AT527664A4 - Method and system for maintaining a track and an overhead line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to 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. The following method steps are carried out: - lifting and tamping the track (5) along a treatment 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 treatment section by means of remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators (25, 26, 27) of the overhead line vehicle (2). In this way, the entire maintenance of the track (5), including correction of the overhead line (9), takes place with the overhead line (9) switched on, thus enabling emission-free operation of the system components (1, 2).

Description

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Method and system for maintaining a track and

an overhead line

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 procedure.

A track laid in a ballast bed is subject to continuous wear and tear due to use and weather influences, which necessitates regular maintenance work. In particular, wear mechanisms in the ballast lead to track geometry errors in the form of horizontal and/or vertical deviations from the desired track geometry. When defined permissible limits are reached, the track geometry is corrected. This is done using a tamping machine, whereby the track geometry is restored by a lifting and straightening unit and fixed by a tamping unit. In the simplest case, the so-called adjustment process is carried out without known alignment parameters. In this case, deviations from the existing track geometry are reduced. In an improved adjustment process, known alignment parameters and

Route points taken into account.

In the so-called precision method for track alignment correction, measurements are carried out before the actual track work begins. Specifically, the track is measured with reference to defined fixed points as the basis for a

Calculation of correction values based on the determined

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Difference to the nominal track position. Following this preparatory work, the actual track processing takes place using the tamping machine, in which the track is lifted and laterally adjusted according to the calculated correction values.

is directed.

Depending on the condition of the track ballast, an over-correction of the track position is appropriate so that the track assumes the desired final position through subsequent settlement. Settling is achieved, if necessary, by stabilization using a dynamic track stabilizer. Except for this slight lowering during a stabilization process, a track position correction always involves raising the track and placing additional ballast under the sleepers. Such raising or lateral adjustment of the track 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 route for the contact wire is

specified height above the track and in a zigzag pattern.

Typically, an overhead line system consists of masts and cross arms. The contact wire and a suspension cable are attached to these cross arms. During a position adjustment of the overhead line, a specialist loosens the fastening elements on the respective cross arms. The specialist is positioned on a lifting platform of the overhead line vehicle. The contact wire and suspension cable are then moved into position using the overhead line vehicle's pusher units. Finally,

The fastening elements are fixed by the

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specialist. During the entire process, the

Overhead line switched off.

WO 2020/216496 A1 discloses a track vehicle with an electrically insulated robot arm.

The robot arm can remove unwanted objects that are on the overhead line.

the overhead line remains switched on.

The invention is based on the object of improving a method of the type mentioned above in such a way that efficient track maintenance is enabled. 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.

to be specified.

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

on.

The procedure includes the following steps

Lifting and tamping the track along a working 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

Correction of the overhead line position along the working section using remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators on the overhead line vehicle. In this way, the entire track maintenance, including overhead line correction, is carried out with the overhead line switched on.

Overhead line, so that emission-free operation of the

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System components are enabled. For a normal processing section, the energy requirement of the tamping machine is particularly considerable. Supplying it with batteries is therefore difficult with 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 in the event of necessary readjustment of the overhead line, 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 risk of

Operating personnel.

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

Energy storage should be provided.

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 by means of a measuring device arranged in particular on the tamping machine, wherein the

determined distance with a given

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The distances between track and overhead line are preferably measured after the track has been lifted and straightened. Then the need for an overhead line correction can be assessed immediately. However, it may also be useful to measure the distance between track and overhead line only during a measurement process prior to track maintenance. The relevant values for an overhead line correction are then determined by taking into account the lifting and alignment values that were determined during

a stuffing process.

Advantageously, the evaluation device specifies a section of the processing section for a correction of 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.

A further improvement provides that at least one correction value is calculated at a suspension point of the overhead line by means of the evaluation device 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 is possible.

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

isolated and remote-controlled overhead line manipulators.

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During a correction of the contact wire, the measuring bracket rests against it, so that a height distance to the

track can be determined.

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 is pushed upwards and

can be positioned zigzag.

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, after a

Change in the position of the contact wire is screwed back on.

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In the system according to the invention for carrying out one of the described methods, the tamping machine is configured to be powered from the overhead line during track maintenance, and the overhead line vehicle comprises remote-controlled and electrically insulated overhead line manipulators. With these system components, the track position correction and the position adjustment of the overhead line can be carried out directly one after the other, whereby in any case the tamping machine is powered from the overhead line with

supplied with electrical energy.

