GB2260033A

GB2260033A - A method for installing droppers on an overhead line

Info

Publication number: GB2260033A
Application number: GB9219740A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leopold Rudolf Gruber
Original assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industrie GmbH
Current assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industrie GmbH
Priority date: 1991-09-19
Filing date: 1992-09-18
Publication date: 1993-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2012-09-18
Also published as: CA2078587C; CH684183A5; AT398738B; ATA189291A; FR2681562A1; DE4230681A1; CA2078587A1; ITMI921987A0; GB9219740D0; IT1256098B; FR2681562B1; DE4230681C2; ITMI921987A1; GB2260033B

Abstract

In order to install droppers (5) on an overhead line (3) of a track (14), in dependence on a zero value defined by a catenary mast (27) the distance covered with an installation vehicle (4) is measured and is automatically compared with the particular desired spacing of the dropper (5) which is to be installed. When the distance measurement value agrees with the desired spacing of the dropper (5) which is to be installed, a signal is issued to denote the correct desired position of the dropper (5) relative to the contact wire (22). <IMAGE>

Description

1 A METHOD FOR INSTALLING DROPPERS ON AN OVERHEAD LINE The invention

relates to a method for installing droppers on an overhead line of a track, wherein, with the aid of the known number of the droppers provided between two catenary masts and their distance apart, the droppers are installed between the supporting cable and the contact wire as an installation vehicle advances, and relates also to a vehicle for implementing the method.

The accuracy requirements imposed on the installation of an overhead line are becoming increasingly high, particularly as a result of the increased running speeds. Especial care has to be taken over the measurement of the dropper spacing which is necessary before the droppers are installed. However, this measurement, hitherto performed manually, is very labour-intensive and is dependent on the reliability and concentration of the workmen.

The object underlying the invention is therefore to simplify the installation of the droppers of an overhead line in the correct desired position, eliminating the known disadvantages.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a method of the kind described in the introduction in that, in dependence on a zero value defined by a catenary mast, the distance covered with the installation vehicle is measured and automatically compared with the particular desired spacing of the dropper to be installed, and in that when the distance measurement value agrees with the desired spacing of the dropper to be installed, a signal is issued to denote the correct desired position of the dropper in relation to the contact wire.

2 The correct dropper installation is considerably simplifed and accelerated by a method of this kind, as any measuring procedure, to be performed manually, is rendered unnecessary. In addition, errors in the correct distribution of the droppers which result from a lack of concentration or from careless work during the measuring procedure are reliably elminated. Now the team merely has to wait for a signa1 at which the dropper is to be installed, the signal being given precisely as a result of the distance measurement and comparison with the desired spacing. Signals which are particularly suitable for indicating the correct desired position of the dropper are those which have an optical and/or acoustic effect, as in this way awareness of the signal by the workmen is largely guaranteed. It is also possible, however, for the aforementioned signal to be changed into a coloured marking on the contact wire, for example.

An advantageous further development of the method according to the invention consists in the fact that the desired spacing of the dropper to be installed is automatically reduced by a constant, adjustable quantity to form an acoustic and/or optical advance warning signal. As a result of this advance warning, the workmen are relieved from permanently concentrating and when the advance warning signal appears or sounds they can prepare specifically for the immediate steps required for rapid dropper installation.

Finally, a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention consists in the fact that at each catenary mast the number (n) of the droppers for the next section of the overhead line and the distance (L) away from the next catenary mast are entered into a control unit, the desired spacing (1) of the droppers is calculated and stored and the distance measuring device is set to the value zero.

The disadvantageous summation of slight inaccuracies of the desired spacings are reliably eliminated by the constant zero setting at each catenary mast.

3 The invention also relates to a vehicle for installing droppers on an overhead line, comprising a machine frame supported on undercarriages, for implementing the said method. This invention is characterised by a distance measuring device and a control unit connected thereto which has an input for entering at least one parameter from the group: distance apart of two catenary masts; number of droppers; desired mutual spacing of the droppers; and which is designed to issue a signal in dependence on the distance, and also by a signal device associated with the said control unit to indicate the distance-dependent signal denoting the desired position of the dropper in relation to the contact wire. A combination of this kind of a distance measuring device with a control unit and a signal device enables the particular dropper position to be determined entirely independently of the concentration and accuracy of the workmen. All that is necessary to achieve this is the entering of at least one of the listed parameters and the zero position of the distance measuring device in the region of a catenary mast, with the result that the dropper position can be determined virtually without any appreciable additional labour with a minimum of constructional means.

