EP3535456B1 - Track-laying machine with track-layout-measuring system - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology

The invention relates to a track construction machine for carrying out track position corrections, with a machine frame that can be moved on rails of a track by means of rail bogies and a track position measuring system which, with respect to a machine longitudinal direction, comprises two outer measuring devices and a central measuring device with a common reference base, the measuring devices in their position relative to the rails are determined. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a track construction machine.

State of the art

In the EP 1 650 348 A2 describes a track construction machine designed as a cleaning machine. This comprises a track measurement system with two measuring chords arranged one behind the other as a reference base. The track position is recorded with the front measuring chord before a cleaning process. After the cleaning process, the track position is corrected using the second measuring chord. The track position is simulated using the arrow height. The longitudinal heights of the rails are not taken into account.

A track construction machine designed as a track tamping machine is from the patent specification AT 382 410 B known. There, each rail of a track is assigned a measuring chord as a reference base. The respective rail position is recorded using external measuring devices and transferred to the corresponding measuring chord via adjustable rods. In this way, the measuring chords are used to determine a respective longitudinal height (altitude) of the rail in the area of a central measuring device. For this purpose, fork-like sensing elements of the central measuring device pick up the position of both measuring tendons. With this solution, sufficient space must be available for the measuring chords arranged in the upper area of the machine and for the transmission rods.

Summary of the invention

The invention is based on the object of specifying an improvement over the prior art for a track construction machine and a method of the type mentioned at the beginning.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the independent claims 1 and 11. Dependent claims indicate advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Two mutually aligned measuring chords are stretched between the outer measuring devices as a reference base, the middle measuring device comprising a transducer for recording position data of the two measuring chords and the position data being fed to an evaluation device in order to determine a longitudinal height for each rail and an arrow height. Two measuring chords are sufficient to record all track parameters. Both rail heights can be determined via a recorded twist. A detection of the lateral measuring chord position results in the arrow height, with redundancy being provided by the two measuring chords.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two measuring chords are aligned parallel to one another in a neutral position of the outer measuring devices. The evaluation of the rail heights is based on the distance between the measuring chords in the area of the central measuring device. Due to the parallelism of the measuring chords, this distance is easily established. In addition, an identical measuring chord clamping device is arranged on both outer measuring devices.

It is also advantageous if each external measuring device comprises an inclinometer. In the simplest case, this is a pendulum with which a cant is detected in the area of the respective measuring device. This considerably simplifies the evaluation of the recorded measuring chord position data by compensating for the respective elevation.

A further simplification provides that each outer measuring device comprises an inclination compensation device, around the two measuring chords with respect to an axis of rotation running in the longitudinal direction of the machine To hold position. A transverse inclination of the central measuring device can thus be derived directly from the recorded position data of the measuring chords, because elevations in the area of the outer measuring devices are mechanically compensated.

The evaluation is again simplified if each outer measuring device comprises a lateral guide device in order to keep the measuring chords in the center of the track when cornering in the area of the central measuring device. The ends of the measuring tendons are shifted in a lateral direction, with the arrow height of the track resulting from the displacement paths and the measuring chord position data. In addition, there is no risk of collision with any working units in the area of the central measuring device for the measuring tendons.

For a reliable detection of the position data, it is advantageous if the measuring transducer is designed as an optical measuring sensor. This is, for example, a laser line sensor that is available in a robust industrial version and has sufficient measurement accuracy.

In a favorable embodiment of the invention, each measuring device is designed as a rail-guided measuring carriage. The position of the measuring devices with respect to the rails is thus determined by means of flange rollers which can be pressed against the rails at the side.

According to the invention, the outer measuring devices are designed as measuring platforms which are each arranged on a rail chassis or on the machine frame and each include two position measuring sensors assigned to a rail. This eliminates the need for wear-prone components such as flange rollers and the determination of the position of the measuring device in relation to the rails is very precise.

If the track construction machine is designed as a track tamping machine, it makes sense if the central measuring device is arranged on a track lifting and straightening unit that can be displaced relative to the machine frame. In this way, the middle measuring device is held in the middle of the track.

In order to increase the measuring accuracy, the two measuring chords are compared to one sent by the track construction machine or received laser beam aligned. This makes it easy to extend the reference base.

