DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A REPLACEMENT RAIL AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THIS DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for supporting a replacement rail (RA) intended to be rigidly connected to a used rail (RC), comprising: - a first part (A) including removable attachment means (A5) for attaching to a base (P) of a used rail (RC); - a second part (B) for receiving a replacement rail (RA), this second part (B) being rotatable about an axis (X) relative to the first part (A) and including two side portions (B3, B4) extending in a first longitudinal direction (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation (X), said two side portions (B3, B4) each being intended to bear on a railway sleeper (T), the second part (B) comprising locking means (B2-1, B1-1) for locking a replacement rail (RA) in at least one second direction (L2) perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (L1). The invention also relates to a method for using this device.

Description

DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A REPLACEMENT RAIL AND METHOD FOR USING THIS DEVICE technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for a replacement rail, the device being intended to be fixed to a rail in use. The present invention also relates to a method for mounting the device. Previous technique

[0002] A railway extending along a longitudinal direction comprises two longitudinal rails spaced transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and vertically, corresponding to the direction of Earth's gravity. The longitudinal rails are called "running rails" because a train can travel on them.

[0003] Prior to replacing running rails, it is common practice to lay rail sections along the track, usually off to the side. It is advisable to position and secure these replacement rail sections to the ground in a designated area to prevent them from moving when a train passes, especially at high speeds. These replacement rail sections are in a waiting position.

[0004] To this end, numerous technical solutions have been developed. Among these is an L-shaped support device comprising a section that attaches to a rail pad and a second section rigidly fixed to the first. Both the first and second sections are elongated in a direction transverse to the rail. The second section includes a rail-receiving component. While this type of device is simple to design, it is not optimal because the rigidity of the assembly can lead to significant torsion on the running rail. Furthermore, the design of some sleepers and several fastening systems are incompatible with the installation of this device.

[0005] In a known design, the support system for a replacement rail comprises a first part fixed to a sleeper and a second magnetic part designed to attach to the web of a rail in use. However, the magnetization must be sufficiently strong to ensure a permanent attachment, making the system potentially very expensive and, moreover, not guaranteed. Furthermore, this type of system is fragile. Summary

[0006] A support device for a replacement rail intended to be made integral with a rail in use is thus proposed, comprising: a first part extending in a first direction and having removable means for fixing to a pad of a rail in use, a second part for receiving a waiting rail, this second part being mobile in rotation around an axis relative to the first part and having two lateral portions extending in a first longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation, said two lateral portions being intended to each come to rest on a sleeper, the second part comprising means for locking a waiting rail in at least a second direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, the support device is formed of two parts, one of which is movable relative to the other. The first part can thus be easily and quickly attached to a running rail, and the second part, movable relative to the first, is positioned on two consecutive sleepers in the longitudinal direction. The rotational linkage between the two parts allows the second part to be positioned easily and quickly on two consecutive sleepers, regardless of the sleeper height. Furthermore, this rotational joint, combined with the positioning of the second part on two consecutive sleepers, makes the securing of this second part, intended to support a replacement rail, independent of the ballast height, thus allowing for quick and easy handling of the device by an operator.The rail here is a replacement rail, meaning a rail intended to replace the existing rail to which the device is attached. The first and second directions are fixed relative to the second part B and are therefore movable relative to the first part around the X axis.

[0008] The first part may comprise a substantially flat base extending in a fourth direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, one end of which, along the fourth direction, is rotationally connected to the second part about said axis. The opposite end comprises means for clamping the first part onto a rail pad in use. The clamping means may be removable on the first part, particularly to facilitate the insertion of the transverse portion of the first part under a rail pad in use. Thus, the clamping means are located on the second end when this end is passed under the rail pad on which the device is to be fixed. The term "flat" in relation to the base is intended to define a general shape of the base. The base can thus have a substantially flat shape and include an opening allowing in particular to lighten it.

[0009] The first end of the base may include at least one notch, preferably two notches, for receiving and retaining, along a fifth direction perpendicular to the first direction and the fourth direction, of a first edge of a runner of a rail in circulation, said two notches being spaced along the axis of rotation.

[0010] Each lateral portion of the second part comprises a flat upper surface, these two upper surfaces being in the same foreground plane. In this way, the flat upper surfaces of the lateral portions of the second part can receive the pad of a replacement rail in the same position along the third direction, thus providing good support for the replacement rail. The terms "upper" and "lower" should be understood relative to a vertical direction when the device is installed between two sleepers. It should be understood that the surfaces in question are not necessarily strictly perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0011] The second section may include two partitions whose upper ends are aligned along the same second plane. These partitions may be arranged between the two lateral portions of the second section. The partitions stiffen the second section and can support the replacement rail when the first plane coincides with the first plane.

