EP3516116B1 - Gripping mechanism for spindle-screw clipping machine - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to the fastening of rails on their superstructure, usually sleepers, by means of tension clamps. Such tension clamps are used to provide a non-positive connection between a rail foot and a sleeper, usually using an angle guide plate and other suitable devices. At least two tension clamps per rail are regularly used on each sleeper, which are assigned to each rail foot of a rail opposite one another, i.e. four tension clamps per sleeper.

2. State of the art

When manufacturing and / or repairing a track system, a large number of tension clamps must be installed and / or dismantled in order to ensure that a rail and an entire track system are securely held on their substructure. These tension clamps are usually installed by hand, but at least they are brought into their installation position. Mounting devices for tension clamps for fastening a rail on a rail sleeper or rail superstructure are for example from EP 1 424 444 A2 , DE 11 97 108 B or US 8 499 695 B1 known.

3. Object of the invention

It was therefore an object of the invention to automate the process of assembling and / or disassembling tension clamps as far as possible, but at least not having to carry out the step of transferring a tension clamp from its preassembly position to its assembly position or back by hand.

This object is achieved in the sense of the invention by means of an assembly device comprising the features of claim 1 and a method comprising the features of claim 13, also by means of a system comprising the features of claim 16. Advantageous refinements of the invention are set out in particular in the dependent claims.

4. Summary of the invention

The invention provides an assembly device which is able to securely transfer tension clamps from their pre-assembly position into an assembly position in contact with the rail foot of a rail. This is preferably done over a wide range of clamping geometries without the assembly device having to be specially converted or re-equipped for this purpose. Advantageously, the manual work is thus limited to the necessary minimum and the rail fastening process can be carried out essentially and preferably fully automatically.

For this purpose, the assembly device comprises a gripping mechanism for synchronously gripping one tensioning clamp on each side of the rail foot and for applying a clamping force to the at least two tensioning clamps in order to be able to hold the tensioning clamps securely and to be able to move them into or out of their assembly position. The gripping mechanism preferably has two opposing gripping arms, which in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention by means of a tension spring or are biased to move towards one another by means of a hydraulic two-way cylinder. In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the opposing active surfaces of the two gripping arms have an elastic support, preferably an elastomer support. On the one hand, this increases the coefficient of friction of the active surface and, on the other hand, the elasticity of the support enables different tension clamps to be gripped and, in addition, increased tolerance in machine positioning is made available.

In an equally preferred embodiment of the invention, gripper clips or snap locks can be arranged on the gripper arms, which grasp the arms of the tension clamps resting on the gripper arms of the gripping mechanism and at least partially enclose them. As a result, a substantially positive connection of the gripping mechanism with the tension clamps is achieved during the transport of the tension clamps from the pre-assembly position to their assembly position and back.

The gripping mechanism preferably further comprises a device which is able to counteract the tensioning force caused by the tensioning spring or a hydraulic two-way cylinder. This device is preferably a switchable and / or controllable hydraulic device via which the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism can be moved away from one another against the tensile force of the tension spring or by the hydraulic two-way cylinder so that the tensioning clamp is released from the gripping mechanism.

In a likewise preferred embodiment of the invention, the gripping mechanism comprises a lifting cylinder, preferably a double-lifting cylinder, by means of which the movement of the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism towards one another and away from one another can be brought about. This means that the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism are not pretensioned, but that every movement of the Gripping arms is only effected with suitable control and actuation of the lifting cylinder.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the assembly device additionally comprises a device for screwing in and unscrewing at least two tension clamp screws. It is particularly advantageous if the device is able to cause the tensioning clamp screws to be screwed in with a predetermined, defined torque. This supports the automation of the assembly process of the rail on a suitable rail superstructure in a particularly advantageous manner.

In this context, it is preferred if a device for the operative connection of the gripping mechanism and the device for screwing in and unscrewing the tension clamp screws is provided, which controls the movement of the gripping mechanism with the movement of both the device for screwing in and unscrewing the tension clamp screw when screwing in and unscrewing the tension clamp screw also the tension clamps themselves are synchronized.

In addition, an embodiment is preferred in which the assembly device additionally comprises a device for fixing its position relative to the rail, preferably for centering the assembly device in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly device has two opposing gripping mechanisms, which are preferably arranged and movable in mirror image to one another. This brings about the preferably simultaneous fastening of two tension clamps, one on each side of the rail foot. The movement of both gripping mechanisms can take place synchronously, but a device in which the respective Gripping mechanisms can be controlled and moved independently of one another.