If an acoustically and/or optically effective signal device is associated with the control unit, according to an advantageous further development, the arrival at the precise dropper position by the vehicle can be indicated in an acoustic and/or optical form which is immediately recognizable to the entire team and which is effective even when the concentration of the workmen is lowered.

- 35 With another further development according to claim 6 it is possible for an advance warning to be given immediately before arrival at the exact dropper position by means of two signals which differ chronologically and acoustically or optically. The workmen are thereby relieved from permanently concentrating but at a specific time are still able to prepare 4 in good time for the imminent installation of the dropper.

A particularly advantageous development of the invention consists in the fact that the control unit is connected to a servo valve to switch off a motive drive. The operational advance of the vehicle can thus be stopped automatically as soon as it has arrived at the exact dropper position.

The further inputs of the control unit according to claim 8 enable the steps required for installing the next dropper to be initiated automatically.

According to another development of the invention, a display is associated with the control unit to indicate the desired spacing for the droppers to be installed and the actual distance and the difference of these two values, creating the facility of constant monitoring.

With the further features indicated in claims 10 to 12, it is possible to set the distance measuring device simply and precisely to zero as soon as the marking stops exactly opposite the catenary mast.

Finally, there is a further advantageous development of the invention which consists in the fact that there is provided on one longitudinal side of the machine frame a measuring device, acting without contact and connected to the control unit, to detect the distance away from a catenary mast. This measuring device enables the distance measuring device to be automatically set to zero, as mentioned above, in the region of each catenary mast.

The invention is described in detail below with the aid of an embodiment represented in the drawing.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a vehicle, designed according to the invention, for installing droppers on an overhead k v line with a vehicle disposed in front for installing the overhead line, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an overhead line section defined by two catenary masts, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a control unit combined with a distance measuring device for determining the dropper position, and Fig. 4 and 5 show respective programme flow diagrams for the sequence of operations of the control unit.

A machine arrangement 1 represented in Fig. 1 is composed of a vehicle 2, disposed in front in the working direction, for installing an overhead line 3 and a vehicle 4 connected thereto and disposed thereafter for installing droppers 5. This vehicle 4 is provided with a machine frame 6 supported on undercarriages and with a superstructure 7 secured on the said machine frame. Located on the said superstructure is a lifting platform 8 which is displacable vertically and in the longitudinal direction of the machine by means of drives. The said lifting platform is provided with a control unit 9, an acoustic and optical signal device 10 and a marking 11.

Provided on the machine frame 6 is a further marking 12 which at the beginning of the dropper installation procedure is arranged in common with the aforementioned marking 11 on the lifting platform 8 in a vertical plane extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine. Also, located between the two undercarriages is a distance measuring device 15 which is vertically adjustable by means of drives and which is able to roll along a rail 13 of a track 14.

The front laying-vehicle 2 has a machine frame 17, supported on undercarriages 16, which is connected to a crane jib 19 which can be slewed vertically and laterally and which has two rollers 18. Cable winches 20 serve to unwind a 6 supporting cable 21 or a contact wire 22 from corresponding cable drums 23. A motive drive 24 is provided for the machine's advance. A control device 25 is located in an operator's cab 26. The overhead line 3 is secured on brackets 28 connected to catenary masts 27.

The schematically simplified section represented in Fig. 2 and located between two catenary masts 27 has four droppers 5 which are arranged symmetrically in relation to a vertical centre line located centrally between the two catenary masts 27. The designations],, 1 2 1 33 1 4 and 1 5 denote the respective desired mutual spacings of the droppers 5 or the dropper distribution, and L denotes the distance apart of two catenary masts 27. The central dropper spacing 1 3 can be calculated from the following formula: 1 3 = L - 2 (1 1 + 1 2) or from the general formula denoted 58 in Fig. 4.

Schematically represented in Fig. 3 is the control unit 9 with a keyboard 29 and an alphanumeric display 30. Associated with the control unit 9, moreover, are also the distance measuring device 15, the acoustic and optical signal device 10 and an advance warning device 31 which similarly acts acoustically and optically. The control unit 9 has three inputs or keys 32, 33 and 34 for initiating the sequence of operations of the control unit 9 or the start for the next dropper position or for the signal that the dropper position has been reached.

