EP3631087A1

EP3631087A1 - Method and device for compressing a track ballast bed

Info

Publication number: EP3631087A1
Application number: EP18725766.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fritz Kopf; Dietmar Adam; Bernhard ANTONY; Florian Auer; Olja BARBIR; Johannes Pistrol
Original assignee: Plasser und Theurer Export Von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
Current assignee: Plasser und Theurer Export Von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
Priority date: 2017-05-29
Filing date: 2018-05-02
Publication date: 2020-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-02
Also published as: US11821147B2; DK3631087T3; EA201900486A1; AU2018275735A1; US20200181850A1; AT520056A1; AU2018275735B2; ES2889925T3; WO2018219570A1; AT520056B1; PL3631087T3; JP7146818B2; CA3060208A1; CN110709559B; HUE055714T2; EP3631087B1; JP2020521897A; CN110709559A; EA039680B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for compressing a track ballast bed (5) by means of a tamping assembly (7), comprising two opposing tamping tools (8), which, during a tamping process (9), are lowered into the track ballast bed (5) with the application of vibrations (13) and are moved towards one another with a lateral movement (18). In addition, at least for a tamping tool (8) during a vibration cycle (29), a course (28) of a force (21) acting on the tamping tool (8) over a path (23, 27) travelled by the tamping tool (8) is detected by means of sensors (20, 22, 24) arranged on the tamping assembly (7), wherein at least one characteristic variable (31-40) is derived from this, by means of which an evaluation of the tamping process (9) and/or of a quality of the track ballast bed (5) occurs. In this way, the tamping assembly (7) is used as a measuring device during an operative application.

Description

Method and apparatus for compacting a ballast bed Area of the art

[01] The invention relates to a method for compacting a track ballast bed by means of a tamping unit comprising two opposing stuffing tools, which are subjected to vibration in a stuffing process lowered into the ballast bed and moved towards each other with a Beistellbewegung. In addition, the invention relates to a device for

Implementation of the procedure.

State of the art

[02] Railways with gravel superstructure require a regular

Correction of the track position, with track tamping machines or

Weichenstopf- or universal tamping machines are used. Such machines, which can be moved cyclically or continuously on the track, usually comprise a measuring system, a lifting / straightening unit and a tamping unit. By means of the lifting / straightening unit, the track is raised to a predetermined position. To fix this new situation is by means of

Tamping unit of tamping tools Stuffed and compacted track ballast from both sides under a respective threshold of the track.

[03] Depending on the condition of the track ballast (new position, beginning of service life, end of service life) or depending on the rate of deterioration, a corresponding overcorrection of the track position is appropriate so that the track occupies the desired final position by a subsequent setting. The settlement takes place optionally by stabilization by means of a dynamic track stabilizer and in each case by the

subsequent load on the train traffic.

[04] For tamping units for underfilling of sleepers of a track

different designs known. For example, AT 350 097 B discloses a tamping unit, in which hydraulic auxiliary drives for transmitting vibrations to a rotating eccentric shaft are articulated. Out AT 339 358 B we know a tamping unit with hydraulic drives, in a combined function as a side drives and as

Vibration generator serve.

[05] AT 515 801 A4 describes a method for compacting a

Track ballast bed by means of a tamping unit, with a quality grade for a ballast bed hardness is to be reported. For this purpose, a subsidiary force of a side-by-side cylinder is detected as a function of a supply path and a code number is defined by means of a power consumption derived therefrom. However, this indicator has little significance, because a not inconsiderable proportion of energy that is lost in the system, is not taken into account. In addition, also during a

Stopfvorgangs actually provided in the ballast total energy does not allow a reliable assessment of a ballast bed condition.

Summary of the invention

[06] The invention is based on the object, for a method and a

Device of the type mentioned to indicate an improvement over the prior art.

[07] According to the invention this object is achieved by a method according to

Claim 1 and an apparatus according to claim 13. Dependent claims indicate advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[08] The method is characterized in that, by means of sensors arranged on the tamping unit, at least for one tamping tool during a vibration cycle, a course of a force acting on the tamping tool is detected over a path traveled by the tamping tool and that at least one characteristic quantity is derived therefrom by means of which a

Assessment of the stuffing process and / or condition of the

Track ballast bed done. In this way, the tamping unit is used during a surgical operation as a measuring apparatus to detect a force-displacement curve (working diagram) of the stuffing tool and derive a meaningful characteristic therefrom.

