EP3406801A1 - High-speed system for combating undesired plant growth - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle is presented. The modular system includes a control unit for generating control signals for controlling valves and mixers in a separate herbicidal and mixing module and generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly. The herbicidal and mixing module has a container for receiving different herbicides and electrical connection elements for connections to the control unit. Furthermore, a nozzle is present, which is equipped with a nozzle set to spray herbicides of the herbicide and mixing module. In addition, a camera module is provided which generates a weed signal in response to detection of a weed to control the spraying of the herbicides. The camera module is so far away from the nozzle to allow sufficient time, despite high speed, to make the herbicide on the nozzles available.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a modular weed control system for a railway vehicle, and more particularly to a weed control system in track beds that remains usable even at high speeds, a spray train and a method of controlling weeds in a track bed.

State of the art

A well-known task, which operators of rail systems constantly face, is the keeping of the track bodies of unwanted vegetation, especially weeds. It is known that a distinction is made between preventive measures for weed control and measures that are initiated when the weeds have already grown. Although rail-bound systems are known which use a system based on a camera system to specifically control weeds; however, rail vehicles currently in use equipped with appropriate weed control equipment are significantly limited in the speed with which weed control can be accomplished. An application of these known rail vehicles for weed control therefore usually requires slow deployment trips, since a weed detection requires a correspondingly long computing time or is inflexible with respect to the weeds.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to present a concept for a system for weed control - or a spray draft - which can be used flexibly and at comparatively high speeds with regard to the control unit used, the camera and the train speeds.

Brief description of the invention

The above object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a modular weed control system for a rail vehicle is presented. The modular system comprises a control unit, a herbicidal and mixing module, a nozzle assembly and a camera module.

The control unit is adapted to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in a separate herbicidal and mixing module for mixing a weed-specific herbicide mixture and for generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle.

The herbicidal and mixing module has containers for receiving different herbicides, which are selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers, and connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit can be made so that the first control signals generated in the control unit the valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module are conductive.

The nozzle, which is spatially independent of both the controller and the herbicidal and mixing module, has a first set of nozzles for spraying herbicides and fluid communication with selected ones of the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module.

The camera module generates a weed signal in response to detection of a weed. In this case, the generation of the first set of control signals and the generation of the second set of control signals by the weed signal of the camera module are controllable by means of the control unit. The camera module itself is located at a predefined distance from the nozzle, is spatially separated from the control and monitoring module, the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle and arranged in front of them in a common direction of movement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a spray train for weed control on railways is presented. The spray train has the said modular system for weed control on one or more wagons on and a second carriage for reversible recording of the camera module. In this case, the second car is arranged in front of the one or more wagons in a direction of travel.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling weeds in a track bed. The method comprises, in particular, a reversible fixing of a control unit in a control and control module on a carrier, a reversible fixing of a herbicide and mixing module to the carrier, a reversible fixing of a nozzle to the carrier, the nozzle each spatially independent both from the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module.

The method further comprises establishing fluid communication between the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle and generating a weed signal by means of a camera module spaced in front of the carrier in a direction of travel of the carrier.

The controller of the control module controls a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in the herbicidal and mixing module to mix a weed-specific herbicide mixture. The influence is dependent on the weed signal of the camera module.

The method further comprises influencing a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly by means of the controller of the control module in response to the weed signal of the camera module, and selectively spraying the weed-specific herbicide mixture via nozzles of the nozzle assembly on railways.

In this case, the herbicidal and mixing module has a plurality of containers for receiving different herbicides, which are selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers, and connection elements via which electrical signal connections are made to connection elements of the control unit. Thereby, the first control signals generated in the control and control modules can be directed to the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module.

As a further element, the method includes eliminating the railheads in the selective spraying of the weed-specific herbicide mixture by rail.

Detailed description of the invention

The following terms, expressions and definitions are used in this document:

The term "modular system" describes in the context of the presented spray train that various modules can be present, from which a weed control for track beds can be composed. The individual modules can be independent of one another, especially in the case of transport. They can be assembled at a destination - that is, at the place of use for weed control - into a functioning overall system for weed control on railway tracks.

The term "weed control" describes the process of applying herbicides to target existing weeds. In addition, in the context of this description weed control also means proactive measures; that is, those measures that prevent weeds from occurring in the first place.

