DEVICE FOR FIXING FUNCTIONAL OBJECTS BETWEEN TWO RAILS OF A RAILWAY

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (1) for mechanically fastening functional objects between the rails (2) of a railway track (1), comprising at least: -) a frame (10) for supporting at least one functional object; -) means (13, 14, 15) for fastening the frame (10) to the rails (2); -) means (16, 17, 19, 20) for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames (10) to one another.

Description

1 / 16 DEVICE FOR FIXING FUNCTIONAL OBJECTS BETWEEN TWO RAILS OF A RAILWAY Corresponding Patent Application

[001] This application claims priority over the prior international application No. PCT / IB2023 / 052511, filed on March 15, 2023 in the name of Joseph SCUDERI, and the entire content of the cited patent application is incorporated into this patent application by way of citation. Field of invention

[002] The present invention relates to the railway sector and more precisely to the exploitation of areas occupied by railways. The present invention relates particularly to the installation and collection, for example using mechanical devices, of functional objects, such as solar panels, on a railway. Background of the technique

[003] In some countries, the railway network occupies a significant portion of the territory. In Switzerland, for example, the railway network totals more than 5,000 km of railways.

[004] There is also a growing need for available surface areas for the placement of functional objects, especially in the field of energy and communications. One particularly relevant sector is the use of solar panels (photovoltaic, thermal or hybrid).

[005] Patent documents JP 2014 234 644 and KR 10 125 32 98 disclose solar panels that are placed between railway tracks.

[006] With the device in document JP 2014 234 644, the panels are fixed by means of elements that must be inserted under the rails. The system described in document KR 10 125 32 98 features solar panels that are fixed to the inner faces of the Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 51 2 / 16 rails, by means of elastic elements, which aims to attenuate the vibrations transmitted to the panels during the passage of a train.

[007] However, the placement and fixing of these panels is complicated, and the installation time can be relatively long. Furthermore, the elements for fixing to the rails are directly connected to the functional panels. In this type of configuration, therefore, the panels are part of the fixing device and, consequently, are subjected to undesirable mechanical stresses that can damage the functional panels. The arrangement of the fixing elements on the functional panels also reduces the width of the panels. As a result, the functional surface area, for example the number of photovoltaic cells, is reduced.

[008] Another example is described in publication WO 2022 / 130307. This publication describes a device and a method for attaching functional objects between two rails, and the entire content of that publication is incorporated by citation into the present application.

[009] Several patent documents in the field in question indicate how to fix photovoltaic panels, of different shapes and on different supports, between the rails of a railway. However, the photovoltaic panels described in the publications in question are specifically designed for installation between railway rails and do not correspond to the standardized format photovoltaic panels, which generally measure 1,000 x 1,700 mm, such as those found on the roofs of residences or in large photovoltaic plants. Consequently, it is necessary to manufacture specific solar panels for this application, which is not economically viable.

[0010] On the other hand, the permanent fixing of panels (or other Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 51 3 / 16 functional objects) on the rails or sleepers results in a drastic reduction, or even the impossibility of carrying out, the maintenance services essential to the upkeep of the railways.

[0011] Finally, the installation of functional objects, such as photovoltaic panels, requires the connection and routing of electrical cables, which generally remain exposed and are subject to deterioration due to external conditions, maintenance services, or rodent activity.

[0012] It is therefore desirable to facilitate the fixing of panels and functional objects between the rails, reduce their placement time, allow for quick temporary removal for maintenance services (ballasting or grinding of the rails), reduce costs and increase production by using standardized-sized photovoltaic panels and, more generally, reduce or eliminate all the disadvantages mentioned above. General description of the invention

[0013] The present invention has the specific objective of correcting the problems described above and proposing an improved system based on the system described in document WO 2022 / 130307, ​​which is incorporated into the present application by means of this citation.

[0014] Functional object, within the scope of the present invention, means any object that contributes to the achievement of a desired functionality. In this sense, the following functional objects are cited, but not limited to: Photovoltaic panels, thermal panels, hybrid panels, batteries, electrical conductors, fluid elements, measuring instruments or other equivalent objects, etc.

[0015] The geometry of the functional objects may vary, but they must have a standardized size so that they can benefit from the characteristics and advantages of the present invention. However, it Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 51 4 / 16 must allow for the placement of functional objects between the railway tracks without obstructing rail traffic.

