U.S. patent application number 11/544494 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for machine and method for transporting track switches.
This patent application is currently assigned to Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen- Industriegesellschaft mbH. Invention is credited to Manfred Brunninger, Josef Theurer.
Application Number | 20070022898 11/544494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34960036 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070022898 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Theurer; Josef ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Machine and method for transporting track switches
Abstract
A machine for transporting and laying track switches has a
switch carrier that can be supported on a track or a ballast bed,
on the end thereof, by a rail or track-laying gear. The switch
carrier has a central carrier section connected with winches, and
two end carrier sections that are mounted on the gear carrier and
are respectively connected to the central carrier section in an
articulated manner by a carrier joint. The two end carrier sections
can be pivoted about a gear axis, which is parallel to a carrier
axis of the carrier joint and at a distance from the same, in
relation to the gear carrier, by way of a rotational drive.
Inventors: |
Theurer; Josef; (Wien,
AT) ; Brunninger; Manfred; (Altenberg, AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER GREENBERG STEMER LLP
P O BOX 2480
HOLLYWOOD
FL
33022-2480
US
|
Assignee: |
Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-
Industriegesellschaft mbH
|
Family ID: |
34960036 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544494 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP05/50167 |
Jan 17, 2005 |
|
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11544494 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
104/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01B 29/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
104/002 |
International
Class: |
E01B 29/05 20060101
E01B029/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2004 |
AT |
610/2004 |
Claims
1. A machine for the transport of track switches and the laying
thereof upon a ballast bed, the machine comprising: a switch
carrier having cable winches and fastening devices for connection
to the track switch; an on-track undercarriage and a crawler track
disposed to support said switch carrier on a track and on a ballast
bed, respectively; a common undercarriage frame connecting said
on-track undercarriage and said crawler track to one another; said
switch carrier having a carrier mid-section, connected with said
cable winches, and two carrier end-sections each articulated at one
end of said carrier mid-section by way of a respective carrier
joint each defining a carrier axis; each of said two carrier
end-sections being pivotable relative to said undercarriage frame
about an undercarriage axis, extending parallel to and spaced from
said carrier axis defined by said carrier joint, by way of a
rotation drive.
2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein each said carrier
end-section, for pivoting relative to said undercarriage frame
about a pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction of said
carrier, is connected to a pivot drive.
3. The machine according to claim 2, wherein said pivot axis is
disposed centrally with respect to an undercarriage axis of said
on-track undercarriage.
4. The machine according to claim 2, wherein each carrier
end-section is mounted on a pivot support connected to said
undercarriage frame for rotation about said undercarriage axis, and
said pivot drive is fastened, on the one hand, to said carrier
section and, on the other hand, to said pivot support.
5. The machine according to claim 4, wherein said carrier
end-section is pivotable about the pivot axis by a pivot angle
.alpha. of substantially 60.degree..
6. The machine according to claim 1, which comprises a telescopic
drive mounted in said carrier end-section and configured to
distance said carrier joint relative to said undercarriage axis in
the longitudinal direction of said carrier.
7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein a distance between
said carrier axis and said undercarriage axis of said carrier
end-section is greater than a distance between said undercarriage
axis and a bogie pivot axis of said on-track undercarriage.
8. The machine according to claim 1, which comprises a
counterweight section elongating said carrier end-section in a
direction from said carrier axis and beyond said undercarriage
axis.
9. The machine according to claim 8, which comprises a drive
disposed to distance said counterweight section from said
undercarriage axis.
10. The machine according to claim 1, which comprises a plurality
of fastening devices, one following another in the longitudinal
direction of said carrier, each connected to a pair of cable
winches, and wherein said cable winches in each case are formed
with an opening for receiving a centering pin projecting from said
carrier mid-section.
11. The machine according to claim 10, wherein each said fastening
device is provided with fixing clamps, mounted for displacement in
a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the
longitudinal direction of said carrier and including a hook
configured to be pushed under a rail of said track switch.
12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein said crawler track is
disposed between two on-track undercarriages.
13. The machine according to claim 1, which comprises a drive for
vertically adjusting said on-track undercarriage relative to said
undercarriage frame.
14. The machine according to claim 1, which comprises a vertically
adjustable lifting ram for fixing a distance between said carrier
end-section and said undercarriage frame.