The term "rail vehicle" may here describe a wagon and / or a wagon for rail transport. A rail vehicle usually has at least two axles with two wheels each, which can be placed on two mutually parallel rails. The two axles can usually be connected to a chassis on which appropriate structures (for example for receiving goods or persons to be transported) can be placed.

The term "control unit" here refers to a unit which can process input signals and generates output signals depending on the input signals. The input signals may have different sources, such as the speed of movement of the control unit relative to the ground or even output signals of the camera module. For example, if the camera module generates image data which is assigned by the control unit to certain weeds, the control unit can also generate output signals to be weed-specific by means of the valves and mixers which are individually controllable via the output signals of the control unit To produce or mix herbicide mixtures. Another set of output signals from the control unit to the nozzles - potentially also mixers and valves - of the nozzle assembly enables the spraying of weed-specific herbicide mixtures in the track bed and the associated embankment. The control unit itself can be part of the control and control module in its entirety, which can be reversibly attached to the wagon.

Furthermore, nozzles of the nozzle can be provided for spraying a laterally extending to the embankment path.

The term "control and control module" can be a self-contained module, which can be understood as a central control device of the presented modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. In the control module, substantially all control signals may be generated by the control unit to ensure the overall function of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. In addition, by the control unit and manual intervention in the herbicide delivery via the nozzle by means of a control station, which may be a functional part of the control unit possible.

The term "spatially independent" here means that a module or component basically does not physically depend on another component. Rather, it can be positioned autonomously from the other component in an overall system. For example, the nozzle assembly independently of the control and control module, and independently of the herbicide and mixing module, be independently attached to the car. Another example refers to the camera module. It can be positioned independently of the other components or modules. For example, it may be mounted on the preceding tank car or it may hang on a threat. Nevertheless, a predefined distance to one of the other modules - e.g. the nozzle - be known at any time.

The term "control signal" describes an electrical signal that can be generated by a controller and an activator - for example in the form of a valve or a nozzle - controlled in its operation. In addition, it may also be a signal on a data line from the camera module to the control unit, which signals to the control unit that the weeds or a specific weed has been detected.

The term "herbicidal and mixing module" describes another module of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. The herbicidal and mixing module may comprise a plurality of containers which can receive different herbicides. In addition, a variety of valves may be present, so that different herbicide mixtures, preferably weed-specific herbicide mixtures can be produced on site. The herbicidal and mixing module may further comprise various connections: a water connection and a plurality of electrical lines for controlling and monitoring the function of the herbicidal and mixing module. Additionally, additional conduits may be provided to replenish one or more of the containers with appropriate herbicides. Furthermore, a connection for a supply line to a nozzle can be present.

The term "nozzle" describes a support frame on which a plurality of nozzles for application of the herbicidal mixtures may be present. The nozzle may be another module of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. The nozzle can also have a plurality of electrical connections, via which the function of the individual nozzles can be controlled. In addition, the nozzle can have one or more connections for supply lines of herbicide mixtures and / or water and / or compressed air. The nozzle can be fixed reversibly on the support element or on the wagon.

The term "selective fluid communication" describes a connection between a source and a sink for a gas or a liquid. The selectivity of the fluid compound indicates that the intensity of the compound - that is, the cross-section of the compound or flow rate, and thus the amount of substance transported through the fluid connection - can be selectively influenced. Typically, this controlling influence can be done via one or more valves.

The term "carrier element" describes a common basis for the modules of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. Not all modules have to be mounted on top of - ie above - the support element. You can also be reversibly connectable laterally on or below the support element with this.

The term "in container construction" is directly related to the modular design of the modular system presented here. All or some of the modules of the modular system can each be integrated in a standard container, eg standard 20-foot container. Standard containers are preferably understood to mean those containers which are described in ISO standard 668: 2013-08. Of course, other container sizes are possible. The term "container badge" should also cover such modules that can be integrated into a standard container, for example, to transport the module integrated into such a standard container with common means (eg trucks, aircraft or ships, which are aligned for the transport of standard containers) can. It is conceivable, for example, for one or more modules to have a platform (bottom plate) that has the same dimensions as the platform of a standard container and that allows sidewalls and a roof wall to be attached to the platform or sidewalls, thus housing the module leaves and the housed module represents a standard container. The advantage of the container design is, inter alia, that different "offal" can be included in a container. This concerns, for example, the control and control module, the herbicide and mixing module or even a residence or storage module.