[0016] To that effect, the invention relates in particular to a device for a mechanized (preferably automated) installation of standardized-sized functional objects, for example photovoltaic panels, between the rails of a railway. It will be better understood by the non-limiting description of its embodiments and variants, which are indicated below.

[0017] In embodiments, the device according to the invention comprises especially at least: - a frame dimensioned so as to be able to be installed between the rails of a railway, comprising a first fastening element at its end and arranged so as to fix one side of the frame to one of these rails and a second fastening element arranged so as to fix the other side of the frame to the other rail; - Several transverse reinforcements are fixed to the frame, allowing a base to be placed inside, on which the functional objects will rest. In some versions, longitudinal stringers are added under the reinforcements, these stringers being parallel to the rails, so that the position of the reinforcements can be independent of the position of the sleepers. To minimize storage space, these longitudinal stringers have a closed position when the frames are stored and an open position when the frames are placed between the rails, in order to reduce storage space; - at least one gripping element located at each end of the frame so as to be able to mechanically attach (for example by coupling) one frame to another adjacent frame; Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 51 5 / 16 - at least one mechanical and electrical connection element located at each end of the frame, allowing both a mechanical connection of the frames and an electrical connection of the functional objects for the passage of various electrical flows from one frame to another.

[0018] Depending on its size, the frame can accommodate one or more functional objects, for example three. Obviously, this is merely an illustrative example: it is possible to accommodate fewer than three or more than three functional objects.

[0019] The functional objects can be connected to each other by electrical cables that are protected between the functional objects and the bottom of the panel. The electrical cables are preferably connected to the electrical connection elements located at each end of the panel.

[0020] Preferably, each fastening element includes a related part that is attached to the frame and a free end intended to contact the inner side of a rail.

[0021] Advantageously, each free end can move relative to the frame between a rest position and an active position, the latter corresponding to a configuration in which the free end contacts the inner side of a rail and exerts a force against it sufficient to ensure proper attachment of the basic unit to said rails.

[0022] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each fastening element includes an articulated mechanism consisting of at least two pistons placed on each side of a double cam. A 90° rotational movement displaces the pistons on each side of the frame until they come into contact with the inner face of the two rails. At the point on the cam where the thrust force is maximum, a notch in each cam prevents the mechanism from reversing its movement. Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 51 6 / 16 spontaneously.

[0023] In embodiments, the invention relates to a device for the mechanical attachment and collection of functional objects between the rails of a railway comprising at least: - ) a frame designed to hold at least one functional object; - ) means of attaching the frame to the rails; - ) means for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames to each other.

[0024] In the modalities, the means for fixing the frame to the rails can be adjusted longitudinally in a direction parallel to the railway.

[0025] In the embodiments, the means for mechanically and electrically connecting the frames to each other contain a male part and a female part.

[0026] In the modalities, the means for fixation include pistons and a double cam.

[0027] In the embodiments, the device includes means for vertically displacing the male part.

[0028] In the modalities, the device includes alignment means.

[0029] In the modalities, the device includes longitudinal stringers to support the frame on the sleepers.

[0030] In the modalities, the stringers have a low position and a high position.

[0031] In the embodiments, the device includes means for blocking the coupling of the male and female parts.

[0032] In the modalities, the device includes at least one pair of telescopic arms to block vertical movement of the frame.

[0033] In the embodiments, the arms comprise at least one head intended to be compressed under the accelerator of a rail, or a part intended to be inserted under a rail or both. Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 18 / 51 7 / 16

[0034] In the modalities, the device includes a pin that allows locking the movement of the telescopic arms.

[0035] In the embodiments, the device includes at least one spring between the frame and the functional object to absorb vibrations, for example during the passage of the train.

[0036] In the embodiments, the device is combined with two wheeled carts, and these carts are used to lift a frame and move it along the rails in order to allow work on sections of the railway that are located below said frame.

[0037] In embodiments, the functional object is (are) one or more photovoltaic panel(s). Obviously, the scope of the present invention extends to other possible functional objects, in particular as described in this patent application.

[0038] In some modalities, the framework and the functional object are fixed to each other. In other modalities, the framework is an integral part of the functional object.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for depositing and securing frames containing functional objects between the rails of a railway; the method particularly comprising the following steps: - placement of at least one frame, as described above, between two rails, - activation of the frame's fastening elements to the rails.

[0040] Finally, the invention also relates to a railway machine for depositing frames containing fasteners and functional objects between the rails of a railway; the machine may correspond to the machine in patent application EP0056497A1, the content of which is incorporated into the present application by means of this citation.

