AT526696B1 - Ballast removal device and method for a track construction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ballast removal device (13) for a track construction machine (1) for receiving ballast (14), comprising an endless removal chain (19) guided along a transverse guide (23), an ascending longitudinal guide (24), and a descending longitudinal guide (25), wherein a discharge point (28) is arranged between the ascending longitudinal guide (25) and the descending longitudinal guide (25). A removal blade (35) is arranged on the ballast removal device (13) approximately parallel to the transverse guide (23), which is located directly in front of the removal device (13) with respect to a first working direction (2) and directly behind it with respect to a second working direction (4). In a working position, a lower edge (36) of the removal blade (35) projects at least partially below a removal plane (34) of the removal chain (19). The removal blade (35) is adjustable from an upper out-of-service position to the working position. In this way, the gravel removal device (13) can be used in the opposite direction to a normal working direction (2).

Description

Description

GRAVEL REMOVAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR A TRACK CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a ballast removal device for a track construction machine for receiving ballast, comprising an endless removal chain guided along a transverse guide, an ascending longitudinal guide, and a descending longitudinal guide, wherein a discharge point is arranged between the ascending longitudinal guide and the descending longitudinal guide. The invention further relates to a track construction machine with a corresponding ballast removal device and a method for operating the track construction machine.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A ballast removal device of this type is used, for example, in a track construction machine known from EP 0621 371 A2 for renewing or laying a railway track. In one working direction for track renewal, the old rails are first lifted from the sleepers and moved laterally outwards. Then the old sleepers are picked up by means of a sleeper picking device and transported away on conveyor belts. Subsequently, excess ballast is picked up by means of the ballast removal device and dumped laterally next to the ballast bed. The ballast bed surface is smoothed by means of a smoothing device before new sleepers are laid by means of a sleeper laying device. Finally, upstream rails are positioned on the new sleepers.

[0003] After conversion, the same track laying machine can be used for laying a new track. For this purpose, the working direction is reversed. The sleeper picking device and the ballast removal device are out of operation in this working mode. New sleepers are laid on an already smoothed ballast bed using the sleeper placement device. The positioning of laterally positioned rails on the new sleepers is again carried out using guide devices arranged on the track laying machine. A separate machine is required for smoothing the ballast bed.

[0004] From WO 2010/072346 A1, a ballast removal device with an endless removal chain is known, which removes excess ballast and levels the remaining ballast. Another track construction machine of this type is known from DE 29 27 256 A1, whose leveling blade has edge sections of varying depths. A rotatable ballast removal device is known from EP 1 162 311 A2 or EP 1 162 312 A1. This makes it possible to use a track construction machine for track renewal in both directions. The sleeper picking device and the sleeper placement device are converted accordingly to first pick up the old sleepers, depending on the direction of work, and to place the new sleepers after the ballast bed has been leveled. Coupling devices are provided to simplify this conversion process.

A ballast leveling device shown in EP 0 915 203 A1 has sensors that detect the contour of the ballast bed.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of improving a ballast removal device of the type mentioned above in such a way that its application possibilities are expanded with minimal conversion effort. Furthermore, it is an objective of the invention to provide a track construction machine that utilizes these expanded application possibilities. In addition, an advantageous method for operating such a track construction machine is to be provided.

[0006] According to the invention, these problems are solved by independent claims 1, 9 and 11.

1713

[0007] A clearing blade is arranged on the ballast removal device – approximately parallel to the transverse guide – which is located directly in front of the removal device with respect to a first working direction and directly behind it with respect to a second working direction. In a working position, the lower edge of the clearing blade projects at least partially below a clearing plane of the clearing chain, and the clearing blade is adjustable from an upper out-of-service position to the working position. In this way, the ballast removal device can be used in the opposite direction to a conventional working direction without having to rotate the entire ballast removal device. During the corresponding forward movement, the discharge point is located in front of the transverse guide of the clearing chain. The clearing blade in the working position causes ballast to collect between the clearing blade and the clearing chain and be transported by the clearing chain along the ascending longitudinal guide to the discharge point. The position and shape of the lower edge of the clearing blade determine the level and contour of the resulting bedding surface. A smooth profile of the bedding surface thus created allows for the immediate placement of new sleepers.