In addition, it is advantageous if the evaluation device includes a low-pass filter in order to filter vibrations of the respective measuring chord. In this way, disruptive vibrations that are caused, for example, by the working units of the track construction machine, are suppressed.

The method according to the invention provides that the position of the measuring chords in the area of the central measuring device is recorded by means of the transducer and that the longitudinal height for each rail and the arrow height are calculated by means of the evaluation device. All track parameters can thus be determined with just a few procedural steps.

It makes sense if an inclination is recorded for each external measuring device and included in the calculation. The position detection at one point of the respective measuring chord is then sufficient by means of the transducer.

In a further development of the method, provision is made for a lateral displacement to be recorded for each external measuring device and included in the calculation. This means that the measuring chords remain positioned in the middle of the track in the area of the central measuring device.

A further improvement of the method is given when vibrations of the respective measuring chord above a predetermined limit frequency are weakened by means of the evaluation device. Typical oscillation frequencies of working units are used to determine the limit frequency.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Gleisbaumaschine in einer Seitenansicht

Fig. 2

Komponenten des Gleislagemesssystems

Fig. 3

Gleislagemesssystem in einer Seitenansicht

Fig. 4

Detail einer äußeren Messeinrichtung

Fig. 5

Geometrische Zusammenhänge

The invention is explained below in an exemplary manner with reference to the accompanying figures. It shows in a schematic representation:

Fig. 1

Track construction machine in a side view

Fig. 2

Components of the track position measurement system

Fig. 3

Track position measurement system in a side view

Fig. 4

Detail of an external measuring device

Fig. 5

Geometric relationships

Description of the embodiments

One in Fig. 1 The track construction machine 1 shown for carrying out track position corrections has a machine frame 3 supported on rail bogies 2 and can be moved on rails 4 of a track 5. A satellite frame 7, which can be displaced in a machine longitudinal direction 6 relative to the machine frame 3, is arranged between the two rail bogies 2. With this satellite frame 7, a tamping unit 8 for tamping under the track 5 and a track lifting and straightening unit 10 directly in front of it in a working direction 9 are connected as working units.

A track position measuring system 11 is provided for the determination of track position errors. In relation to the machine longitudinal direction 6, this comprises two outer measuring devices 12, 13, which can be seen in the working direction 9 as a front measuring device 12 and a rear measuring device 13. A central measuring device 14 for detecting the track position in the area of the working units 8, 10 is arranged in between. As a common reference base 15, a first measuring chord 16 and a second measuring chord 17 aligned with it are stretched between the two outer measuring devices 12, 13.

In an advantageous embodiment, the alignment of the two measuring chords 16, 17 takes place in such a way that their ends are clamped in a plane at the same distance from one another on the respective measuring device 12, 13. The measuring chords 16, 17 thus run parallel to one another in a neutral (torsion-free) position of the outer measuring devices 12, 13.

The track position measuring system 11 also includes an evaluation device 18, which is designed, for example, as a computer and is connected to the measuring devices 12, 13, 14 via a bus system. Optionally, a laser receiver 19 is arranged on the front measuring device 12 in order to receive a laser beam 20. This is from a broadcast remote reference encoder to extend the reference base 15.

In Fig. 2 the two measuring chords 16, 17 are arranged parallel to one another in a horizontal plane. They are clamped laterally displaceably on the two outer measuring devices 12, 13. For this purpose, for example, a respective clamping device 21 is connected to a motor 23 via a spindle 22. A lateral shift takes place when cornering in order to hold the measuring chords 16, 17 in the area of the central measuring device 14 in the center of the track 24. The motors 23 are controlled as a function of the evaluation of the measuring chord position, which is recorded by means of a measuring transducer 25 arranged on the central measuring device 14.

The transducer 25 is advantageously designed as a laser line scanner and detects the position of the measuring chords 16, 17 in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction. Two coordinate axes z, y for determining rail measuring points 26 are thus defined in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The third coordinate axis x determines the position of the respective rail measuring point 26 in the machine longitudinal direction 6. For this purpose, the known distances of the measuring devices 12, 13, 14 to one another are used and the data of an odometer are evaluated.

