the overhead line 9. By means of this measuring device 31, the position of the contact wire 10 relative to the track 5 is recorded at short intervals along the track 5, for example every 10 centimeters. The measuring device 31 is preferably a laser scanner system arranged on the tamping machine 1. This is, for example, a rotating laser scanner (e.g. a device from RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems Gesellschaft m. b. H, with the designation VUX-1HA) and / or several line laser scanners as well as an associated control and data processing device.

[0035] The laser scanner system delivers a high-resolution point cloud of the surfaces of track 5 and overhead line 9 as the tamping machine 1 moves forward. At each measuring point T along track 5, a cross-section of the track surface and overhead line elements 10, 11 is calculated from the point cloud using the control and data processing device. In each cross-section, the relevant distance values ​​between overhead line 9 and track 5 can be determined based on the previously described XYZ coordinate system. In an evaluation device 32, the respective distance value is compared with a stored permissible range.

[0036] Preferably, measuring device 31 is arranged at the rear end of the tamping machine 1 with respect to the working direction 15. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding measuring device 31 is located at the front end of the tamping machine 1. This records the distances between the overhead line 9 and the track 5 before track processing. The distances relevant for repositioning the overhead line 9 are then determined by taking into account the lifting and alignment values ​​achieved by means of the lifting and alignment unit 13. If necessary, targeted settlements by a dynamic track stabilizer (not shown) must also be taken into account.

[0037] Based on the determined distances between the overhead line 9 and track 5, it is possible to determine where an adjustment of the overhead line position is necessary for the entire processed section of track 5. Such an adjustment may only be necessary in a partial area because the overhead line 9 continues to run within the permissible range in the remaining processed section. Position data for this partial area are then automatically determined by the evaluation device 32 and transmitted to the overhead line vehicle 2.

[0038] For this purpose, a radio connection for exchanging position and correction data exists, for example, between the tamping machine 1 and the overhead line vehicle 2 and, if applicable, a system control center 33. An existing mobile radio network, for example, is used, via which encrypted data is transmitted. Vehicles 1, 2 and, if applicable, the system control center 33 each include a mobile radio module 34 configured for real-time data transmission.

[0039] A common location reference is used to locally assign the data along track 5. In a simple procedure, markers located on track 5 are used as reference elements for determining the location. These are, for example, metal strips attached to the track with stamped identifiers.

[0040] Preferably, a location-specific feature of track 5 is defined as the location reference, for example a continuously changing track parameter. In particular, a track gauge g of track 5 serves as a common location reference. A property of track gauge g described in AT 514667 A1 is used here. The track gauge g deviates slightly along track 5 from the specified target value (e.g. standard track gauge 1435 mm). The course of this deviation results in a random characteristic pattern by means of which each point T on track 5 can be identified. The change in track gauge g only needs to be measured along a few meters of track 5 in order to be able to clearly assign it to a track point T.

[0041] In Fig. 3, a track point T identified on the basis of a track gauge is shown as a thick dash-dotted line orthogonal to the track axis 22. To identify each point T of track 5, for example, a section of the track gauge with a distance a before and after point T is used. This distance a is at most 10 meters, preferably at most 5 meters and in particular at most 3 meters and at least 2 meters. A small area of ​​the track gauge reduces the required computing power, whereby each point T of track 5 can be identified on the basis of a unique pattern of the track gauge.

[0042] To utilize this advantageous location reference, both the tamping machine 1 and the overhead line vehicle 2 comprise measuring devices for detecting the location-specific track characteristics, in particular for detecting the track gauge. Furthermore, the spatial position of the measuring device 31 and the measuring bracket 26 relative to this respective measuring device is taken into account in order to assign the detected position and correction data to a corresponding point on the overhead line 9 based on the location reference.

[0043] For example, two light section sensors 35 are attached to a common measuring base on a bogie 16 of the overhead line vehicle 2. Each of the light section sensors 35 detects the current distance of an inner rail edge with respect to the measuring base. This means that during a work run of the overhead line vehicle 2, the track gauge g is continuously recorded as a location reference. The overhead line vehicle also comprises a distance measuring sensor 36. In addition, sensors are arranged to detect the position of a car body 37 with respect to the bogie 16. A radar sensor 38 or another suitable non-contact measuring sensor for re-measuring the respective overhead line position is arranged on the car body 37 in the working direction 15 behind the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27.

[0044] All measurement signals are fed to a computer unit, which also stores relevant distance measurements between the measuring devices 35, 36, 38 and the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27. Based on these data, the current position of the components 25, 26, 27, 38 attached to the car body 37 with respect to the rails 7 of the track 5 and the overhead line 9 is continuously recorded by means of logic implemented in the computer unit.

[0045] The measuring carriage 17 of the tamping machine 1 continuously records track position parameters such as longitudinal height, direction, transverse height, twist, and track gauge g. Advantageously, the track position parameters and track gauge g are recorded in a timed manner at a high clock rate of, for example, 1000 Hz.