[0008] Advantageously, the lower edge of the snowplow blade has a contour with several sections, wherein, in the working position, a central section and lateral sections are lower than the sections between the central section and the lateral sections. The resulting surface profile of the ballast bed forms a particularly stable support for sleepers. Specifically, raised sections of the ballast bed are formed under the rails mounted on the sleepers. In the central section and in the lateral sections, the ballast bed surface is lower. The raised sections of the ballast bed profile serve as supports for the sleepers in the area of the rails, so that vehicle forces acting on the rails cannot cause the sleepers to tilt.

[0009] In a further development of the ballast removal device, at least one transverse conveyor belt is arranged below the discharge point. This transverse conveyor belt transports the collected ballast laterally and discharges it next to the track. In another embodiment, it may be advantageous to transport the collected ballast further within a track construction machine. For example, the material is cleaned, optionally with storage in a material wagon coupled to the track construction machine.

[0010] In an improved version, two parallel transverse conveyor belts are arranged, with the transverse conveyor belts driven in opposite directions. With such an arrangement, the collected ballast is discharged on both sides of the track and is available there for subsequent ballasting of newly laid sleepers.

[0011] A preferred clearing blade is characterized by being bent or folded in a lower section in the direction of the clearing chain. This promotes an upward movement of the ballast removed by the clearing blade in the direction of the clearing chain. Overall, this results in an optimized ballast flow up to the discharge point.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the clearing chain is guided in an ascending transport channel and in a descending empty channel, with the clearing blade being attached to the channels by supports. This results in an inherently stable arrangement. During operation, the gravel forces acting on the clearing blade are absorbed by the supporting elements of the transport channel and the empty channel.

[0013] In a further development of the gravel removal device, the clearing blade is connected to a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator. Such a clearing blade can be brought into the working position without any assembly procedures, and in particular, remote control of the actuator is provided. In this way, no operating personnel are required in the hazardous work area to carry out any manipulations on the gravel removal device or the clearing blade.

[0014] To optimize weight and stability, it is advantageous to arrange stiffening ribs on the snowplow blade. Advantageously, these stiffening ribs extend over the edge.

21713

the blade is extended and also serves as a support for attaching the blade to supporting elements of the gravel removal device.

[0015] A track construction machine according to the invention comprises a machine frame that is movable on chassis along a track, wherein a first sleeper device for receiving sleepers and a second sleeper device for depositing sleepers are arranged on the machine frame, wherein a ballast removal device as described above is arranged between the first and the second sleeper device, and wherein the first sleeper device is optionally configured for receiving and depositing sleepers. Such a track construction machine can be operated in two working directions, i.e., in both directions of travel of a track. In one working direction for the renewal of a track, old sleepers are picked up and new sleepers are deposited, with excess ballast being removed in between using the ballast removal device. The removal blade remains inactive in this working mode. In the opposite working direction, the track construction machine operates in a mode for laying a new track. In this mode, a previously deposited ballast bed is profiled by means of the ballast removal device using the removal blade to ensure optimal support for the depositing of the new sleepers by means of the first sleeper device. The second threshold device remains out of operation in this mode.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the track construction machine, an actuator for the clearing blade and a height-adjusting actuator for adjusting the height of the ballast removal device relative to the machine frame are coupled to a common control unit. This ensures coordinated height adjustment of the clearing blade relative to the track being traversed by the track construction machine.

[0017] The described track construction machine has a first working direction for renewing an existing track. In the method according to the invention, the track construction machine is moved forward in a second working direction opposite to the first, whereby the ballast removal device is operated with the removal blade in its working position to profile a ballast bed. Thus, two different working modes are available for the same track construction machine, requiring only a change in the working direction and minor adaptations of the ballast removal device and the sleeper devices. In particular, there is no need to exchange or perform a complex rotation of the ballast removal device about a vertical axis.

[0018] Advantageously, the snowplow blade is moved from a standby position to the working position during a setup process. This is done in particular by a pivoting movement carried out by means of an actuator.

[0019] In a further improvement of the method, an actuator for the clearing blade and a height adjustment drive for adjusting the height of the ballast clearing device relative to the machine frame are controlled by a common control device in order to set a surface level of the ballast bed. In this way, optimal profiling of the ballast bed can be achieved, taking into account the position of the machine frame.