[0041] In the modalities, sliding hooks allow you to pick up functional objects (and / or frames) and install them between the rails of Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 51 8 / 16 railway track through a bottomless wagon.

[0042] In the reverse embodiment, the machine described and mentioned in this application and the method described can also be used to remove functional objects placed between the rails. For this purpose, the described method is carried out in reverse and the sliding hooks bring the functional objects back to the railway machine. Detailed description of the invention

[0043] Figure 1 represents a general perspective view of the device according to the invention.

[0044] Figure 2 represents a detail of Figure 1.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate embodiments of a part of the invention.

[0046] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate embodiments of another part of the invention.

[0047] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the embodiments of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the invention.

[0048] Figures 11 to 15 illustrate the modalities of displacement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the invention.

[0049] Figures 16 to 18 illustrate the embodiments of the stringers placed under the frame according to the invention.

[0050] Figures 19 to 21 illustrate embodiments of the means for adjusting the length of a frame according to the invention.

[0051] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the embodiments of the means of fastening the male and female parts according to the invention.

[0052] Figures 24 to 28 illustrate embodiments of the means that allow the movement of a frame on rails according to the invention.

[0053] Figures 29 to 34 illustrate the types of means that Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 51 9 / 16 allow you to keep the frames in position.

[0054] Figure 35 illustrates the springs that allow vibration damping according to one embodiment of the invention. Numerical references used in the Figures 1. Railway 2. Rails 3. Sleepers 10. Table 11. Protective plate 12. Functional object 13. Piston 13'. Roll 14. Piston 14'. Roll 15. Double cam 15'. Cam notch 16. Male part 17. Female part 18. Cone 18'. Counterparty 19. Electrical connection (male part) 20. Electrical connection (female part) 21. Screw 22. Guiding element 23, 23'. Longitudinal stringers 24. Lever 25. Axle 26. Shopping cart 27, 27'. Wheels of the cart 28, 28'. Hooks Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 51 10 / 16 30. Telescopic arms 31. Pin 32. Arm head 33. Arm extension 34. Springs

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates in a general and perspective manner the principle of the invention: it includes frames 10 that are arranged between the rails 2 of a railway track 1. Figure 1 represents, by way of non-limiting example, four successive frames 10 fastened to each other with the means of the present invention as described below, but the number of four frames is not limiting, the number of frames could be greater or less than four frames.

[0056] Figure 2 illustrates the connection between two neighboring frames 10, with a protective plate 11.

[0057] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a frame 10 carrying three functional objects 12, for example solar panels. In order not to interfere with the rail fasteners 2 to the sleepers 3, the fastening system according to the invention, which is located under the plate 11, will always be positioned between two sleepers 3 of the track 2. But the distance between the sleepers 3 can vary with a tolerance of 2 cm, which means that, after a few tens of meters, the fasteners may meet facing the rail fasteners 2, which should be avoided. To solve this problem, the fastening system can slide to vary the length of the frame 10 and do so in such a way that the fasteners are always between two sleepers 3 of the track 1.

[0058] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the gripping means that form the gripping system of the frames 10 to the rails 2. They include, according to one embodiment of the invention, an articulated mechanism with at least two pistons 13, 14 placed on each side. Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 51 11 / 16 of a double cam 15 over which rollers 13', 14' move. A 90° rotation of the double cam 15 (see Figures 5 and 6) moves pistons 13, 14 on each side of frame 10 until they touch the inner face of the two rails 2. At the point on cam 15 where the thrust force is maximum, a notch 15' in each cam 15 prevents the mechanism from spontaneously reversing and locks frame 10 in position (see Figure 6). Rollers 13', 14' are in a stable position and cams 15 are held in the position illustrated in Figure 6.

[0059] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate embodiments of the mechanical and electrical connection means between the frames 10. These means comprise a male part 16 and a female part 17. The male part is illustrated in perspective in Figure 7 and includes in particular a cone 18 intended to fit into a corresponding counterpart 18' of the female part 17, forming a self-centering assembly (see section in Figure 10). The male part also includes electrical connection means 19 intended to connect to the corresponding means 20 in the female part 17. The said female part 17 is illustrated in perspective in Figure 8 with its electrical connection means 20. The geometric shape of the male part 16 and female part 17 may vary and is not limited to that illustrated: their shape may be square / rectangular, stellate, rhomboid, etc.

