Device and method for securing a functional object between two rails

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus (1) for fixing a functional object between rails (2, 3) of a railway track, comprising: - a base unit (4) sized to be disposed between rails (2, 3); - a first fixing element (5, 7) arranged to fix a portion of the base unit (4) to one of the rails (2); - a second fixing element (6, 8) arranged to fix another portion of the base unit to the other rail (3); - at least one attachment element (9, 10) arranged to fix the base unit (4) to at least one functional object (11). The invention also relates to a method and machine for placing and fixing the functional object (11) between rails (2, 3) of a railway track. The invention further relates to a method and machine that can also be used to remove the inversion of the functional object (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of railways and more specifically to the operation of areas occupied by railway lines. Background Technology

[0002] In some countries, railway networks occupy a large portion of the territory. For example, in Switzerland, the railway network includes more than 5,000 kilometers of railway lines.

[0003] Furthermore, the demand for surfaces suitable for placing functional objects is growing, particularly in the energy and communications sectors. One industry particularly affected is the use of solar panels (photovoltaic, thermal, or hybrid).

[0004] Patent documents JP 2014234644 and KR 101253298 disclose solar panels installed between the tracks of a railway line.

[0005] The device in JP 2014234644 is secured to the panel by means of elements that must be inserted under the track. The system described in KR101253298 proposes a solar panel that is secured to the inside of the track by means of an elastic element, which has the effect of damping vibrations caused in the panel when a train passes.

[0006] However, placing and securing these panels is complex and can be relatively time-consuming. The components used to secure them to the track are also directly connected to the functional panels. In this type of configuration, the panels thus become part of the securing device and are therefore subjected to undesirable mechanical stresses, potentially damaging the functional panels. The placement of the securing components on the functional panels also reduces the width of the panels. Consequently, the number of functional surfaces, such as photovoltaic cells, is reduced.

[0007] Furthermore, the fact that the panels are permanently fixed to the rails or sleepers has the effect of greatly reducing or avoiding necessary railway line maintenance work.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the fixation of the panels between the tracks to reduce their placement time, and more generally, to reduce or eliminate all the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of this invention is, in particular, to solve the problems described in the preceding section. To this end, the present invention relates to an apparatus for fixing a functional object (e.g., a photovoltaic panel) between tracks of a railway line. The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least:

[0010] - Base unit, sized to be positioned between the rails.

[0011] - A first fixing element, arranged to secure a portion of the base unit to one of the tracks.

[0012] - A second fixing element, arranged to secure another portion of the base unit to another in the track.

[0013] - At least one attachment element arranged to secure the base unit to at least one functional object.

[0014] "Functional object" should be understood as any object that helps to achieve the sought function. For this purpose, the following incomplete list of functional objects can be cited as an example: photovoltaic panels, thermal panels, hybrid panels, batteries, electrical conductors, and fluid components.

[0015] Functional objects can have any geometry. However, the dimensions of functional objects should be designed so that they can be positioned between railway tracks without obstructing rail traffic.

[0016] Preferably, each fixing element includes a connecting portion fixed to the base unit and a free end for contacting the inside of the track.

[0017] Advantageously, each free end can be shifted relative to the base unit between an idle position and a working position, the working position corresponding to a configuration in which the free end contacts the inside of the track and applies sufficient force to the inside of the track to ensure optimal fixation of the base unit to the track.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each fixing element includes a hinge mechanism comprising at least two arms.

[0019] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, each fixing element comprises a cylinder.

[0020] According to a third embodiment of the invention, each fixing element includes a hinge mechanism comprising at least one rod and a pivoting triangular element.

[0021] Preferably, the base unit is in the form of a housing, and at least a portion of the fixing element is disposed within the housing.

[0022] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one device as described above, a functional object, and an attachment element for securing the functional object to a base unit or another functional object; the attachment element is preferably adapted to allow angular flexibility between the device and one or two adjacent functional objects.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the component comprises a plurality of functional objects, and a fixing device is disposed between the plurality of functional objects. Therefore, the functional objects are indirectly fixed to the track by means of the fixing device.