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, wherein an evaluation device is arranged for comparing 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.

The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures.

in schematic representation:

Fig. 1 Maintenance system with a tamping machine and an overhead line vehicle during a

work process;

Fig. 2 Overhead line vehicle in a side view; Fig. 3 Track section with gauge diagram; Fig. 4 Recorded measurement data of track position and track position

of the contact wire.

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In Fig. 1, a tamping machine 1 and an overhead line vehicle 2 are shown 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 are attached by means of booms 12. Between the masts 8, the contact wire 10 is connected to the supporting cable 11 by means of hangers. The contact wire 10 is usually arranged at a predetermined height above the associated track 5 in a zigzag pattern.

relocated.

The tamping machine 1 comprises a lifting and straightening unit 13 for lifting and laterally straightening the track panel. The track panel is fixed 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 after a rear bogie 16. The recorded measurement data is transmitted to an electronic measuring recorder, also known as a data logger.

Recording Processor - called DRP.

For a transfer journey between construction sites, the two rail vehicles 1, 2 preferably form a vehicle combination. In this case, for example, the tamping machine 1 is designed as a drive vehicle with a drive 18 supplied from the overhead line 9. Preferably, the overhead line vehicle 2 is connected to the tamping machine 1 by means of an automated coupling 19. In this way, the rail vehicles 1, 2 can, upon reaching a

Construction site are automatically separated from each other.

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The overhead line vehicle 2 includes its own drive 18, which is designed specifically for low-speed work travel. In an extended variant, the drive 18 also enables higher speeds for separate transfer journeys. Optionally, each rail vehicle 1, 2 includes an electrical energy storage unit 20, which serves to supply energy when the overhead line 9 is switched off. The respective electrical energy storage unit 20 is designed for at least 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 has a fault.

When the overhead line 9 is intact, it serves to supply electrical energy to both 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 a lower energy requirement, 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 during work operation via a pantograph 21 from the overhead line 9. The energy storage device 20 then has a lower capacity and serves only as an emergency supply. This reduces the

Space requirements and the weight of the overhead line vehicle 2. 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

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Dynamic track stabilizer. At each point T of 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, which 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 normal to

X-axis and aligned to the Y-axis.

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

22 and the lower edge 24 of the contact wire 10.

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 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 control of the handling device 27, the measuring bracket 26 and the

Pusher units 25 is carried out by means of a

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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.

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 adjustment of the contact wire 10 and the supporting cable 11 can be carried out when the overhead line 9 is switched on. For example, the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 comprise hydraulic drives connected to a hydraulic system of the overhead line vehicle 2 via electrically insulated hydraulic lines. Further options for electrically insulating the remotely controlled overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 include pneumatic actuators with electrically insulated lines and electric drives 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

connected.

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 distance between the track 5 and the overhead line 9 is measured at short intervals.

along track 5, for example every 10 centimeters,

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the position of the contact wire 10 relative to the track 5 is detected. Preferably, the measuring device 31 is a laser scanner system arranged on the tamping machine 1. This is, for example, a rotary 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 a

associated control and data processing equipment.

The laser scanner system delivers a high-resolution point cloud of the surfaces of track 5 and overhead line 9 during a forward travel of the tamping machine 1. 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 the respective cross-section, the relevant distance values between overhead line 9 and track 5 can be determined on the basis of the previously described coordinate system XYZ. In an evaluation device 32, a comparison of the respective

Distance value with a stored acceptance range.

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 allows the distances between the overhead line 9 and the track 5 to be recorded 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 subsidence must also be carried out by a non-

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shown dynamic track stabilizer is taken into account

become.

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 transmitted.

For this purpose, a radio connection exists between the tamping machine 1 and the overhead line vehicle 2 and, if applicable, a system control center 33 for exchanging position and correction data. For example, an existing mobile radio network 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, which is used for real-time data transmission.

is set up.

A common location reference is used to spatially assign the data along track 5. In a simple procedure, markers arranged 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.

A location-specific feature is preferred as a location reference

of track 5, for example a continuously

changing track parameters. In particular, a

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Gauge g of track 5 as a common location reference. A characteristic of the gauge g described in AT 514667 A1 is used here. The gauge g deviates slightly along track 5 from the specified nominal value (e.g., standard gauge 1435 mm). The course of this deviation results in a random characteristic pattern, by which each point T on track 5 can be identified. The change in the gauge g only needs to be measured along a few meters of track 5 in order to establish a clear assignment to a track point T.

can.