Reference numerals 35 and 36 in Fig. 4 denote the input into the keyboard 29 of the distance apart (L) of the two catenary masts 27 or the number (n) of the droppers 5. 37 denotes the preselected input for a counter i = 1. If the interrogation i 5 n/2, denoted 38, applies, the indication 39 "input lill appears on the display 30 (i here corresponds to the numbering of the particular dropper to be installed). 40 denotes a counter for "ill. At 41 there is a further interrogation i>n/2 s n + 1. This is then followed by a 7 further counter 42 (j). At 43 the equation Ii = 1 (n/2+1-j) is determined, at 58 the equation n/2 Ii = L - 2 1 li i and also j=0 is determined.

The flow chart represented in Fig. 5 shows the sequence of operations of the control unit 9. 44 and 45 denote respective indications on the display 30 of "Machine at start?" and "Machine move to starting point". 46 denotes an interrogation "Machine at start" with the output "YES" 47 and the output "NO" 48. At 49 a counter is set to the value zero. 51 denotes a further interrogation i 5 n + 1. 52 denotes a further display indication with the output "DESIRED DISTANCE a = li, actual distance b (see reference numeral 52 in Fig. 5), distance difference c". In this case the desired distance corresponds to the desired spacing (li) of the relevant dropper. The actual distance s corresponds to the distance covered since the zero setting of the distance measuring device 15 and reduced by the sum of the desired spacings of the already installed droppers 5. 53 represents a further interrogation with the condition "distance difference < 1 c", a YES-output 54 leading to the optical and acoustic advance warning device 31. A further YES-output 55 of an interrogation 56 "distance difference 5 011 leads to a counter 50 and further to the acoustic and optical signal device 10.

Before the start of a new section of the overhead line 3 to be installed, defined by two successive catenary masts 27, the distance apart L of the next two catenary masts 27 and the number (n) of the droppers provided in this section (see Fig. 4) are entered. Next, with reference to the example represented in Fig. 2, the desired spacing 1, of the first dropper 5 evident from a track plan is entered. Next, the spacing 1 2 for the second dropper 5 is entered. The mutual spacing of the two central droppers is automatically calculated from the first two desired spacings 1 and 1. and 1 e 8 the total length L. 14 and 1 5 are also determined automatically, these being identical to the values 12 and 1 1 respectively because of the aforementioned symmetry (see Fig 4 in this connection).

As is particularly evident in connection with Fig. 5, - as soon as the two markings 11, 12 and the first catenary mast 27 lie in a common vertical plane extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the machine - the input 32 is occupied by pressing a start key. The distance measuring device 15 is thereby automatically set to the value zero. As the machine advances continuously, the desired distance a, the actual distance b and the distance difference c from the two aforementioned values are continuously indicated by the display indication 52. As soon as the distance difference c reaches a value]c, which is smaller than the desired distance or desired spacing by a freely selectable amount, the optical and acoustic advance warning device 31 is actuated. This indicates to the workmen on the lifting platform 8 that after a distance of 1 m, for example, the exact position of the dropper 5 to be installed has been reached. As soon as the desired distance agrees with the actual distance, i.e. the distance difference is zero, the optical and acoustic signal device 10 is actuated. By means of a further control device 59 a longitudinal displacement drive 60 is then acted upon, by means of which the lifting platform 8, located in the front position, is moved towards the rear end of the vehicle 4 at a speed corresponding to the continuous advance speed of the machine arrangement 1.

Actuation of this control device 59 may be initiated manually or automatically with the activation of the signal device 10. Installation of the dropper 5 then takes place, the dropper being positioned such that the marking 11 defining the desired position of the dropper 5 and the dropper 5 are located in the same vertical plane extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine. As soon as installation of the dropper is completed, this is signalled by a key at the input z 9 34 of the control device 9 and by further key actuation at the input 33 it is indicated that the next dropper 5 is being approached. At the same time, by means of the drive 60, the lifting platform 8 is rapidly advanced into its front position. The actual distance b, continuously determined by the distance measuring device 15, is now compared with the desired distance 12 until the optical advance warning device 31 and the signal device 10 are actuated in the manner already described. As soon as installation of the whole section of the overhead line 3 is completed and the markings 11, 12 are located level with the next catenary mast 27, the distance away of the next mast, the number of droppers and the individual dropper spacings are again entered - as already described. Actuation of the start key causes the distance measuring device 15 to be reset to the value zero and a new cycle for installing the droppers provided for this section to begin.

61 denotes a measuring device on the vehicle 4 in Fig. 1 which is composed of a laser transmitter and receiver and which acts without contact. This serves to detect the distance from a catenary mast 27. As soon as a distance is determined by this measuring device 61 which is smaller than or equal to a maximum possible distance of a catenary mast 27 from the track 14, the distance measuring device 15 is automatically reset to the value zero.