It is particularly preferred if the suspension and movement of the gripping mechanism is designed in the form of an eccentric swivel, in which the tension clamps are moved from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position in such a way that the tension clamp is at a predefined dimension of at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm , particularly preferably at least 30 mm, is brought above the angled guide plate into the area above the rail foot, in order to then be lowered onto the rail foot and the angled guide plate. This has the effect, with particularly simple and reliable means, that during the movement of the tension clamp into its assembly position, the tension clamp does not hit the rail foot, even if the rail is in a not yet assembled state from the sleeper and the angled guide plate arranged on it lifts vertically. The resulting gap between the sleeper and the underside of the rail can be safely overcome by the forced guidance of the gripping mechanism and the tension clamps arranged therein, which is predetermined by the eccentric swivel.

It is also particularly preferred if the assembly device is connected and / or connectable to a drive device that can preferably be placed on the rail and moved on this. In this context, it is particularly preferred if the drive device is able to drive the movements of all mechanisms and devices of the assembly device, including the hydraulic and electrical or motorized-mechanical. This creates an essentially autonomous assembly device and a system comprising assembly device and drive device, by means of which the automated fastening of the tension clamps is supported in a particularly advantageous manner. By means of the invention it is achieved, but at least supported, that bending of the tension clamp does not occur. This is particularly supported when the tension clamp is gripped by spring force or hydraulic force and clamped in the gripping mechanism. A floating mounting of the gripping arms within the gripping mechanism enables different tension clamps to be gripped and compensates for tolerances in the machine positioning, preferably together with elastomer pads on the active surfaces of the gripping arms.

The tensioning clamps are preferably transferred from their assembly position to their pre-assembly position by lifting the tensioning clamp when unscrewing the tensioning clamp screws. In this case, the gap present between the rail sleeper and the rail is preferably bridged by the lifting movement when the tensioning clamp is raised sufficiently high.

The tension clamp is preferably transferred from its preassembly position to its assembly position by pivoting the gripping mechanism using spring force, so that the machine is prevented from being braced in the event of unexpected collisions, for example if there is ballast between the tension clamp and the rail. In the event of an emergency stop of the machine, the mechanics do not lead to tension and can easily be removed from the rail. With a hydraulic sliding system, the hydraulic system is automatically depressurized in the event of an emergency stop.

A combined displacement of the tensioning clamp with subsequent screwing after the tensioning clamp has been pushed in from the pre-assembly position and the tensioning clamp has been pushed out into the assembly position and securing it is particularly advantageous. As a result, the assembly device and the system of assembly device and drive unit can be used quickly and easily with a high meter performance and preferably synchronous screwing with a constant tightening torque. If an automatic search is provided within the system and / or the assembly device according to the invention, the automation of the assembly process is supported by simple and preferably fully automatic insertion of the tension clamps in their assembly position and attachment of the device for screwing in and unscrewing at least one tensioning clamp screw with simple and particularly effective means. This ultimately results in consistently high screwing accuracy, which avoids manual recalibration on the construction site, in particular manual reworking with a torque wrench.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for fastening at least one tension clamp in its installation position by means of an installation device according to the first aspect of the invention is provided. The essential steps of the method according to the invention are (i) placing and preferably centering the assembly device on the rail, (ii) gripping and clamping of the tensioning clamp by means of the gripping mechanism in a pre-assembly position, (iii) moving the gripping mechanism and the tensioning clamp into the assembly position , (iv) releasing the clamping force of the gripping mechanism and releasing the tension clamp, and (v) removing the gripping mechanism from the assembly position without the tension clamp.

It is preferred if the method according to the invention additionally comprises the step of screwing in at least one tensioning clamp screw, preferably with a defined torque, after step (iii) or step (iv) or step (v).

It is particularly preferred if the device for screwing in and screwing out follows the movement of the tensioning clamp screw in its longitudinal direction during the screwing process. This provides a method that supports the automation of the fastening process in a particularly advantageous manner and reliably avoids jamming of individual device and device parts with one another.

