EP4291713A1

EP4291713A1 - Track-bound maintenance machine and method for operating the machine

Info

Publication number: EP4291713A1
Application number: EP22702422.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johannes MAX-THEURER; Florian Auer; Michael KLEMENT
Original assignee: Plasser und Theurer Export Von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
Current assignee: Plasser und Theurer Export Von Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH
Priority date: 2021-02-10
Filing date: 2022-01-19
Publication date: 2023-12-20
Also published as: JP2024506074A; WO2022171410A1; AT17690U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a track-bound maintenance machine (1) for maintaining a permanent way comprising a track grid (7) which is mounted in a ballast bed (6) and consists of sleepers (8) and rails (9) fastened thereon, comprising a lifting and levelling unit (4) for track lifting/levelling and a tamping unit (5) for track tamping. At least one rail machining unit (11) for continuously reprofiling the rails (9) is arranged on a machine frame (10). The elimination of rail defects contributes to increased stability of the adjusted track position because, after clearing the machined track portion, the rails (9) can be travelled on smoothly. The invention also relates to a method for operating the machine.

Description

description

Track-bound maintenance machine and method for operating the

machine

technical field

[01] The invention relates to a track maintenance machine for

Maintenance of a superstructure with a track grid made of sleepers mounted in a ballast bed and rails attached thereto, comprising a lifting/straightening unit for lifting/straightening the tracks and a tamping unit for tamping the tracks. In addition, the invention relates to a method for operating the machine.

State of the art

[02] The superstructure of a railroad track is subject to constant wear and tear due to use and the effects of the weather, which means that regular maintenance work is necessary. In the case of a ballasted superstructure, the ballast bed, the track grid made of rails and sleepers as well as points and crossings must be maintained in particular. For this purpose, the condition of the individual track objects and the position of the track grid in the ballast bed are checked at specified intervals. The basis for this is the actual data of the superstructure, which is determined using various known measuring methods and measuring devices. Work on the track body is usually carried out using a track-bound maintenance machine. Such machines are also called track construction machines or railway construction machines.

[03] AT 518692 A1 discloses a method for detecting track objects and a maintenance system. The maintenance system is used, for example, for track position measurement, track lifting/alignment and track tamping, contact wire course measurement or rail profile measurement. First, deviations of the recorded actual state from a specified target state are evaluated and correction data are provided. This data is subsequently used the control of maintenance units of a track-bound maintenance machine, for example a lifting/aligning unit and a tamping unit.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is based on the object of a track-bound

To improve maintenance machine of the type mentioned in such a way that the maintenance of a track section can be carried out with high quality in short track possessions. In particular, the processes of the work to be carried out should mesh in an optimized manner. It is also an object of the invention to specify a corresponding method.

[05] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the features of independent claims 1 and 12. Dependent claims specify advantageous refinements of the invention.

[06] Here, on a machine frame, the track-bound

Maintenance machine arranged at least one rail processing unit for continuous reprofiling of the rails. In this way, the machine enables both the correction of the track geometry and the machine-integrated reprofiling of the rails during a work trip. The elimination of rail defects, in particular of existing rolling contact fatigue damage, contributes to a higher durability of the corrected track geometry, because after the release of the processed track section, trouble-free driving on the rails is achieved. Without this measure, remaining rail defects would cause vibrations and shocks when driving on, which would quickly lead to renewed deterioration of the track geometry.

[07] Another advantage is an optimal working speed, which results from the combination of track lifting/aligning, track tamping and rail reprofiling in a common maintenance machine. The feed rate of a rail reprofiling tool is within a speed range typical of track tamping machines. Usual values are between 1000m/h and 2000m/h. High-performance tamping machines reach a working speed of up to 3000m/h. This means that all work processes can be carried out at the same forward speed without accepting any loss in the work performance of the respective maintenance unit.

[08] In an advantageous development, the rail processing unit is arranged in one working direction behind the lifting/straightening unit and the tamping unit. This ensures that the track panel has an even support for the reprofiling of the rails. Any voids are eliminated by correcting the track position and tamping the sleepers. As a result, evenly distributed bearing forces of the rail bed counteract vertical loading of the rails in the course of reprofiling.

