AU2005231976A1

AU2005231976A1 - Machine for the transport of track switches

Info

Publication number: AU2005231976A1
Application number: AU2005231976A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Manfred Brunninger; Josef Theurer
Original assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industrie GmbH
Current assignee: Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen Industrie GmbH
Priority date: 2004-04-07
Filing date: 2005-01-17
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-17
Also published as: AT500047A2; ES2320244T3; DK1738028T3; PL1738028T3; CN101057037A; DE502005006469D1; EP1738028A1; JP2007532801A; AT500047B8; CA2556312C; EA200601622A1; EP1738028B1; WO2005098138A1; AU2005231976B2; EA008547B1; CN101057037B; CA2556312A1; AT500047B1; ATE420994T1; US20070022898A1

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.

Description

1 MACHINE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF TRACK SWITCHES, AND METHOD The invention relates to a machine according to the features cited in the introductory clause of claim 1 or 2, and to a method. A machine for the transport of track switches and the laying thereof upon a ballast bed is known from US 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. Further machines of a similar type are also known from DE 2 313 055, DE 3 419 205, FR 2 325 765 and DE 3 419 240. It is the object of the present invention to provide a machine of the specified kind with which more versatile working operations are possible while taking into account different construction site conditions. According to the invention, this object is achieved with a machine of the type mentioned at the beginning by means of the features cited in the characterizing clause of claim 1 or 2. 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. Additional advantages and features of the invention become apparent from the further claims and the drawing.

2 The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments represented in the drawing in which Figs. 1 and 2 each show a side view of a respective half of a machine for transporting and laying a track switch, Figs. 3 and 4 each show a cross-section along section line IlIl or IV in Figs. 1 or 2, Fig. 5 shows a top view of a part of the machine, and Fig. 6 shows a further variant of embodiment. A machine 1, visible in Figs. 1 and 2, 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. 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.

3 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 a (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 (Fig. 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. 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. The mode of functioning of the machine 1 will now be described in more detail. 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* 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 4 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. 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 600 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. 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 swivelled 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). With actuation of the cable winches 16, the track switch 2 is deposited upon a ballast bed 35, wherein it is still possibe 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.

5 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* 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. 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. 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 swivelling 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 which 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.

6 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 moveability of the carrier sections 4,6 connected to one another.

Claims

1. A machine for the transport of track switches (2) and the laying thereof upon a ballast bed (35), consisting of a switch carrier (3) comprising cable winches (16) and fastening devices (17) for connection to the track switch (2), the switch carrier (3) being supportable at each end by means of a respective on-track undercarriage (7) and crawler track (8) on a track (34) or a ballast bed (35), characterized by the following features: a) the on-track undercarriage (7) and crawler track (8) are connected to one another in each case by a common undercarriage frame (9), b) the switch carrier (3) is composed of a carrier mid-section (4), connected to the cable winches (16), and two carrier end-sections (6) which are articulatedly connected at one end to the carrier mid-section (4) by means of a respective carrier joint (5) and supported on the undercarriage frame (9), c) each of the two carrier end-sections (6) is pivotable relative to the undercarriage frame (9) about an undercarriage axis (11), extending parallel to a carrier axis (30) of the carrier joint (5) and spaced from the same, by means of a rotation drive (10).

2. A machine for the transport of track switches (2) and the laying thereof upon a ballast bed (35), consisting of a switch carrier (3) comprising fastening devices (17) for connection to the track switch (2), the switch carrier (3) being supportable at each end by means of a respective on-track undercarriage (7) and crawler track (8) on a track (34) or a ballast bed (35), characterized by the following features: a) the on-track undercarriage (7) and crawler track (8) are connected to one another in each case by a common undercarriage frame (9), b) the switch carrier (3) is composed of a carrier mid-section (4), connected to the track switch (2), and two carrier end-sections (6) which are articulatedly connected at one end to the carrier mid-section (4) by means of a resprective carrier joint (5), c) each of the two carrier end-sections (6) - for common pivoting with the carrier mid-section (4) and the track switch (2) - is mounted on the undercarriage frame (9) for pivoting about a pivot axis (26) extending in a longitudinal direction (20) of the carrier and is connected to a pivot drive (28).

3. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that each carrier end section (6) - for pivoting relative to the undercarriage frame (9) about a pivot axis (26) extending in a longitudinal direction (20) of the carrier - is connected to a pivot drive (28).

4. A machine according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pivot axis (26) is arranged centrally with respect to an undercarriage axis (11) of the on track undercarriage (7).

5. A machine according to claim 2 to 4, characterized in that each carrier end-section (6) is mounted on a pivot support (27) connected to the undercarriage frame (9) for rotation about the undercarriage axis (11), and the pivot drive (28) is fastened, on the one hand, to the carrier section (6) and, on the other hand, to the pivot support (27).

6. A machine according to claim 5, characterized in that a pivot angle c of 600 is provided for the pivoting of the carrier end-section (6) about the pivot axis (26).

7. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the carrier joint (5) can 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).

8. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the distance between the carrier axis (30) and the undercarriage axis (11) of the carrier end-section (6) is greater than the distance between the undercarriage axis (11) and a bogie pivot axis (15) of the on-track undercarriage (7).

9. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the carrier end-section (6) is elongated in the direction from the carrier axis (30) to 9 the undercarriage axis (11) beyond the latter by means of a counterweight section (32).

10. A machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the counterweight section (32) can be distanced from the undercarriage axis (11) by means of a drive ().

11. A machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a number of fastening devices (17) is provided, arranged one following the other in the longitudinal direction (20) of the carrier and each connected to a pair of cable winches (16), which comprise in each case an opening (21) for receiving a centering pin (22) projecting from the carrier mid-section (4).

12. A machine according to claim 11, characterized in that each fastening device (17) is provided with fixing clamps (23), mounted for displacement in a transverse direction extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (20) of the carrier and including a hook (25) which may be pushed under a rail (24) of the track switch (2).

13. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the crawler track (8) is arranged between two on-track undercarriages (7).

14. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the on track undercarriage (7) is vertically adjustable relative to the undercarriage frame (9) by means of a drive (14).

15. A machine according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a vertically adjustable lifting ram (36) for fixing the distance is provided between the carrier end-section (6) and the undercarriage frame (9).

16. A method of transporting and laying a track switch (2), wherein the latter is moved to a construction site on on-track undercarriages (7) while being in a transport position which is tilted, with respect to a horizontal plane, about a longitudinal axis (20) and form-fittingly connected to a switch carrier (3) IU supported at the ends on on-track undercarriages (7), and pivoted back into a horizontal laying position at the construction site, characterized in that the switch carrier (3) positioned above the track switch (2) is distanced, together with the track switch (2), relative to the on-track undercarriages (7) in a transverse displacement extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (20), after which the track switch (2) is lowered upon a ballast bed (35) with vertical distancing from the switch carrier (3).