1. 1. Der Maschinenbediener setzt den Schraubkopf auf die Schraube auf.
2. 2. Der Zylinder des Greifmechanismus wird drucklos geschaltet und die Greifarme des Greifmechanismus klemmen die Spannklemme definiert per Federkraft oder Hydraulikkraft ein. Die vorzugsweise vorhandene Gummiauflage auf den Greifarmen des Greifmechanismus wird dabei leicht deformiert, so dass die Spannklemme einen festen Halt bekommt. Hieraus entsteht eine Kombination aus Kraft- und Formschluss.
3. 3. Die Spannklemmenschrauben werden um eine definierte Anzahl von Umdrehungen gelöst. Dabei wird die gesamte Mechanik entsprechend der Gewindesteigung und Spindelumdrehungen über die Schraubenköpfe nach oben bewegt. Das dadurch bewirkte große/hohe Anheben der Spannklemme ermöglicht es, diese trotz größerem Spalt zwischen Schwelle und Schiene einrücken zu können, ohne dass diese gegen den Schienenfuß prallt.
4. 4. In der Montagevorrichtung vorgesehene Ausrückzylinder zur Bewirkung der Bewegung zumindest der Greifarme des Greifmechanismus aus der Vormontageposition in die Montageposition oder zurück werden drucklos geschaltet und die Greifmechanik wird zusammen mit der eingeklemmten Spannklemme vorzugsweise durch Federkraft oder Hydraulikkraft bewirkbar in die Montageposition eingerückt. Der Bewegungshub wird vorzugsweise über einen an der Montagevorrichtung vorgesehenen Anschlag begrenzt.
5. 5. Die Spannklemmenschraube wird drehmomentgesteuert angezogen und die Mechanik wird entsprechend der Gewindesteigung und der Spindelumdrehungen über die Spannklemmenschraubenköpfe nach unten gesenkt. Die Spannklemme liegt dann in der dafür vorgesehenen Montageposition.
6. 6. Druck wird auf einen Zylinder des Greifmechanismus aufgegeben, so dass die Greifarme des Greifmechanismus auseinanderfahren und die Spannklemme freigeben.
7. 7. Druck wird auf den oder die Ausrückzylinder der Montagevorrichtung gegeben, so dass der Greifmechanismus in seine Ausgangsstellung, somit die Vormontageposition, gefahren wird.
8. 8. Der Maschinenbediener oder die Automatik wechselt anschließend zum nächsten Schraubenpaar.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the following work steps are provided for fastening the rail to the sleeper or another rail substructure:

1. 1. The machine operator places the screw head on the screw.
2. 2. The cylinder of the gripping mechanism is depressurized and the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism clamp the tension clamp in a defined manner by spring force or hydraulic force. The rubber pad, which is preferably present on the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism, is slightly deformed so that the tension clamp is held securely. This creates a combination of force and form fit.
3. 3. The tension clamp screws are loosened by a defined number of turns. The entire mechanics are moved upwards via the screw heads according to the thread pitch and spindle revolutions. The resulting large / high lifting of the tension clamp enables it to be engaged despite the larger gap between the sleeper and the rail, without it hitting the rail foot.
4. 4. Disengagement cylinders provided in the assembly device to effect the movement of at least the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism from the pre-assembly position to the assembly position or back are switched to a depressurized state and the gripping mechanism is moved into the assembly position together with the clamped clamp, preferably by spring force or hydraulic force. The movement stroke is preferably limited by a stop provided on the assembly device.
5. 5. The tension clamp screw is tightened in a torque-controlled manner and the mechanics are lowered over the tension clamp screw heads according to the thread pitch and the spindle revolutions. The tension clamp is then in the intended mounting position.
6. 6. Pressure is applied to a cylinder of the gripping mechanism so that the gripping arms of the gripping mechanism move apart and release the tension clamp.
7. 7. Pressure is applied to the release cylinder or cylinders of the assembly device so that the gripping mechanism is moved into its starting position, thus the pre-assembly position.
8. 8. The machine operator or the automatic then switches to the next pair of screws.

According to this procedure, the sequences for disengaging the tension clamp from the assembly position to the pre-assembly position are carried out in reverse order.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a system is provided on the assembly device according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention and a drive device that is connected to the assembly device. The drive device preferably has suitable means for placing the drive device on a rail and for moving the drive device together with the assembly device along the longitudinal axis of the rail. The drive device particularly preferably has at least one motor, by means of which both the movement of the system as a whole along the rail and the movement of the individual gripping mechanisms and screw devices can be brought about. The same also applies to the provision of the hydraulic pressure required for movements of the assembly device or individual components thereof.

