ELECTRICAL CONNECTION DEVICE FOR EARTHING RAILWAY RAILS

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates on the one hand to an electrical interconnection device for earthing railway rails as well as to an assembly comprising such a device and one or more accessories and on the other hand, to a method of electrical interconnection using such a device for earthing a rolling railway rail with a supply railway rail. State of the art

[0002] Electrical interconnection devices for grounding railway rails are known, including devices having a frame, an articulated handle secured to the frame, two shoes mounted at opposite ends of the frame, and an electrical conductor electrically connecting the two shoes. One of the shoes is designed to bear against a rolling rail, while the other of the shoes is designed to bear against a power rail.

[0003] Document DE 405128C describes such a connection device. Statement of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to provide an electrical interconnection device for earthing railway rails, of a similar type and which is particularly simple, efficient and convenient to use.

[0005] The invention thus relates, according to a first aspect, to an electrical interconnection device for earthing railway rails, comprising a main body, at least one first securing member mounted at a first end of the main body and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called rolling railway rail, at least one second securing member mounted at a second end of the main body opposite its first end and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called supply railway rail, in which the main body is provided with at least one sheath and at least one telescopic insert mounted to move in translation and in rotation relative to the sheath, with one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member which is mechanically secured to a free end of the telescopic insert;whereby the electrical interconnection device is configured to admit a retracted configuration in which the telescopic insert is inserted into the sheath and a deployed configuration in which the telescopic insert is at least partially extracted from the sheath, characterized in that one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member is configured to be arranged in a predetermined orientation among a plurality of orientations, regardless of the configuration of the electrical interconnection device.;

[0006] The ability to deploy / retract the telescopic insert into the sheath makes it possible to adapt the overall length of the electrical interconnection device to the distance separating the power rail from the rolling rail on which this electrical interconnection device is engaged via the first and second securing members, with a view to the electrical interconnection of these rails for their earthing.

[0007] In fact, thanks to the telescopic function of the insert in relation to the sheath, it is possible to adapt the length of the main body to the distance separating the rolling and supply rails.

[0008] Furthermore, the ability to modify and select the orientation of one of the first and second securing members allows the latter to be engaged on the top or bottom of the railway rail to which it is secured. This also has an effect on the overall length of the device.

[0009] In fact, the rotation of the telescopic insert in the sheath causes the rotation of the securing member which is secured to this telescopic insert. It is therefore possible to turn this securing member depending on where it must come into contact with the railway rail.

[0010] The electrical interconnection device according to the invention is thus particularly versatile and adaptable in that it can be used for different spacing distances between the rolling and supply rails and regardless of the location on the rail where the securing member mounted on the insert must engage.

[0011] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the device according to the invention are presented below.

[0012] The device may be provided with positioning holes provided in both the sheath and the telescopic insert, and a fixing member mounted in the positioning holes of the sheath and the telescopic insert when they are opposite each other; whereby the telescopic insert may be held in a plurality of distinct positions relative to the sheath.

[0013] The main body may include a clamping mechanism secured to the sheath extending toward the first end of the main body, and the first securing member may be mounted on the clamping mechanism.

[0014] The clamping mechanism may be provided with an operating screw, a guide member partially housed in the sheath and provided for guiding the operating screw, and a clamping and locking ring mounted to rotate on the operating screw, between the first end of the main body and the guide member.

[0015] In a locked configuration of the device, the clamping and locking ring may be disposed in abutment against the guide member and the device may include a locking member mounted locked on the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0016] The operating screw may be partially housed in an internal space provided in the sheath and have an orifice provided at one end into which a stop member is introduced.

[0017] The second securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the telescopic insert; and / or the first securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the operating screw.

[0018] The guide member may comprise a flange-shaped annular wall arranged to bear against and outside the sheath, and a cylindrical wall projecting from the annular wall and housed in an internal space formed in the sheath by fitting one side of the sheath, and a plurality of holes are formed in the annular wall; and the clamping and locking ring may comprise an annular wall having an external contour which is here serrated and which is intended to bear against the annular wall of the guide member.