[0012] The second part may include a raising element having a bearing surface for a replacement rail, the raising element being capable of assuming a first position in which the bearing surface is arranged below said plane and a second position in which the bearing surface is arranged above said plane. The raising element thus allows a replacement rail to be lifted from the lateral portions of the second part so as to allow for its free expansion during heating in preparation for welding.

[0013] The lifting element may, for example, comprise an eccentric shaft whose external surface forms the bearing surface. The external surface may be formed within a freely rotating cylinder.

[0014] The second part may include at least one stop suitable for abutting against an upper edge of the pad of a rail in circulation; the first part is fixed to said rail in circulation.

[0015] The second part may include at least two stops spaced apart along the axis of rotation.

[0016] When there are two stops, they can be spaced apart along the axis of rotation. These stops prevent the replacement rail placed on the second section from being moved onto the rail in use. This limits the risk of malicious manipulation.

[0017] The blocking means according to the second direction may include two longitudinal edges formed on each lateral portion, these longitudinal edges together defining a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail.

[0018] The locking means may be suitable for locking the rail in a third direction perpendicular to the second and first directions. The third direction is fixed relative to the second part B and is therefore movable relative to the first part around the X-axis. The first, second, and third directions are pairwise perpendicular.

[0019] The locking means may include at least one movable part between a first position for releasing the replacement rail in the third direction and a second position for locking the replacement rail in the third direction.

[0020] Thus, it is understood that a replacement rail positioned on both lateral sections is locked in the transverse direction and is also locked, during use, in the vertical direction. Therefore, the rail is fixed to the second section by means of the gaps provided between the replacement rail, the edges of the groove, and the space between the moving part and the head of the replacement rail.

[0021] The device may include means of electrically isolating the first part and the second part from the second part.

[0022] Electrical isolation means may include a socket carried by a rotating connecting rod from the first part to the second part, the socket being interposed between the first part and the second part.

[0023] Unlike previous techniques, the electrical insulation is integrated into the connecting rod and is therefore not susceptible to damage. In the previous system, the electrical insulation was integrated into the running rail and could be damaged during train operation, and in some cases, it was even omitted from installation altogether.

[0024] This document also relates to an assembly comprising a device as described above, in which a running rail is fixed to the first part is fixed to a running rail.

[0025] The first part can be inserted between two successive sleepers and in which the fourth direction can be perpendicular to the rail being traveled.

[0026] One lateral portion can be supported by a cross member and another lateral portion can be supported by an adjacent cross member.

[0027] It further includes a method of using the device described above comprising the following steps: a) Fixing the first part on a pad of a moving rail so that the first part (A) is arranged between two successive sleepers, b) Rotating the second part until the two lateral portions come into contact with said two successive sleepers.

[0028] In a later stage, a waiting or replacement rail is placed on the lateral portions.

[0029] Wedges can be placed on the two crossbeams, with the two lateral portions being applied to the wedges.

[0030] In a step prior to step a), the first part is inserted under the pad of the rail in use. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which:

[0032] Figure 1 comprises a part A named Figure 1 A and a part B named Figure 1 B and illustrating the support device according to the invention, in two different orientations and in isolation;

[0033] Figure 2 comprises a part A named figure 2A and a part B named figure 2B and illustrating the support device of figure 1 and in two different orientations and positioned on two adjacent crossbeams;

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates the device according to the invention attached to a moving rail, the whole being seen from above;

[0035] Figure 4 comprises a part A named figure 4A and a part B named figure 4B, each illustrating the device seen from a side opposite the rail on which it is fixed, figure 4A illustrating a first position of the raising element and figure 4B illustrating a second position of the raising element;

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates the second part of the device according to the invention and viewed along the direction of a moving rail, the raising member being in its second position;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a stop of the device according to the invention and adapted to come against the pad of the moving rail on which the device is fixed;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the device stop in a rotationally locked position on the pad of a moving rail;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a connecting rod of the first part with the second part and of insulation means carried by said rod;

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the device according to this document;

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic side view illustrating the footprint of a replacement rail. Description of the implementation methods

[0042] Reference is now made to figures 1 to 3 which represent a support device for a replacement rail according to the invention.