[0046] The measuring carriage 17 is arranged floatingly relative to a machine frame 39 by means of a height-adjustable suspension and comprises spreading axes by means of which flanged rollers are pressed against the inner edges of the rails, as described in AT 519003 A4. In this way, the flanged rollers follow the rails precisely. In addition, the distance between the flanged rollers arranged on a common spreading axis is continuously measured by means of distance sensors. This distance between the flanged rollers correlates with the track gauge g of the track 5. In addition, the measuring carriage 17 comprises a distance measuring sensor 36 by means of which a traveled measuring distance s is recorded.

[0047] During a work run of the tamping machine 1 in the working direction 15, an inertial measuring unit records a trajectory of the measuring carriage. With the simultaneous detection of the position of the measuring frame relative to the rails 7, the various parameters such as longitudinal height, direction, transverse height, twist, etc. of the corrected track position are obtained as measured data. In particular, this track position data is related in the evaluation device 32 to the respectively detected position of the overhead line 9. In this way, the position of the overhead line 9 relative to the rail layout can be assessed.

[0048] In the section of track 5 shown in Fig. 3, the coordinate system XYZ is shown at a starting point of a processing section. During track processing, each of the vehicles 1, 2 travels along track 5 and covers the recorded measuring distance s. In the process, the profile of the track gauge g is recorded over the measuring distance s. The recorded track gauge g serves as a location reference for the allocation of correction data for a position adjustment of the overhead line 9. A corresponding correction value k is shown in Fig. 4. In the diagram, the track gauge g, an altitude h lv of track 5 before a lifting and straightening operation as well as a height h ln of track 5 after a lifting and straightening process and, if necessary, after a settling process using a dynamic track stabilizer. In addition, a minimum value A mln for the distance A zbetween track 5 and the overhead line 9 . Specifically, this is the permissible minimum distance in the direction of the Z-axis between the lower edge 24 of the contact wire 10 and the top edge of the rail 23 . This minimum distance A mln The permissible height range H for the positioning of the contact wire 10 is then shown.

[0049] By raising the track grid to the new height h ln the position of the minimum distance A also shifts mlnand the permissible height range H upwards . The actual position h2± of the contact wire 10 is consequently no longer within this shifted permissible height range H . Therefore, a correction value k is calculated by means of the evaluation device 32, in particular for a track point T at which the position of the contact wire 10 on a boom 12 can be changed. The displacement of the contact wire 10 at this track point T by the correction value k causes the contact wire 10 to be in a desired position h 2s is again within the permissible height range H .

[0050] The same process is performed in the X-axis direction if the zigzag course of the contact wire 10 no longer runs within the permissible range above the track axis 22 due to the lateral alignment of the track grid. Here, too, the evaluation device 32 automatically compares the determined lateral distances between the overhead line 9 and track 5 with a stored permissible range. Based on this comparison, a computing unit integrated in the evaluation device 32 calculates the necessary correction values ​​for the lateral displacement of the contact wire 10 and the suspension cable 11.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for maintaining a track (5) laid in a ballast bed (4) by means of a tamping machine (1) for correcting a track position and by means of an overhead line vehicle (2) for correcting an overhead line position, characterized by the following method steps: - Lifting and tamping the track (5) along a processing section of the track by means of the tamping machine (1), which is supplied with electrical energy from a contact wire (10) of the overhead line (9) and - Correcting the position of the overhead line (9) along the processing section by means of remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators (25, 26, 27) of the overhead line vehicle (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the overhead line vehicle (2) is supplied with electrical energy from the contact wire (10) of the overhead line (9) during the correction of the position of the overhead line (9).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that by means of a measuring device (31) arranged in particular on the tamping machine (1) a distance (A z ) between the track (5) and the overhead line (10) is determined and that in an evaluation device (32) by means of a comparison algorithm the determined distance (A z ) is compared with a given range of admissibility.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that by means of the evaluation device (32) a section of the processing section for a correction of the overhead line position is specified and that the overhead line vehicle (2) is positioned at the beginning of this section.

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one correction value (k) is calculated at a suspension point of the overhead line (9) by means of the evaluation device (32) and that this at least one correction value (k) is transmitted in particular to a control device (28) of the overhead line vehicle (2).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a position of the contact wire (10) is determined by means of a height-adjustable measuring bracket (26) of the overhead line vehicle (2).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the position of the contact wire (10) and / or a supporting cable (11) is changed by means of at least one remote-controlled and electrically insulated push-button unit (25) of the overhead line vehicle (2).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a fixing of the contact wire (10) is changed by means of a remote-controlled and electrically insulated handling device (27) of the overhead line vehicle (2).

9. System (3) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tamping machine (1) is arranged to be supplied with energy from the overhead line (9) during track processing and that the overhead line vehicle (2) comprises remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators (25, 26, 27).

10. System (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that a measuring device (31) for measuring a distance (A z ) between the track (5) and the overhead line (9), in particular on the tamping machine (1), and that an evaluation device (32) for comparing the measured distance (A z) with a specified range of admissibility.

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