Specifically, the operation of compacting serves as a measuring procedure to the load-deformation behavior of the track ballast and its changes Place to determine. By analyzing the measured quantities in real time and forming at least one parameter, track ballast quality and compression can be assessed online during the compaction process. Subsequently, the process parameters of the compaction and the corrected track position can be continuously adjusted accordingly. For example, from the evaluation of ballast bed quality, a default value for a

Overcorrection of the track position are derived.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the parameter is used as a parameter for a

Control of Stopfaggregats is specified. The resulting automated adjustment of the stuffing process allows a rapid response to a changing nature of the ballast bed. For example, several additional operations can be performed automatically, until one

predetermined gravel compaction degree is reached.

[1 1] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that for evaluating a gravel condition or a compaction state of the

Ballast bed as a first characteristic one during the

Vibration cycle on the stuffing tool acting maximum force is derived. This first parameter takes into account that the track ballast can only oppose the stuffing tool with a limited force (reaction force). On the one hand, the maximum force depends on which phase of the stuffing process the examined vibration cycle is and on the other hand on the gravel condition. Thus, the first parameter is a meaningful indicator for both the gravel condition (new gravel offers higher resistance) and the compaction condition (increase in the course of compaction).

In a meaningful training is used to evaluate a

Compression state of the ballast bed derived from the detected force-displacement curve as a second characteristic of a vibration occurring during the vibration cycle amplitude. To determine the amplitude, reversal points of the dynamic stuffing tool can be moved in absolute coordinates and / or relative coordinates (more dynamic)

Vibration path) are determined. It is taken into account that both the Beistellbewegung and the dynamic stuffing tool movement by design are not driven away exclusively.

In addition, it is advantageous if, in order to evaluate a gravel condition of the ballast bed for the vibration cycle, contact between the stuffing tool and the ballast and a loss of contact between

Stopfwerkzeug and gravel is determined and if it is derived from a third characteristic. In a Beistellphase results in a

pronounced asymmetric loading of the stuffing tool, which is given by the Beistellbewegung a machining direction of the ballast in the direction of the stuffing threshold. The location of a

Contact entry point and the location of a contact loss point depend on the gravel condition. In the force-displacement curve, therefore, a section with contact and a section without contact provide good indicators of track ballast quality.

A further advantageous evaluation of the force-displacement curve provides that, as a fourth parameter, a slope of the profile during a

Loading phase of the stuffing tool is derived. This slope of the working line in the loading branch of the working diagram gives as

Loading stiffness Information about the load-bearing capacity of the track ballast. It rises in the course of gravel compaction and is called

Density report used.

[15] Advantageously, to assess the gravel condition as a fifth parameter, an inclination of the course during a relieving phase of the stuffing tool is also derived. This inclination of working line in

Relief load of the working diagram is to be regarded as relief stiffness. New gravel shows partially elastic at discharge

Behavior and springs with the stuffing tool in its

Backward movement back to contact loss. Old gravel, on the other hand, hardly reacts elastically. Therefore, the relief stiffness is a good indicator of the gravel condition.

To determine a degree of utilization, it is advantageous if from the

recorded course as a sixth characteristic one by means of

Discharge tool performed deformation work is derived. These Deformation work corresponds to the area enclosed by the working line. It is that part of the work of the drive of the tamping aggregate, which is transferred to the track ballast, to a compression, a

Repression, causing a flow of the ballast, etc. With this sixth characteristic can be easily the efficiency of the

Optimize track tamping.

[17] A further improvement provides that to determine a

Total stiffness of the ballast bed is derived as a seventh characteristic an overall slope of the course. In a phase of penetration into the track ballast, the tamping tool acts in both directions, as it also introduces dynamic forces into the ground due to the lack of auxiliary movement on its rear side. Due to the two-sided effect, the physical sense of loading and unloading stiffness obsolete and the

Total rigidity is represented by the slope of the working line.

In this case, it is favorable if the overall inclination is determined by linear regression of the detected course, for example by the method of the least square error.

In a further development of the method according to the invention, the course of the force acting on the stuffing tool over the force of the

Stem tool covered path for several vibration cycles of a stuffing process, wherein for each of these vibration cycles ever

Characteristic is a value is determined and wherein by means of a course of these determined characteristic values or by means of several characteristic curves

Valuation process takes place. Depending on the characteristic used can be inferred from the characteristic curve in a simple way conclusions on the

Draw gravel and / or the compression state.