[0043] The support device 10 comprises a first part A and a second part B, the first part A and the second part B being rotationally connected relative to each other about an axis X extending along a longitudinal direction L1'. Figure 2 illustrates a device 10 in which the second part B rests on two adjacent sleepers T. The first part A includes removable fastening means A1 for attaching to a pad of a running rail RC, these means allowing the first part B to be rigidly attached to and removed from the pad of the running rail RC. The device will be described with reference to six spatial directions: a first direction L1 or longitudinal direction, a second direction L2 and a third direction L3 perpendicular to each other, and a fourth direction L4, a fifth direction L5, and a sixth direction perpendicular to each other.It is thus understood that a second orthonormal coordinate system is fixed relative to the first part A and is defined by the fourth direction L4, the fifth direction L5, and a sixth direction corresponding to the direction L1', and that a first orthonormal coordinate system is fixed relative to the second part B and is defined by the first direction L1, the second direction L2, and the third direction L3. In practice, the fifth direction L5 corresponds approximately to the vertical direction, while the third direction L3, coplanar with the fifth direction L5, can form an angle with it. This angle is a function of the position of the first part A relative to the second part B around the X-axis, and therefore a function of the height of the crossbeams, as will become clear later. The first direction L1 and the sixth direction L1' are always parallel to each other and to the X-axis of rotation of the second part B with respect to the first part A.

[0044] When the second direction L2 and the fourth direction L4 are parallel, then the third direction L3 and the fifth direction L5 are also parallel.

[0045] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the first part A comprises a substantially flat base A2 extending along the fourth direction L4. This base A2 includes a closed-contour cutout A3 and carries a rod A4 at one end along the fourth direction L4 and clamping means A5 at the other end. The clamping means are removable and are suitable for clamping the first part A onto a track pad P of an RC running track, as will be shown later. The rod A4 is inserted into holes in two arms A6 carried by the base A2, the rod A4 being fixed to said two arms A6. It can be seen that the rod A4 is rotationally engaged in holes in two arms B3 of the second part B. Thus, the first part A and the second part B are articulated in rotation with respect to each other about the X-axis of the rod A4.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 8, the device 10 includes means for electrically isolating the first part A and the second part B. In this way, the current flowing in the running rail RC cannot pass into the second part B. Otherwise, the current could pass from the first part A to the second part B, then into a replacement rail RA carried by the second part B, and then again into a second part B of another device 10 arranged further along the track, the current then passing into the first part A of this other device 10 and then to the running rail RC. Such current flow prevents interference with the current flowing in the running rails RC. The electrical isolation means include a socket A7 having a cylindrical part A7-1 and a radial annular part A7-2 (Figure 8).Each cylindrical part A7-1 surrounds the rod A4 and is mounted in an opening in a branch A6 of the first part A. Furthermore, the radial annular part A7-2 is interposed along the sixth longitudinal direction L1' between a branch A6 of the first part A and a branch B3 of the second part B. Thus arranged, the electrical insulation means A7 electrically isolate the first part A from the second part B. The sockets A7 are thus fixed to the rod A4.

[0047] The arms A6 of the first part A each include a finger A6-1, extending along the fourth direction L4, towards the clamping means A5 at the second end of the first part A. These fingers A6-1, or lugs, each define, with the base A2, a notch E intended to receive the first edge of a runner P of an RC track. The two notches E are thus spaced apart along the sixth longitudinal direction L1'. The fingers A6-1 are part of the removable fastening means since they cooperate with the clamping means A5.

[0048] The clamping means A5 of the first part include a movable member A8 along the fifth direction L5 and receiving a threaded rod A9 passing through said movable member A8 and screwed into the base A2. The movable member A8 includes a pin A8-1 oriented towards the lugs A6-1 along the fourth direction L4 and defining, with the base, a notch for receiving a second edge of a track shoe on an RC running track. The threaded rod A9 can be fixed to the movable member to prevent loss or misplacement of the threaded rod. The term "fixed" here indicates that the two aforementioned parts can be manipulated simultaneously, the relative movement of one of the parts with respect to the other always being permitted to allow the fixed part A to be fixed to the RC running track.

[0049] The positioning of the first part A on a running rail is carried out as follows. The movable clamping element A8 is removed, and the base A2 is inserted under a running rail RC so that one edge of a pad of said running rail RC fits into the notches defined by the lugs A6-1. Next, the movable element A8 is mounted onto the base A2 and tightened to lock the opposite edge of the pad of the running rail RC. Thus positioned, the first part A is locked onto the pad of the running rail RC, and the second part B can be rotated around the X-axis of the rod (Figure 3). In this position, the X-axis of the rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the running rail RC.

