EP3396068B1 - Modular system for weed control - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a modular weed control system for a rail vehicle, a spray train and a method for weed control in a track bed.

State of the art

A well-known task that operators of rail systems are constantly facing is keeping the track bodies free of unwanted growth, in particular weeds. As is known, a distinction is made between preventive measures for weed control and measures that are initiated when the weeds have already grown. Rail-based systems are known which use a technology based on a camera system in order to specifically combat weeds; however, the known rail vehicles, which are equipped with appropriate weed control devices, are relatively inflexible. The use of these known rail vehicles for weed control generally requires long and slow travel times due to frequently slow travel speeds to the places of use. This is a considerable disadvantage, particularly in the case of frequently changing locations, especially when the locations are far apart. This leads to a poor benefit / transport ratio and thus to an unnecessary commitment of capital, since a large number of these rail vehicles must be kept ready for weed control at different locations on a regular basis. This goes hand in hand with a greater maintenance effort and an associated greater need for personnel. In addition, the known rail vehicles for weed control have a fixed track width, so that they can only be used on rails of this predetermined track width.

The following documents are known from the context of the concept described here: The document EP 2728068 A1 describes a railroad spraying device which has a motor vehicle, a spray tank and spray nozzles which have a vegetation detector which is connected to at least one control unit. The control unit is connected to the connected to two nozzles installed at the ends of the motor vehicle. The UK document 1 404 342 describes a spray device consisting of a freight container, which is intended for mounting on a railroad car. The freight container has a nozzle holder, a distribution pump with associated distribution lines and a container for a liquid herbicide. The document also describes DE 41 32 637 A1 a method and a device for controlled weed control, in particular for the release of herbicides in weed control as a function of the optically recorded and computer-aided degree of weed control.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of presenting a concept for a rail vehicle for weed control - or a spray train - which makes the spray train independent of a given rail system and is easy to transport.

Brief description of the invention

The above object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention result 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 has a number of modules: a control and monitoring module, which has a control unit which is used to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in a separate herbicide and mixing module for mixing a herbicide mixture is set up, and which is set up to generate a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly. Furthermore, the control and monitoring module has a control center for manual monitoring and control of the control unit, the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle assembly.

Another module is the herbicide and mixing module. It has a plurality of containers for holding different herbicides, which are in selective fluid communication with the valves and mixers. The herbicide and mixing module also has a water connection that can be selectively in fluid communication with the valves and mixers. In addition, there may be connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit can be established, so that the first control signals generated in the control and monitoring module can be conducted to the valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module.

In addition, the modular system has a nozzle assembly, which can be spatially independent of both the control and monitoring module and the herbicide and mixing module. The nozzle assembly may include a first set of herbicide spray nozzles and a fluid connection to selected valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module.

The control and monitoring module, the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle assembly can each be individually reversibly fixed to a carrier element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a spray train for weed control on railways is presented. The spray train has the modular weed control system already mentioned, which can be transported on one or more wagons, as well as a tank car for holding water and a freight car.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling weeds in a track bed is presented. The method has a series of steps: reversibly fixing a control and monitoring module to a carrier element, reversibly fixing a herbicide and mixing module to the carrier element, and reversibly fixing a nozzle assembly to the carrier element, the nozzle assembly each being spatially independent can be both of the control and control module and the herbicide and mixing module. In addition, the method comprises establishing a fluid connection between the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle assembly, generating a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in the herbicide and mixing module for mixing a herbicide mixture by means of a control unit of the Control and control module, and generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly by means of the control unit of the control and control module, and selectively spraying the herbicide mixture via nozzles of the nozzle assembly on railroad tracks.

The herbicide and mixing module has a number of features: a plurality of containers for holding different herbicides, which can be selectively in a fluid connection with the valves and mixers, a water connection, which can be selectively with the valves and mixers in one can be selective fluid connection, and connection elements, via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit can be established, so that the first control signals generated in the control and control module can be passed to the valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module. The control and monitoring module and the herbicide and mixing module are designed as containers.