[0060] The coupling of the male parts 16 and female parts 17 is illustrated in perspective in Figure 9 and in cross-section in Figure 10, where the connection of the electrical connection means 19 and 20 is also observed. As can be understood, a frame 10 has a male part 16 at one end and a female part 17 at the other end, so that two frames 10 can be coupled together by means 16, 17, to form a mechanical and electrical connection between them. This embodiment is not limited to two frames 10, and can be applied to Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 23 / 51 12 / 16 several frames 10 (for example, four, as illustrated in Figure 1).

[0061] As described, the frames 10 are joined to each other with mechanical and electrical male 16 and female 17 joining elements / parts. However, in this condition, once the various frames 10 are joined together, it is not possible to remove a frame 10 positioned in the middle of a series of several frames 10 connected to each other without having to remove all of them.

[0062] Consequently, according to the invention, the male joint 16 can be disengaged from the female joint 17 by means of a screw 21, which will move it downwards, see Figures 11 and 12, and thus allow the removal of a single frame 10 from a series (as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) for the purpose of spot maintenance on the railway 1 or on the frame 10 itself (for example, replacement in case of a defect). Preferably, once removed by the male part 16, it is then rotated to lie under the frame 10 and not impede the extraction of the frame 10, for example by translation along a vertical axis. The rotation of the male part 16 is illustrated in Figures 13 to 15.

[0063] Finally, to facilitate the assembly and joining of the frames 10 in a mechanized process, in one embodiment, a guiding element 22 placed on the already deposited frame 10 allows guiding the female joint 17 of the frame to be deposited and thus facilitates the horizontal positioning of the two joints 16 / 17 and the electrical connection between the two frames 10. This guiding element 22, illustrated in Figures 11 to 15, is, for example, a hole that serves as a reference point for the frame 10.

[0064] Figures 16 to 18 illustrate different positions of the longitudinal stringers 23, 23' in one embodiment. In Figures 16 and 17, the stringers 23, 23' are illustrated in a low position when Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 24 / 51 13 / 16 they are used as supports for frame 10 on sleepers 3 of the track. In Figure 18, stringers 23, 23' are in a high position, which allows reducing the height of frames 10 and facilitating storage without wasting space.

[0065] Figures 19 to 21 illustrate one embodiment of a system for adjusting the position of the hooks on the rails 2 (see also Figures 3 and 4). As described, the gripping system can slide to vary the length of the frame 10 and do so in such a way that the fasteners always remain between two sleepers 3 of the track 1. Preferably, a plate 11' is used which remains in position (for example to cover and protect the mechanism containing the double cam 15 (see Figures 5 and 6)) while the gripping system slides longitudinally (see Figures 20 and 21) to adapt to the position of the sleepers 3.

[0066] Figures 22 and 23 illustrate one embodiment of the fastening means that ensure the coupling of the male parts 16 and female parts 17. These fastening means include, for example, a lever 24 articulated on the female part 17, a part of which engages with a shaft 25 of the male part, see Figure 23. Uncoupling is achieved by simply tilting the lever 24. Of course, this is a non-limiting example and other equivalent means can be implemented to ensure such coupling.

[0067] Figures 24 to 28 illustrate an embodiment of the means that allows a frame 10 to be removed from its position between the tracks in order to, for example, allow work on the track that is below said frame. The construction according to the invention effectively allows a single frame 10 to be removed and not a set of frames 10 that would be connected to each other.

[0068] First, the coupling of the male parts 16 and female parts 17 is undone, for example, by first loosening the lever 24 Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 25 / 51 14 / 16 (see Figures 22, 23), and removing the male part 16, as illustrated in Figures 11 to 15 and described above.

[0069] Next, a 26-wheeled cart 27, 27' is used to move along rails 2, and this cart functions analogously to the means used in Formula 1 racing to lift a racing vehicle during tire changes.

[0070] The trolley 26 includes, for example, hooks 28, 28' which will hook onto frame 10, see Figure 25, and allow, by tilting the trolley 26 on the track, to lift frame 10 out of position, see Figure 26. This manipulation is performed at both ends of frame 10 to achieve the result in Figure 26, where frame 10 is carried by two trolleys 26 above rails 2. Frame 10 can then be easily moved, for example, by one or two people, rolling the frame over the rails and thus giving access to the track below the displaced frame 10, see Figures 27 and 28 which illustrate a leftward movement in the drawings of the frame lifted and carried by trolleys 26. To bring frame 10 back (for example, after maintenance or repair or after replacement, or when track work is completed), the procedure is reversed.Frame 10, brought back into position by carriages 26, is then lowered to the desired position, and this lowering establishes the mechanical and electrical connection with the two neighboring frames 10.