15. A machine for the transport of track switches and the laying
thereof upon a ballast bed, the machine comprising: a switch
carrier having fastening devices for connection to the track
switch; an on-track undercarriage and a crawler track disposed to
support each end of said switch carrier on a track and on a ballast
bed, respectively; a common undercarriage frame connecting said
on-track undercarriage and said crawler track to one another; said
switch carrier having a carrier mid-section, connected with said
track switch, and two carrier end-sections each articulated at one
end of said carrier mid-section by way of a respective carrier
joint each defining a carrier axis; each of said two carrier
end-sections, for common pivoting with the carrier mid-section and
the track switch, being mounted on said undercarriage frame for
pivoting about a pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction
of said carrier and connected to a pivot drive.
16. The machine according to claim 15, wherein said pivot axis is
disposed centrally with respect to an undercarriage axis of said
on-track undercarriage.
17. The machine according to claim 16, wherein each carrier
end-section is mounted on a pivot support connected to said
undercarriage frame for rotation about said undercarriage axis, and
said pivot drive is fastened, on the one hand, to said carrier
section and, on the other hand, to said pivot support.
18. The machine according to claim 17, wherein said carrier
end-section is pivotable about the pivot axis by a pivot angle
.alpha. of substantially 60.degree..
19. The machine according to claim 15, which comprises a telescopic
drive mounted in said carrier end-section and configured to
distance said carrier joint relative to said undercarriage axis in
the longitudinal direction of said carrier.
20. The machine according to claim 15, wherein a distance between
said carrier axis and said undercarriage axis of said carrier
end-section is greater than a distance between said undercarriage
axis and a bogie pivot axis of said on-track undercarriage.
21. The machine according to claim 15, which comprises a
counterweight section elongating said carrier end-section in a
direction from said carrier axis and beyond said undercarriage
axis.
22. The machine according to claim 21, which comprises a drive
disposed to distance said counterweight section from said
undercarriage axis.
23. The machine according to claim 15, which comprises a plurality
of fastening devices, one following another in the longitudinal
direction of said carrier, each connected to a pair of cable
winches, and wherein said cable winches in each case are formed
with an opening for receiving a centering pin projecting from said
carrier mid-section.
24. The machine according to claim 23, wherein each said fastening
device is provided with fixing clamps, mounted for displacement in
a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the
longitudinal direction of said carrier and including a hook
configured to be pushed under a rail of said track switch.
25. The machine according to claim 15, wherein said crawler track
is disposed between two on-track undercarriages.
26. The machine according to claim 15, which comprises a drive for
vertically adjusting said on-track undercarriage relative to said
undercarriage frame.
27. The machine according to claim 15, which comprises a vertically
adjustable lifting ram for fixing a distance between said carrier
end-section and said undercarriage frame.
28. A method of transporting and laying a track switch, which
comprises: loading the track switch onto on-track undercarriages
into a transport position wherein the track switch is tilted, with
respect to a horizontal plane, about a longitudinal axis, and
form-fittingly connected to a switch carrier supported at
respective ends on the on-track undercarriages; transporting the
track switch to a construction site on the on-track undercarriages;
pivoting the track switch into a horizontal laying position at the
construction site; distancing the switch carrier positioned above
the track switch, together with the track switch, relative to the
on-track undercarriages in a transverse displacement substantially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction; and subsequently
lowering the track switch upon a ballast bed with vertical
distancing from the switch carrier for laying the track switch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuing application, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120,
of copending international application PCT/EP2005/050167, filed
Jan. 17, 2005, which designated the United States; this application
also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, of Austrian
patent application No. A 610/2004, filed Apr. 7, 2004; the prior
applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a machine for transporting and
laying track switches on a ballast bed. The machine has a switch
carrier with cable winches and fastening devices for connection to
the track switch, and the switch carrier is supportable at each end
by way of a respective on-track undercarriage and crawler track on
a track or a ballast bed. The invention also pertains to a related
method.
[0003] A machine for the transport of track switches and the laying
thereof upon a ballast bed is known from the commonly assigned U.S.
Pat. No. 4,249,467. At each end of a switch carrier supporting the
track switch, two on-track undercarriages and a crawler track are
connected to the switch beam.
[0004] Further machines of a similar type are also known from
German published patent applications DE 23 13 055, DE 34 19 205,
French published patent application FR 2 325 765 and German
published patent application DE 34 19 240.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a
machine and a method for transporting track switches which overcome
the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices
and methods of this general type and which provides for a machine
of the specified kind with which more versatile working operations
are possible while taking into account different construction site
conditions.