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 the track 5, for example, a section of the track gauge with a distance a before and after the 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 the track 5 is identified on the basis of a unique pattern of the track gauge

is identifiable.

To utilize this advantageous location reference, both the tamping machine 1 and the overhead line vehicle 2 comprise measuring devices for recording the location-specific track characteristics, in particular for recording the track gauge. In addition, the spatial position of the measuring device 31 and the measuring bracket 26 relative to this

respective measuring device in order to record the position

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and correction data based on the location reference of a

corresponding position on overhead line 9.

For example, two light section sensors 35 are attached to a bogie 16 of the overhead line vehicle 2 on a common measuring base. Each of the light section sensors 35 detects the current distance of an inner rail edge with respect to the measuring base. This allows the track gauge g to be continuously recorded as a location reference during a working run of the overhead line vehicle 2. The overhead line vehicle also includes 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 is arranged on the car body 37 in the working direction 15 behind the overhead line manipulators 25, 26, 27 for

Re-measurement of the respective overhead line position is arranged.

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 track 5 and

the overhead line 9.

The measuring car 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.

The measuring carriage 17 is height-adjustable

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The suspension is arranged floatingly relative to a machine frame 39 and includes spreader axles, by means of which the flanged rollers are pressed against the inner edges of the rails, as described in AT 519003 A4. In this way, the flanged rollers precisely follow the rails. Furthermore, distance sensors continuously measure the distance between the flanged rollers arranged on a common spreader axle. This distance between the flanged rollers correlates with the track gauge g of the track 5. Furthermore, the measuring carriage 17 includes a distance measuring sensor 36.

by means of which a travelled measuring distance s is recorded.

During a working 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, these track position data are 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 with respect to the

Rail routes can be assessed.

For the section of track 5 shown in Fig. 3, the coordinate system XYZ is drawn at the starting point of a processing section. During track processing, each of the vehicles 1, 2 travels along track 5, covering the recorded measurement distance s. The profile of the track gauge g is recorded over the measurement distance s. The recorded track gauge g serves as a location reference for the assignment of correction data for a position adjustment.

the overhead line 9.

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A corresponding correction value k is shown in Fig. 4. In the diagram, the track gauge g, a height hıy of track 5 before a lifting and straightening process, and a height hı. of track 5 after a lifting and straightening process and, if applicable, after a settling process using a dynamic track stabilizer are plotted against the measuring path s. In addition, a minimum value Amin is specified for the distance A between 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. Following this minimum distance Amin is the permissible height range H for the positioning of the contact wire 10.

marked.

By raising the track grid to the new height hına, the position of the minimum distance Amin and the permissible height range H also shift upwards. The actual position h’»% 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 target position h,»; again within the permissible

Altitude range H lies.

The same process is carried out in the direction of the X-axis if the zigzag course of the contact wire 10 no longer runs in the permissible range above the track axis 22 due to the lateral alignment of the track grid. Here, too, an automatic

Comparison of the determined lateral distances between

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Overhead line 9 and track 5 with a defined permissible range. Based on this comparison, a processing 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 (10)

15 20 25 30 23019 19 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 trolley vehicle (2) during the correction of the position of the overhead line (9) from the contact wire (10) of the Overhead line (9) is supplied with electrical energy. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a distance (A) between the track (5) and the overhead line (10) is determined by means of a measuring device (31) arranged in particular on the tamping machine (1), and in that the determined distance (A) is compared with a predetermined permissible range in an evaluation device (32) by means of a comparison algorithm becomes. 4, Method according to claim 3, characterized in that that by means of the evaluation device (32) a partial section of the editing section for a correction of the 15 20 25 30 23019 20 overhead line position is specified and that the overhead line vehicle (2) is at a beginning of this subsection is positioned. 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). becomes. 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 determined by means of at least one remote-controlled and electrically insulated push-button unit (25) of the overhead line vehicle (2) is changed. 8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a fixing of the contact wire (10) by means of a remote-controlled and electrically insulated Handling device (27) of the overhead line vehicle (2) is changed. 9. System (3) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tamping machine (1) is adapted for energy supply from the overhead line (9) is set up during track maintenance and that 23019 21 the overhead line vehicle (2) remote-controlled and electrically isolated 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) between the track (5) and the overhead line (9) is arranged in particular on the tamping machine (1) and that an evaluation device (32) for comparing the measured distance (A) with a predetermined Admissibility area is set up.