The invention relates to a method for correcting vertical position defects of a track after a lifting-tamping process, with a stabilizing process carried out by means of a dynamic track stabilizer in which a stabilizing unit acts on the track at a forward-moving working point in a working direction, with track position data of the untreated track being recorded before the lifting-tamping process, and with track position data of the tamped track being recorded after the lifting-tamping process at a measuring point located in front of the stabilizing unit in the working direction. The invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.
WO 2006/056215 A1 describes a method for correcting vertical position defects (height defects) of a track with ballast bed, with this being tamped by lifting it into a temporary target position and subsequently lowered into a final target position in a controlled manner during a track stabilization by applying a static imposed load in conjunction with transverse vibrations.
During lifting and tamping, a targeted overlifting of the track in relation to the height defects is predefined in order to be able to compact track sections with larger height defects more strongly by means of the subsequent track stabilization. This is intended to counteract a rapid lowering into the old defective track position due to traffic loads.
The well-known procedure is usually referred to as “design overlift”, with a respective overlifting value being predefined on the basis of empirical data. In this way, spot defects can be corrected in the long term. However, this approach results in an unnecessarily high superelevation in some treatment zones, with an associated increase in ballast required.
AT 519317 A1 discloses a modified method in which a smoothed actual position course is created from a course of the actual position of the untreated track before a lifting-tamping process. The respective overlifting value is subsequently predefined as a function of this course of the actual track position with respect to the almost smoothed actual position course. With this method, only short-wave track position defects are treated with an overlifting value. Long-wave settlements are not taken into account when specifying the overlifting value.
Another method for track position correction by means of a dynamic track stabilizer is described in EP 0 952 254 A1. Here, the track stabilizer is operated with a variable static imposed load in order to eliminate long-wave track position defects after a lifting-tamping process. Based on a survey of the tamped track, a new target position of the track is calculated, with correction values derived therefrom determining the change in the static imposed load.
The object of the invention is to improve a method of the kind mentioned above compared to prior art in such a way that an optimum track position is achieved after the stabilizing process regardless of the type and extent of existing track defects. A further object of the invention is to indicate a corresponding system.
According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the features of independent claims 1 and 9. Advantageous further developments of the invention are shown in the dependent claims.
In this case, additional track position data of the stabilized track are recorded at a post-measuring point located behind the stabilizing unit in the working direction, with the dynamic track stabilizer being actuated during the stabilizing process as a function of track position data of the untreated and the tamped track at the working point and of track position data of the stabilized track at the post-measuring point. Together with the measurements before and after the lifting-tamping process, the additional post-measurement of the track position after the stabilizing process enables precise control of the dynamic track stabilizer. Specifically, the track position measured before and after the lifting-tamping process is used together with the track position measured after the stabilizing process as the basis for the controlled actuation of the dynamic track stabilizer. In this way, remaining residual defects approach zero after an initial settlement phase, resulting in an optimal track position. Particularly, residual defects recorded after the lifting-tamping process are eliminated with the controlled actuation of the dynamic track stabilizer.
In a further development of the method, track position data of a final target position of the track are predefined, with the dynamic track stabilizer being additionally actuated during the stabilizing process as a function of correction data which are derived for the working point from the data of the target position and the track position data of the untreated track. In this way, measuring data of spot defects and other pronounced position defects of the untreated track flow directly into the actuation of the dynamic track stabilizer, with control deviations being minimized in advance. With this method extension, particularly, an active compensation of uneven overliftings takes place through the upstream lifting-tamping process with design overlift.
Advantageously, a longitudinal gradient or longitudinal level and a crossfall or superelevation of the track are each measured at the respective measuring point to record the track position data. In a curve, the longitudinal gradient or longitudinal level of an inner rail is preferably recorded. Relative to this, the crossfall or superelevation indicates the position of an outer rail. Thus, the vertical positions (heights) of both rails of the track in different treatment states are recorded as track position data.
In an advantageous concretization of the method, at least one of the following operating parameters of the dynamic track stabilizer is changed during the stabilizing process as a function of the recorded track position data: a vibration frequency of the stabilizing unit, a travelling speed of the dynamic track stabilizer, an imposed load of the stabilizing unit acting on a left rail of the track, an imposed load of the stabilizing unit acting on a right rail of the track, and a total imposed load acting on the track from the stabilizing unit.