[09] Advantageously, the rail processing unit includes a

Milling tool, which in particular has a milling cutter head with an axis of rotation oriented transversely to a machine longitudinal direction. With a milling tool, sufficiently high material removal can be achieved in one operation so that pronounced rail defects can also be removed. In this case, the tamping of the sleepers carried out immediately beforehand is particularly advantageous because the milling tool and supporting sliding shoes press onto the associated rail from above. An even support of the track grid leads to a high-quality milling result due to a stable track resistance in the vertical direction.

[10] An improvement of this further training provides that the

Rail processing unit comprises several milling tools arranged one behind the other and that in particular a front milling tool is designed as a roughing cutter and a rear milling tool is designed as a finishing cutter. This arrangement combines high material removal with a sufficiently smooth rail surface. In a special variant, the milling tools arranged one behind the other are assigned to different sections of the rail head profile. This facilitates the continuous processing of points, because the Milling tools can be used selectively in the area of the switch heart and the guide rails to take into account the limited free space.

[11] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rail processing unit comprises a Flobel tool, which in particular has cutting bodies designed to be movable in relation to a base body. Due to the positive cutting edge geometry of the Flobel tool, no force acts on the rail from above. Movable cutter bodies also allow the cutters to be guided like a link along the surface of the rail head. The result of such processing is an almost uniformly smooth processing surface.

[12] To further improve the quality of the processed rail head surfaces, a smoothing device, in particular a grinding tool, is arranged behind the rail processing unit in the working direction. With such a smoothing device, any traces of intervention (knife marks) of the reprofiling tool are removed.

In a further advantageous development of the machine, the lifting/straightening unit and the tamping unit are arranged on a separate machine frame, with at least one of the machine frames being designed as a satellite frame by means of a satellite drive so that it can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the machine in relation to a flap frame. It makes sense for each machine frame to be supported on at least one rail chassis. This ensures an optimized load distribution. In addition, the feed speeds of the units can be better coordinated with one another thanks to the structural decoupling.

[14] The maintenance measures that can be carried out by means of the machine are further improved if at least one stabilization unit is arranged behind the tamping unit in the working direction. The restored track position is sustainably stabilized by means of the stabilization unit, in that track settlements are anticipated. With the machine-integrated reprofiling of the rails results in a particularly sustainable processing of the superstructure.

[15] An improvement in the machine design provides that a first machine part comprises the lifting/straightening unit and the tamping unit and that a second machine part coupled to the first machine part comprises the rail processing unit for reprofiling the rails. In this way, a modular system can be implemented in which different versions of a tamping machine part can be combined with different versions of a machine part for rail reprofiling.

[16] In an advantageous development of this variant, an energy supply device is set up on one machine part, with the other machine part being connected to the energy supply device via a supply line. In addition, other system components of one machine part can also be used in the other machine part. For example, data from an assistance system in the tamping machine part is also used in the machine part for rail reprofiling. The jointly used assistance system is used for the automated or semi-automated control of all units.

[17] This embodiment of the invention is further improved in that the supply line between the machine parts has a detachable connection, the second machine part comprising an energy store and the energy store being chargeable via the supply line. In this way, the second machine part for rail reprofiling can be operated temporarily separately from the first machine part. The energy requirement of the rail processing unit is far lower than the energy requirement of the tamping machine part. Therefore, the energy supply from the energy store for the duration of at least one work assignment is possible without any problems.

[18] In the method according to the invention for operating the maintenance machine, the track panel is lifted and straightened on a track section by means of the lifting/aligning unit, with the sleepers of the Track panel are tamped by means of the tamping unit and the rails of the track panel are reprofiled by means of the rail processing unit. With this integrated work process, the correction of the track geometry and the restoration of a fault-free rail head surface can be achieved for the first time in one work step.