[0019] The serrated outer contour may be provided with recesses to allow the introduction of a portion of the locking member so that, when a recess of the outer contour is located opposite a hole in the annular wall of the guide member, the portion of the locking member can pass through both a recess of the outer contour and a respective hole in order to immobilize in rotation the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0020] The guide member may comprise a threaded internal surface through which the operating screw passes, with one end located opposite the annular wall, and the clamping and locking ring may further comprise a cylindrical wall through which the operating screw passes and having an internal face arranged so as to form a double nut system.

[0021] The device may include a grip formed from a handle mechanically secured via a pivot connection to a sleeve, which is tightly mounted to the main body.

[0022] The first securing member is of a first type and is formed by an L-shaped part with a rim, provided with a first branch, a second branch extending from the first branch, a rim extending from the first branch opposite the second branch, thus forming a gripping and receiving space delimited by an internal contact face to ensure electrical interconnection with the rolling rail; and / or the second securing member is of a second type and is formed by an L-shaped part, provided with a first branch and a second branch extending from the first branch and thus forming a gripping and receiving space delimited by an internal contact face to ensure electrical interconnection with the power rail;and / or the first securing member is of a third type and is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall having an outer face configured to essentially form a contact face for bearing against and contacting the rolling rail, and fixing hooks extending from an edge of the inclined and / or curved main wall.;

[0023] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device as described above as well as one or more accessories, including at least one first securing member of a first type configured to be mounted at a first end of a main body of the electrical interconnection device and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of a rolling rail, at least one second securing member of a second type configured to be mounted at a second end of the main body opposite its first end, on a telescopic insert of the main body, and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top or bottom of a power supply rail depending on its orientation, and at least one first securing member of a third type, different from that of the first type,configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail.,

[0024] In the assembly according to the invention, the electrical interconnection device is provided with different securing members, including at least one first securing member of a first type and at least one other of a third type, whereby it is possible to select the first securing member according to its positioning at the top or bottom of the rolling rail; while the second securing member can be oriented according to the need for positioning at the top or bottom of the power rail.

[0025] The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a method for electrically interconnecting and grounding at least one rolling railway rail with a power rail, using an electrical interconnection device as described above, comprising the steps of providing such an electrical interconnection device and arranging it between the rolling rail and the power rail, engaging a first securing member of the electrical interconnection device on the rolling rail, adapting the length of the electrical interconnection device by deploying or retracting a telescopic insert from or into a sheath of a main body of the electrical interconnection device, adapting the orientation of a second securing member of the electrical interconnection device by rotating the telescopic insert in and relative to the sheath,and engage the second securing member on the power rail.,

[0026] The method may comprise the step of selecting a first securing member from one of a first type configured to be mounted at a first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of the rolling rail, and a third type, different from the first type, configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail.

[0027] The invention also relates, according to a fourth aspect, to an electrical interconnection device for earthing railway rails, comprising a main body, at least one first securing member mounted at a first end of the main body and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called rolling railway rail, at least one second securing member mounted at a second end of the main body opposite the first end and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called supply railway rail, characterized in that the main body has the shape of a single arm provided with a sheath, an insert housed at least partially in the sheath, extending towards the second end of the main body and on which the second securing member is secured, and a clamping mechanism secured to the sheath,extending from the sheath towards the first end of the main body and on which the first securing member is secured, said clamping mechanism being configured to move the first and second securing members apart so as to engage them on the respective rolling and power rails, and the electrical interconnection device further comprises a locking member configured to be mounted and locked on the clamping mechanism; whereby the electrical interconnection device is immobilized in a predetermined configuration in which the first and second securing members are configured to electrically interconnect the rolling and power rails for grounding them.,

[0028] The fact that the main body of the electrical interconnection device according to the invention is formed of a single arm grouping the insert on which the second securing member is mounted, the clamping mechanism on which the first securing member is mounted, and also the sheath interposed between the insert and the clamping mechanism, makes the electrical interconnection device particularly compact and also particularly convenient to use, including the positioning of the first and second securing members on the respective rolling and power supply rails.