An inclinometer 27 is arranged on each of the outer measuring devices 12, 13. If the track 5 is elevated, the respective inclination of the assigned measuring device 12, 13 is recorded and included in the calculation of the track position. The outer measuring devices 12, 13 are favorably compensated for inclination. The measuring chords 16, 17 then always remain aligned in one plane, so that the inclination of the central measuring device 14 can be derived directly from the position measurement of the two measuring chords 16, 17.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 2 the middle measuring device 14 is designed as a measuring carriage. Guiding along the respective rail edge takes place by means of two flange rollers 28 which are pressed against the inner surfaces of the rail to avoid play. The position of the rail measuring points 26 is recorded at the respective rail edge. While a forward movement of the track construction machine 1, the track position is determined on the basis of the changing rail measuring points 26. One of the flange rollers 28 can also be used as a position measuring wheel for distance measurement.

The two outer measuring devices 12, 13 are designed as measuring platforms in a contactless manner with respect to the rails 4. A position measuring sensor 29 is directed against each rail 4 in order to detect the position of the respective measuring platform with respect to each rail 4. Laser line scanners are also used here.

The outer measuring devices 12, 13 are mounted either on the machine frame 3 or on the front or rear rail carriage 2. The latter requires a modified clamping device 21 with a length compensation for the measuring chords 16, 17 during cornering. As an alternative to this, all measuring devices 12, 13, 14 can also be designed as measuring trolleys.

In Fig. 3 the measuring chords 16, 17 are arranged in a vertical plane. The front measuring device 12 attached to the front rail chassis 2 comprises the laser receiver 19, the inclinometer 27, two position measuring sensors 29 and the clamping device 21 for clamping the measuring chords 16, 17.

The rear measuring device 13 is arranged on the rear rail chassis 2. This is also designed to be non-contact with respect to the track 5 and connected to the front measuring device 12 via the tensioned measuring chords 16, 17. The measuring device 14 arranged in between is guided on the track 5 by means of flange rollers 28 and detects the position of the measuring chords 16, 17 by means of the transducer 25.

The height of the arrow in the circular arc can be determined in a simple manner, since the front and rear measuring devices 12, 13 each include a lateral guide device (lateral tracking according to FIG Fig. 4 ). For this purpose, the position of the measuring device 12 with respect to the inner rail 4 is first evaluated by means of the position measuring sensor 29 located on the inside in the circular arc. Specifically, the position measurement sensor 29 designed as a laser line scanner is for two-dimensional detection of the Rail surface formed. From this, the evaluation device 18 is used to calculate a distance 30 from the rail 4. Together with the measurement data from the position measuring sensor 29 located on the outside of the arc, the track width of the track 5 can also be recorded.

The lateral position of the measuring chords 16, 17 with respect to the central measuring device 14 remains unchanged due to the lateral tracking of the clamping device 21 on the front and / or on the rear measuring device 12, 13. For this purpose, the data from the transducer 25 are continuously evaluated and the motors 23 for page tracking are controlled accordingly. From the displacements 31 of the clamping devices 21 and the detected distances 30 from the track 5, the arrow height of a circular arc passed can be determined in a known manner. In addition, the position of the measuring chords 16, 17 relative to the central measuring device 14 is determined and evaluated.

In Fig. 5 two measuring chords 16, 17 arranged parallel one above the other are shown, the position of which is detected by means of the transducer 25. For example, a coordinate system x, y, z tied to the central measuring device 14 serves as the reference system, the coordinate origin being above the track center 21. The longitudinal heights of the rails 4 are thus determined. In addition, in connection with the lateral tracking of the outer measuring devices 12, 13, the determination of the arrow height is made more precise.