[19] In an advantageous development of the method, the lifting/straightening unit and the tamping unit are moved forward in the working direction during successive working cycles, with the rail processing unit being moved continuously in the working direction at a speed adapted to the duration of the working cycles for reprofiling the rails. In this way, the continuous rail processing is optimally coordinated with the cyclic tamping of the sleepers.

[20] In a further process improvement, the lifting/straightening unit, the tamping unit, the rail processing unit for reprofiling the rails, a machine travel drive and optionally a satellite drive are controlled in a coordinated manner via a central control device. The central control device enables automated or partially automated operation of the maintenance machine. Interruptions or variations in tamping cycles and rail processing are also taken into account. As soon as one unit deviates from normal operation, the other unit or units are controlled accordingly.

In an advantageous variant of the method, a machine part with the rail processing unit for reprofiling the rails is decoupled during a work assignment from another machine part with the lifting / straightening unit and the tamping unit and driven with its own drive. The machine part for rail reprofiling acts temporarily as a drone. During this detached work phase, the drone continues to use control data from the tamping machine part. If necessary, the drone stays on a flexible Supply line connected to the tamping machine part, eliminating the need for an energy storage device.

Brief description of the drawings

[22] The invention is explained below in an exemplary manner with reference to the attached figures. They show in a schematic representation:

Fig. 1 Maintenance machine for heaving, straightening and tamping a track and for rail reprofiling Fig. 2 Maintenance machine with several milling tools Fig. 3 Maintenance machine for lifting, straightening, tamping and stabilizing a track and for rail reprofiling Fig. 4 Maintenance machine with a detachable machine part for rail reprofiling

Fig. 5 machine according to Fig. 4 in the uncoupled state Fig. 6 Maintenance machine with a

Rail processing unit for rail reprofiling on a satellite frame

Description of the embodiments

[23] The respective maintenance machine 1 shown in Figures 1-6 can be moved on rail chassis 2 on a track 3 and includes a lifting/straightening unit 4 for lifting and straightening the track and a tamping unit 5 for tamping the tracks. The superstructure of the track 3 comprises a track grid 7 mounted in a ballast bed 6 with rails 9 fastened to sleepers 8. A rail processing unit 11 for the continuous reprofiling of the rails 9 of the track 3 in use is arranged on a machine frame 10. In the simplest case, the machine frame 10 is a longitudinal beam which is supported at the end on rail carriages 2 . A self-supporting car body is also meant as the machine frame 10 in the sense of the present invention. [24] Figures 1 to 5 each show a maintenance machine 1, which continuously moves forward in a working direction 12 during a work assignment. The lifting/straightening unit 4 and the tamping unit 5 are arranged such that they can be displaced in a machine longitudinal direction 33 relative to a main frame 13 . For example, a separate machine frame 14 is designed as a frame of a so-called satellite. This satellite frame is supported at a rear end on its own rail undercarriage 2 and is slidably mounted on the main frame 13 at a front end. A satellite drive is used to move the satellite together with the lifting/aligning unit 4 and the tamping unit 5 relative to the main frame 13.

[25] During work, 5 cyclic tamping processes are carried out by means of the tamping unit. The track grid 7 is held in place by the lifting/straightening unit 4 and brought into the specified track position via actuators. This position is fixed by means of the tamping unit 5, with vibrating tamping picks immersing themselves in the ballast bed 6 between the sleepers 8 and being placed next to one another. In this way, the gravel grains are set in motion and pushed under the sleepers 8.

[26] During a tamping cycle, the satellite with the tamping unit 5 remains positioned above the currently tamped sleepers 8. Meanwhile, the main engine carrying the satellite is continuously moving forward in the working direction 12 . As soon as a tamping process is completed, the satellite overtakes the main engine and stops over the next sleepers 8 to be tamped. In this way there is a continuous forward movement of the maintenance machine 1 together with the rail processing unit 11 for rail reprofiling.

[27] The variants shown include multi-part machine frames 10, 13, 14. In a simpler variant, not shown, the machine frame 10, on which the rail processing unit 11 is attached, forms the main frame 13 of the maintenance machine 1.