The term "camera module" may include an electronic camera and additionally an evaluation electronics. The camera module generally has much smaller dimensions than the previously described container-sized modules of the modular system for weed control. The camera module can be connected via electrical connections for data exchange purposes with the control unit of the control and monitoring module. The camera module can either transmit raw image data directly to the control unit or pre-processing of the image data captured by the camera can take place within the camera. In both cases, the camera of the camera module is directed to the lying in front of the track rail track. To ensure the processing of the data of the camera module and to make the necessary herbicides ready for use on the nozzles of the nozzle assembly - e.g. there to transport through the fluid connections - the camera module can be clearly provided in front of the nozzle.

In addition, the camera system may comprise a plurality of individual cameras, which are for example either associated with track bed segments and / or generate weed-specific data and signals. In addition, the image data of the cameras can be correlated with each other to detect weeds in general or specifically even more accurately.

The term "weed signal" may describe one or more electrical signals which by their nature indicate the presence of weeds / weeds. Based on one of these weed signals, herbicides or herbicide mixtures for weed control can be provided. In particular, the weed signal may also be a weed-specific signal which signals detection of specific weeds.

The term "weed-specific signal" may describe one or more electrical signals which by their nature indicate the presence of a particular weed species. Based on one of these weed-specific signals, weed-specific herbicides or herbicide mixtures can be provided for targeted control of the corresponding weed species.

The term "energy module" describes another module of the modular weed control system. The energy module can also be in container construction. Alternatively, a housing, for example a generator for power generation, protect against external influences. This housing may be mounted, among other elements, on a platform, which in turn constitutes a basic platform of a standard container.

The term "wagon" describes in the context of the concept presented here, a freight car in the form of a flat car, which has a support frame, but no other solid structures. The axles are typically suspended on bogies.

The term "resident module" describes another optional module of the modular weed control system. This module can also be designed in container construction. In it, facilities may be provided which are suitable for a stay of persons - for example, for recreation or work purposes.

The term "intermediate rail nozzle" in the context of this document may refer to a nozzle located in an area above between the rails on the nozzle. Such a nozzle can essentially spray the track bed between the individual rail tracks. By contrast, the term "embankment nozzle" describes a nozzle which is located above or next to the embankment of the track bed on the nozzle and is designed to spray in use the embankment of the track bed.

A distinction is made between "half jet nozzles" and "full jet nozzles". A full-jet nozzle thereby generates a spray jet which propagates symmetrically with respect to an axis oriented vertically to the nozzle direction. In contrast, the spray of a jet nozzle is asymmetrical to the axis oriented vertically to the nozzle direction, so that, for example, only to one side of the vertically aligned axis, a spray is produced. This can be achieved by a special shape of the nozzle or by shielding. Regardless, the nozzles are designed as spoon nozzles. In this case, a spoon-shaped shield shields the spray jet as it exits the nozzle, for example, from the wind of the spray draft.

The concept presented here of the modular weed control system for a railway vehicle has a number of advantages and technical effects, which apply in a comparable manner also to the spray draft and the corresponding method:

On the one hand, the modular design of the presented system offers flexible application options in terms of location and time. The individual modules can be detached at any time from the wagon, to then be transported by air freight to another location. Once arrived at the destination, the proposed system can be mounted on a new wagon to carry out weed control at this destination.

On the other hand, the modular system is designed to control weeds at high draw speeds. In known systems, the camera is always provided in the immediate vicinity - or at least on the same car - the control unit. The required computation time - either in the camera module or in the control unit - for detection of any or specific (specific) weeds is relatively high, so that at comparatively high draw rates the nozzle for the delivery of herbicides has already passed the detected weeds and thus a herbicide delivery would be too late. By positioning the camera or the camera module far in front of the control unit or the nozzle is according to the equation "time available for calculation equal distance between the nozzle and the camera module divided by train speed" the crucial time contribution to determine the weed or Providing the herbicide mixture provided at the nozzles. The further the camera module is positioned in front of the herbicide-dispensing nozzle, the faster the train can travel.