[0050] The second part B of the support device 10 for a replacement rail RA is now described. This second part B is specifically designed to support a replacement rail RA. It comprises a rigid structure formed by a first longitudinal wall B1 and a second longitudinal wall B2, spaced apart along the second direction L2. The longitudinal walls B1 and B2 are connected by two lateral portions B3 and B4 and by two partitions B5 and B6 extending along the plane formed by the directions L2 and L3.

[0051] The two lateral portions B3, B4 serve as supports for a replacement rail RA and each include a flat upper surface B3-1, B4-1, which lie in the same first plane so as to support the replacement rail RA on this plane. Similarly, the two partitions B5, B6 have upper ends along the third direction L3 that are aligned in the same second plane, this second plane coinciding here with the first plane so as also to support the replacement rail RA. Shims C can be inserted between the arms B3 and B4 and a cross member to compensate, when necessary, for a significant height difference between a horizontal plane passing through the X-axis of the rod A4 and the upper surface of the cross members T. In this way, a substantially horizontal positioning of part B and Therefore, surfaces B3-1 and B4-1. The wedges C can be fixed by fixing screws passing through the arms B3, B4.

[0052] It is observed that the two longitudinal walls B1 and B2 project outwards in the third direction L3 relative to the surfaces B3-1 and B4-1, or to the foreground, so as to form longitudinal edges B1-1 and B2-1. In this way, the longitudinal edges B1-1 and B2-1 together form a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail RA, this groove allowing the replacement rail RA to be secured in the second direction L2. Each edge B1-1 and B2-1 comprises a portion formed on one lateral portion B3 and another portion formed on the other lateral portion B4.

[0053] The first longitudinal wall B1 carries the two arms B7, these two arms B7 extending from this first longitudinal wall B1 in a direction opposite to the second longitudinal wall B2. Each arm B7 of the second part B includes fingers or lugs B7-1 for rotationally locking the second part B against the pad P of the running rail RC to which the first part A is fixed (Figure 1A, 2B, 6 and 7). These lugs B7-1 are designed to abut against an edge of the pad P of a running rail RC to prevent the second part B from tipping over on the running rail RC.

[0054] Device 10 also includes means for locking the replacement rail RA on the second part B and along the third direction L3. These locking means are optional and allow for limiting the movement along the third direction L3 of the replacement rail RA when a train, particularly a high-speed type, is running on the railway tracks.

[0055] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means along the third direction L3 comprise at least one movable member B8 between a first release position of the replacement rail RA along the third direction L3 and a second locking position of the replacement rail RA along the third direction L3. This movable member is rotatable about an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X of the rod A4 of the first part A. This axis Y is perpendicular to surfaces B3-1 and B4-1. In the second locking position of the replacement rail RA, the free end of the movable member B8 is positioned above the pad P of the replacement rail RA as shown in Figure 7.

[0056] The device 10 may also include a raising element B9 formed on the second part B, capable of assuming a first position (Figure 4A) in which a bearing surface B10 is arranged below the first reference plane formed by the surfaces B3-1, B4-1 of the lateral portions B3, B4, and a second position in which the bearing surface B10 is arranged above said plane (Figure 4B). This second position is illustrated in Figure 5, the bearing surface B10 is shown arranged above, along the third direction L3. In the example shown in the figures, the raising member B9 comprises an eccentric shaft B11 whose outer surface forms the bearing surface B10. This raising member B9 can be manipulated between the first position (Figure 4A) and the second position (Figure 4B) by means of a manipulator that allows the bearing surface B10 to be moved from the first position to the second position, for example, a crank B12. In its second or upper position, the raising member B9 ensures that the replacement rail no longer rests on the upper surfaces B3-1, B4-1 of the lateral portions B3, B4. The raising member is such that the bearing surface B10, which can be cylindrical, is freely rotatable around an axis parallel to the second direction L2.When the waiting rail RA rests on the bearing surface, it preferably provides linear support along the second direction L2 on the bearing surface B10. Thus, in the second position of the riser B9, the linear support preferably extends along the second direction L2 to facilitate the free expansion of the waiting rail RA. In the first position, the riser arranged between the lateral portions B3 and B4 is positioned below the first plane defined by the surfaces B4-1 and B4-2. It is also then positioned between the two support cross members T of the second part B.

[0057] It should be noted that the locking means B8 are configured to lock the waiting rail pad RA in the third direction with a non-zero clearance J when the raising member B9 is in its second position (Figure 10). Thus, the locking means do not restrict the free expansion of the waiting rail. The locking means B8 ensure that the waiting rail remains in position on the second part B in the third direction L3 without constraining the expansion of the waiting rail in the first direction L1.