[28] Advantageously, the maintenance machine 1 includes an assistance system that is disclosed in A 519739 A1. where is in A sensor device 15 is arranged on the front face of the maintenance machine 1 as seen in the working direction 12 . This sensor device 15 includes, for example, a laser rotation scanner 16, a color camera 17 and a plurality of laser line scanners 18. The laser rotation scanner 16 supplies a three-dimensional point cloud of the track 3 together with the surroundings during forward travel. The laser line scanners 18 are aimed at the rails 9 . Photographic representations of the track 3 are continuously recorded with the color camera 17 .

[29] The data recorded by the sensor device 15 are processed in a computing unit 19 and stored in a suitable memory unit. First, a three-dimensional model of track 3 and its surroundings is calculated from the point cloud and the color representations. By means of an object recognition disclosed in AT 518692 A1 mentioned at the outset, sleepers 8, sleeper compartments, rails 9 together with rail defects and obstacles are identified in the model.

[30] Typically, driving on rails 9 leads over time to surface distress (head checks), depressions (squats), rollovers or slip corrugations or corrugations. Such rolling contact fatigue damage to the rails 9 is detected with the camera recordings. If necessary, eddy current methods, ultrasonic methods or magnetic resonance methods with the respective sensors are also used to detect various rail defects. The extent of the damage detected determines the necessary material removal by the rail processing unit 11.

[31] Subsequently, the applicability of the aggregates 4, 5, 11 is checked for each track location at which a work process is to be carried out. For example, threshold compartments accessible to the tamping unit 5 are determined. The best possible rail gripping positions are determined for the lifting/aligning unit 4 . For the rail processing unit 11, an engagement depth for the cutting tools to be used is determined on the basis of the identified rail defects. To avoid collisions with detected obstacles, the working position of the respective unit 4, 5, 11 is automatically changed if necessary. For example, individual tools of the rail processing unit 11 are raised to form an engagement ramp and brought back into engagement with the associated rail 9 after an obstacle.

[32] A central control device 21 is advantageously arranged to control a machine travel drive 20, the satellite drive and various working drives of the units 4, 5, 11. This continuously receives data from the computing unit 19 and adjusts the control of the aggregates 4, 5,

11 and the driving speeds of the main engine and the satellite to the conditions on track 3. As soon as a work interruption is necessary for one unit 4, 5, 11, the central control device 21 intervenes in the control sequence of the other units 4, 5, 11 according to a predetermined control scenario.

[33] Advantageously, a respective drive control 22 translates the specifications of the central control device 21 into specific control signals for actuating the working drives. Additional cameras 17 are advantageously arranged for remote control and monitoring of the units 4, 5, 11.

[34] The track position is corrected by means of a so-called control computer 23. During a track position correction, the track geometry is continuously measured by means of a measuring system 24 arranged on the machine 1 with measuring chords and/or optical measuring devices. In order to achieve the desired track position, the control computer 23 specifies desired values which have previously been determined. The working drives of the lifting/straightening unit 4 are controlled in a corresponding manner so that the measured track geometry is adjusted to the desired track position.

[35] The maintenance machine 1 also includes an energy supply device 25. In a simple variant, a diesel engine supplies the necessary energy for the travel drives 20 and the working drives of the units 4, 5, 11 via a generator and/or a pump distributor gear. A hybrid solution is advantageous provided, at a combustion engine is only used when there is no overhead line to supply electrical energy. If there is an active overhead line, an electric motor is supplied via a pantograph 26, a high-voltage module, a transformer and a power converter. A pump transfer case is coupled to both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Connected hydraulic pumps are components of a hydraulic system for supplying hydrostatic travel drives 20 and hydraulic working drives.

[36] The present invention enables particularly efficient energy management because only one energy supply device 25 is required for the combined track maintenance work. The position of the energy supply device 25 within the maintenance machine 1 can be adapted to specific characteristics of the individual units 4, 5, 11.