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 spray train presented that different modules can be present, from which weed control for track beds can be composed. The individual modules can be independent of one another, particularly in the case of transport. They can be put together at a target location - i.e. at the location for weed control - to form a functional overall system for weed control on railways.

The term "weed control" describes the process of applying herbicides in order to specifically control existing weeds. In addition, weed control in the context of this description should also be understood to mean proactive measures; i.e. measures that prevent weeds from occurring from the outset.

The term “rail vehicle” can here describe a wagon and / or a railcar for rail traffic. A rail vehicle generally has at least two axles, each with two wheels, which can be placed on two rails running parallel to one another. As a rule, the two axes can be connected to a chassis, on which corresponding structures (for example for receiving goods or persons to be transported) can be placed.

The term "control and monitoring module" can be an independent module, which can be understood as the central control module of the modular weed control system presented for a rail vehicle. Essentially all control signals can be generated or processed in the control and monitoring module in order to ensure the overall function of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. In addition, the control and monitoring module also enables manual intervention via a control center.

The term "control signal" describes an electrical signal which can be generated by a control and which controls an activator - for example in the form of a valve or a nozzle - in its mode of action.

The term "herbicide and mixing module" describes another module of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle. The herbicide and mixing module can have a plurality of containers which can hold different herbicides. In addition, a large number of valves can be provided, so that different herbicide mixtures, preferably weed-specific herbicide mixtures, can be produced on site. The herbicide and mixing module can furthermore have different connections: a water connection and a plurality of electrical lines for controlling and monitoring the function of the herbicide and mixing module. Additional lines may also be provided to refill one or more of the containers with appropriate herbicides. There may also be a connection for a feed line to a nozzle assembly.

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

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

The term "support 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 - i.e. above - the support element. They can also be reversibly connectable to the side of the carrier element on or below it.

The term "in container construction" is directly related to the modular construction of the modular system presented here. All or some of the modules of the modular system can each be stored in a standard container - e.g. Standard 20-foot container - be integrated. Standard containers are preferably understood to be those containers that are described in ISO standard 668: 2013-08. Of course, other container sizes are also possible. The term "container badges" is also intended to cover modules that can be integrated into a standard container, for example to transport the module integrated into such a standard container using common means (for example trucks, planes or ships that are designed for the transport of standard containers) can. For example, it is conceivable that one or more modules have a platform (base plate) that have the same dimensions as the platform of a standard container and that side walls and a roof wall can be attached to the platform or the side walls, so that the module can be enclosed leaves and the housed module represents a standard container. The advantage of the container construction is, among other things, that different "innards" can be accommodated in a respective container. This applies, for example, to the control and monitoring module, the herbicide and mixing module or also a stay or storage module.

The term “camera module” can include an electronic camera and evaluation electronics. The camera module generally has much smaller dimensions than the container-sized modules of the modular weed control system already described. The camera module can be connected to the control and monitoring module via electrical connections for data exchange purposes.

The term "weed signal" can 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.

The term "weed-specific signal" can describe one or more electrical signals which, by their nature, indicate the presence of a certain specific 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 constructed as a container. Alternatively, a housing, for example a generator for generating electricity, can protect against external influences. This housing can be mounted on a platform in addition to other elements, which in turn represents a base platform of a standard container.

In the context of the concept presented here, the term “carrier wagon” describes a freight wagon in the form of a flat wagon which has a carrier frame but no other fixed structures. The axles are typically suspended on bogies.

The term "stay module" describes another optional module of the modular weed control system. This module can also be designed as a container. It can provide facilities that are suitable for a stay of people - for example for recreation or work purposes.