Differing from the example described, it is also possible for the mutual spacings of the individual droppers 5 to be automatically calculated on the basis of a mathematical function defined in the control unit 9 from the distance apart of the catenary masts 27 and the number of droppers and for them to be stored. Similarly, as an alternative, the control unit 9 can also be connected to a servo valve 57 (Fig. 3) which results in automatic stoppage of the action upon a motive drive of an independently mobile dropper installation vehicle, for example, when the desired distance agrees with the actual distance.

It is also feasible, however, for the signal issued by the control unit 9, in addition to the signal device 10 or instead of-it, to cause the actuation, for example, of a device for applying a colour marking to the contact wire at the location which is to be connected to the dropper.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of installing droppers on an overhead line of a railway track, comprising predetermining the number and spacing of droppers between two catenary masts, advancing an installation vehicle along the track, automatically measuring the distance travelled by the vehicle with reference to a zero point defined by a first of the masts, automatically comparing the measured travel distance with the predetermined desired position of the next dropper to be installed, automatically generating a signal when the measured travel distance matches the desired dropper position, thereby indicating the correct dropper position, and installing a dropper at the indicated position.

2. A method for installing droppers on an overhead line of track, wherein, with the aid of the known number of the droppers provided between two catenary masts and their distance apart, the droppers are installed between the supporting cable and the contact wire as an installation vehicle advances, characterised in that in dependence on a zero value defined by a catenary mast the distance covered with the installation vehicle is measured and automatically compared with the particular desired spacing of the dropper which is to be installed, 12 and in that when the distance measurement value agrees with the desired spacing of the dropper which is to be installed, a signal is issued to denote the correct desired position of the dropper relative to the contact wire.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the desired spacing of the dropper to be installed is automatically reduced by a constant adjustable value so as to form an acoustic and/or optical advance warning signal.

4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in that at each catenary mast the number of the droppers for the next section of the overhead line and the distance to the next catenary mast are entered into a control unit, the desired spacing of the droppers is calculated and stored, and a distance measuring device is set to the value zero.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 in which the vehicle is provided with a work platform movable along the vehicle, the work platform is set at a predetermined forward position on the vehicle when the vehicle is at the zero position, when the vehicle and work platform reach a predetermined dropper position the 13 vehicle continues to advance while the platform moves rearwards along the vehicle so as to remain stationary during installation of the dropper, and thereafter the platform is moved rapidly forwards along the vehicle.

6. A dropper installation vehicle for overhead railway power lines, comprising data storage means for storing predetermined dropper positions relative to support masts, distance measuring means operable to measure the distance travelled by the machine from a mast, and control means adapted automatically to compare the measured travel distance with the stored dropper positions and to generate a signal when the travel distance matches a dropper position.

7. A vehicle for installing droppers on an overhead line, by the method claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 comprising a machine frame supported on undercarriages, a distance measuring device and a control unit connected thereto which has an input for entering at least one parameter from the group: distance apart of two catenary masts; number of droppers; desired mutual spacing of the droppers; and which is designed to issue a signal in dependence on the measured distance; and a signal device associated with the said control unit to provide a distance-dependent signal denoting the desired position of the dropper in relation to the contact wire.

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8. A vehicle according to claim 7 including an acoustically and/or optically acting signal device associated with the control unit.

9. A vehicle according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that two acoustic or optical signal devicesi each issuing a different signal, are associated with the control unit.

10. A vehicle according to claim 7, 8, or 9 characterised in that the control unit is connected to servo valve to switch off a motive drive of the vehicle.

11. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that the control unit has two further inputs to confirm the reached dropper position or to signal that the next dropper is to be installed.

12. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that a display is associated with the control unit to indicate the desired spacing for the dropper to be installed and the actual distance and the difference of these two valves.

13. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterised by a marking located on the machine frame.

-0.

14. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterised by a marking provided on one longitudinal side of a vertically adjustable lifting platform.

15. A vehicle according to claim 14 in which the platform is movable along the vehicle.

16. A vehicle according to claim 13, 14, or 15 characterised in that there are arranged two markings which lie level with one another in the transverse direction of the machine.

17. A vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterised in that a measuring device acting without contact and connected to the control unit is provided on one longitudinal side of the machine frame to detect the distance from a catenary mast.

18. A dropper installation vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of installing droppers substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.