In addition, it is advantageous if several side processes are carried out at a track location, wherein for each side process per characteristic one value for one oscillation cycle or per characteristic a characteristic curve for several cycles of vibration for evaluating a compression state of the ballast bed is determined and wherein not achieved predetermined Verdichtungszustandes another Beistellvorgang is performed. The characteristics or characteristic curves show clear differences between successive additions.

[21] An additional development of the procedure provides that for several

Stopfvorgänge at different points along a track in each case a characteristic value for a vibration cycle or a characteristic curve for several vibration cycles is determined and that from an assessment of a spatial development of a compaction success and / or the

Texture of the ballast bed done. This superordinate course of the parameters over several stuffing processes provides information about the homogeneity of the track, the gravel condition and the compaction success.

[22] The device according to the invention for carrying out one of

The aforementioned method comprises a tamping unit, with two

opposite tamping tools, which are each coupled via a pivoting arm with a Beistellantrieb and a vibration drive, wherein at least on a pivoting arm and / or the associated

Stopfwerkzeug Sensors for detecting the course of the on the

Stopfwerkzeug acting force over the stuffing tool

arranged distance are arranged, wherein measurement signals of the sensors are fed to an evaluation and wherein the evaluation device is arranged to determine a derived from the history characteristic.

[23] It is advantageous if at least one force measuring sensor is arranged in a stuffing tool holder. The force measuring sensor is thus protected against disturbing influences and measures the forces acting on the stuffing tool with high accuracy. This is a bend of the

Tamping tool compensated in a simple manner. In addition are

Acceleration sensors or displacement sensors for detecting the

Stopfwerkzeugwegs arranged.

Brief description of the drawings

[24] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. It show in more schematic

Presentation:

Fig. 1 Stopfaggregat Fig. 2 stuffing tool and swivel arm with sensors

Fig. 3 force-displacement curve (working diagram) with new ballast

Fig. 4 force-path course in old gravel

Fig. 5 force-displacement curve when penetrating into the ballast

Fig. 6 3D diagram of the force-displacement curves for several

Vibration cycles on new gravel

Fig. 7 3D diagram of the force-displacement curves for several

Vibration cycles in old gravel

8 shows sectional areas through the 3D diagram according to FIG. 6

9 sectional areas through the 3D diagram according to FIG. 7

Fig. 10 curves of the maximum force at two Beistellvorgängen

FIG. 1 shows courses of the loading rigidity for two feeding operations FIG. 12 shows the relief rigidity for two feeding operations FIG. 13 shows the courses of the positions of the contact entry point at two

Beistellvorgängen

Fig. 14 curves of the positions of the contact loss point at two

Beistellvorgängen

Fig. 15 Course of the maximum force in new gravel

Fig. 16 Course of the load rigidity with new ballast

Fig. 17 Course of the relief stiffness with new ballast

Fig. 18 Course of the maximum force in old gravel

Fig. 19 Course of the load stiffness in old gravel

Fig. 20 Course of the relief stiffness in old ballast

Description of the embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a track 1 with one of sleepers 2, 3 rails and

Fastener 4 existing track grid, which is mounted on a ballast bed 5. At a point to be machined 6 of the track 1 is a

Stopfaggregat 7 positioned. This comprises two opposite stuffing tools 8 (tamping picks), which enclose the stuffing threshold 2 during a stuffing 9. In this case, along a threshold 2 usually four Schwenkarmpaare are arranged, each with two Stopfwerkzeugpaaren. [26] Each stuffing tool is coupled via a pivoting arm 10 with a Beistellantrieb 1 1 and a vibratory drive 12.

Vibrations 13 are, for example, by means of a rotating

Generated eccentric shaft. An eccentric shaft housing including rotary drive is mounted on a lowerable tool carrier 14 on which the two pivot arms 10 are articulated. Alternatively, a vibration drive 12 may also be arranged on the respective articulation. In such - not shown - move the arrangement

Stopfwerkzeuge 8 along elliptical paths.

Each pivot arm 10 acts as a two-armed lever, wherein the associated stuffing tool 8 is fixed in a stuffing tool holder 15 at a lower lever arm. An upper lever arm is coupled via the formed as a hydraulic cylinder Beistellantrieb 1 1 with the vibratory drive 12.