As a result, a section of track to be prepared with herbicides is much faster for general train traffic. This has both technical (timetable) and economic benefits for the track operator.

This does not even require that the camera system is mounted directly on another car of the train. Rather, the camera module can also be mounted on a train in front, which moves with a constant distance before the train with the nozzle. In this case, the data of the camera module can be transmitted wirelessly to the control unit. An essential feature is that even in this case, a real-time processing of the camera data can be done to calculate the correct times for the delivery of herbicides through the nozzle. It is therefore not necessary that a more complicated map (weed map) is generated with the locations of the weeds from the camera data.

It is also possible to use a drone that carries the camera module and flies at a constant distance in front of the train or the nozzle. Also in this case, the camera data would be wirelessly transmitted to the control unit; and also in this case, a real-time processing of the camera data takes place without the need for a weed map.

The proposed concept thus allows a much greater flexibility in terms of the usable computing speed of the control unit used, which can be lower and thus cheaper, and the speed with which the spray can go.

In the following, further embodiments of the modular system are presented, which can apply mutatis mutandis to the spray train as well as corresponding to the presented method application.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the control unit may be part of a control and control module, which together with the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle individually reversibly on a support element - ie, the wagon - be fixable. The control and control module can accommodate other components in addition to the control unit. This may include workstations for operating personnel as well as monitors and other monitoring devices or even receivers of weather data or data from geographic information systems.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the carrier element may be a carrier car for a rail insert. A wagon may be a quasi-standardized wagon of a train for receiving loads, such as container-type modules.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the camera module can be reversibly attached to a carriage driving the control unit ahead. The car, which is coupled in the direction of travel in front of the car, which carries the nozzle, for example, be a tank car, which is suitable for receiving mixed water, which can be provided to the herbicidal and mixing module via a hose line. However, the preceding vehicle can also designate the locomotive that pulls the wagon, on which the control and control module is reversibly fixed to the control unit. The distance between the camera module and the control unit is fixed or known at any time.

According to another optional embodiment of the modular system, the camera module may be attached to a - potentially autonomously operating - drone or a multicopter (e.g., quadrocopter). This can fly with a fixed or temporally known distance to the control unit / nozzle before the spray train. The platform of the energy module can be used as a take-off and landing place. In order not to have to stop the spray train when the drone's fuel threatens to go out, a second drone can be used with a second camera module, which takes over the task of aufzutankenden drone quasi "flying change". The drone can be operated electrically or also have a gasoline engine. The distance of the drone to the control unit or to the nozzle can be made possible via a GPS navigation. Corresponding methods are known. This variant does not require the production of a Weed Map. Rather, the data of the camera module can be converted directly into a delivery of herbicides via the nozzle.

According to another optional embodiment of the modular system, the camera module may be attached to a train which precedes a train carrying the control unit and the nozzle. Preferably, the preceding train maintains a constant distance to the spray train. Thus, the time available for calculating whether a weed is to be combated by herbicides is constant. Alternatively, the preceding train may have a time-variable distance to the spray train. Such speed differences and thus variable distances can be considered in the time calculation for the delivery of herbicides via the nozzle by the control unit.

According to a supplemental embodiment of the modular system, the camera module may be adapted to generate a weed-specific signal. In this case, the control unit may be adapted to receive the weed-specific signal of the camera module. In addition, the controller may be adapted to generate the first set of control signals for controlling the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module.

According to an additional advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the nozzle assembly may comprise a group of intermediate rail nozzles and two groups of slope nozzles. Each of these groups should have at least one nozzle. Within the groups it is also possible to individually address each of the nozzles, which are mounted substantially on a line running perpendicular to the course of the rails, so that the weed-specific herbicide can be delivered only via the respectively addressed nozzle , In this way, the corresponding herbicide can be sprayed very accurately in the track bed. This leads to a corresponding reduction of the total amount of herbicide released and thus to a lower environmental impact and a cost saving by saved herbicides.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the modular system, those intermediate rail nozzles from the group of intermediate rail nozzles which are closest to the rail tracks lying obliquely below may be half jet nozzles and the other intermediate rail nozzles may be full jet nozzles. In this case, the half-jet nozzles can in particular be aligned so that the rails are not sprayed. In this way, the use of herbicides can be further reduced in an environmentally friendly manner and no lubricating films are formed on the rails, so that the emergency braking properties for the spray train are not adversely affected.