[37] In the machines 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the energy supply device 25 is arranged in a first machine part 27 . This front machine part 27 includes the lifting/straightening unit 4 and the tamping unit 5 and thus forms a tamping machine part. A second machine part 28 is coupled to the stuffing machine part. The latter includes the rail processing unit 11 and is connected to the energy supply device 25 via a supply line 29 . In the simplest case, the rail processing unit 11 is a grinding unit, preferably with a plurality of grinding bodies arranged one behind the other. However, a large number of such grinding tools are necessary in order to ensure sufficient material removal in one work cycle.

[38] In Fig. 1, the rail processing unit 11 in the second machine part 28 includes a tool 30 for peripheral milling or planing. In the case of peripheral milling, the rail head surface is machined by the cutting edges of the tool 30 working on the peripheral side. The tool scope is surface determining. The present invention also includes rail processing units 11 for face milling or profiling. With end face milling, the rail head surface is machined by cutting edges arranged on the front side of the tool. Profile milling is a combination of peripheral and face milling. The transitions from peripheral cutting edge to front cutting edge are smooth. End face milling and profile milling is particularly suitable for smoothing the rail surface after peripheral milling.

[39] The respective tool 30 comprises a base body in which replaceable cutting edges are attached. Advantageously, the base body has sectors on the circumference that can be dismantled separately. When installed, the sectors are connected to a base via precise centering. In this way, additional sectors can be fitted with new or turned cutting inserts in the dismantled state. As soon as the cutting edges on the tool 30 are worn out, only the entire sectors are replaced in an exchange device 31. This significantly reduces the time required because the cutting inserts do not have to be exchanged directly on the tool 30.

[40] Rail surfaces are usually milled with cutting edges that have a negative rake angle. A jointed tool with a centered interface is advantageously used for peripheral milling or profile milling. The so-called jointing enables an even protrusion of all circumferentially arranged cutting edges. Run-out errors are eliminated. A particularly uniform processing surface can thus be achieved.

[41] In the example shown in FIG. 1, each rail 9 is assigned a large milling tool 30, for example with an outer diameter of approximately 1500 mm. In this way, very flat traces of intervention are achieved, so that subsequent smoothing can be omitted in some cases. Each milling tool 30 includes a milling cutter head 32 with an axis of rotation 34 oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction 33 of the machine. The housing together with the milling cutter head 32 can be pivoted about this pivot axis 35 by means of an actuator 36 relative to the associated rail 9 . For the Processing of the rails 9, the respective milling cutter head 32 is lowered onto the associated rail 9 by pivoting it down.

[42] The infeed of the respective milling cutter head 32 against the rail 9 is carried out by means of sliding shoes 37. The sliding shoes 37 are arranged in front of and behind the milling cutter head 32 in the working direction 12 and support the housing together with the milling cutter head 32 on the associated rail 9. The milling cutter head 32 can be adjusted relative to a slide shoe 37 by means of a further actuating drive 38, as a result of which the desired depth of engagement can be set.

[43] When machining in reverse, the front sliding shoe 37 is hollow to accommodate the material chips. The material chips are conveyed into a collecting container 39 via a suction device connected to the sliding shoe 37 . The collecting container 39 is advantageously arranged on the second machine part 28 . The collection container 39 is emptied via a side opening after the end of a work assignment.

[44] A smoothing device 40 is arranged behind the rail processing unit 11 in the working direction 12 in order to eliminate traces of contact that occur during peripheral milling. This is, for example, a grinding tool with sliding blocks 41 that are moved back and forth cyclically in the longitudinal direction of the rail. As an alternative to this or in addition to this, other grinding tools can also be used, for example a belt grinder 42. The smoothing device 40 can also include grinding bodies for peripheral, profile or face grinding. Another alternative is a unit for face milling or profile milling. Appropriate milling techniques do not leave any disturbing traces of intervention.

[45] The same arrangement is also used for peripheral planing. The cutter head 32 is equipped with cutting edges that have a positive rake angle. In a preferred embodiment, the cutters are attached to rams, which are mounted in a base body so that they can be moved radially. During a planing operation, the cutting edges that are in engagement are guided approximately in the longitudinal direction of the rail by means of a slotted link control arranged inside the cutter head 32 . With a With a peripheral planing tool modified in this way, traces of intervention are largely avoided.