[28] When plugging the track 1, the track grid 4 is raised first,

whereby 2 cavities 16 form under the thresholds. The

Stopfaggregat 7 is positioned at the point to be machined 6 above a threshold 2 and by means of the vibratory drive 12 are the

Stopfwerkzeuge 8 with the vibrations 13 applied. Specifically, the generated vibrations 13 cause a quick opening and closing of the pliers-shaped movable stuffing tools 8 with small amplitude

(Vibration). There is still no contact with gravel 17.

[29] The actual stuffing process 9 is divided into several phases. In a first phase, the tool carrier 14 is lowered with the Stopfwerkzeugen 8 in next to the threshold 2 located threshold trays. The respective stuffing tool 8 penetrates vertically into the ballast bed 5, wherein the vibrations 13 or dynamic movements facilitate displacement of the ballast 17.

[30] Even during the lowering sets in a second phase a

Beistellbewegung 18 and the respective stuffing tool 8 moves towards the threshold 2. The lowering ends at a defined penetration depth and the Beistellbewegung 18 is continued. During the

Beistellbewegung 18 is stuffed by the stuffing tools 8 gravel 17 below the threshold 2, compressed and optionally displaced laterally. there are the Beistellbewegung 18, which mainly serves the bulkhead transport, further superimposed on the vibrations 13 (vibration at about 35 Hz). In this dynamic compression of the ballast 17 so-called gravel flow can be caused.

[31] Before the respective stuffing tool 8 touches the threshold 2, a reversal of motion begins in a third phase. The tool carrier 14 together with tamping tools 8 is moved upwards and a return movement 19 (opposing auxiliary movement) causes an opening of the tongs-like tamping tools 8.

[32] A force measuring sensor 20 is arranged in the stuffing tool holder 15.

Alternatively, sensors (strain gauges) can also be arranged on a shaft of a stuffing tool 2 provided for the measurements. Thus, a horizontal contact force 21 to the ballast 17 (FIG. 2) is detected. In addition, the pivot arms 10 are equipped with acceleration sensors 22 (depending on the machine type, one or two acceleration sensors 22 per pivot arm 10 are used). An absolute auxiliary travel 23 is measured by means of a displacement sensor 24 (e.g., laser sensor).

Tamping machines often have several tamping units 7. Then, conveniently, each of these units 7 is equipped with the sensors 20, 22, 24.

[33] Measurement signals 25 detected by the sensors 20, 22, 24 are one

Evaluation device 26 is supplied. This evaluation device 26 is set up to process the measurement signals 25 in order to apply a force acting on the considered stuffing tool 2 over one of the stuffing tool

to cover the distance traveled. Specifically, the horizontal

Contact force 21 via a vibration path 27 as a force-displacement curve 28th

(Working diagram) determined.

[34] In order to determine the dynamic vibration path 27, the vibration paths of the acceleration sensors 22 are first determined by double integration of the acceleration signals. About the known geometric relationships of the vibration path 27 at the free end of the stuffing tool (pick plate) is determined. [35] Based on the force measurement on the shaft of the stuffing tool 2

Cutting forces (moments, normal force, shear force) determined. From this, the evaluation device 26 calculates the horizontal contact force 21. These

Contact force 21 corresponds to the reaction force of the ballast 17 to the imprinted displacement. A bending of the stuffing tool 2 can be easily compensated with the measured force. In addition, a compensation of the mass inertia force of the stuffing tool 2 is effected by means of the determined stuffing tool movements.

[36] The result of these sensor signal evaluations is the force-displacement curve 28 for the individual oscillation cycles 29 of a sizing operation. This relation between Stopfwerkzeug beweg ung and contact force 21 is subsequently used to assess the compression process and the state of the ballast 17 and the ballast bed 5.

[37] Exemplary force-displacement curves 28 for a vibration cycle 29 are shown in FIGS. 3-5. In this case, the contact force 21 is indicated on an abscissa of the vibration path 27 and on an ordinate. The force-displacement curve 28 itself is shown in the form of a working line 30. These

Working diagrams have distinguishing features that allow a clear inference to the conditions prevailing during the measurement. In particular, it is possible to draw conclusions about the particular phase of work (lowering, additions or re-dividing), the state of compaction and the gravel condition (new, freshly broken gravel or old, soiled, rounded gravel). Fig. 3 shows a working diagram for new ballast, the sharp edges and a high toothing identifies. Fig. 4 shows a working diagram for old ballast with rounded edges, low teeth, high compression and a high proportion of fine particles. The distinguishing features (characteristics) of the working diagrams allow an automated classification into status categories such as

Neophytes, short-lived gravel and gravel with advanced or end-of-life use.