The stabilizing process is usefully started with a predefined output value of the respective operating parameter, with an adjusted value being continuously calculated for the respective operating parameter during the stabilizing process by means of an algorithm set up in a computing unit. The continuous recalculation of the respective changeable operating parameter causes an immediate adjustment of the stabilizing process to various system-inherent or external influences.
Preferably, weighting factors are stored in the algorithm for the respective operating parameter, with the weighting factors being continuously adjusted by means of a control. For example, a formula with its own weighting factors is implemented into the computing unit for each changeable operating parameter. The controlled actuation of the dynamic track stabilizer is then only carried out through a continuous adjustment of the weighting factors. Such an algorithm enables a high quality of control because the characteristics of the controlled line at hand and the dynamics of the control are predefined separately. In each operating parameter formula, the concrete interaction between the respective operating parameter and the recorded track position data is mapped. A stored adjustment logic of the weighting factors determines the control dynamics.
In a further improvement of the method, a track position measuring system comprising a plurality of measuring devices is carried along with the dynamic track stabilizer, with the corresponding track position with respect to a common reference system being recorded at the respective measuring point by means of the assigned measuring devices. In this way, the track position data of the track position changing in the course of the treatment are collected during a forward movement of the dynamic track stabilizer. A viewed track point is initially located in front of the stabilizing unit, where the track position is recorded after the lifting-tamping process. Due to the forward movement of the dynamic track stabilizer, the same track point becomes the current working point during the controlled lowering of the track by means of the stabilizing unit, with a measuring point immediately behind it. In a double unit, this measuring point is preferably located between two sets of stabilizing units. Outside the sphere of influence of the stabilizing unit, the track position data of the lowered track position are recorded at the post-measuring point. Thus, the respective measuring point corresponds to a viewed track point in a time sequence during a working travel forwards.
In a further development of this improvement, the reference system is formed by means of a camera attached to one of the measuring devices and a reference mark attached to another measuring device and positioned in a recording area of the camera, with measuring marks attached to the remaining measuring devices being recorded by means of the camera in order to record the track position data. Such an optical measuring system provides precise measuring results for a plurality of measuring points, with the common reference system simplifying the further processing of the track position data obtained. In a useful further development, a reference mark is attached directly to the stabilizing unit. The corresponding measuring point thus coincides with the working point. The camera is then also used to record the vibration amplitudes of the stabilizing unit. This additional measurand can be used as a further parameter to control the stabilizing process.
The system according to the invention for carrying out one of the methods described comprises a track position measuring system and a dynamic track stabilizer for correcting vertical position defects at a forward-moving working point of a track, with the track position measuring system being set up to record the track position at a measuring point arranged in front of the dynamic track stabilizer in the working direction and at a post-measuring point arranged after the dynamic track stabilizer in the working direction, with the dynamic track stabilizer comprising a control device to which track position data recorded by means of the track position measuring system are fed and with the control device being set up to actuate the dynamic track stabilizer as a function of track position data assigned to the working point and the post-measuring point.
Advantageously, the control device comprises a computing unit in which an algorithm is implemented for recalculating at least one operating parameter of the dynamic track stabilizer on the basis of continuously updated track position data. In this way, recorded track position defects lead to an adjustment of the control of the dynamic track stabilizer almost in real time. The short reaction time results in a further quality improvement of the corrected track position.
Advantageously, a distance between the working point and the post-measuring point lies in a range between 3 m and 10 m, particularly between 5 m and 8 m. This ensures that an undisturbed actual track position is determined after the stabilizing process at the post-measuring point. In this way, the post-measurement provides particularly precise data for a control loop to actuate the dynamic stabilizer. The post-measuring point follows the working point at a sufficiently short distance so that quick control adjustments can be made if necessary.
In a further development of the system, a stabilizing unit comprises a vibration generator and roller clamps that can be clamped onto rails of the track, with the stabilizing unit being supported against a machine frame with imposed load drives that can be actuated separately. With this improvement, different imposed loads can be applied to a left and a right rail of the track. This enables precise adjustment of the depressions achieved with the stabilizing unit so that the predefined crossfall or superelevation of the track is precisely achieved.
An advantageous extension of the system relates to a machine formation in which a tamping machine is arranged immediately in front of the dynamic track stabilizer in the working direction and with the track position measuring system comprising at least one measuring device which is assigned to the tamping machine. With a continuously working track tamping machine, there is the possibility of a permanent coupling with the dynamic track stabilizer. A cyclically working tamping machine and a dynamic track stabilizer travelling behind it are operated without mechanical coupling. The extended track position measuring system also extends to measuring points of the tamping machine in both variants so that additional track position data are directly available for actuating the dynamic track stabilizer.