[0024] According to one embodiment, each attachment element is provided with a male portion or a female portion. Preferably, each pair of attachments includes a locking element for securing the connection between the male and female portions.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for placing and fixing functional objects between tracks of a railway line; the method includes the following steps:

[0026] - Place the device as described above between the two tracks.

[0027] - The base unit is fixed to the track by actuating the fixing element.

[0028] - Place the functional object between the tracks, next to the device or another functional object.

[0029] - Attach a functional object to the device or the other functional object, or vice versa.

[0030] Finally, the present invention also relates to a railway machine for placing functional objects between the tracks of a railway line; the machine comprises the following parts:

[0031] - A motorized traction unit, for example, a locomotive that allows the machine to be moved above a section of railway line.

[0032] - A section used to store functional objects.

[0033] -A section used to store fixed devices.

[0034] - Assembly area, which allows functional objects and fixtures to be interconnected.

[0035] - A ramp is installed after the assembly area to allow for the continuous placement of functional objects and fixtures between tracks.

[0036] Advantageously, the machine also includes a module for actuating the fixed elements.

[0037] Alternatively, the inversion method and machine removal of the function object can be used. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In particular, the invention will be better understood in this section through some illustrative examples.

[0039] List of Attachments

[0040] Figure 1 A first variant (top view) of the fixing device according to the invention in an idle position.

[0041] Figure 2 Indicates and Figure 1 Same view, but without the top wall of the device.

[0042] Figure 3 Indicates being in a work position Figure 1 Variant (top view).

[0043] Figure 4 Indicates and Figure 3 Same view, but without the top wall of the device.

[0044] Figure 5 Indicates being in a work position Figure 1 Variant (front view).

[0045] Figure 6 A second variant (top view) of the fixing device according to the invention in its working position.

[0046] Figure 7 This indicates a fixed element of the second variant that is in an idle position.

[0047] Figure 8 Indicates being in a work position Figure 6 Variant (front view).

[0048] Figure 9 The fixed element is the third variant in the working position.

[0049] Figure 10 An example (top view) showing a pair of attached elements.

[0050] Figure 11 express Figure 10 Fixing of the attachment elements (side view).

[0051] Figure 12 A set of fixing devices and a panel attached to the fixing devices are shown according to the first variant.

[0052] Figure 13 An example of a railway machine with its fixtures and panels removed is shown.

[0053] The reference numerals used in the figure

[0054] 1. Fixing device

[0055] 2. First Track

[0056] 3. Second track

[0057] 4. Base Unit

[0058] 5. First fixing element (variant 1)

[0059] 6. Second fixing element (variant 1)

[0060] 7. First fixing element (variant 2)

[0061] 8. Second fixing element (variant 3)

[0062] 9. Male attachment element

[0063] 10. Female attachment element

[0064] 11. Functional Objects

[0065] 12. Connecting portion of the first fixing element (Variation 1)

[0066] 13. The free end of the first fixed element (Variation 1)

[0067] 14. Connection part of the second fixing element (Variation 1)

[0068] 15. The free end of the second fixing element (Variation 1)

[0069] 16. Connecting portion of the first fixing element (Variation 2)

[0070] 17. The free end of the first fixed element (Variation 2)

[0071] 18. Connecting part of the second fixing element (Variation 2)

[0072] 19. The free end of the second fixed element (Variation 2)

[0073] 20. Connecting part of the second fixing element (Variation 3)

[0074] 21. The free end of the second fixed element (variant 3)

[0075] 22. First Arm (Variant 1)

[0076] 23. Second arm (Variant 1)

[0077] 24. Cylinder

[0078] 25. Pole

[0079] 26. Pivoting Triangle

[0080] 27. Locking components

[0081] 28. Locomotive

[0082] 29. Assembly Area

[0083] 30. Storage section

[0084] 31. Slope

[0085] 32. Fixed device actuation module

[0086] 33. Optics and technical control module

[0087] 34. The functional segment of a fixed device

[0088] 35. Handle

[0089] 36. Curved seam

[0090] 37. Spring

[0091] 38. Branches (variants 2 and 3).