The concept of the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle presented here has a number of advantages:

By building the weed control system in a modular design, the weed control system can be easily transported from one location to another location. It can be transported independently of a rail transport vehicle, for example on the road (container truck), by ship or by plane. Since there are several independent modules that can be connected by hoses and electrical lines, the individual module has a comparably small dimension compared to conventional systems consisting of complete rail vehicles for weed control of track beds. For example each module can be implemented in the form of a standard 20-foot container. Corresponding carrier wagons can have fastening devices for such ISO containers as standard. There are practically no special devices required on the respective wagons at the different locations. A transport by rail with a comparatively low cruising speed is therefore not necessary. This proves to be particularly advantageous if the locations of the weed control system for a rail vehicle change frequently. Overall, a company that carries out weed control on track beds needs a smaller number of such weed control systems. This reduces the capital and maintenance effort required.

In addition, it is not necessary to set up a maintenance station at every location. It is also not necessary to transport the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle over long rail routes to a central maintenance facility. Alternatively, road and air transportation is possible.

In addition, the modules of the weed control system can also be easily mounted on wagons with different track widths. The weed control system is therefore independent of the respective base frame, as long as it is only suitable for holding the standardized modules.

In addition, the modular weed control system does not depend on a type of wagon. Rather, the modules can either be mounted on a common carrier or distributed over several smaller carriers. Only cables or hose connections from one wagon to the next are required. These can flexibly connect the modules with one another as required.

It is pointed out that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matter of the invention. In particular, some embodiments of the invention can be described with device claims and other embodiments of the invention with method claims. However, one skilled in the art will immediately understand upon reading the present description that, unless explicitly stated otherwise, in addition to a combination of features that belong to a type of an object of the invention, any combination of features that belong to different categories is also possible belong to objects of the invention.

Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the following exemplary description of currently preferred embodiments. The individual figures in the drawings of this application are merely to be regarded as schematic, exemplary and not to scale.

In one exemplary embodiment of the modular system according to the invention, the control and monitoring module and the herbicide and mixing module are designed in a container design. These can be standardized industrial containers, for example ISO containers (ISO 668: 2013-08, freight container; TEU = Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit), each 20 feet in size. These have the advantage that they provide a standardized housing for different parts of the modular system, on which there are also standardized fastening points with which the containers can be fastened to platforms or carrying vehicles. In addition, these can easily be transported independently from one location to another - even across national borders or from continent to continent.

According to a special exemplary embodiment of the modular system, a camera module can be present which can generate a weed signal or a weed-specific signal in response to a detection of weeds / weeds and / or a specific weed species. In this way, the identified weeds - or, if defined weed species are identified, individual weed species can also be targeted. The camera can be configured in such a way that it recognizes a specific type of weed and the weed-specific signal can specifically influence the herbicide mixture which is sprayed by the herbicide and mixing module via the nozzle assembly in order to combat the recognized weed type. In this way, the appropriate herbicide is used only where it is necessary. This can save costs and pollute the environment with fewer herbicides.

Accordingly, a further embodiment of the modular system, the control unit can also be set up to receive a weed signal and / or a weed-specific signal. The generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals can be controllable by the received signal. For this purpose, valve-controlling control units can be set up to receive, interpret, convert the signal and corresponding control signals for valves and Create mixer.

Alternatively, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals can be triggered manually. This means that the signals from the camera can be overwritten so that the system remains ready for weed control even if the camera system fails. In addition, the weed control system can be operated completely without a camera system. The same applies to an interruption of the spraying of herbicides, if, for example, inhabited areas are passed through, people stay on the track bed or other devices that are potentially endangered by herbicides are affected.

Again, alternatively, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals can be triggered by means of a weed map and a position of the nozzle assembly determined by a received GPS signal. The weed map can be generated in advance by driving a train with a camera system. Alternatively, the weed map can also be created using a camera-carrying drone. To do this, the drone could fly off the track. Collisions with other trains or bottlenecks in timetables on routes with more traffic can be avoided because a drone can easily dodge a train upwards without neglecting its weed card creation task. The recordings of the camera system can also be synchronized with a GPS. An offline evaluation can assign weeds recognized offline to individual GPS coordinates. During a spray run with the modular weed control system, the herbicides can then be sprayed according to the respective GPS position of the nozzle stick. This can also reduce environmental pollution and reduce costs, since herbicides are only sprayed where it is necessary.