[0029] In addition, the electrical interconnection device according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the clamping mechanism and the locking member of this mechanism, on the one hand to secure the positioning of the first and second securing members on the respective rolling and supply rails and on the other hand, to secure the holding in position of these first and second securing members. Thus, the electrical interconnection of the rolling and supply rails is made reliable and their earthing is ensured.

[0030] It is also particularly convenient to lock the positioning of the first and second securing members by a single action on the single arm of the main body and in particular on its clamping mechanism.

[0031] The clamping mechanism may be provided with an operating screw, a guide member partially housed in the sheath and provided for guiding the operating screw, and a clamping and locking ring mounted to rotate on the operating screw, between the first end of the main body and the guide member.

[0032] In the locked configuration of the device, the clamping and locking ring can be arranged to bear against the guide member and the locking member is mounted locked on the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0033] The guide member may comprise a flange-shaped annular wall arranged to bear against and outside the sheath, and a cylindrical wall projecting from the annular wall and housed in an internal space formed in the sheath by fitting one side of the sheath, and a plurality of holes are formed in the annular wall; and the clamping and locking ring may comprise an annular wall having an external contour which is here serrated and which is intended to bear against the annular wall of the guide member.

[0034] The serrated outer contour may be provided with recesses to allow the introduction of a portion of the locking member so that, when a recess of the outer contour is located opposite a hole in the annular wall of the guide member, the portion of the locking member can pass through both a recess of the outer contour and a respective hole in order to immobilize in rotation the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0035] The guide member may comprise a threaded internal surface through which the operating screw passes, with one end located opposite the annular wall, and the clamping and locking ring may further comprise a cylindrical wall through which the operating screw passes and having an internal face arranged so as to form a double nut system.

[0036] The operating screw may be partially housed in an internal space provided in the sheath and have an orifice provided at one end into which a stop member is introduced.

[0037] The insert may be telescopic and mounted to be movable in translation and rotation relative to the sheath, with one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member being mechanically secured to a free end of the telescopic insert; whereby the electrical interconnection device is configured to admit a retracted configuration in which the telescopic insert is introduced into the sheath and a deployed configuration in which the telescopic insert is at least partially extracted from the sheath, with one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member being configured to be arranged in a predetermined orientation among a plurality of orientations, regardless of the configuration of the electrical interconnection device.

[0038] The ability to deploy / retract the telescopic insert into the sheath makes it possible to adapt the overall length of the electrical interconnection device to the distance separating the power rail from the rolling rail on which this electrical interconnection device is engaged via the first and second securing members, with a view to the electrical interconnection of these rails for their earthing.

[0039] In fact, thanks to the telescopic function of the insert in relation to the sheath, it is possible to adapt the length of the main body to the distance separating the rolling and supply rails.

[0040] Furthermore, the ability to modify and select the orientation of one of the first and second securing members allows the latter to be engaged on the top or bottom of the railway rail to which it is secured. This also has an effect on the overall length of the device.

[0041] In fact, the rotation of the telescopic insert in the sheath causes the rotation of the securing member which is secured to this telescopic insert. It is therefore possible to turn this securing member depending on where it must come into contact with the railway rail.

[0042] The electrical interconnection device is thus particularly versatile and adaptable in that it can be used for different spacing distances between the rolling and supply rails and regardless of where on the rail the securing member mounted on the insert is to engage.

[0043] The device may be provided with positioning holes provided in both the sheath and the telescopic insert, and a fixing member mounted in the positioning holes of the sheath and the telescopic insert when they are opposite each other; whereby the telescopic insert may be held in a plurality of distinct positions relative to the sheath.

[0044] The second securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the telescopic insert; and / or the first securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the operating screw.

[0045] The device may include a grip formed from a handle mechanically secured via a pivot connection to a sleeve, which is tightly mounted to the main body.