[0092] Of the three variants shown ( Figures 1 to 9 (and 12), the fixing device 1 includes a base unit 4 in the form of a shell, the size of which is smaller than the track gauge of tracks 2 and 3. Figure 5 , 8 And 12). It includes a mechanism that allows the release of the fixing elements 5-8 pressed onto the tracks 2, 3, so as to apply a sufficiently large force to each side of the track to be securely fixed.

[0093] By connecting the fixing device 1 to each end of the functional object 11 ( Figure 12 This allows functional objects, such as photovoltaic panels, to be fixed between two tracks 2 and 3.

[0094] In the first variant ( Figures 1 to 5 In this structure, each fixing element 5, 6 includes a hinge mechanism primarily formed by two arms 22, 23. Each fixing element 5, 6 includes a hinge mechanism via a rotation axis ( Figure 2 and 4 The black dots in the image are fixed to the connecting parts 12 and 14 and the free ends 13 and 15 of the base unit 4.

[0095] The hinge mechanism is actuated by the displacement of the handle 35 along the slot 36 provided in the top wall of the housing (see [link]). Figures 1 to 4 When the handle 35 is moved, the shaft of the handle 35 is subjected to a restoring force applied by the arc-shaped spring 37. When the device is in the idle position ( Figure 1 and 2 The force is at its minimum when the device is in its working position ( ), and at its minimum when the device is in its working position ( ). Figure 3 and 4 When this occurs, free ends 13 and 15 protrude from the outer casing and press against tracks 2 and 3 (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0096] In the second variant ( Figure 6-8 In this structure, the fixing element 7 includes a cylinder 24 connected to two parallel branches 38, the free ends 17 and 19 of which press against the tracks 2 and 3. Figure 7 and 8 ).

[0097] In the third variant ( Figure 9 In this configuration, each fixing element 8 includes a triangle 26, one vertex of which pivots about an axis fixed to the base unit 4. Figure 9The leftmost vertex of the triangle). The fixing element 8 also includes a rod 25, one end of which is mounted around the other vertex of the triangle (the leftmost vertex). Figure 9 The rightmost vertex of the structure pivots, while the other end is fixed to a component comprising two parallel branches 38, the free end 21 of which presses against the tracks 2 and 3.

[0098] In summary, the fixing device includes the free ends 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 retracting into the idle position in the base unit 4; and the working position where the free ends 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 press against the rails 2, 3.

[0099] Figure 12 A set of functional panels 11 and fixing devices are shown.

[0100] In this embodiment, the function panel 11 and the fixing device alternate between one fixing device and two function panels.

[0101] Other configurations are also possible, such as one function panel, one fixing device, three function panels, etc.

[0102] Connections between two functional objects or between a fixed device and a functional object can be formed in different ways.

[0103] However, preferably, the connection allows for angular flexibility between two adjacent elements 11, 4, which provides the possibility of easily placing or removing functional objects from the railway machine along the ramp. Figure 11 ).

[0104] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the attachment element is formed by the male portion 9 and the female portion 10.

[0105] Once the male part 9 is inserted into the female part 10, the locking element 27 is shifted to prevent accidental removal of the male part 9.

[0106] The arrangement of the functional panel 11 (e.g., a photovoltaic panel) has the following specific characteristics:

[0107] a) Function panel 11 is provided with attachment elements 9, 10 to other function panels 11 or at least one fixing device 1.

[0108] b) Attachment elements 9 and 10 are fixed to the fixing device.