A supplementary exemplary embodiment of the modular system additionally has an energy module on a platform in modular construction and / or container construction. The energy module can each be electrically connectable to the control and monitoring module and the herbicide mixing module. In addition, the energy module - just like the control and control module and the herbicide and mixing module - can be reversibly fixed to the carrier element on its platform. The energy module can therefore have a base platform corresponding to a standard container, which also has corresponding attachment points has, for example, to be attached to a carrier car. The actual electrical power generation unit can consist of a combination of a gasoline / diesel engine and a generator. Both together can be installed in a common housing. In addition, there may be a stay platform on the platform of the energy module. The operating personnel can use this to get from the control and control module to the herbicide and mixing module if the energy module with its corresponding platform is located between the control and control module and the herbicide and mixing module. At the same time, this stay platform can serve as a collection point or escape route for the operating personnel. A ladder can make this platform easily accessible from the track bed.

An additional, additional exemplary embodiment of the modular system can have a stay module in a container construction with a passage to the control and monitoring module. The stay module can also be reversibly fixed to the carrier element. In this way, the modular weed control system remains flexible. Individual components / modules of the weed control system can be transported individually and attached to a support element.

According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the carrier element can accordingly be a carrier for a rail application. Such wagons are well known in the art and are readily available at virtually any location in the modular weed control system. This makes it possible to use the modular weed control system at practically any location. It is not necessary to transport the wagon from one location to another.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the carrier can be a standard 80-foot carrier (which is compatible with 80-foot standard containers according to ISO 668: 2013-08). This can typically have double axles on bogies at the ends of the wagon. Alternative 80-foot wagons have single axles at the left end, in the middle and at the right end of the wagon. However, it has been found that those wagons with double axles on bogies run smoother at the respective ends of the wagon. This can be more advantageous for the electronics or other equipment on board (in the modules).

Alternatively, according to another exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the carrier car can consist of a plurality of carrier cars coupled to one another. In this case, the individual wagons can be the length of one of the modules of the modular weed control system - e.g. 20 feet - have. Alternatively, two modules on a longer one - e.g. 40 foot carrier wagon mounted. Thus, the overall system is not only completely flexible with regard to its modules but also with regard to the wagons to be used and can be adapted to the respective wagons present at the place of use. Thus, according to one embodiment, at least one of the modules - i.e. the control and monitoring module, the herbicide mixing module, the energy module and / or the stay module - of the modular system in the size of a 20-foot container.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the first set of nozzles can be arranged below the carrier element, so that the first set of nozzles of the nozzle assembly can be used for weed control in a track bed. The term "in a track bed" can mean that it is the space between the rails.

According to a supplementary embodiment of the modular system, the nozzle assembly can have a second set of nozzles on the nozzle assembly, each of which can be arranged in half at the lateral ends of the nozzle assembly. Using these nozzles, the slope of the track bed (i.e. the part of the track bed outside the rails) and potentially a parallel path along the track can be treated with herbicides.

According to a further advantageous exemplary embodiment of the modular system, the control and mixing module can have a window inclined in the direction of travel. Several windows inclined in relation to the direction of travel are also conceivable. The angle of inclination is preferably from 1 ° to 45 °, more preferably from 3 ° to 30 °, most preferably from 5 ° to 25 ° with respect to the direction of travel. A first vertical end of the window can end on an outer outside of the control and mixing module, and an opposite, second vertical end of the window can point in the direction of a center of the control and mixing module in the longitudinal direction of the control and mixing module. Module.

In this way, it is possible for an operator within the control and mixing module to look out of the control and mixing module from the side and essentially in the direction of travel. In this way, areas can be identified early on by the operator that should not be treated with herbicides (crops, for example, in allotment gardens, people on parallel paths, buildings close to the track bed, waters e.g. below a bridge when driving over the bridge, etc .) in this way the operator is able to immediately switch off the herbicide supply to the nozzle assembly.