[0020] This variant is improved by using sensors to detect the surface level of the ballast bed, feeding a sensor signal to the control unit, and profiling the ballast bed to a target level by means of a control system. This enables autonomous operation of the track construction machine. Irregularities in the prepared ballast bed are automatically compensated for by the control system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. These show, in schematic representation:

[0022] Fig. 1 Track construction machine renewing an existing track in a first working direction

[0023] Fig. 2 Track laying machine according to Fig. 1 laying a track in a second working direction

[0024] Fig. 3 Side view of the gravel removal device with clearing blade in a first variant

[0025] Fig. 4 Side view of the gravel removal device with clearing blade in a second variant

[0026] Fig. 5 Top view of the gravel removal device with a clearing blade attached to a crossbeam

[0027] Fig. 6 Top view of the gravel removal device with a clearing blade attached to a transport channel and to an empty channel

[0028] Fig. 7 Cross-section of a prepared ballast bed for laying a track

[0029] Fig. 8 Gravel bed with gravel thrown laterally by means of the gravel removal device

[0030] Fig. 9 Gravel bed with cross-section profiled by means of the gravel removal device

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0031] The exemplary track construction machine 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be used in a first working direction 2 for renewing an existing track 3 and in a second working direction 4 for laying a new track 3. In each case, the machine 1 operates using the so-called conveyor belt method with a continuous forward movement. A machine frame 5 is supported on several chassis 6, 7, with at least one crawler chassis 6 being provided for traversing a ballast bed 8. Rail chassis 7 serve for traversing rails 9 to be removed or already laid rails 9. The height-adjustable crawler chassis 6 raises the machine frame 5 with the associated rail chassis 7 during a rail replacement or during rail laying. The machine frame 5 is additionally supported on a rail-guided carriage 11 by a height-adjustable support 10. In this way, a gap is created in which rails 9 can be moved by means of height- and side-adjustable rail guides 12.

[0032] On the machine frame 5, viewed in the first working direction 2, a ballast removal device 13 for receiving ballast 14 is arranged in front of the crawler undercarriage 6, and in front of that, a first sleeper device 15 for selectively receiving and depositing sleepers 16. Behind the crawler undercarriage 6, there is a second sleeper device 17 for depositing sleepers 16. When laying a new track 3 in the second working direction 4, this second sleeper device 17 is out of operation (Fig. 2). The respective sleeper devices 15 and 17 are coupled to conveying means 18 for transporting sleepers 16 within the track laying machine 1.

[0033] Preferably, the first sleeper device 15 permanently comprises all components for lifting sleepers 16 out of the ballast bed 8 or placing them on the ballast bed 8. Components required only for one of these operations, e.g., stops or adjustment elements, can be deactivated by actuating elements. For the moving components, the work sequence is reversed. In a simple embodiment, the first sleeper device 15 comprises a coupling device to which components for picking up or placing the sleepers are optionally attached, as described in EP 1 162 311 A2.

[0034] Figures 3 to 6 show the ballast removal device 13 in various versions. An endless removal chain 19 consists of mutually movable chain links 20, which are equipped with scraper blades. In operation, the removal chain 19 picks up ballast 14 between the scraper blades and transports it in the direction of travel 21 of the chain 19. With respect to a track longitudinal direction 22, the removal chain 19 is guided along a transverse guide 23, an ascending longitudinal guide 24, and a descending longitudinal guide 25. The transverse guide 23 runs along a crossbeam 26, which serves to receive the ballast 14. Along a transport-

4113

The ascending longitudinal guide 24 runs along the transport channel 27. In this transport channel 27, the collected gravel 14 is transported upwards to a discharge point 28. From the discharge point 28 back to the crossbeam 26, the descending longitudinal guide 25 runs along a discharge channel 29. A chain drive 30 is arranged at the deflection point between the transport channel 27 and the discharge channel 29. Preferably, a Turas drive is used, which is coupled in particular with a chain tensioning device. Such a drive type is robust and durable and ensures a uniform rotation of the clearing chain 19.