Advantageously, the track position measuring system comprises a first measuring device to which a camera is attached, with a reference mark being attached to a second measuring device and with at least one further measuring device with a measuring mark being attached between the first and second measuring device. Such an optical measuring arrangement delivers exact measuring results even over long distances, with it being possible to specifically filter out interference caused by vibrations.
A further improvement of this track position measuring system comprises a flash lamp that can be actuated together with the camera. This makes it possible to adjust the illumination of the reference marks and measuring marks to an exposure time of the camera so that interfering influences due to sunlight or other light sources are suppressed.
In the following, the invention is explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The following figures show in schematic illustrations:
A dynamic track stabilizer (DGS) 1 shown in
In a variant not shown, the tamping machine 5 and the dynamic track stabilizer 1 form a combined track construction machine. The cyclic forward movement of a tamping unit 6 is adjusted to the continuous forward movement of the dynamic track stabilizer 1, for example, via a longitudinally shiftable auxiliary frame (satellite).
The cyclically working tamping machine 5 shown in
In the example according to
Subsequently, the track position data are fed to a control device 12 for adaptive actuation of the dynamic track stabilizer 1. If necessary, track position data of the untreated or already tamped track 4 recorded by a separate track inspection vehicle are transferred to the control device 12 in advance or transmitted via a radio connection.
During a lifting-tamping process, a track panel formed by sleepers 13 and rails 14 attached thereon is lifted out of a ballast bed 15. For this purpose, the tamping machine 5 comprises a lifting unit 16, which is arranged in front of the tamping unit 6. In between there is another measuring device 8 for recording a performed lifting 17. In the raised track position, tamping tines of the tamping unit 6 penetrate the ballast bed 15. Under the application of vibration, a squeezing movement takes place in which the ballast is pushed under the raised sleepers 13 and compacted. In this way, the track 4 is temporarily fixed in an overlifted track position.
In the variant shown, each measuring device 8 is designed as a rail-guided device. The respective device 8 comprises wheel-flange rollers which are pressed against the inner sides of the rails 14 by means of a spreading axle. A non-contact variant of the respective measuring device 8 comprises a carrier on which measuring sensors (e.g. laser scanners) directed towards the rails 14 are arranged. By means of these sensors, the position of the measuring device 8 in relation to the rails 14 is recorded.
At the last measuring point 10 of the track position measuring system 9 of the tamping machine 1, in the working direction 7, there is, for example, a measuring device 8 with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 18. This is arranged on a measuring frame 19, which is guided on the rails 14 by four wheel-flange rollers. With this measuring device 8, track position data of the tamped track 4 are recorded in a known manner. At the same time, the measuring device 8 serves as the rear reference unit of a chord measuring system set up on the tamping machine 5.
The overlifted track position is lowered to a final target track position 20 in a subsequent stabilizing process. The dynamic track stabilizer 1 is used here. The dynamic track stabilizer 1 is actuated as a function of measuring data recorded at a plurality of measuring points 10, including a post-measuring point 21. Specifically, a controlled lowering of the track 4 takes place by means of the dynamic track stabilizer 1 at a forward-moving working point 22 with the machine 1 in the working direction 7.
At this working point 22, a stabilizing unit 23 with roller clamps 24 is clamped onto the rails 14 (
In a track position measuring system 9 designed as a chord measuring system, this measuring device 8 serves on the one hand to control the lowering of the track 4 and on the other hand for post-measurement of the undisturbed actual track position 28 after stabilization. In the example shown, a total of four measuring devices 8 are arranged on the dynamic track stabilizer 1. Seen from the front, the first measuring device 8 is guided on a track section with an overlifted track position. The second measuring device 8 is located directly behind the stabilizing unit 23. Behind this, the third and fourth measuring device 8 are also arranged at defined distances from each other.
The four measuring devices 8 form two three-point measuring systems with corresponding measuring chords. To control the lowering, a chord is tensioned over each rail 14 between the first and the third measuring device 8. The reference system for post-measurement of the undisturbed track 4 is formed by measuring chords tensioned between the second and the fourth measuring device 8. On the respective measuring device 8 positioned in between, the distance (versine) to the assigned measuring chord is measured and the track position is derived therefrom according to the known moving-chord measuring principle. The position of the third measuring device 8 defines the post-measuring point 21. In order to precisely record the position of the unaffected track 4, a distance a between the post-measuring point 21 and the working point 22 is, for example, 6 m. Alternatively, the third measuring device 8 is designed as a measuring trolley with an inertial measurement unit 18 arranged on a measuring frame 19. In this case, the post-measurement is only carried out by means of this adapted measuring device 8.