[0046] The first securing member is of a first type and is formed by an L-shaped part with a rim, provided with a first branch, a second branch extending from the first branch, a rim extending from the first branch opposite the second branch, thus forming a gripping and receiving space delimited by an internal contact face to ensure electrical interconnection with the rolling rail; and / or the second securing member is of a second type and is formed by an L-shaped part, provided with a first branch and a second branch extending from the first branch and thus forming a gripping and receiving space delimited by an internal contact face to ensure electrical interconnection with the power rail;and / or the first securing member is of a third type and is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall having an outer face configured to essentially form a contact face for bearing against and contacting the rolling rail, and fixing hooks extending from an edge of the inclined and / or curved main wall.;

[0047] The invention also relates, according to a fifth aspect, to an assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device as described above as well as one or more accessories, including at least one first securing member of a first type configured to be mounted at a first end of a main body of the electrical interconnection device and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of a rolling rail, at least one second securing member of a second type configured to be mounted at a second end of the main body opposite its first end, on a telescopic insert of the main body, and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top or bottom of a power supply rail depending on its orientation, and at least one first securing member of a third type, different from that of the first type,configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail.,

[0048] In the assembly according to the invention, the electrical interconnection device is provided with different securing members, including at least one first securing member of a first type and at least one other of a third type, whereby it is possible to select the first securing member according to its positioning at the top or bottom of the rolling rail; while the second securing member can be oriented according to the need for positioning at the top or bottom of the power rail.

[0049] The invention also relates, according to a sixth aspect, to a method for electrically interconnecting and grounding at least one rolling railway rail with a power rail, using an electrical interconnection device as described above, comprising the steps of providing such an electrical interconnection device and arranging it between the rolling rail and the power rail, positioning a first securing member of the electrical interconnection device on the rolling rail, positioning the second securing member on the power rail, actuating a clamping mechanism of the electrical interconnection device to separate the first and second securing members and engage them on the respective rolling and power rails,to mount and lock a locking member on the clamping mechanism so as to immobilize the electrical interconnection device in a predetermined configuration in which the first and second securing members are configured to electrically interconnect the rolling and power rails for grounding thereof.,

[0050] The method may comprise the step of selecting a first securing member from one of a first type configured to be mounted at one end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of the rolling rail, and a third type, different from the first type, configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail.

[0051] The invention thus relates, according to a seventh aspect, to an electrical interconnection device for earthing railway rails, comprising a main body, at least one first securing member mounted at a first end of the main body and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called rolling railway rail, and at least one second securing member mounted at a second end of the main body opposite the first end and configured to be mechanically and electrically secured to a so-called supply railway rail, characterized in that the rolling rail is provided with a base, a main wall extending substantially vertically from the base, and a head connected to the main wall opposite the base and which is intended to form a rolling guide for a railway vehicle, with the base which has, in section, a generally triangular shape having a lower flat face,two edges extending from the lower flat face, and two inclined and / or curved upper faces each extending from a respective edge and each directed upwards and towards the main wall, and in that said at least one first securing member is mounted rotatably on the main body and is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall having an external face configured to essentially form a contact face for coming into contact with one of the inclined upper faces of the base of the rolling rail and also partially with the main wall in the immediate vicinity of the inclined upper face of the base of the rolling rail when the first positioning member is engaged on the rolling rail.,

[0052] In the electrical interconnection device according to the invention, the first securing member is mechanically secured and electrically connected to the base of the rolling rail, rather than to the head of the rolling rail, which base is generally placed on the ground or on a support itself placed on the ground. This allows the head of the rolling rail to be left free for the possible passage of a railway vehicle, despite the presence of the electrical interconnection device.

[0053] Furthermore, this first securing member has a shape which allows it to rest on only one side of the base of the rolling rail. This makes it possible to avoid having to pass under the base of the rolling rail which, as indicated above, is placed on the ground or on a support itself placed on the ground.

[0054] To this end, the first securing member has a shape which substantially matches the shape of the inclined upper face of the rolling rail, from its straight edge to its main wall, including a portion of this main wall. This ensures both sufficient mechanical securing and sufficient electrical contact.

[0055] Said at least one first securing member is provided with fixing hooks extending from an edge of the curved main wall and configured to engage at least the edge of the base of the rolling rail from which extends the inclined upper face on which the external face is supported, when the first positioning member is engaged on the rolling rail.