5. Brief description of the figures

Figur 1

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes System, umfassend eine Montagevorrichtung sowie eine Antriebsvorrichtung,

Figur 2

zeigt einen Greifmechanismus als wesentlichen Teil einer erfindungsgemäßen Montagevorrichtung sowohl in einer Losstellung (Figur 2a) als auch in einer Eingriffsstellung (Figur 2b),

Figur 3

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf wesentliche Teile einer erfindungsgemäßen Montagevorrichtung,

Figur 4

zeigt die Montagevorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 sowohl in einer Greifposition (Figur 4a) als auch in einer eingeschobenen Position (Figur 4b) und

Figur 5

zeigt einen wesentlichen Teil einer erfindungsgemäßen Montagevorrichtung während des Befestigens der Spannklemme in ihrer Montageposition.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to five drawings in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

Figure 1

shows a plan view of a system according to the invention, comprising a mounting device and a drive device,

Figure 2

shows a gripping mechanism as an essential part of an assembly device according to the invention both in a loose position (Figure 2a) and in an engaged position ( Figure 2b ),

Figure 3

shows a plan view of essential parts of an assembly device according to the invention,

Figure 4

shows the assembly device according to Figure 3 both in a gripping position ( Figure 4a ) and in a retracted position ( Figure 4b ) and

Figure 5

shows an essential part of an assembly device according to the invention during the fastening of the tension clamp in its assembly position.

Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention, comprising a mounting device 1 and a drive device 10 connected to it. The system is overall deposited on a rail 3 and supported by means of a cross connector 11, which is connected to the drive device 10, on the parallel (not shown) rail and guided in the longitudinal direction of the rail 3. The assembly device 1 comprises two oppositely arranged gripping mechanisms 5, each holding tensioning clamps 2 between two gripping arms 7a, 7b and holding them in their assembly positions. In the assembly position, the tension clamps 2 are arranged in such a way that they are arranged both on the rail foot 3a and on an angle guide plate which is placed on a railway sleeper. Two screwing devices 6a, 6b screw the tension clamp 2 securely in its illustrated mounting position.

Figure 2a shows a gripping mechanism 5 of the assembly device 1 according to the invention in a loose state in which two opposing gripping arms 7a, 7b, which are tensioned towards one another by means of a tension spring 14 or a two-way cylinder (not shown), are moved away from one another by means of a hydraulic cylinder 9, so as to release the tension clamps 2.

Figure 2b shows the gripping mechanism Figure 2a in its clamping position, in which the rubberized supports 8a, 8b clamp the tension clamps 2 in a non-positive and at least partially form-fitting manner on the active surfaces of the gripping arms 7a, 7b of the gripping mechanism 5. The hydraulic cylinder 9 is in an unswitched position, so that the gripping arms 7a, 7b of the gripping mechanism 5 are moved towards one another by means of the tension spring action or the hydraulic force effect, so that the tension spring 14 is securely held between the gripping arms 7a, 7b.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of an essential part of the assembly device 1 according to the invention with two opposing gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b. The respective gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b are rotatably arranged around respective pivot bearings 15, 16 and preloaded by means of respective tension springs 17, 18 or hydraulics so that without actuation of the between the one another opposite gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b arranged a pivoting of the tension clamp 2 arranged between the respective gripping arms of the gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b in a pivoting movement along the arrows 20, 21 shown. The movement of the respective gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b can be synchronized by means of the coupling rod 22 arranged between the two gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b.

Figure 4a shows an essential part of an assembly device 1 according to the invention with two oppositely arranged gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b in a gripping position in which the tensioning clamp screws 23 have been screwed out of the angle guide plates 24 to a predetermined extent by means of the device 6 for screwing in and unscrewing the tensioning clamp screws 23, so as to allow the tensioning clamps 2 to be pushed into their assembly position by means of the gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b.

Figure 4b shows the essential parts of the assembly device 1 according to Figure 4a in an insertion position in which the gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b were pivoted into their assembly position after releasing the release cylinder 19 by the action of the tension springs 2 on the rail 3. The respective tension clamps 2 are now arranged both above the rail foot 3a and the angled guide plate 24 so that assembly of the tension clamps 2 can be easily automated by screwing in the tension clamp screws 23 through the device 6 for screwing in and unscrewing the tension clamp screws 23.