It is conceivable that the control and mixing module is designed symmetrically so that it is irrelevant in which direction the spray train is moving: the staff who are usually in the control and mixing module can carry out their tasks independently of the direction in which the spray train is moving without the control and mixing module having to be adapted to the respective direction of movement. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the control and mixing module has windows that are inclined in both possible directions of movement of the spray train. The control and mixing module preferably has a cabin in which the staff is usually located, the cabin viewed from above (top view) at least partially in the form of a hexagon, those surfaces which extend parallel to the directions of movement of the spray train and the surfaces that are inclined to the directions of movement are equipped with windows.

If the spray train travels in one direction (to the "front"), the personnel can see right and left through the windows inclined in the direction of travel the areas to the right and left of the spray train that the spray train will soon reach. If the spray train travels in the other, opposite direction ("to the rear"), there are again windows on the right and left side of the cabin, through which the personnel can see the areas to the right and left of the spray train that the spray train will shortly reach ,

According to a supplementary embodiment of the modular system, the control and mixing module can have a camera on the outside at the level of the nozzle assembly. In this way, the operating personnel can be able to observe the spray nozzles directly. Several cameras of this type can also be used; for example on the left and on the right side of the control and mixing module or below. In addition, it is possible to position additional cameras directly on the nozzle block to this way to enable even better monitoring of the function of the nozzle assembly.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the modular system, the nozzle assembly can be fastened to the carrier element below the control and mixing module. This enables direct observation of the function of the nozzle assembly and the GPS position of the control and mixing module also corresponds to the GPS position of the nozzle assembly.

Brief description of the figures

• Fig. 1 zeigt das modulare System zur Unkrautbekämpfung für ein Schienenfahrzeug.
• Fig. 2 stellt ein Beispiel für eine Draufsicht auf das Steuer- und Kontroll-Modul mit abgenommenem Dach dar.
• Fig. 3 stellt ein Ausführungsbeispiel des Herbizid-und Misch-Moduls in einer Draufsicht bei 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.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below on the basis of examples and with reference to the following figures:

• Fig. 1 shows the modular weed control system for a rail vehicle.
• Fig. 2 is an example of a top view of the control module with the roof removed.
• Fig. 3 represents an embodiment of the herbicide and mixing module in a plan view with the roof removed.
• Fig. 4 represents an embodiment of a plan view of the energy module.
• Fig. 5 shows 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 weed control system.
• Fig. 8 represents the method of weed control in a track bed using the modular system.

Description of exemplary embodiments

It is pointed out that features or components of different embodiments which are identical or at least functionally the same with the corresponding features or components of the embodiment are provided with the same reference symbols or with a different reference symbol which is only in its first digit differs from the reference symbol of a (functionally) corresponding feature or a (functionally) corresponding component. In order to avoid unnecessary repetitions, features or components that have already been explained on the basis of a previously described embodiment are no longer explained in detail later.

It is also pointed out that the embodiments described below represent only a limited selection of possible embodiment variants of the invention. In particular, it is possible to combine the features of individual embodiments in a suitable manner, so that a multitude of different embodiments can be regarded as obvious for the person skilled in the art with the embodiment variants explicitly shown here.

Fig. 1 shows the modular weed control system 100 for a rail vehicle (not shown) in a schematic representation. The modular system 100 has a control and control module 102 (support & control module, SCM). This in turn has a control unit 104. It is configured to generate a first set of control signals (shown as connection 122) for controlling valves and mixers 106 in a separate herbicide and mixing module (HMM) 108 for mixing a preferably weed-specific herbicide mixture and for generating a second set control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly 110.

In addition, the modular system 100 can have a control center 112 for manual monitoring and control of the control unit 104, the herbicide and mixing module 108 and the nozzle assembly 110.