A similar arrangement may be according to a further embodiment also for the two groups of embankment nozzles which are closest to the rail tracks lying obliquely below them, half jet nozzles and the other embankment nozzles full jet nozzles. The same applies to the advantages of this arrangement as for the intermediate rail nozzles.

An additional advantageous embodiment of the modular system may provide that the nozzles of the nozzle assembly are spoon nozzles. In this case, the outlet of the spray jet can be formed by a compressed air outlet lying circular around an outlet opening for the herbicide mixture. In this way, a deformation of the spray is counteracted at higher speeds of the spray train, so that even higher pulling speeds are possible without affecting the effectiveness of the spray jet of the nozzle too strong negative.

Another embodiment of the modular system may provide that the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module are designed in container construction. The provided containers can be elegantly mounted on the respective wagon in a standardized manner.

A supplementary embodiment of the modular system may provide that in addition a power module is present on a platform in modular construction and / or container construction. The energy module can each be electrically connected to the control and control module and the herbicide mixing module. In addition, the power module can also be reversibly connected to the carrier element - i. Tragwagen - be fixable.

The energy module can be positioned between the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module, and additionally serve as a walk-in platform. This is always useful if the actual module for power generation does not occupy the entire width of the trolley. This platform can also be used as a collection, rescue and security platform and / or as a take-off and landing site for the aforementioned drone.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the modular system, the wagon may be a standard 80ft wagon. This can have either-at each end-double axes or single end axes and a central axis. The advantage of the double axles lies in a quieter handling of the carrier car.

Alternatively, and in accordance with another embodiment of the modular system, the wagon may consist of a plurality of coupled wagons - for example 2, 3 or 4 - each shorter than a standard 80ft wagon. This provides even greater flexibility with regard to loading the modules on rail vehicles.

Another advantageous embodiment of the modular system can provide that the nozzle assembly is mounted below the control and monitoring module on the support element. Thus, the function of the nozzle assembly from the control and monitoring module is directly observable. Alternatively or additionally, cameras and monitors can be used to monitor the function of the nozzle assembly.

It should be noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments of the invention may be described with apparatus claims and other embodiments of the invention having method claims. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present specification that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features associated with a type of subject matter, any combination of features that fall into different categories is possible of inventions belong.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following exemplary description of presently preferred embodiments. The individual figures of the drawings of this application are merely to be regarded as schematic, by way of example and not to scale.

Brief description of the figures

• Fig. 1 zeigt das modulare System zur Unkrautbekämpfung für ein Schienenfahrzeug.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Düsenstockes.
• Fig. 3 stellt ein Ausführungsbeispiel des Herbizid-und Mischmoduls in einer Draufsicht mit abgenommenem Dach dar.
• Fig. 4 stellt ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Draufsicht auf das Energiemodul dar.
• Fig. 5 stellt die einzelnen Module im Zusammenhang dar.
• Fig. 6 zeigt ein Beispiel einer perspektivischen Ansicht der einzelnen Module im Kontext.
• Fig. 7 zeigt ein Beispiel einer perspektivischen Ansicht eines Zuges mit dem modularen System zur Unkrautbekämpfung.
• Fig. 8 stellt das Verfahren zur Bekämpfung von Unkraut in einem Gleisbett mittels des modularen Systems dar.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the following figures:

• Fig. 1 shows the modular system for weed control for a rail vehicle.
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a nozzle.
• Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the herbicide and mixing module in a top view with the roof removed.
• Fig. 4 represents an embodiment of a plan view of the energy module.
• Fig. 5 represents the individual modules in context.
• Fig. 6 shows an example of a perspective view of the individual modules in context.
• Fig. 7 shows an example of a perspective view of a train with the modular system for weed control.
• Fig. 8 illustrates the method of controlling weeds in a track bed by means of the modular system.

Description of exemplary embodiments

It should be noted that features of different embodiments, which are the same or at least functionally identical to the corresponding features or components of the embodiment, are provided with the same reference numerals or with a different reference numeral, which is only in its first digit is different from the reference number of a (functionally) corresponding feature or a (functionally) corresponding component. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, features or components already explained on the basis of a previously described embodiment will not be explained in detail later.