[0109] c) The fixing device 1 is connected to the functional panel 11 to form a segment of variable length. This operation can be performed during placement or beforehand to enable the entire segment to be installed and connected together.

[0110] d) The deployment of the fixing device 1 allows all functional panels 11 to be securely fixed to the tracks 2 and 3.

[0111] Figure 12 The railway machinery shown in the example includes the following different sections:

[0112] a) Locomotive 28, which allows the machine to be moved on a section of railway line.

[0113] b) Storage section 30, in which a section 34 pre-installed with a functional panel 11 and a fixing device 1 is placed.

[0114] c) Assembly section 29, which allows different sections to be connected to each other.

[0115] d) The ramp 31 is fixed to the assembly section 29 to allow for the continuous placement of different segments of the interconnected functional panels 11 between tracks 2 and 3.

[0116] e) Module 32 that allows opening and closing of the fixing device 1 to place or remove the device.

[0117] f) Optical and technical control module 33.

[0118] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but covers any object defined in the claims. It is particularly important to note that the two fixing elements of the same fixing device are not necessarily identical. Therefore, for example, a fixing device may be provided having a first fixing element according to a second variant and a second fixing element according to a third variant.

Claims

1. A device (1) for fixing a functional object (11) between tracks (2, 3) of a railway line, comprising: - Base unit (4), the base unit being sized to be positioned between the tracks (2,3), - A first fixing element (5, 7) is arranged to fix a portion of the base unit (4) to one of the tracks (2). - Second fixing element (6, 8), the second fixing element is arranged to fix another part of the base unit to another (3) in the track. - At least one attachment element (9, 10) arranged to secure the base unit (4) to at least one functional object (11), wherein the base unit (4) includes a housing, and at least a portion of the securing element (5-8) is disposed within the housing. Furthermore, each of the fixed elements (5, 6) includes a hinge mechanism.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein Each fixing element (5-8) includes a connecting portion (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) fixed to the base unit (4) and a free end (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) for contacting the inside of the rails (2, 3).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein Each free end (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) can be displaced relative to the base unit (4) between an idle position and a working position, the working position corresponding to the free end (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) contacting the inside of the rails (2, 3) and applying sufficient force to the inside of the rails (2, 3) to ensure the optimal fixed configuration of the base unit (4) to the rails (2, 3).

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein The hinge mechanism comprises at least two arms (21, 22).

5. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein Each fixed element (7) includes a cylinder (23).

6. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein The hinge mechanism includes at least one rod (25) and a pivoting triangular element (26).

7. An assembly comprising at least one device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, a functional object (11) and attachment elements (9, 10) for securing the functional object (11) to the base unit (4) or another functional object (11).

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein, Each attachment element has a male portion (9) or a female portion (10).

9. The component of claim 7, comprising a locking member (27) for locking the connection between the male portion (9) and the female portion (10).

10. A method for placing and fixing a functional object (11) between tracks (2, 3) of a railway line, comprising the following steps: - Place the device (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 between the two tracks (2, 3). - The base unit (4) is fixed to the track (2, 3) by deploying the fixing elements (5-6-7-8). - Place the functional object (11) between the tracks (2, 3), next to the device (1) or another functional object (11). - Attach the functional object (11) to the device (1) or the other functional object (11), or attach the device (1) or the other functional object (11) to the functional object (11).

11. A railway machine for placing and removing functional objects between tracks (2, 3) of a railway line, comprising the following parts: - A motorized traction unit (28) that allows the machine to be moved above a section of railway line. - Storage section (30) for the functional object (11) and the fixing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. - Assembly area (29) that allows the functional object (11) and the fixing device (1) to be interconnected. - A ramp (31) is provided after the assembly area (29) to allow the functional object (11) and the fixing device (1) to be placed or removed continuously between the tracks (2, 3). - Module (32) for actuating the fixing element of the fixing device.

12. The machine according to claim 11 further includes an optical and technical control module (33).

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