[46] In the event of a necessary work interruption of the tamping machine part 27, the central control device 21 intervenes in the control of the milling tool 30. The same applies if a predetermined tamping cycle time is exceeded, for example if a sleeper 8 has to be tamped several times until the ballast is optimally compacted. A method described in AT 520056 A1 for automatically checking the ballast compaction is advantageously used. This makes it possible to automatically predict longer stuffing cycles. As a result, it is possible to react in good time with an adjusted feed rate for rail processing.

[47] In the event of a longer interruption or delay in the tamping process, the milling tool 30 is disengaged, with the exact location of the work interruption being stored. A safety buffer for the movement of the satellite relative to the Flaupt machine is used in order to guide the milling tool 30 out of the material engagement along a ramp. The satellite or possibly the entire machine 1 is then reset and the rail processing is continued at the saved point with an intervention ramp.

[48] The machine 1 in Fig. 2 largely corresponds to the machine 1 in Fig. 1 with a different rail processing unit 11 for rail reprofiling. Instead of one large milling or Flobel tool 30, three smaller milling tools 30 for peripheral milling are arranged here per rail 9, for example with an outer diameter of approximately 600 mm. Different milling tools 30 can be combined with one another in different variants. In a first variant, all milling tools 30 assigned to a rail 9 cover the profile section of the rail head profile to be machined. The foremost milling cutter head 32 is designed as a roughing cutter and the two following milling cutter heads 32 are designed as finishing cutters. With this combination, particularly high material removal is possible in one work cycle. [49] In an alternative variant, the cutter heads 32 arranged one behind the other are assigned to different profile sections of the rail head profile to be machined. This combination allows for different machining processes, in that either all milling cutter heads 32 or only individual milling cutter heads 32 are brought into engagement with the associated rail 9 . This means, for example, that it can be quickly adapted to different rail profiles. In a switch or crossing area, individual milling cutter heads 32 can be raised in order to avoid collisions with a switch heart or a crossing rail 9 .

The suspension of the individual milling tools 30 on the machine frame 10 essentially corresponds to the design of the large milling tool 30 according to FIG. 1. A smoothing device 40 is also arranged after the rail processing unit 11 . Another replacement device 31 is provided for replacing a milling tool 30 with worn cutting edges. Here the entire milling cutter heads 32 are exchanged and fitted with new or reversed cutting inserts. Due to the smaller size, several spare cutter heads 32 can also be carried here. This means that quick tool changes can also be carried out to adapt to different rail head profiles.

[51] The maintenance machine 1 in Fig. 3 includes an extension for track stabilization. For this purpose, a third machine part 43 is arranged between the first machine part 27 for rail lifting/aligning and for tamping and the second machine part 28 for rail reprofiling. The third machine part 43 is connected to the first machine part 27 via an articulated connection and includes the energy supply device 25. Two stabilization units 44 are fastened to the associated machine frame 10. These are lowered onto the rails 9 during a work assignment. Vibrations are transmitted to the track panel 7 via splayed flanged wheels and rail clamps in order to stabilize them in the ballast bed 6 after the track tamping. [52] The ballast stones are converted into an even denser structure by means of the stabilization units 44. This stabilization process anticipates settlement of the track grid 7, which would otherwise occur in an uncontrolled manner as a result of subsequent rail traffic. This creates optimal conditions for rail reprofiling. The stabilized support of the track grid 7 offers a completely even counter pressure when milling the rails. This means that large depths of engagement can also be set during milling with a correspondingly increased pressure on the rails 9 without reducing the quality of the work result.