The Figures 5a and 5b show a top view of essential parts of an assembly device 1 according to the invention with gripping mechanisms 5a, 5b for the tension clamps 2 pivoted into the assembly position relative to one another.

Claims (19)

1. A mounting device (1) for tension clamps (2) for fastening a rail (3), particularly a rail base (3a), on a railroad tie (4) or another track superstructure, comprising at least one gripping mechanism (5) for synchronously gripping at least two tension clamps (2) and for synchronously moving at least two tension clamps (2) from their pre-mounting position into the mounting position, as well as a device for applying a clamping force upon the tension clamps (2), wherein the device for applying a clamping force comprises a tensioning mechanism, as well as a mechanism that releases the tensioning mechanism or counteracts its clamping force.
2. The mounting device (1) according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the mounting device (1) additionally comprises a device (6) for synchronously screwing in and screwing out at least two tension clamp screws (23), preferably with a defined torque.
3. The mounting device (1) according to claim 2,
   characterized in that
   it comprises a device for functionally connecting the gripping mechanism (5) and the screwing-in and screwing-out device (6) in such a way that the motion of the gripping mechanism (5) can be synchronized with the screwing-in and screwing-out device (6) while the at least two tension clamp screws (23) are synchronously screwed in and screwed out.
4. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the mounting device (1) additionally comprises a device for fixing its position relative to the rail (3), preferably for centering the mounting device (1) in relation to the longitudinal rail axis.
5. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   it comprises at least two opposing gripping mechanisms (5a, 5b), which are arranged and movable relative to one another in a mirror-inverted manner.
6. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the gripping mechanism (5) comprises two gripping arms (7a, 7b), which can be moved toward one another and away from one another, in order to grip the tension clamp (2).
7. The mounting device (1) according to claim 6,
   characterized in that
   the opposing functional surfaces of the gripping arms (7a, 7b) comprise elastic linings (8a, 8b), preferably elastomeric linings or gripping closures.
8. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the gripping mechanism (5) can be transferred from a release position into a gripping position by means of a spring force or a hydraulic force.
9. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the gripping mechanism (5) can be transferred from a gripping position into a release position by means of a switchable and/or controllable hydraulic device.
10. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the gripping mechanism (5) can be transferred from a release position into a gripping position and vise versa by means of a lifting cylinder (9).
11. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    it is connected and/or can be connected to a drive device (10), which preferably can be attached on the rail (3) and moved thereon.
12. The mounting device (1) according to claim 11,
    characterized in that
    the motions of all mechanisms and devices including the hydraulic and electrical or motorized-mechanical mechanisms and devices can be driven by means of the drive device.
13. The mounting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the synchronous attachment and/or the synchronous removal of the at least two tension clamps (2) can be effected in an automated manner, preferably a fully automated manner.
14. A method for fastening at least two tension clamps (2) in their mounting position by means of a mounting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13,
    characterized by the following steps:

    - attaching and preferably centering the mounting device (1) on the rail (3),

    - gripping and clamping the tension clamps (2) in a pre-mounting position by means of the gripping mechanism (5),

    - displacing the gripping mechanism (5) and the tension clamps (2) into the mounting position,

    - tightening tension clamp screws (23) by applying a defined torque or placing at least parts of the tension clamps (2), preferably their center bends, on angular guide plates (24) in a formfitting manner,

    - releasing the clamping force of the gripping mechanism (5) and releasing the tension clamps (2), and

    - removing the gripping mechanism (5) from the mounting position without tension clamps (2).
15. The method according to claim 14,
    characterized in that
    the method additionally comprises the step of screwing in at least two tension clamp screws in the mounting position, preferably with a defined torque.
16. The method according to claim 15,
    characterized in that
    the screwing-in and screwing-out device (6) follows the motion of the tension clamp screws in their longitudinal direction during the screwing process.
17. A system consisting of a mounting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a drive device (10) connected to the mounting device (1).
18. The system according to claim 17,
    characterized in that
    the drive device (10) comprises means for attaching and moving the system on a rail (2).
19. The system according to one of claims 17 and 18,
    characterized in that
    the drive device (10) comprises an automatic search device.

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