It should also be noted that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible embodiments of the invention. In particular, it is possible to suitably combine the features of individual embodiments with one another, so that a multiplicity of different embodiments are to be regarded as obviously disclosed to the person skilled in the art with the embodiment variants explicitly illustrated here.

Fig. 1 shows the modular system 100 for weed control for a rail vehicle in a schematic representation.

The modular system includes a control unit 102 included in a control and monitoring module 104, a herbicide and mixing module 106, a nozzle assembly 108, and a camera module 110. The control unit is set up to generate a first sentence control signals for controlling valves and mixers 112 in the separate herbicidal and mixing module 106 to mix a weed-specific herbicide mixture, and for generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle stem 108.

The herbicidal and mixing module 106 includes receptacles 114 for receiving different herbicides selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers 112, and connection elements - eg, plugs on an outer wall - via which electrical signal connections to connection elements - for example plugs on an outer wall - The control unit 102 can be produced so that the first control signals generated by the control unit 102 in the control and monitoring module 104 to the valves and mixers 112 of the herbicidal and mixing module 106 are conductive.

The nozzle assembly 108, which is spatially independent of both the control and monitoring module 104 and the herbicidal and mixing module 106, includes a first set of herbicidal spray nozzles and at least one fluid connection to selected ones of the herbicide and mixer valves and mixers 112 Mixing module 106 on.

The camera module 110, which generates a weed signal in response to a detection of a weed, may contact a preceding carriage 116 with respect to a carriage 118 (wagon), the control unit 102 in the control and monitoring module 104, the herbicide and mixing module 106 and the nozzle stick 108 carries attached. The camera module may have a plurality of individual cameras, which are directed in the direction of travel 120 on the track bed lying in front of them (not shown).

In this case, the generation of the first set of control signals and the generation of the second set of control signals by the weed signal by means of the control unit are controllable. The camera module 110 has a predefined distance to the nozzle 108. The camera module 110 is also spatially separated from the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module in a common direction of movement of the control and control module, the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle assembly. This means that it is not mounted on the wagon 118, which carries the control unit 102 and the nozzle 108. Rather, it is reversibly fixed in the direction of travel 120 at one position, so that sufficient time is available for the image evaluation of the camera module 110 and the provision of the corresponding herbicide mixtures on the nozzle assembly 108 even at higher speeds.

The preceding carriage 116 may be, for example, a tank car from which mixed water may be made available via a hose connection for the herbicidal and mixing module 106. However, one or more other cars or a locomotive may be disposed between the nozzle assembly 108 and the camera module 110. Alternatively, the camera module 110 may also be fixed to a preceding train with a known distance or a preceding drone.

Fig. 2 shows an arrangement 200 with a nozzle stock 202 having a plurality of exemplary nozzles 204 over a track bed 206 and side slopes 208 Fig. 2 the rail tracks 210, 212 shown on the track bed 206. The example of the nozzle 216 is shown by dotted lines, such as the spray jet 214 of a jet nozzle spray a mixture of herbicides on the track bed 206. The example of the right outer nozzle 218 shows the function of a half-jet nozzle. Here, the right portion of the jet is limited so that the rail 212 can not be sprayed.

Those nozzles located outside the respective rails 210, 212 - exemplified by the nozzles 220 - may be used for spraying the respective slope (such as the right bank 208) and also a path parallel to the slope 208. The nozzle of the nozzles 220, which is located closest to the rail 212, is again designed as a half-jet nozzle, so that the rail 212 is not sprayed. The same applies to the left side of the nozzle block 202.

Fig. 3 FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the herbicide and control module 108 in a plan view 300 with the roof 108 removed. Clearly, one recognizes the plurality of containers 114 for receiving different (or even the same) herbicides, four of which are shown here, for example. A catwalk 302 connects a left entry side to a right entry side of the herbicidal and mixing module 108. A plurality of conduits 304, valves 304, mixers 304, pumps 306 (as an example), and other other controls (not shown in detail) allow for mixing of various herbicidal mixtures, for example of weed-specific herbicide mixtures. The herbicidal and control module 108 is typically contained in a 20-foot standard container housing in accordance with ISO 668: 2013-08.