The herbicide and mixing module 108 has a plurality of containers 114 for receiving different herbicides, which are selectively in fluid communication with the valves 106 and mixers 106. In addition, the herbicide and mixing module 108 can have a water connection 116 that is selective with the valves 106 and mixers 106 is in a selective fluid connection, and connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements - for example in the form of plugs on an outer wall of the respective module - of the control unit 104 can be produced, so that the first control signals generated in the control and monitoring module 102 correspond to the Valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module are conductive. The optional water connection 116 can be connected to a separate water trolley (not shown here) via a hose connection.

In addition, the modular system 100 has the nozzle assembly 110, which is spatially independent of both the control and monitoring module 102 and the herbicide and mixing module 108. This means that the nozzle assembly 110 need not be physically - i.e. attached to - the control and control module 102 or the herbicide and mixing module 108. One or more line (s) 120 can connect the herbicide and mixing module 108 or its mixer and / or valves and pumps to the nozzle assembly. A surveillance camera 122 (or a plurality of surveillance cameras) in the vicinity or above the nozzle assembly can allow the operating personnel in the control and monitoring module 102 to visually monitor the spraying process.

The nozzle assembly 110 has a first set of nozzles (not shown directly), for example designed to spray herbicides between the rails, and at least one fluid connection to selected ones of the valves 106 and mixers 106 of the herbicide and mixing module 108. A second set of nozzles can be active outside the rails.

All modules of the modular system, that is to say the control and monitoring module 102, the herbicide and mixing module 108 and the nozzle assembly 110, can each be individually reversibly fixed to a carrier element 118. The carrier element 118 can consist of one or more carrier cars (not shown).

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a top view 200 of the control and control module 102 with the roof removed. Personnel can enter the control and control module 102 via the doors 202. One or two workstations for operating personnel are located within the control and monitoring module 102. The respective seats 204 can be rotated on the spot around a vertical axis, so that the respective operator in one of the possible directions of travel (represented by the double arrow 208) through one of the windows 206 from the Control and control module 102 can look out. The respective operator can directly intervene in the function of the control unit 212, which generates the signals for the herbicide and mixing module 108, via a control panel at his seat 204.

In order to monitor the function of the control unit 212, the function of the nozzle assembly and the function of the herbicide and mixing module, there is at least one monitor 218 in the operator's field of vision. Additional work tables 210 are also shown directly in front of these monitors 218 Control and control module 102 contain further furnishings 214. A passage 216 is provided between the two seats 204.

In the in Fig. 2 The supervision shown can also be seen the basic hexagonal shape of the cabin, in each of which a pair of windows 206 (right / left) is inclined with respect to one of the possible directions of movement 208.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the herbicide and mixing module 108 in a plan view 300 with the roof 108 removed. The plurality of containers 114 for receiving different (or also the same) herbicides, of which four are shown here, for example, can be clearly seen. A catwalk 302 connects a left input side to a right input side of the herbicide and mixing module 108. A variety of lines 304, valves 304, mixers 304, pumps 306 (as an example) and other other control devices (not shown in detail) enables one Mixture of different herbicide mixtures, for example weed-specific herbicide mixtures. The herbicide and mixing module 108 is typically located in a housing in the form of a 20-foot standard container in accordance with ISO 668: 2013-08.

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

The power generation block 404 is mounted on a platform which can take up the footprint of a 20-foot standard container, for example. This module 400 also shows attachment points 402 for attachment to a carrier car. A side grille 414 protects the operating personnel from falling from the platform 408. The platform 408 can be reached via a respective ladder 410. This can be locked by respective pivoting doors 412. No grating has to be provided on the respective left and right side of the energy module 400. Rather, the other modules - the control and monitoring module and the herbicide and mixing module - can be reached via these ends of the energy module 400.