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device according to this document, which is similar to that described with reference to the preceding figures and differs from it in the characteristics described below. The raising element is here actuated by a crank B12, which can be locked by a pin G engaged in a lateral flange B2-1 in order to lock the raising element in the raised position and thus maintain the replacement rail in a position of free expansion along its longitudinal extension direction L2. In Figure 10, it can be seen that the device 10 can include two locking elements B8 for the pad P of the replacement rail PA along the third direction L3.

[0059] Figure 10 illustrates a view along the first longitudinal direction L1. The replacement rail is positioned on the support device 10, which is fixed to the running rail RC. A hatched area ZH is visible, corresponding to an permissible area for use by devices or installations on the railway track. However, it turns out It is impossible to exceed this hatched area both vertically and laterally, i.e., towards the running rail, in order to avoid contact with parts of a moving train. It is clear that installing device 10 between two sleepers reduces the overall size of the support device in the vertical direction, since it is positioned between two sleepers, unlike devices of prior art.

Claims

Demands

1. Support device (10) for a replacement rail (RA) intended to be made integral with a running rail (RC), comprising: a first part (A) having removable fixing means (A1) to a pad (P) of a running rail (RC), a second part (B) for receiving a replacement rail (RA), this second part (B) being movable in rotation about an axis (X) relative to the first part (A) and having two lateral portions (B3, B4) extending in a first longitudinal direction (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation (X), said two lateral portions (B3, B4) being intended each to bear on a sleeper (T), the second part (B) comprising locking means (B2-1, B1-1) of a replacement rail (RA) in at least a second direction (L2) perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (L1).

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first part (A) comprises a substantially flat base (A2) extending in a fourth direction (L4) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X), and having a first end in said fourth direction (L4) rotationally connected to the second part (B) about said axis (X), and a second opposite end comprising means for clamping the first part (A) on a skid (P) of a moving rail (RC).

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the first end of the base (A2) comprises at least one notch, preferably two notches (E), said two notches (E1, E2) being spaced along the axis (X) of rotation, said at least one notch being a receiving and retaining notch, along a fifth direction (L5) perpendicular to the axis X and to the fourth direction (L4), for a first edge of a pad (P) of a running rail (RC).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each lateral portion (B3, B4) of the second part (B) comprises a flat upper surface, said two upper surfaces (B3-1, B4-1) being contained in the same foreground.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second part (B) comprises two partitions (B5, B6) whose upper ends are aligned along the same second plane.

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second part (B) includes a raising element (B9) comprising a bearing surface for a replacement rail (RA), the raising element (B9) being capable of assuming a first position in which the support surface (B10) is arranged below said plane and a second position in which the support surface (B10) is arranged above said plane.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the raising member (B9) comprises an eccentric axis whose external surface forms the bearing surface (B10).

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (B) comprises at least one stop (B7-1) capable of abutting an upper edge of the skid (P) of a running rail (RC) when the first part (A) is fixed on said running rail (RC).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (B) comprises at least two stops (B7-1) spaced apart along the axis (X) of rotation.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking means along the second direction (L2) comprise two longitudinal rims (B2-1, B1-1) formed on each lateral portion (B3, B4), these longitudinal rims (B2-1, B1-1) together delimiting a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail (RC).

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (B8) are capable of locking the rail in a third direction (L3) perpendicular to the second direction (L2) and the first direction (L1).

12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the locking means comprise at least one movable member (B8) between a first release position of the replacement rail (RA) along the third direction (L3) and a second locking position of the replacement rail (RA) along the third direction (L3).

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises means for electrically insulating the first part (A) and the second part from the second part (B).

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the electrical insulation means comprise a socket (A7) carried by a connecting rod rotating from the first part (A) to the second part (B), the socket (A7) being interposed between the first part (A) and the second part (B).

15. Assembly comprising a device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (A) is fixed to a circulating rail (RC).

16. Assembly according to claim 15 and claim 2, wherein the first part (A) is intercalated between two successive sleepers and wherein the fourth direction (L4) is perpendicular to the rail in use (RC).

17. Assembly according to claim 15, wherein a lateral portion (B3) is carried by a cross member and another portion (B4) is carried by an adjacent cross member.

18. A method of using the device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: a) Fixing the first part (A) on a running rail (RC) so that the first part (A) is arranged between two successive sleepers (T), b) Rotating the second part (B) until the two lateral portions (B3, B4) come into contact with said two successive sleepers (T).

19. Method according to claim 16, wherein wedges are arranged on said two cross members (T), the two lateral portions (B3, B4) being applied to the wedges.

20. A method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein it includes a step prior to step a) of inserting the first part (A) under the skid (P) of the running rail (RC).