Fig. 4 FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a top view of the energy module 400. The energy module 400 consists of an actual energy generation block 404 in which a Internal combustion engine using a generator can generate electricity. Via an operation terminal 406, the power generation block 404 can be controlled from the outside. A tank for the fuel can be filled from above.

The power generation block 404 is mounted on a platform that can accommodate the footprint of, for example, a 20 foot standard container. At this module 400 can be seen also attachment points 402 for attachment to a wagon. A side grille 414 protects the operator from falling down from the platform 408. The platform 408 is accessible via a respective ladder 410. This can be shut off by respective pivotable doors 412. At the respective left and right side of the power module 400 no grid must be provided. Rather, the other modules - the control and control module and the herbicide and mixing module - can be reached via these ends of the energy module 400.

Fig. 5 In the left-hand corner is the herbicidal and mixing module 106, followed by the power module 400, the control and monitoring module 104 with the control unit 102 (not shown) and an additional dwell module 502. The buffers 504 can be seen in that all the modules are shown side by side on a wagon.

Fig. 6 16 shows an example of a perspective view 600 of the plurality of modules: the herbicide and blending module 106, the power module 400, the control and monitoring module 104, and the resident module 502. All of the modules are recognisably shown on a wagon 602 having two dual-axis turnstiles 604. The illustrated order of the individual modules has proven to be practical. The resident module 502 is farthest from the herbicidal and mixing module 106, so that even in the event of a malfunction of the herbicidal and mixing module 106 (eg, uncontrolled herbicide spillage), the on-board personnel are protected solely by the distance. In addition, it can be seen schematically the nozzle assembly 108 below the control and control module 104 on the wagon.

The power module 400 is located between the herbicidal and mixing module 106 and the control and monitoring module 104 and can power both modules well. The platform of the power module 400 is well accessible from both the herbicide and mixing module 106 and the control module 104.

Fig. 7 11 shows an example of a perspective view of a train 700 consisting of a storage trolley 702, the trolley 704 with the complete modular weed control system and a tank car 706, with which water can be transported which is available to the herbicidal and mixing module 106 via hoses can be made. In this illustration, the camera module 110 is shown in the front of the tank car 706. The power module 400 is recognizable with its platform.

The storage cart 702 may be used for storage and transportation of various supplies for the train; In particular, different herbicides can be stored directly and in larger quantities in this way. Thus, the supply of herbicides is not limited to the capacity of the containers in the herbicidal and mixing module 106. A locomotive may be provided at the beginning or at the end of the train 700. The orientation - i. the exit of the herbicides from the nozzle - must be adjusted according to the direction of travel 120 of the train. It is not necessary to re-sort the modules of the weed control modular system for another direction of travel.

FIG. 8th FIG. 800 illustrates the method of controlling weeds in a track bed. The method 800 includes reversibly fixing 802 a control unit in a control module to a cart, reversibly fixing 804 a herbicide and mixing module (HMM) to the cart, and a reversible fixing 806 of a nozzle on the carrier car. The nozzle assembly is spatially independent of both the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module.

Further, the method 800 includes establishing 808 a fluid connection between the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle and generating a weed signal 810 by means of a camera module. The camera module is arranged in front of the wagon in a direction of travel of the trolley objected.

In addition, the method 800 includes influencing 812 a first set of control signals to control valves and mixers in the herbicidal and mixing module to mix a weed-specific herbicide mixture by the controller in response to the weed signal of the camera module and affecting 814 a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly by means of the control unit depending on the weed signal of the camera module.

Based thereon, the method 800 selectively sprays 816 the weed-specific herbicide mixture via nozzles of the nozzle assembly to the railways.

In this case, the herbicidal and mixing module has a plurality of containers for receiving different herbicides, which are selectively with the valves and mixers in a selective fluid connection and connection elements via which electrical signal connections are made to connection elements of the control unit, so that the first control signals generated in the control unit to the valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module.

In addition, the method 800 includes parallel splitting 818 of the railheads selectively spraying 816 the weed-specific herbicide mixture by rail.