[0006] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, a machine for the
transport of track switches and the laying thereof upon a ballast
bed. The novel machine comprises:
[0007] a switch carrier having cable winches and fastening devices
for connection to the track switch;
[0008] an on-track undercarriage and a crawler track disposed to
support the switch carrier on a track and on a ballast bed,
respectively;
[0009] a common undercarriage frame connecting the on-track
undercarriage and the crawler track to one another;
[0010] the switch carrier having a carrier mid-section, connected
with the cable winches, and two carrier end-sections each
articulated at one end of the carrier mid-section by way of a
respective carrier joint each defining a carrier axis;
[0011] each of the two carrier end-sections being pivotable
relative to the undercarriage frame about an undercarriage axis,
extending parallel to and spaced from the carrier axis defined by
the carrier joint, by way of a rotation drive.
[0012] With the above and other objects in view there is also
provided, in accordance with the invention, a machine for the
transport of track switches and the laying thereof upon a ballast
bed, wherein the machine comprises:
[0013] a switch carrier having fastening devices for connection to
the track switch;
[0014] an on-track undercarriage and a crawler track disposed to
support each end of the switch carrier on a track and on a ballast
bed, respectively;
[0015] a common undercarriage frame connecting the on-track
undercarriage and the crawler track to one another;
[0016] the switch carrier having a carrier mid-section, connected
with the track switch, and two carrier end-sections each
articulated at one end of the carrier mid-section by way of a
respective carrier joint each defining a carrier axis;
[0017] each of the two carrier end-sections, for common pivoting
with the carrier mid-section and the track switch, being mounted on
the undercarriage frame for pivoting about a pivot axis extending
in a longitudinal direction of the carrier and connected to a pivot
drive.
[0018] In an advantageous manner, a configuration of this kind
enables both a transporting of the switch from the manufacturing
plant to the construction site and the laying of the switch upon
the ballast bed, without requiring the use of special gantry cranes
or the like. Owing to the three-part design of the switch carrier
and the possibility of swinging the end parts thereof outwardly, a
problem-free laying down of switches is assured even on
construction sites where space is constrained, for example in
tunnels.
[0019] In accordance with an added feature of the invention, each
the carrier end-section, for pivoting relative to the undercarriage
frame about a pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction of
the carrier, is connected to a pivot drive. Preferably, the pivot
axis is disposed centrally with respect to an undercarriage axis of
the on-track undercarriage.
[0020] In accordance with an additional feature of the invention,
each carrier end-section is mounted on a pivot support connected to
the undercarriage frame for rotation about the undercarriage axis,
and the pivot drive is fastened, on the one hand, to the carrier
section and, on the other hand, to the pivot support. In a
preferred embodiment, the carrier end-section is pivotable about
the pivot axis by a pivot angle .alpha. of substantially
60.degree..
[0021] In accordance with another feature of the invention, a
telescopic drive is mounted in the carrier end-section and
configured to distance the carrier joint relative to the
undercarriage axis in the longitudinal direction of the
carrier.
[0022] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, a
distance between the carrier axis and the undercarriage axis of the
carrier end-section is greater than a distance between the
undercarriage axis and a bogie pivot axis of the on-track
undercarriage.
[0023] In accordance with a preferred implementation of the
invention, there is provided a counterweight section elongating the
carrier end-section in a direction from the carrier axis and beyond
the undercarriage axis. Preferably, there is provided a drive
disposed to distance the counterweight section from the
undercarriage axis.
[0024] In accordance with again an added feature of the invention,
a plurality of fastening devices, one following another in the
longitudinal direction of the carrier, are each connected to a pair
of cable winches. The cable winches are thereby in each case formed
with an opening for receiving a centering pin projecting from the
carrier mid-section. Preferably, each fastening device is provided
with fixing clamps, mounted for displacement in a transverse
direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction
of the carrier and including a hook configured to be pushed under a
rail of the track switch.
[0025] In accordance with again an additional feature of the
invention, the crawler track is disposed between two on-track
undercarriages.
[0026] In accordance with again another feature of the invention,
there is provided a drive for vertically adjusting the on-track
undercarriage relative to the undercarriage frame.
[0027] In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention,
there is provided a vertically adjustable lifting ram for fixing a
distance between the carrier end-section and the undercarriage
frame.