On the basis of a twisting of the track 5, which is expressed in recorded z coordinates z ₁ , z ₂ , the longitudinal heights of the rails 4 are determined in a simple manner. The rail spacing 30, the measuring chord spacing 32 and the z coordinates z ₁ , z _{2 of} the measuring chords 16, 17 are known. This results in a relative height 33 of a rail 4 compared to an average longitudinal height of the track 5 via the following geometric relationship: $$\mathrm{height}=\mathrm{Rail\; spacing}\cdot \left({\mathrm{z}}_1-{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="z"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0002.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">z</figure-callout>}}_2\right)/\mathrm{Chord\; spacing}.$$

With the same geometric relationship, the cant of a rail 4 can also be determined in a simple manner by means of the known track width. The mean longitudinal height of track 5 is with the y-coordinates y ₁ , y _{2 of} the measuring chords 16, 17 can be determined. Taking into account the lateral tracking of the outer measuring devices 12, 13, the arrow height can be determined with the z coordinates z ₁ , z ₂ .

All the evaluations described are carried out by means of the evaluation device 18, which is designed as a computer and is set up to carry out the calculations. For this purpose, all the required geometric variables of the track construction machine 1, such as the distances between the measuring devices 12, 13, 14, can be called up from a memory unit. The computer receives the measurement signals from the position measurement sensors 29, the inclinometer 27 and the measurement transducer 25 via a bus system.

With this data, the computer calculates control signals in real time to control the motors 23 for lateral tracking and, if necessary, to compensate the inclination of the clamping devices 21. The current adjustment paths or adjustment angles of the clamping devices 21 are recorded and reported back to the computer. With these data and the sensor data, the described calculation of the track position takes place.

Claims (14)

1. A track maintenance machine (1) for carrying out track position corrections, including a machine frame (3) mobile by means of on-track undercarriages (2) on rails (4) of a track (5) and a track position measuring system (11) which comprises, at least one measuring chord (16, 17) and a measuring transducer (25) and with regard to a longitudinal direction (6) of the machine, two outer front and rear measuring devices (12, 13) and arranged between them a central measuring device (14) with a common reference base (15), wherein the measuring devices (12, 13, 14) are defined in their position relative to the rails (4), characterized in that only two measuring chords (16, 17) aligned with one another are stretched as reference base (15) between the outer measuring devices (12, 13), which comprises each a lateral guiding device in order to keep the measuring chords (16, 17) in the track center (24) in the region of the central measuring device (14) during travel in a curve, wherein the outer measuring devices (12, 13) each arranged on an on-track undercarriage (2) or on the machine frame (3) are designed as a measuring platform, comprising each two position measuring sensors 29 directed at each rail 4 and that the central measuring device (14) comprises a measuring transducer (25) for detecting position data of the two measuring chords (16, 17), and that the position data are fed to an evaluation device (18) connected with the measuring devices (12, 13, 14) in order to determine a longitudinal level for each rail (4) and a versine.
2. A track maintenance machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two measuring chords (16, 17) are aligned parallel to one another when the outer measuring devices (12, 13) are in a neutral position.
3. A track maintenance machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each outer measuring device (12, 13) comprises an inclinometer (27).
4. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each outer measuring device (12, 13) comprises an inclination compensation device in order to keep the two measuring chords (16, 17) in position with respect to an axis of rotation extending in the longitudinal direction (6) of the machine.
5. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring transducer (25) is designed as an optical measuring sensor.
6. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each measuring device (12, 13, 14) is designed as a rail-guided measuring trolley.
7. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one measuring device (12, 13, 14) is designed as a measuring platform which is arranged on an on-track undercarriage (2) or on the machine frame (3) and comprises two position measuring sensors (29), each associated with one rail (4).
8. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the central measuring device (14) is arranged on a track lifting- and lining unit (10) which is displaceable relative to the machine frame (3).
9. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two measuring chords (16, 17) are aligned with respect to a laser beam (20) emitted or received by the track maintenance machine (1).
10. A track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the evaluation device (18) comprises a low pass filter to filter out detected vibrations of the respective measuring chord (16, 17).
11. Method for operation of a track maintenance machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the position of the measuring chords (16, 17) in the region of the central measuring device (14) is detected by means of the measuring transducer (25), and that the longitudinal level for each rail (4) and the versine are computed by means of the evaluation device (18).
12. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that an inclination is detected for each outer measuring device (12, 13) and included in the computation.
13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a lateral displacement (31) is detected for each outer measuring device (12, 13) and included in the computation.
14. A method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, by means of the evaluation device (18), vibrations of the particular measuring chord (16, 17) above a prescribed limit frequency are attenuated.

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