[0035] The position of the crossbeam 26 relative to the ballast bed 8 determines the amount of ballast taken in. The height of the crossbeam 26 is adjusted by changing the position of a unit consisting of the crossbeam 26, transport channel 27, empty channel 29, and chain drive 30 relative to the machine frame 5. For this purpose, this unit is articulated to the machine frame 5 via at least one height adjustment drive 31. The height adjustment drive 31 is controlled by a control device 32.

[0036] Below the discharge point 28, at least one transverse conveyor belt 33 is arranged to transport the collected gravel 14 laterally and discharge it at the edge of the gravel bed 8. Two transverse conveyor belts 33 are provided for discharging the gravel 14 onto both sides of the gravel bed 8, with parallel orientation and opposite conveying directions.

[0037] In the first working direction 2, the gravel removal device 13 operates in a known mode. In the forward-opening crossbeam 25, the scraper blades remove gravel 14 from the gravel bed 8 and convey it towards the transport channel 27. A lower edge of the crossbeam 26 or a lower surface of the removal chain 19 guided along the transverse guide 23 defines a removal plane 34 above which the gravel bed 8 is removed.

[0038] A new operating mode is used in the opposite working direction 4. For this purpose, a clearing blade 35 is arranged parallel or approximately parallel to the crossbeam 26. In the working position, a lower edge 36 of the clearing blade 35 projects at least partially below the clearing plane 34 of the crossbeam 25 or the clearing chain 19. The crossbeam 26 is positioned relative to a gravel bed 8 to be processed such that the clearing plane 34 of the clearing chain 19 is above an existing surface level 37 of the gravel bed 8 and the lower edge 36 of the clearing blade 35 is below this existing surface level 37.

[0039] In this way, the ballast removal device 13 with the clearing blade 35 also picks up ballast 14 from the ballast bed 8 in the second working direction 4, the lower edge 36 defining a surface level 38 of a resulting surface contour of the ballast bed 8. Specifically, enough ballast 14 accumulates in front of the clearing blade 35 that it is picked up by the clearing chain 19 and conveyed in the direction of the transport channel 27.

[0040] In a simple embodiment, the clearing blade 35 is attached to the ballast removal device 13 during a setup process. In the illustrated examples, the clearing blade 35 is adjustable on the ballast removal device 13. Preferably, it is attached to the side channels 27, 29 by means of hinged supports 39, as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, it is attached to the crossbeam 26 (Fig. 5). Advantageously, the supports 39 are designed as extensions of stiffening ribs 40 of the clearing blade 35.

[0041] To change the position of the snowplow blade 35 between an out-of-service position and the working position, at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator 41 is arranged. The actuator 41 is controlled by the control unit 32 and also serves for fine-tuning the snowplow blade 35 relative to the ballast bed 8. For this purpose, the snowplow blade 35 is pivoted about a joint 42, for example. A joint control of this actuator 41 and the height actuator 31 enables controlled adjustment of the resulting surface level 38 to the surface contour. The resulting surface level 38 is continuously detected by means of suitable sensors 43. Advantageously, a non-contact sensor is used. A corresponding sensor signal is supplied to the control unit 32.

[0042] A lower section 44 of the clearing blade 35 is either straight (Fig. 3) or curved in the direction of the crossbeam 26 (Fig. 4). In a variant not shown, the lower section 44 is bent in the direction of the crossbeam 26. In the bent or bent variant, the ballast 14 is conveyed upwards towards the crossbeam 26, thereby achieving particularly efficient ballast intake by the ballast clearing device 13.

[0043] With reference to Figures 7-9, individual process steps are explained. Figures 7-9 show cross-sections of the ballast bed 8 in successive stages of the processing operation according to Fig. 2. In Fig. 7, the ballast bed 8 is shown as traversed by the crawler undercarriage 6. Immediately behind the crawler undercarriage 6, the ballast 14 picked up by the ballast removal device 13 is discharged laterally by means of the transverse conveyor belts 33 (Fig. 8).

[0044] Fig. 9 shows the snowplow blade 35 with an advantageous contour of the lower edge 36. A central section 45 and lateral sections 46 are positioned lower than the two intermediate sections 47 arranged between them. During a work operation, these intermediate sections 47 form raised ballast pads 48 for the sleepers 16. The contour of the lower edge 36 is adapted to the track gauge 3 and the sleepers 16 used such that the ballast pads 48 are positioned below the rails 9 that are subsequently fastened to the sleepers 16. This ensures stable support of the sleepers 16 in the ballast bed 8.