Fig. 5 represents several modules in connection. On the far left is the herbicide and mixing module 108, followed by the energy module 400, the control and monitoring module 102 and an additional residence module 502. The buffers 504 show that all modules are shown side by side on a carrier car.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a perspective view 600 of the several modules: the herbicide and mixing module 108, the energy module 400, the control and monitoring module 102 and the accommodation module 502. All modules can be seen on a carrier wagon 602 with two double-axis turnstiles 604 shown. The sequence of the individual modules shown has proven to be practical. The stay module 502 is located furthest away from the herbicide and mixing module 108, so that even if the herbicide and mixing module 108 malfunctions (for example uncontrolled herbicide leakage), the personnel on board are protected solely by the distance ,

The energy module 400 is located between the herbicide and mixing module 108 and the control and monitoring module 102 and can supply both modules well with energy. The platform of the energy module 400 can be easily reached both from the mixing module 108 and from which the control and monitoring module 102.

Fig. 7 shows an example of a perspective view of a train 700 consisting of a storage car 702, the carrier car 704 with the complete modular system for weed control and a tank car 706 with which water can be transported, which can be made available to the mixing module 108 via hoses. Storage cart 702 can be used to store and transport various supplies for the train; in particular, various herbicides can be stored directly and in large quantities in this way. The supply of herbicides is thus not limited to the capacity of the containers in the mixing module 108. A locomotive can be provided at the beginning or end of train 700. Orientation - ie the emergence of herbicides from the nozzle block - must be adjusted according to the direction of travel of the train. It is not necessary to rearrange the modules of the modular weed control system for a different direction of travel.

Fig. 8 represents the method 800 for controlling weeds in a track bed. The method has the following: a reversible fixing 802 of a control and monitoring module to, for example, a carrier element, a reversible fixing 804 of a herbicide and mixing module (HMM) the carrier element and a reversible fixing 806 of a nozzle assembly to the carrier element.

The nozzle assembly is spatially independent of the control and monitoring module as well as the herbicide and mixing module.

The method 800 further includes: establishing 808 a fluid connection between the herbicide and mixing module and the nozzle assembly, generating 810 a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers in the herbicide and mixing module to mix one Weed-specific herbicide mixture by means of a control unit of the control and control module and generation 812 of a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly by means of the control unit of the control and control module and a selective spraying 814 of the weed-specific herbicide mixture Nozzles of the nozzle block on railways. The herbicide and mixing module has at least the following: a plurality of containers for holding different herbicides, which can be selectively in a fluid connection with the valves and mixers, a water connection, which can be selectively in a selective manner with the valves and mixers There is a fluid connection, and connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit are established, so that the first control signals generated in the control and monitoring module can be passed to the valves and mixers of the herbicide and mixing module.

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. Further modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (19)

1. Modular system (100) for weed control for a rail vehicle, the modular system comprising

   - a control and monitoring module (102) which comprises:

   - a control unit (104) designed

   - to generate a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers (106) in a separate herbicide and mixing module (108) for mixing an herbicide mixture, and

   - to generate a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly (110); and

   - a control station (112) for manually supervising and
   monitoring the control unit (104), the herbicide and mixing module (108) and the nozzle assembly;

   - an aforementioned herbicide and mixing module (108) which comprises:

   - a water connection (116) which is in selective fluid connection selectively with the valves and mixers (106); and

   - connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit (104) can be established such that the first control signals generated in the control and monitoring module (108) can be transmitted to the valves and mixers (106) of the herbicide and mixing module (108); and

   - a nozzle assembly (110), the nozzle assembly (110) being spatially independent of both the control and monitoring module (102) and the herbicide and mixing module (108), which comprises:

   - a first set of nozzles for spraying herbicides;

   - a fluid connection to selected valves and mixers (106) of the herbicide and mixing module (108),

   the control and monitoring module (120), the herbicide and mixing module (108) and the nozzle assembly (110) each being individually and reversibly securable to a carrier element, characterized in that
   the herbicide and mixing module (108) comprises a plurality of containers (114) for receiving different herbicides which are in selective fluid communication selectively with the valves and mixers (106), and in that the control and monitoring module (102) and the herbicide and mixing module (108) are constructed as containers.
2. Modular system (100) according to claim 1, comprising

   - a camera module that generates a weed signal in response to detecting a weed.
3. Modular system (100) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit (104) is also designed to:

