ROBEL offers comprehensive overview of products at the iaf 2009
11.2.09
At the 25th International Exhbition of Permanent Way Technology (iaf), which will take place in Münster, Germany, from 21st to 23rd April 2009, ROBEL Bahnbaumaschinen GmbH will exhibit nearly its entire product range.
This comprises more than 100 different product groups in the three main sectors of small machinery, work vehicles and special units.
Small machinery
Apart from the core range of wrenching, grinding, cutting and drilling machines the small machinery sector also comprises tools and equipment for diverse tasks in and around track worksites. The company aims to continuously advance innovation in this sector and to not only consolidate the high quality of their products but to improve it further. This aim shall be expressed at the iaf 2009.
The focus of the small machinery exhibition is the Universal Power Wrench 30.82 RKS. The manufacturer paid particular attention to endurance, precision and ergonomics. "RKS" is short for "ROBEL Clutch System" as an important component of the machine is an electrically operated and electronically monitored multiple disk clutch. In addition, the operation and appearance of the machine have also been revised.
New clutch concept
The eponymous ROBEL Clutch System is a multiple disk clutch that is electrically operated and electronically monitored. This enables very precise torque transfers. The clutch of the "RKS" increases wrenching precision and reduces wear at the same time. This affects the transferable torques and guarantees precise coupling, resulting in a high endurance and consequently less maintenance. In addition, the characteristics of the multiple disk clutch allow for a comfortable wrenching process for the operator.
Potentiometer and torque display
A compact display and operating element has been integrated into the covering of the machine. The central panel includes an electronic torque display and a dial for torque pre-selection. Both have been clearly laid out to ensure unambiguousness during work site operation. They are easily recognisable at a glance. The torque is pre-selected with a potentiometer dial that can be easily operated with work gloves. Once the articulated socket has been placed on the rail fastening, the wrenching operation is carried out at the push of a button on the right handle bar.
The range of adjustment at 200 rpm of the wrenching spindle ranges from 150 to 350 Nm and to 999Nm at 70 rpm. As soon as the pre-selected value is reached, the display lights up in confirmation and the wrenching process is automatically completed. This means that the pre-selected torque is consistently reliable and to a large extent independent of the operator. The period of contact of the clutch is automatically limited to a minimum, which has a positive effect on the running of the machine and its wear.
Work vehicles
The work vehicle product segment consists of track vehicles, maintenance vehicles for catenary installations as well as trailers in various designs.
Track vehicles
In the area of track vehicles, ROBEL will exhibit a track vehicle 54.17 at the iaf 2009. This is one of four such track vehicles built for urban transit operators in Germany. These vehicles enable work on the rail network during short track posessions during the night. They are able to carry work crews as well as equipment to the work site simultaneously. The use of footpaths or other vehicles is not necessary.
The supplied track vehicles have a tractive force of 90 kN and comply with the particular demands of the customers. Two of these work vehicles have to be able to jointly tow the longest and heaviest possible underground train in the network over a ramp with the steepest possible gradient of 50‰.
All work vehicles have been equipped with a loading crane for the loading and unloading of rails and switch components.
Ballast work may also be carried out by equipping the crane with an excavator grab. In addition, the machines may be used for maintenance work in tunnels by equipping them with a work basket.
A speciality of ROBEL track vehicles are the large glass screens for excellent visibility and a driver's seat which can be slewed by 180°. This ensures safe work.
The hydrostatic drive allows for the smooth adjusting of speeds up to 40 km/h. The integrated diesel engines have been equipped with a particle filter for exhaust gas treatment. To use the machines in tunnels without hesitation, the drives have been optimised in co-operation with the manufacturers and stay well below the legal exhaust gas limits.
Maintenance vehicles for catenary installations
Representative for a product area that will receive particular attention once again, ROBEL plans to introduce a maintenance vehicle for catenary installations. This is mainly used for carrying out maintenance and interference suppression work of catenary installations on the customer's infrastructure.
Based on the experience gained from the tried and tested ROBEL track vehicles, the company is confident that it will take a leading position in this market segment and will be able to offer solutions to customers that not only meet, but exceed their expectations. The first series of machines for a renowned customer is being produced already and will first be presented to the public at the iaf 2009.
Rail Loading Unit 40.44
Another highlight of the trade show presentation of the Freilassing based company will be a rail loading equipment 40.44 for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). This is part of an order for 20 two-wagon rail loading units and two six-wagon rail loading units with a total of 80 electrical and 24 mechanical rail loading equipments. These units enable the SBB to reach all areas of Switzerland as quickly as possible.
The aim of the rail loading unit is the quick and safe loading and transporting of rails and switch components. The clamps of the units are fixed to electric crabs which may be operated by radio remote control. The electrical supply and lighting of the cranes is handled by 20 generators with an output of 40 kVA each. The two-wagon rail loading units can transport rails of up to 36 metres length while the six-wagon units can handle rails up to a length of 120 metres. Each rail loading unit has a lifting power of 1.6 tonnes for the electrical design and 800 kg for the mechanical design.
Taking the particular requirements of track construction in Switzerland into account, several distinctive solutions were developed for these rail loading units. Each unit has rotatable columns that can be fixed at the side of the wagons.
Depending on the usage they can be placed in prepared countersinks on both sides of the wagon. The outriggers can be turned manually through 180°. Secured by a bolt, positions at 45°, 90° and 135° may also be used safely. Only a few steps are needed to switch from transport to work position. In addition, the outriggers of the cranes are telescopic and can be extended up to 550 mm. A cogwheel drive mechanism guarantees an problem-free and safe use in super-elevations even in adverse weather conditions as well as an optimum power transmission.
Rail loading units are adapted to each customer's requirements. For example, the unit is also available with columns in the centre of a wagon or with platforms mounted on flat wagons.