[0028] With the above and other objects in view there is also
provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of
transporting and laying a track switch. The novel method comprises
the following steps:
[0029] loading the track switch onto on-track undercarriages into a
transport position wherein the track switch is tilted, with respect
to a horizontal plane, about a longitudinal axis, and
form-fittingly connected to a switch carrier supported at
respective ends on the on-track undercarriages;
[0030] transporting the track switch to a construction site on the
on-track undercarriages;
[0031] pivoting the track switch into a horizontal laying position
at the construction site;
[0032] distancing the switch carrier positioned above the track
switch, together with the track switch, relative to the on-track
undercarriages in a transverse displacement substantially
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction; and
[0033] subsequently lowering the track switch upon a ballast bed
with vertical distancing from the switch carrier for laying the
track switch.
[0034] Other features which are considered as characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0035] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a machine for the transport of track switches, and
method, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the
details shown, since various modifications and structural changes
may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the
claims.
[0036] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side elevational views of a respective
half of a machine for transporting and laying a track switch;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along the section line
III-III in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along the section line IV-IV
in FIG. 2;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a top view showing a part of the machine; and
[0041] FIG. 6 is a side view of a further variant of the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and
first, particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, a machine 1
according to the invention comprises a longitudinally extending
beam-like switch carrier 3 for transporting a track switch 2. The
switch carrier 3 is composed of a carrier mid-section 4, supporting
the track switch 2, and two carrier end-sections 6, each of the
latter being connected to the carrier mid-section 4 by means of a
carrier joint 5. Each of the carrier end-sections 6 is mounted on
an undercarriage frame 9 which is connected to two on-track
undercarriages 7 and a crawler track 8 positioned centrally between
these. The crawler track 8 is rotatable by means of a rotation
drive 10 about an undercarriage axis 11 and equipped with a motive
drive 13 actuatable by a motor 12. Each on-track undercarriage 7 is
vertically adjustable relative to the undercarriage frame 9 along a
bogie pivot axis 15 by means of drive 14. A respective vertically
adjustable lifting ram 36 is fastened to the undercarriage frame 9
in each case between the on-track undercarriage 7 and the crawler
track 8.
[0043] As visible also in FIGS. 3 and 4, cable winches 16 are
arranged--one following the other in a longitudinal direction of
the carrier or longitudinal axis 20--on the carrier mid-section 4,
the cable winches 16 being connected in pairs by means of a cable
19 to a fastening device 17 having the shape of a crossbeam 18.
Each crossbeam 18 has a centrally arranged opening 21 (see FIG. 4)
for receiving a centering pin 22 which is connected to and projects
from the carrier mid-section 4. Fixing clamps 23 connected to the
crossbeam 18 have a hook 25 which can be pushed under a rail 24 of
the track switch 2 in a transverse direction extending
perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 20 of the
carrier.
[0044] As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the carrier end-section
6 is mounted for pivoting about a pivot axis 26, extending in the
longitudinal direction of the carrier end-section, on a pivot
support 27 connected to the undercarriage frame 9. For pivoting, a
pivot drive 28 is provided with the carrier section 6 and the pivot
support 27. The pivot axis 26 is positioned centrally with respect
to an undercarriage axis 29 of the crawler track 8. A pivoting
angle .alpha. (see FIG. 4) is delimited, on the one hand, by the
transport position--indicated in dash-and-dot lines--and, on the
other hand, by the laying position of the carrier end-section 6.
The carrier joint 5 (in the laying position) has a carrier axis 30
extending parallel to the undercarriage axis 11 (FIGS. 1, 2). The
distance between the carrier axis 30 and the undercarriage axis 11
is greater than the distance of the latter from the bogie pivot
axis 15.
[0045] As indicated in FIG. 6, the carrier joint 5 may
alternatively be distanced relative to the undercarriage axis 11 in
the longitudinal direction 20 of the carrier by means of a
telescopic drive 31 mounted in the carrier end-section 6. By means
of a counterweight section 32, the carrier end-section 6 is
extended in the direction from the carrier axis 30 to the
undercarriage axis 11 beyond the latter. For improved effectiveness
as a counterweight, the counterweight section 32 can be distanced
from the pivot axis 26 by means of a drive 33.
[0046] The mode of functioning of the machine 1 will now be
described in more detail.
[0047] For picking up the track switch 2 lying adjacent to the
track 34 in the manufacturing plant, the machine 1 is moved in the
transverse direction of the track with the aid of the crawler
tracks 8, rotated by 90.degree. while the on-track undercarriages 7
are raised, until the switch carrier 3 comes to lie above the track
switch 2. Parallel thereto, with the aid of the rotation drives
10--and the pivoting of the carrier end-sections 6, induced
thereby--changes in position of the carrier mid-section 4 are
always possible for the precise centering of the same above the
track switch 2. With actuation of the cable winches 16, the
fastening devices 17 or crossbeams 18 are lowered, and the hooks 25
are pushed under the rails 24 and anchored down. Now, the track
switch 2 is raised with the aid of the cable winches 16 until the
centering pins 22 automatically enter into the openings 21 of each
crossbeam 18, and the latter are pressed to an underside of the
carrier mid-section 4.