[53] In an advantageous further development, the stabilization units 44 are used to check the rail fastenings of the processed track section. A modified spreading drive within the respective unit 44 is used here. In concrete terms, the respective spreading drive is set up to apply a modulated spreading force to the rails 9 . Accordingly, the expanding drive is not only used to press the flanged wheels without play against the inside of the respective rail head. Rather, a variable spreading force is specified, which is subsequently set in relation to a measured track width or track width difference. The track width or the track width difference is measured by means of a suitable measuring device which, for example, comprises an electromechanical displacement sensor which is coupled to the spreader axle. The change in track width caused by a change in the spreading force subsequently provides information about the condition of the respective rail fastening. This increases the quality of rail processing because loose rail fastenings are detected in good time. If necessary, the feed rate of the milling tool 30 is adjusted to a reduced fastening stability of a rail section.

[54] The second machine part 28 shown in FIG. 3 with the rail processing unit 11 essentially corresponds to that in FIG. 1. A large milling tool 30 is arranged per rail 9 . A belt grinder 42 is used here as the final smoothing device 40 . [55] Figures 4 and 5 also show a maintenance machine 1 with stabilization units 44. In the embodiment shown, the second machine part 28 can be temporarily uncoupled from the third machine part 42. In work use, the second machine part 28 works as a drone. For this purpose, the second machine part 28 has its own travel drive 20 and its own control device 45. The drone is supplied with energy by the energy supply device 25 via a supply line 29.

[56] In one variant, the drone remains connected to the other machine parts 27, 43 via the supply line 29 during a work operation. The supply line 29 is arranged in a cable drum 46 so that it can be pulled out, for example. Control data are advantageously transmitted using radio modules 47 via an air interface. Control data is transmitted to the drone via the central control device 21, in particular speed specifications and data on rail defects and obstacles in track 3.

[57] Another drone variant includes an electrical energy store 48 which can be charged by means of the energy supply device 21 via the supply line 29 . During a work assignment, the supply line 29 is temporarily disconnected via a plug-in device and the drone is supplied with power from the energy store 48. The capacity of the energy store 48 is designed in such a way that continuous rail reprofiling can be carried out during a track possession.

[58] During operation, both the plug-in device of the supply line 29 and a coupling device 49 are automatically released and connected. In this way, no personnel is required on track 3 to uncouple or couple the drone. In the decoupled state, a danger zone around the drone is monitored by cameras 17 . In addition, optical and acoustic warning devices 50 are arranged on the drone.

[59] Another variant of the maintenance machine 1 is shown in FIG. This group of vehicles moves forward cyclically in the working direction 12 during work. During a darning cycle, the machine stops at 1 for the duration of a tamping process. The first machine part 27 includes an additional lifting unit 51 in addition to the lifting/aligning unit 6. In this way, a branching rail 9 is grasped and lifted in a switch area. The tamping unit 5 is equipped with swiveling tamping picks for tamping points.

[60] In the second machine part 28, the energy supply device 25 and the rail processing unit 11 for rail reprofiling are arranged. The tamping machine part 27 is also supplied with power by the energy supply device 25 . The rail processing unit 11 comprises two milling tools 30 arranged one behind the other with a large outer diameter (approx. 1500 mm) for peripheral or profile milling per rail 9 . The front milling tool 30 is preferably designed as a roughing milling cutter. The rear milling tool 30 is a finishing milling cutter that works with a small depth of engagement. This achieves a high surface quality with negligible machining marks. Smoothing by means of a separate smoothing device 40 can be omitted.

[61] In order to enable continuous processing of the rails 9 despite the cyclic advance of the machine 1, this is

Rail processing unit 11 mounted on its own machine frame 10. With a rear support on a rail carriage 2 and a front slidable support on a base frame 13, this arrangement forms a satellite. When used for work, the satellite is moved continuously along the track 3 at a constant feed rate by means of its own drive 20 . The feed rate, the respective tamping cycle duration and the relative movement between the Flaupt machine and the satellite are coordinated with one another by means of the central control device 21 .

[62] During rail processing, supports for the rail chassis 2 are activated. Spring travel between the rail wheels and the chassis frame and between the rail chassis 2 and the machine frame 10, 13, 14 are blocked. For example, one hydraulic cylinder and one on the associated spring plate or axle bearing are used as support elements on the respective chassis frame for each wheel suspension further hydraulic cylinder arranged. A blockage of the hydraulic flow activates the support, so that the processing tools 30 are clearly positioned in relation to the rails 9 .