[38] The distinguishing features that can be used as parameters are one

Maximum force 31, a vibration amplitude 32, a front turnaround point 33, a rear turnaround point 34, a contact entry point 35, a Contact loss point 36, a slope 37 of the working line 30 during a loading phase (loading stiffness), a slope 38 of the working line 30 during a relief phase (relief stiffness), a

Total inclination 39 of the working line and a work done deformation 40 as enclosed by the working line 30 area. In order to determine these characteristics 31 - 40, instead of the relative swing paths 27, the absolute auxiliary travel paths 23 can also be used.

[39] The work-integrated measurement and characteristic determination and the evaluation of the gravel condition based on it allow a running

Quality control and optimization of process parameters of the

Stopfvorgangs 9. It can be assessed the condition of the track 17 with the two extremes, the new gravel from a quarry and the old gravel at the end of its technical life. Depending on

Gravel quality, load, environmental influences and background conditions, the gravel state undergoes all intermediate stages, with at

Maintenance may also take place a ballast processing or mixing of gravel. Specifically, it can be determined that new gravel 17 is clean, has sharp edges and has a defined particle size distribution. Old gravel 17, on the other hand, is polluted, has rounded edges and has dirt, abrasion,

Grain fragmentation and fines from the substrate a changed particle size distribution.

[40] In addition, the work - integrated determination of ballast stiffness and the assessment of the compaction state based on it allow an ongoing quality control and the optimization of the process parameters of the

Stopfvorgangs 9. Evaluate the compression state of

Track ballast 17 based on specific grading characteristics. Loose poured ballast is loosely stored and has large pore volume and low load capacity. At loads occur relatively large

Deformations that are mostly irreversible. The stiffness of such a non-compacted ballast is low. In contrast, compacted ballast is tightly packed and has a low pore volume. Due to the compression deformations are largely anticipated, which is why under load only more small deformations occur. These are predominantly elastic, that is reversible. Compacted ballast has a high rigidity.

[41] The defined characteristics 31 -40 of a vibration cycle 29

Characterize the stuffing 9 so that can make statements about the track ballast and the compression process in a simple manner. These are either the characteristics 31 -40 or

Working diagrams displayed in an output device or compared with a predefined evaluation scheme. Individual characteristics 31 - 40 can be used as parameters for controlling the tamping unit 7

be specified. For this purpose, data is transferred from the evaluation device 26 to a machine control 41.

[42] In the following exemplary description of the relationships, the interpretation of the force-displacement curves 28 is simplified. For the sake of clarity, no reference is made to existing cross-references. Rather, links between characteristics 31-40 and assessable mechanisms with the most obvious correlations are highlighted.

[43] Maximum force 31 is a good indicator of both gravel and compaction conditions. The oscillation amplitude 32 is determined by the reversal points 33, 34 of the dynamic stuffing tool movement. As resistance of the ballast 17 increases, there is a slight reduction in the amplitude of oscillation 32, which is why this second characteristic is a good indication of the state of compression.

[44] The contact entry point 35 and the contact loss point 36 separate in the force-path curve 28 a section with non-positive contact between the stuffing tool 8 and ballast 17 from a section without contact. The working diagram shows that the stuffing tool 8 in a

Forward movement impinges on the ballast 17, the contact force 21 rises to the maximum 31 and then drops again because the stuffing tool 8 has reached the front reversal point 33 and begins to move backwards. In this backward movement, it loses contact with the ballast 17 pushed in the working direction and leads the rest

Backward movement with negligible force. Only after the direction change at the rear reversal point 34, the stuffing tool 8 moves back in the working direction to come again with the track ballast in contact. In FIGS. 3 and 4, it is clear that the position of the contact points 35, 36 depends on the gravel condition. Accordingly, the position of the line of contact and the line of contact loss can be used as indicators of the quality of the ballast.