   - receive the weed signal; and

   - it is possible to control the generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals by means of the received weed signal.
4. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals can be triggered manually.
5. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the generation of the first set of signals and the generation of the second set of signals is triggerable by means of a weed map and a position of the nozzle assembly determined by a received GPS signal.
6. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising

   - a power module (400) on a platform constructed as modules and/or containers, wherein the power module (400) is electrically connectable to the control and monitoring module (102) and the herbicide mixing module (108), and wherein the power module (400) is reversibly securable to the carrier element.
7. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, additionally comprising a housing module (502), constructed as a container, comprising a passage to the control and monitoring module (102), wherein the housing module (502) is reversibly securable to the carrier element.
8. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element is a carrier car for railway use.
9. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier car is a standard 80-foot carrier car.
10. Modular system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the carrier car consists of a plurality of carrier cars coupled to one another.
11. Modular system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one module is selected from the group consisting of the control and monitoring module (102), the herbicide mixing module (108), the power module (400) and the housing module (502), the size of which corresponds to a 20-foot container.
12. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of nozzles is arranged below the carrier element such that the first set of nozzles of the nozzle assembly (110) are useable for weed control in a track bed.
13. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle assembly (110) comprises a second set of nozzles on the nozzle assembly (110), wherein one half of the second set of nozzles is arranged at each of the lateral ends of the nozzle assembly.
14. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control and mixing module (102) comprises a window inclined in the direction of travel, wherein a first vertical end of the window ends at an exterior outer surface of the control and mixing module (102), and wherein an opposite, second vertical end of the window is offset towards a center of the control and mixing module (102) in the longitudinal direction of the control and mixing module (102).
15. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control and mixing module (102) comprises a camera (122) on the outer surface thereof at the level of the nozzle assembly.
16. Modular system (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nozzle assembly (110) is reversibly fastened to the carrier element below the control and mixing module (102).
17. Spray train (700) for weed control on railway lines, comprising:

    - the modular system (100) for weed control according to any of claims 1 to 16 on one or more carrier cars (704);

    - a tank car (706) for receiving water; and

    - a freight car (702).
18. Spray train (700) according to claim 17, characterized in that the modules, in one of the two possible directions of movement of the spray train, (700) are arranged in the following order:
    herbicide and mixing module (108), power module (400), control and monitoring module, housing module (502).
19. Method (800) for controlling weeds in a track bed, the method (800) comprising:

    - reversibly securing (802) a control and monitoring module (102) to a carrier element;

    - reversibly securing (804) an herbicide and mixing module (108) to the carrier element;

    - reversibly securing (806) a nozzle assembly (110) to the carrier element, the nozzle assembly (110) being spatially independent of both the control and monitoring module (102) and the herbicide and mixing module (108), the carrier element consisting of one or more carrier cars (704);

    - establishing a fluid connection between the herbicide and mixing module (108) and the nozzle assembly (110);

    - generating a first set of control signals for controlling valves and mixers (106) in the herbicide and mixing module (108) in order to mix an herbicide mixture by means of a control unit (104) of the control and monitoring module (102);

    - generating a second set of control signals for controlling valves of a nozzle assembly (110) by means of the control unit (104) of the control and monitoring module (102); and

    - selectively spraying the herbicide mixture onto railway lines by means of nozzles of the nozzle assembly (110),
    the herbicide and mixing module (108) comprising:

    - a water connection (116) which is in selective fluid connection selectively with the valves and mixers (106); and

    - connection elements via which electrical signal connections to connection elements of the control unit (102) can be established such that the first control signals generated in the control and monitoring module can be transmitted to the valves and mixers (106) of the herbicide and mixing module (108),
    characterized in that

    the herbicide and mixing module (108) comprises a plurality of containers (114) for receiving different herbicides which are in selective fluid connection selectively with the valves and mixers (106), and the control and monitoring module (102) and the herbicide and mixing module (108) being designed as containers.

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