The stabilizing unit 23 is designed either as a single unit or as a double unit. A double unit comprises two sets of units of approximately the same design, guided one behind the other on the track 4. In
According to the invention, at least one operating parameter of the dynamic track stabilizer 1 is changed as a function of recorded track position data during a stabilizing process. Essential here is the recording of track position data at a plurality of measuring points 10, 21, namely at measuring points 10 upstream of the stabilizing unit 23 and at a post-measuring point 21 behind the stabilizing unit 23. In the example according to
In an improved variant, the measurement of the track position changing in the working process is carried out by means of an optical measuring system 9, as shown in
In the evaluation device 11 of the track position measuring system 9, the recordings of the camera 29 are continuously evalua ted. The distances of the measuring devices 8 to each other and an imaging scale of the camera 29 are known. With these known size ratios, the evaluation device 11 calculates an actual change in position of the measuring mark 30 with respect to the optical chord 31 from a shifting of a measuring mark 30 imaged on an image sensor. In a predefined coordinate system x,y,z, the corresponding shifting values Δx, Δy result (
Advantageously, the camera 29 is set up to record monochrome images in order to optimize the evaluation. The resolution of the image sensor, for example, is 5 megapixels. This allows shiftings of the measuring marks 30 to be recognized in millimetres. A recording frequency of approx. 200 Hz ensures that changes in position are detected immediately. Thus, approx. 200 measurements are taken per second.
In an advantageous further development, the camera 29 is coupled with a flash lamp 33. For example, a plurality of high-power LEDs are arranged around a lens of the camera 29 to flash in the direction of the measuring marks 30 synchronously with the triggering of the camera 29. In this embodiment, the measuring marks 30 are designed as passive elements of the track position measuring system 9 (
A further improvement of the track position measuring system 9 used in the present invention is shown in
Based on the recorded track position data, the following operating parameters of the dynamic track stabilizer 1 are continuously adjusted, for example:
The track position data recorded in the working direction 7 in front of stabilizing unit 23 are assigned to the current working point 22. This means that all track position data with a local assignment to the track 4 are recorded before the stabilizing process. For example, the track position data are supplemented with position data from a navigation satellite system (GNSS data). With known distances between the measuring points 10 and the working point 22, a simple reference can be established via a recorded distance.
Specifically, the following measuring data are recorded in advance and then used to adjust the operating parameters when the respective measuring point 10 corresponds to the current working point 22:
In addition, predefined values for a final target track position are used to adjust the operating parameters:
Exemplary formulae for the continuous adjustment of the operating parameters use the following weighting factors:
At the beginning of a working operation, the following output values are applied for the operating parameters:
The following formulae are stored in the control device 12 in order to adjust operating parameters of the dynamic track stabilizer 1 during a stabilizing process for the current working position 22:
Due to the effect of the dynamic track stabilizer 1, there is a lowering of the track 4 and a change in the longitudinal level and/or the superelevation during the pass. These changes are recorded by the post-measurement of the track position. Accordingly, the following track position data are used to adjust the correction of the track position and the operating parameters:
For example, an iterative adjustment of the operating parameters was performed by the following formulae stored in the control device 12:
With the iterative adjustment, the original values of the weighting factors are replaced by new values. If both the crossfall and the longitudinal level correspond to the respective target value after the stabilizing process, the dynamic stabilizer 1 is perfectly adjusted and no adaptation of the weighting factors takes place.
The factors kgf1, kgf2, kga1, kga2, kga3, kga4, kgv1, kgv2 used determine a control gain and are calculated in tests or simulations, for example. The same applies to the output values of the operating parameters f0, a0, V0 and to output values of the weighting factors gf1(0), gf2(0), ga1(0), ga2(0), ga3(0), ga4(0), gv1(0), gv2(0). If the method is carried out frequently, experience is gained so that suitable values are available at the beginning of a working operation.
In the extended method involving the tamping machine 5, the following overlifting values (correction values) are predefined:
In a simple embodiment, an invariable factor Fh, Fq is predefined in each case to determine the overlifting values. However, known methods can also be used to continuously adjust the overliftings to changing track conditions.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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A 50502/2021 | Jun 2021 | AT | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2022/066110 | 6/14/2022 | WO |