[0045] Preferably, the snowplow blade is easily interchangeable to adapt to different track gauges. For this purpose, it is attached, for example, to the joints 42 or to the actuators 41 by means of quick-release fasteners. In another embodiment, only the lower section 44 of the snowplow blade 19 is interchangeable to adapt the contour of the lower edge 36. In this case, the snowplow blade 19 is made of multiple parts, the individual parts preferably being connected by means of screw connections. Another embodiment comprises several snowplow blade sections that are movable relative to each other in the transverse direction of the track. In the working position, the snowplow blade sections have lower edges 36 of different depths, so that different contours result from moving the snowplow blade sections relative to each other. Here, too, the snowplow blade sections are preferably connected by means of screw connections that are guided in longitudinal bores.

Claims (14)

Patent claims 1. Ballast removal device (13) for a track construction machine (1) for receiving ballast (14), with an endless removal chain (19) which is guided along a transverse guide (23), an ascending longitudinal guide (24) and a descending longitudinal guide (25), wherein a discharge point (28) is arranged between the ascending longitudinal guide (25) and the descending longitudinal guide (25), characterized in that a removal blade (35) is arranged on the ballast removal device (13) - approximately parallel to the transverse guide (23) - which is located immediately in front of the removal device (13) with respect to a first working direction (2) and immediately behind it with respect to a second working direction (4), that a lower edge (36) of the removal blade (35) projects at least partially below a removal plane (34) of the removal chain (19) in a working position and that the removal blade (35) is arranged to be adjustable from an upper out-of-service position to the working position. 2. Gravel removal device (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge (36) of the clearing blade (19) has a contour with several sections (45-47) such that in working position a middle section (45) and lateral sections (46) are lower than sections (47) between the middle section (45) and the lateral sections (46). 3. Gravel removal device (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one transverse conveyor belt (33) is arranged below the discharge point (28). 4. Gravel removal device (13) according to claim 3, characterized in that two transverse conveyor belts (33) are arranged parallel to each other and that the transverse conveyor belts (33) are driven in opposite conveying directions. 5. Gravel clearing device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clearing blade (35) is bent or folded in a lower section (44) in the direction of the clearing chain (19). 6. Gravel removal device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the removal chain (19) is guided in an ascending transport channel (27) and in a descending empty channel (29) and that the removal shield (35) is attached to the channels (27, 29) by means of supports (39). 7. Gravel removal device (13) according to claim 6, characterized in that the clearing blade (35) is connected to a pneumatic or hydraulic or electric actuator (41). 8. Gravel removal device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that stiffening ribs (40) are arranged on the removal blade (35). 9. Track construction machine (1) with a machine frame (15) which is movable on chassis (6, 7) along a track (3), wherein a first sleeper device (15) for receiving sleepers (16) and a second sleeper device (17) for depositing sleepers (16) are arranged on the machine frame (15), characterized in that a ballast removal device (13) according to one of claims 1 to 8 is arranged between the first and the second sleeper device (15, 17) and that the first sleeper device (15) is optionally configured for receiving and depositing sleepers (16). 10. Track construction machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that an actuator (41) of the clearing blade (35) and a height actuator (31) for adjusting the height of the ballast clearing device (13) relative to the machine frame (15) are coupled with a common control device (32). 11. Method for operating a track construction machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10 with the first working direction (2) for renewing a track (3), characterized in that the track construction machine (1) is moved forward in the second working direction (4), opposite to the first working direction (2), and that the ballast removal device (13) for profiling a ballast bed (8) is equipped with the clearing blade (35) in the working position. 7113 is being driven. 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the snowplow blade (35) is moved from an out-of-service position to the working position in a setup process. 13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that an actuator (41) of the clearing blade (35) and a height actuator (31) for adjusting the height of the ballast clearing device (13) relative to the machine frame (15) are controlled by a common control device (32) in order to set a surface level (38) of the ballast bed (8). 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the surface level (38) of the ballast bed (8) is detected by means of a sensor (43), that a sensor signal is supplied to the control device (32) and that the ballast bed (8) is profiled to a target level by means of a control system. This includes 5 sheets of drawings.