[0056] The fixing hooks have an L shape having a first leg extending from the edge and a second leg extending from the first leg, and are oriented such that the second leg of each of the fixing hooks extends towards the outer face, with the first leg of each fixing hook bearing on the edge while the second leg of each fixing hook bears under the lower flat face in close proximity to the edge when the first positioning member is engaged on the rolling rail.

[0057] The first positioning member is provided with a fixing part projecting from an internal face opposite its external face and by which the first securing member is mounted to move in rotation on the main body.

[0058] The second securing member may be formed by an L-shaped part, provided with a first branch, a second branch extending from the first branch and thus forming a gripping and receiving space delimited by an internal contact face to ensure electrical interconnection with the power supply rail, and a fixing part projecting from the first branch, opposite the contact face, by which the second securing member is mounted to move in rotation on the main body.

[0059] The main body may have the form of a single arm provided with a sheath, an insert housed at least partially in the sheath, extending towards the second end of the main body and on which the second securing member is secured, and a clamping mechanism secured to the sheath, extending from the sheath towards the first end of the main body and on which the first securing member is secured, said clamping mechanism being configured to separate the first and second securing members so as to engage them on the respective rolling and power rails, and the electrical interconnection device further comprises a locking member configured to be mounted and locked on the clamping mechanism;whereby the electrical interconnection device is immobilized in a predetermined configuration in which the first and second securing members are configured to electrically interconnect the rolling and power rails for grounding thereof.;

[0060] The fact that the main body of the electrical interconnection device according to the invention is formed of a single arm grouping the insert on which the second securing member is mounted, the clamping mechanism on which the first securing member is mounted, and also the sheath interposed between the insert and the clamping mechanism, makes the electrical interconnection device particularly compact and also particularly convenient to use, including the positioning of the first and second securing members on the respective rolling and power supply rails.

[0061] In addition, the electrical interconnection device according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the clamping mechanism and the locking member of this mechanism, on the one hand to secure the positioning of the first and second securing members on the respective rolling and supply rails and on the other hand, to secure the holding in position of these first and second securing members. Thus, the electrical interconnection of the rolling and supply rails is made reliable and their earthing is ensured.

[0062] It is also particularly convenient to lock the positioning of the first and second securing members by a single action on the single arm of the main body and in particular on its clamping mechanism.

[0063] The clamping mechanism may be provided with an operating screw, a guide member partially housed in the sheath and provided for guiding the operating screw, and a clamping and locking ring mounted to rotate on the operating screw, between the first end of the main body and the guide member.

[0064] In the locked configuration of the device, the clamping and locking ring can be arranged to bear against the guide member and the locking member is mounted locked on the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0065] The guide member may comprise a flange-shaped annular wall arranged to bear against and outside the sheath, and a cylindrical wall projecting from the annular wall and housed in an internal space formed in the sheath by fitting one side of the sheath, and a plurality of holes are formed in the annular wall; and the clamping and locking ring may comprise an annular wall having an external contour which is here serrated and which is intended to bear against the annular wall of the guide member.

[0066] The serrated outer contour may be provided with recesses to allow the introduction of a portion of the locking member so that, when a recess of the outer contour is located opposite a hole in the annular wall of the guide member, the portion of the locking member can pass through both a recess of the outer contour and a respective hole in order to immobilize in rotation the clamping and locking ring together with the guide member.

[0067] The guide member may comprise a threaded internal surface through which the operating screw passes, with one end located opposite the annular wall, and the clamping and locking ring may further comprise a cylindrical wall through which the operating screw passes and having an internal face arranged so as to form a double nut system.

[0068] The operating screw may be partially housed in an internal space provided in the sheath and have an orifice provided at one end into which a stop member is introduced.

[0069] The main body may be provided with at least one sheath and at least one telescopic insert mounted to move in translation and in rotation relative to the sheath, with one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member being mechanically secured to a free end of the telescopic insert; whereby the electrical interconnection device is configured to admit a retracted configuration in which the telescopic insert is introduced into the sheath and a deployed configuration in which the telescopic insert is at least partially extracted from the sheath, with one of said at least one first securing member and said at least one second securing member being configured to be arranged in a predetermined orientation among a plurality of orientations, regardless of the configuration of the electrical interconnection device.