[0071] Figures 29 to 34 illustrate other features of the device according to the embodiments of the invention described below.

[0072] These features include in particular a telescopic arm 30 as illustrated in Figures 29 (top perspective view) and 30 (bottom perspective view). More precisely, frame 10 includes a plurality of these arms 30, Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 51 15 / 16 for example four as in Figure 29, two on each side, these arms being installed in pairs. The arms 30 are used to rest against the rails 2, and prevent the vertical displacement of the frames 10, once mounted in position between the rails 2. With the frame 10 in position, the arms 30 are extended and placed in contact with the rail 2, as illustrated in Figure 31. Once in position, they are locked, for example, with a pin 31 as illustrated in Figure 31. Certainly, other equivalent means are possible.

[0073] Figures 32 to 34 illustrate front views of variants of arms 30. For example, according to Figure 32, arm 30 includes a head 32 that rests below the accelerator of rail 2. In the variant of Figure 33, arm 30 includes a part 33, as an extension, which is inserted under rail 2. Figure 34 illustrates a variant formed by combining the embodiments of Figures 32 and 33.

[0074] All these variants and other equivalents are applicable to the present invention in frame 10 as illustrated: a frame 10 may include a single type of arm (for example, as in one of Figures 32 to 34) or a mixture of these variants.

[0075] Figure 35 illustrates an embodiment in which springs 34 are installed between the frame 10 and the functional object 12 to dampen vibrations, for example during the passage of a train. The number of springs 34 and their characteristics are adjusted to the conditions: for example, to the weight and / or dimensions of the functional object 12, to the speed of the passing train, etc.

[0076] The railway machine used to deposit and / or remove the frames and / or functional objects corresponds, for example, to that described in the previous patent applications EP0056497A1 and WO 2022 / 130307 incorporated herein, such publications being cited by reference. Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 27 / 51 16 / 16

[0077] There is no doubt that the invention is not limited to the examples discussed above and covers any object defined in the claims. Note, in particular, that the two fastening elements of the same fastening device are not necessarily identical, and those described in application WO 2022 / 130307 may be used.

[0078] The embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems and methods described in this application. One or more such embodiments are illustrated in the attached drawings. The systems and methods specifically described in this patent application and illustrated in the attached drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is not defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variants shall be included within the scope of the present invention. Some problems related to conventional methods and systems are addressed in this document, and the methods and systems described herein may solve one or more of these problems.Furthermore, although this invention has been described in conjunction with some embodiments, the alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variants contained in the essence and scope of the present invention are also protected by this application. Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 51

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for the mechanical fixing and collection of functional objects between the rails (2) of a railway (1) characterized in that it comprises at least: - ) a frame (10) intended to carry at least one functional object (12); - ) means for fixing (13,14,15) the frame (10) to the rails (2); - ) means (16,17, 19, 20) for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames (10) to each other.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of fixing the frame (10) to the rails (2) can be adjusted longitudinally in a direction parallel to the railway.

3. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for mechanically and electrically connecting the frames (10) to each other comprise a male part (16) and a female part (17).

4. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means include pistons (13,14) and a double cam (15).

5. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (21) for vertically displacing the male part (16).

6. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises alignment means (22).

7. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 51 2 / 3 comprises longitudinal stringers (23, 23') to support the frame (10) on the sleepers (3).

8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stringers (23, 23') have a low position and a high position.

9. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (24,25) for blocking the coupling of the male (16) and female (17) parts.

10. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of telescopic arms (30, 32, 33) for blocking a vertical movement of the frame (10).

11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the arms comprise at least one head (32) that must be compressed under the accelerator of a rail (2), or a part (33) that must be inserted under one rail (2) or under both.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises a pin (31) that allows the movement of the telescopic arms (30) to be blocked.

13. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one spring (34) between said frame (10) and the functional object for absorbing vibrations.

14. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two carts (26) with wheels (27, 27'), said carts serving to lift a frame (10) and move it on the rails (2) to allow work on sections of the track that are located Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 51 3 / 3 below said table (10).

15. Device, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional object is (are) one or more photovoltaic panel(s). Petition 870250081720, dated 11 / 09 / 2025, p. 31 / 51

Images