[45] The load rigidity of the track ballast 17 is the relation between

Force and associated deformation. In the force-displacement curve 28, it represents the inclination of the working line 30 in a load branch. The

Loading stiffness is an essential parameter for assessing the load-bearing capacity of the track ballast. It increases in the course of ballast compaction and is used as compaction proof.

[46] The relief stiffness presents itself as a slope of the working line 30 in a relief phase. In FIG. 4, the contact force 21 increases through the

Reduction of the deformation rate even before the turning point 34, although the deformation is still increasing. By this inelastic

Behavior has old ballast 17 a low, often even negative relief stiffness. As a result, the relief stiffness is suitable as an indicator of the gravel condition.

[47] The surface enclosed by the working line 30 corresponds to the deformation work 40 performed. With the relative vibration displacement x _re i, the contact force F and a vibration cycle duration T, the work of deformation W is calculated according to the following formula:

W = F ^■ dXrel

The efficiency of the Gleisstopfens can be optimized with this parameter by the tamping unit 7 is operated in such a way that for the

Deformation work 40 gives a maximum.

[48] Fig. 5 shows a working diagram in the phase of penetration in which the stuffing tool 8 acts approximately symmetrically in both directions. The working line 30 is like an oval. The resistance of the ballast 17 may be described by the stiffness which represents the slope of this oval. Concretely, the total inclination 39 turns as a slope of a line 42 by linear regression according to the method of least

Error square is determined.

[49] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, all parameters 31-40 are calculated for each oscillation cycle 29 and the course is evaluated over the entire equipping process. FIGS. 6 and 7 show such curves in a three-dimensional diagram. An x-axis and a y-axis correspond to the abscissa and the ordinate in Figs. 3-5. On the third axis an additional time 43 (sequence of the oscillation cycles 29) is indicated. In Fig. 6, for example, it is clearly seen that in new gravel 17, the maximum force 31 increases significantly with increasing addition time 43.

FIG. 8 shows the same measurement results as FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 shows the same measurement results as FIG. 7. However, the force profile is shown here as isolines 45 (isarithms) of the same force 21. The spacing of these lines shows the slope 37, 38 in the working diagram (e.g., load stiffness). Gradient and size characterize the compaction process in new gravel 17 (FIG. 8) and old gravel 17 (FIG. 9). Shown here are also a line of the layers 46 of the contact entry points 35 and a line of the layers 47 of the contact loss points 36. For the respective constant contact force 21, a different hatching is shown with increasing value. A corresponding legend is attached to FIG. 8.

[51] Figures 10-14 show characteristic curves for a sequence of several

Vibration cycles 29 with two Beistellvorgängen at a point 6 of the track first These are discrete progressions of those characteristic values (values of the respective characteristic 31 -40), which at the respective

Vibration cycle 29 are detected. The characteristic curves for a first supply process 48 and a second supply process 49 are shown together in the respective diagram and each begin with the first oscillation cycle 29 of the respective supply process 48, 49. The comparison of the courses allows conclusions about the compaction of the ballast 17 and also serves as Decision criterion on how many stuffing operations 9 per track 6 are required. The difference between the first and the second Beistellvorgang 48, 49 is clearly visible and thus justifies the second process 49th

[52] Characteristic curves for a sequence of several are shown in FIGS. 15-20

Stopfvorgänge 9 or threshold positions at successive points 6 along the track 1 shown (spatial development). The respective diagram shows for each stuffing process 9 again the characteristic values of two addition processes 47, 48. These spatial courses give information about the homogeneity of the track 1, the gravel condition and the

Compaction success.

[53] Especially with tracks 1 with old gravel (Fig. 18-20) and unbesohlten

There are often considerable and small differences between the storage conditions of the individual sleepers 2. These conditions also affect the condition of the ballast 17 and generally create heterogeneous conditions. It can be reacted during the implementation of Stopfvorgänge 9 by specifying changed parameters. However, the heterogeneity of the old track 1 persists. Therefore, the heterogeneity evaluated on the basis of the characteristic curves shown serves as a criterion for specifying stuffing intervals.

[54] By means of an evaluation of the characteristics 31 -40 for a track section, it is thus possible to estimate when a next processing (stuffing) of this track section is required in order to maintain a satisfactory track position. This is an indicator of a current classification in the

Life cycle of the track 1 given. With increasingly shorter stuffing intervals, track 1 is nearing the end of its service life and rehabilitation measures are required. The present method thus provides characteristics 31-40, which are also suitable for comprehensive planning of the

Track maintenance are suitable.

