US 6,662,728 B2 · Machine and method for treating a track

Abstract

For detecting a tie position in a track, a non-contact scanning device on a track-bound machine is associated with an odometer for recording a distance travelled by the machine. The scanning device is configured as distance measuring device for registering vertical distance measurement values between the machine and track, and is operatively connected to a control unit. The control unit is designed for continually and sequentially subdividing a measuring span, correlated to the distance travelled, into a succession of tie detection sections and adjacent ballast detection sections, which are associated with a ballast region situated between the ties. The tie detection section includes distance measurement values differing only slightly from one another, while the ballast detection section contains a sequence of abruptly fluctuating distance measurement values. As a result of detecting the tie position, a working unit, such as a tamping unit, can be centered over the tie automatically.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A machine for treating a track extending in a longitudinal direction and comprised of two rails fastened to ties supported on ballast, the machine being mounted for mobility on the track and comprising:

a) a working device constructed to operate cyclically for carrying out work on the track;
b) an odometer for registering a distance travelled by the machine along the track;
c) a non-contact scanning device, operatively connected to the odometer, for detecting a position of a tie, the scanning device being mounted on the machine above the track and designed as a distance measuring device for registering in a non-contact manner vertical distance measurement values between the scanning device and a tie or ballast surface of the track;
and
d) a control unit for centering the working device in dependence upon the scanned tie position, the control unit being connected to the distance measuring device and designed for continuously and sequentially subdividing a measuring span, correlated to the distance travelled, into tie detection sections alternating with ballast detection sections, wherein each tie detection section comprises distance measurement values differing only slightly from one another, while the adjoining ballast detection section is characterized by a sequence of abruptly fluctuating distance measurement values.

2 more elements

A method of treating a track extending in a longitudinal direction and comprised of rails fastened to ties supported on ballast, with a machine mobile on the track and having a working device operable cyclically, wherein the distance travelled by the machine on the track is measured during an advance movement of the machine, and the position of ties is scanned in a non-contact manner, said method comprising the steps of:

a) continuously obtaining distance measurement values, extending in a vertical direction between the machine and a tie or ballast surface, along a measuring line extending in the longitudinal direction across ties and ballast;
b) storing the distance measurement values and establishing therefrom a measuring curve correlated to the distance travelled;
and
c) subdividing the measuring curve into an alternating sequence of tie detection sections comprising distance measurement values varying only slightly, and ballast detection sections comprising a succession of abruptly fluctuating distance measurement values, wherein the beginning of each tie detection section is associated with a first transition point of the measuring curve, and the beginning of each ballast detection section is associated with a second transition point of the measuring curve.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Machine and method for treating a track

Life of this patent

Machine and method for treating a track

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8