[63] A position detection system is advantageously set up on the maintenance machine 1 for local assignment. This includes, for example, a fixed point detection device that is disclosed in AT 518579 A1. This makes it possible to determine an absolute track position. Further components of the position detection system are, for example, an odometer, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a GNSS receiver 52. The precise local and spatial detection of the maintenance machine 1 allows a comparison with previously collected track data and a location-related logging of the work results.

[64] All maintenance machines 1 shown are exemplary combinations of the individual system components or machine parts 27, 28, 43. The invention also includes other combinations. In particular, the aggregates 4, 5, 11, 40, 44, 51 shown can be arranged in a different order, configuration and composition.

Claims

patent claims

1. Track-bound maintenance machine (1) for the maintenance of a superstructure with a track grid (7) made of sleepers mounted in a ballast bed (6).

(8) and rails (9) fastened thereon, comprising a lifting/straightening unit (4) for lifting/straightening the tracks and a tamping unit (5) for tamping the tracks, characterized in that at least one rail processing unit (11) is mounted on a machine frame (10) for continuous reprofiling of the rails

(9) is arranged.

2. maintenance machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rail processing unit (11) is arranged in a working direction (12) behind the lifting / straightening unit (4) and the tamping unit (5).

3. Maintenance machine (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rail processing unit (11) comprises a milling tool (30) which in particular has a milling cutter head (32) with an axis of rotation (34) aligned transversely to a machine longitudinal direction (33). .

4. Maintenance machine (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the rail processing unit (11) comprises a plurality of milling tools (30) arranged one behind the other and in that in particular a front milling tool (30) is designed as a roughing cutter and a rear milling tool (30) as a finishing cutter.

5. maintenance machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rail processing unit (11) comprises a Flobel tool (30) which has cutting bodies designed to be movable in particular relative to a base body.

6. maintenance machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the working direction (12) behind the Rail processing unit (11) a smoothing device (40), in particular a grinding tool (41, 42), is arranged.

7. Maintenance machine (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lifting/straightening unit (4) and the tamping unit (5) are arranged on a separate machine frame (14) and that in particular at least one of the machine frames (10 , 14) as a satellite frame by means of a satellite drive in relation to a main frame (13) in the machine longitudinal direction (33) is displaceable.

8. maintenance machine (1) one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the working direction (12) behind the tamping unit (5) a stabilization unit (44) is arranged.

9. Maintenance machine (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a first machine part (27) comprises the lifting/straightening unit (4) and the tamping unit (5) and that a second machine part coupled to the first machine part (27). Machine part (28) comprising the rail processing unit (11) for reprofiling the rails (9).

10. Maintenance machine (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that an energy supply device (25) is installed on one machine part (27, 28, 43) and that the other machine part (27, 28) is connected to the energy supply device via a supply line (29). (25) is connected.

11. Maintenance machine (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the supply line (29) between the machine parts (27, 28, 43) has a detachable connection, that the second machine part (28) comprises an energy store (48) and that the Energy store (48) can be charged via the supply line (29).

12. A method for operating a maintenance machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that on a track section of Track panel (7) is lifted and straightened by means of the lifting/aligning unit (4), that the sleepers (8) of the track panel (7) are tamped by means of the tamping unit (5) and that the rails (9) of the track panel (7) by means of the rail processing unit (11) are reprofiled.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the lifting/straightening unit (4) and the tamping unit (5) are moved forward in the working direction (12) during successive work cycles and that the rail processing unit (11) for reprofiling the rails (9) with is moved continuously in the working direction (12) at a speed adapted to the duration of the working cycles.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the lifting/straightening unit (4), the tamping unit (5), the rail processing unit (11) for reprofiling the rails (9), a machine travel drive (20) and optionally a satellite drive coordinated via a central control device (21).

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that during a work assignment, a machine part (28) with the rail processing unit (11) for reprofiling the rails (9) from another machine part (27) with the lifting / straightening unit ( 4) and the tamping unit (5) and is driven by its own drive (20).