The description of the various embodiments of the present invention has been used for purposes of illustration. They are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive idea. Other modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims (18)

A modular weed control system for a rail vehicle, comprising the modular system - Set up a control unit to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in a separate herbicidal and mixing module to blend a weed-specific herbicide mixture, and - For generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly; and - Having the herbicide and mixing module Containers for receiving different herbicides which are selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers, - Connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit can be produced, so that the first control signals generated in the control unit to the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module can be conducted, and - Having a nozzle, which is spatially independent of both the control unit and the herbicidal and mixing module, comprising a first set of nozzles for spraying herbicides, and a fluid connection to selected ones of the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module, a camera module which generates a control signal in response to detection of a weed,
wherein the generation of the first set of control signals and the generation of the second set of control signals is controllable by the control signal by means of the control unit, and
wherein the camera module has a predefined distance to the nozzle,
from the control unit, the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle assembly, respectively is spatially separated, and
in a common direction of movement of the control unit, the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle is arranged in front of them.
wherein the camera module has a predefined distance to the control unit and is spatially separated from the control unit and the herbicidal and mixing module in a common direction of movement of the control unit, the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle assembly. The modular system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is part of a control and control module which, together with the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle assembly, is individually reversibly fixable to a carrier element. The modular system according to claim 2,
wherein the carrier element is a wagon for a rail use. The modular system according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the camera module is reversibly attached to a carriage driving the control unit. The modular system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera module is attached to a drone. The modular system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera module is attached to a train which precedes a train carrying the control unit and the nozzle. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the camera module is adapted to generate a weed-specific signal, and wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the weed-specific signal of the camera module and the control unit is adapted to be generated of the first set of control signals to generate weed-specific signals for controlling the valves and mixers. The modular system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a group of intermediate rail nozzles and two groups of slope nozzles. The modular system according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate rail nozzles of the group of intermediate rail nozzles, the rail tracks lying obliquely below them are half jet nozzles and the other intermediate rail nozzles are full jet nozzles. The modular system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said slope nozzles of the two groups of slope nozzles closest to the rail tracks lying obliquely below are half-jet nozzles and the other intermediate rail nozzles are full-jet nozzles. The modular system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein nozzles of the nozzle assembly are bucket nozzles, and wherein the exit of the spray is formed by a compressed air outlet circumferentially disposed about an exit aperture for the herbicide mixture. The modular system according to claim 1, wherein
the control and control module, the herbicide and mixing module in container design are executed. The modular system according to any one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising - An energy module on a platform in modular design and / or container design, the energy module is electrically connected to the control and control module and the herbicidal mixing module, respectively, and wherein the energy module is reversibly fixable to the carrier element. The modular system of any of claims 3 to 13,
the wagon being a standard 80ft wagon. The modular system according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the wagon consists of a plurality of wagons connected to each other. The modular system according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the nozzle is mounted below the control and mixing module on the support element. A spraying train for weed control on railways the modular weed control system according to one of claims 1 to 16 on one or more wagons, and - A second carriage for reversibly receiving the camera module, wherein the second carriage is arranged in a direction of travel in front of the one or more wagons. A method of controlling weeds in a track bed having the method reversibly fixing a control unit in a control and control module on a wagon, reversibly fixing a herbicide and mixing module to the cart, reversibly fixing a nozzle assembly to the carrier cart, the nozzle assembly being spatially independent of both the control and control module and the herbicidal and mixing module, Establishing a fluid connection between the herbicidal and mixing module and the nozzle, Generating a weed signal by means of a camera module which is arranged at a distance in front of the wagon in a direction of travel of the wagon, Influencing a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in the herbicidal and mixing module for mixing a weed-specific herbicide mixture by means of the control unit depending on the weed signal of the camera module, Influencing a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a Nozzle stick by means of the control unit depending on the weed signal of the camera module, and selective spraying of weed-specific herbicide mixture via nozzles of the nozzle assembly on railways,
wherein the herbicidal and mixing module comprises: a plurality of containers for receiving different herbicides which are selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers, - Connection elements via which electrical signal connections are made to connection elements of the control unit, so that the first control signals generated in the control unit to the valves and mixers of the herbicidal and mixing module are passed; and - Saving the rail heads when selectively spraying the weed-specific herbicide mixture on a rail track.

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