Claims

claims

1 . Method for compacting a track ballast bed (5) by means of a

Stopfaggregats (7) comprising two opposite Stopfwerkzeuge (8), which in a stuffing process (9) with vibrations (13) acted upon in the

Track ballast bed (5) lowered and moved towards each other with a Beistellbewegung (18), dadu rch geken that by Stopfaggregat (7) arranged sensors (20, 22, 24) at least for a stuffing tool (8) during a vibration cycle (29) a course (28) of a force (21) acting on the stuffing tool (8) is detected via a path (23, 27) traveled by the stuffing tool (8) and that at least one characteristic variable (31-40) is derived therefrom, by means of which a Assessment of Stopfvorgangs (9) and / or a condition of the ballast bed (5).

2. The method of claim 1, dadu rch geken nzeich net that the

Characteristic (31 -40) is specified as a parameter for controlling the Stopfaggregats (7).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, dadu rch geken nzeich net that for the evaluation of a gravel condition or a compaction state of

Ballast bed (5) as a first characteristic one during the vibration cycle (29) acting on the stuffing tool (8) maximum force (31) is derived.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, dadu rch gekennzeich net that for evaluating a compression state of the ballast bed (5) as a second characteristic during the vibration cycle (29) occurring

Vibration amplitude (32) is derived.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, dadu rch gekennzeich net that for evaluating a gravel condition of the ballast bed (5) for the

Vibration cycle (29) contact between the stuffing tool (8) and ballast (17) and a contact loss between stuffing tool (8) and ballast (17) is determined and that a third characteristic is derived therefrom.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, dadu rch gekennzeich net that for evaluating a load capacity of the ballast bed (5) as a fourth

Characteristic, a slope (37) of the course (28) during a loading phase of the stuffing tool (8) is derived.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, dadu rch gekennzeich net that for evaluating a gravel condition of the ballast bed (5) as a fifth characteristic, a slope (38) of the course (28) during a discharge phase of the stuffing tool (8) is derived ,

8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 7, dadu rch gekennzeich net, that for determining a degree of utilization of the detected course (28) as a sixth characteristic one performed by means of the stuffing tool (8)

Deformation work (40) is derived.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, dadu rch gekennzeich net, that for determining a Gesamtsteif ig speed of the ballast bed (5) as a seventh characteristic an overall inclination (39) of the course (28) is derived.

10. The method of claim 9, dadu rch geken nzeich net that the

Total inclination (39) is determined by linear regression of the detected curve (28).

1 1. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized dadu rch gekennzeich net, that the course (28) of the stuffing tool (8) acting force (21) over the tamping tool travel (23, 27) for several cycles of vibration (29) Stopfvorgangs (9) is detected, that for each of these oscillation cycles (29) a characteristic value is determined and that by means of a characteristic curve a

Valuation process takes place.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, dadu rch gekennzeich net that at a track point (6) a plurality of Beistellvorgänge (48, 49) are performed, a characteristic value for one oscillation cycle (29) or a characteristic curve for a plurality of oscillation cycles (29) for evaluating a compaction state of the ballast bed (5) is determined for each addition process (48, 49) and if another predetermined compaction state is not reached

Beistellvorgang is performed.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, dadu rch gekennzeich net, that for several stuffing processes (9) at different locations (6) along a track (1) each have a characteristic value for a vibration cycle (29) or a

Characteristic curve for several vibration cycles (29) is determined and that there is an evaluation of a spatial development of a compaction success and / or the nature of the ballast bed (5).

14. An apparatus for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 13, with a Stopfaggregat (7) comprising two opposing Stopfwerkzeuge (8), each having a pivot arm (10) with a Beistellantrieb (1 1) and a vibration drive ( 12) are coupled, so that at least on a pivoting arm (10) and / or the associated one

Stuffing tool (8) Sensors (20, 22, 24) for detecting the course (28) of the force acting on the stuffing tool (8) (21) over the stuffing tool

covered path (23, 27) are arranged, that measuring signals (25) of the sensors (20, 22, 24) are fed to an evaluation device (26) and that the

Evaluation device (26) for determining a from the course (28) derived characteristic (31 -40) is set up.

15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one force measuring sensor (20) is arranged in a stuffing tool holder (15).