[0048] The track switch 2, having thus been braced form-fittingly
against the switch carrier 3 in a very simple manner and without
any auxiliary operations, is subsequently moved in the transverse
direction of the track onto the track 34 by means of the crawler
tracks 8 (with the help of suitable ramps). After lowering the
on-track undercarriages 7 with the aid of the drives 14, the
on-track undercarriages 7 are set upon the track 34 while the
crawler tracks 8 are raised. With actuation of the two pivot drives
28, the track switch 2 is pivoted, together with the switch carrier
3, into a transport position inclined by 60.degree. to the
horizontal (see FIG. 3). With this, even the very long sleepers of
the track switch 2 are still positioned within the clearance gauge.
Particularly in the case of tight track curves or interfering
obstacles, a transverse displaceability between undercarriage frame
9 and carrier end-section 6 by means of a drive 37 makes an
adaptation to tight spots possible.
[0049] As soon as the construction site intended for placement and
installation of the track switch 2 has been reached, the track
switch 2 together with the switch carrier 3 is pivoted back into
the horizontal laying position (FIG. 4). If the track switch 2 is
to be deposited directly adjacent to the track 34, the carrier
end-sections 6 are swiveled about the undercarriage axis 11 with
actuation of the rotation drives 10. As a consequence, the carrier
mid-section 4 is also shifted in the transverse direction of the
track together with the track switch 2, until the track switch 2 is
positioned in its entirety adjacent to the track 34 (FIG. 5).
[0050] With actuation of the cable winches 16, the track switch 2
is deposited upon a ballast bed 35, wherein it is still possible at
any time to carry out precise position adjustments by means of the
rotation drives 10. As soon as the track switch 2 is lying on the
ballast bed 35, the hooks 25 are released, displaced transversely
on the crossbeam 18 and lifted for insertion of the centering pins
22.
[0051] If the final position of the track switch 2 is not directly
adjacent to the track 34, the machine 1 can be set down upon the
two crawler tracks 8, rotated by 90.degree. while the on-track
undercarriages 7 are lifted, and moved in the transverse direction
of the track by means of the motive drives 13 until the unloading
position has been reached. Parallel thereto, the correct
positioning of the track switch 2, particularly in constrained
tunnel conditions, can be made significantly easier by suitable
actuation of the rotation drives 10.
[0052] In order to facilitate the transfer of the machine 1 from
the ballast bed 35 to the track 34, the lifting rams 36 are pressed
against the carrier end-section 6 (FIG. 2). With this, the on-track
undercarriage 7--preceding in the direction of travel--can be set
on the track 34 without problems and without the use of ramps.
After activation of the drive 14, the on-track undercarriage 7 is
lowered and, as a result, the crawler track 8 is raised.
[0053] With the machine 1 according to the invention, an unhindered
transport of the switch on a regular track as well as a
problem-free laying down of the track switch 2 in its installation
position is possible in a particularly advantageous manner,
wherein--for changing over from the transporting function to the
laying function--no extensive retooling operations or additional
auxiliary devices are required. The advantageous use of cable
winches 16 notwithstanding, it is possible by means of the
centering pins 22 to achieve a very simple, quick and effective
connection between the switch carrier 3 and the track switch 2 for
the safe transport thereof in an inclined position. At the
construction site, the track switch 2 can be lowered immediately,
while retooling operations are entirely avoided which are made more
difficult and dangerous by the heavy load. During the lowering
movement, precise positional corrections for an accurate switch
installation are possible at any time by slightly swiveling the
carrier end-sections 6. As a result of the simple, form-fitting
bracing between the switch carrier 3 and the track switch 2--while
avoiding rocking motions that stress the switch and are dangerous
due to the heavy load--a problem-free transverse transport from the
track 34 to the installation site is assured.
[0054] As indicated in FIG. 6, it is optionally possible to
elongate the carrier end-section 6 with the aid of the drive 31.
Also, the counterweight section 32 could be distanced from the
undercarriage axis 11 by means of the drive 33 in order to increase
the counterweight. Alternatively, the carrier joint 5 may also be
configured as a cross joint for universal mobility and movability
of the carrier sections 4, 6 connected to one another.
* * * * *