[0070] The ability to deploy / retract the telescopic insert into the sheath makes it possible to adapt the overall length of the electrical interconnection device to the distance separating the power rail from the rolling rail on which this electrical interconnection device is engaged via the first and second securing members, with a view to the electrical interconnection of these rails for their earthing.

[0071] In fact, thanks to the telescopic function of the insert in relation to the sheath, it is possible to adapt the length of the main body to the distance separating the rolling and supply rails.

[0072] Furthermore, the ability to modify and select the orientation of one of the first and second securing members allows the latter to be engaged on the top or bottom of the railway rail to which it is secured. This also has an effect on the overall length of the device.

[0073] In fact, the rotation of the telescopic insert in the sheath causes the rotation of the securing member which is secured to this telescopic insert. It is therefore possible to turn this securing member depending on where it must come into contact with the railway rail.

[0074] The electrical interconnection device is thus particularly versatile and adaptable in that it can be used for different spacing distances between the rolling and supply rails and regardless of where on the rail the securing member mounted on the insert is to engage.

[0075] The device may be provided with positioning holes provided in both the sheath and the telescopic insert, and a fixing member mounted in the positioning holes of the sheath and the telescopic insert when they are opposite each other; whereby the telescopic insert may be held in a plurality of distinct positions relative to the sheath.

[0076] The second securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the telescopic insert; and / or the first securing member may be mounted so as to be rotatably mounted on a free end of the operating screw.

[0077] The device may include a grip formed from a handle mechanically secured via a pivot connection to a sleeve, which is tightly mounted to the main body.

[0078] The invention also relates, according to an eighth aspect, to an assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device as described above as well as one or more accessories, including at least one first securing member of a first type configured to be mounted at a first end of a main body of the electrical interconnection device and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of a rolling rail, at least one second securing member of a second type configured to be mounted at a second end of the main body opposite its first end, on a telescopic insert of the main body, and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top or bottom of a power supply rail depending on its orientation, and at least one first securing member of a third type, different from that of the first type,configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail.,

[0079] In the assembly according to the invention, the electrical interconnection device is provided with different securing members, including at least one first securing member of a first type and at least one other of a third type, whereby it is possible to select the first securing member according to its positioning at the top or bottom of the rolling rail; while the second securing member can be oriented according to the need for positioning at the top or bottom of the power rail.

[0080] The invention also relates, according to a ninth aspect, to a method for electrically interconnecting and grounding at least one rolling railway rail with a supply railway rail using an electrical interconnection device as described above, comprising the steps of providing such an electrical interconnection device and arranging it between the rolling rail and the supply rail, engaging a first securing member of the electrical interconnection device on the rolling rail, with the rolling rail which is provided with a base, a main wall extending substantially vertically from the base, and a head connected to the main wall opposite the base and which is intended to form a rolling guide for a railway vehicle, the base having, in section, a generally triangular shape having a lower flat face, two edges extending from the lower flat face,and two inclined and / or curved upper faces each extending from a respective edge and each directed upwards and towards the main wall, and with said at least one first securing member which is rotatably mounted on the main body and which is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall having an outer face configured to essentially form a contact face for bearing and contacting one of the inclined upper faces of the base of the rolling rail and also partially on the main wall in the immediate vicinity of the inclined upper face of the base of the rolling rail when the first positioning member is engaged on the rolling rail.,

[0081] The method may comprise the steps of positioning the second securing member on the power rail, actuating a clamping mechanism of the electrical interconnection device to move the first and second securing members apart and engage them on the respective rolling and power rails, mounting and locking a blocking member on the clamping mechanism so as to immobilize the electrical interconnection device in a predetermined configuration in which the first and second securing members are configured to electrically interconnect the rolling and power rails for grounding them.

[0082] The method may include the steps of adapting the length of the electrical interconnection device by extending or retracting a telescopic insert from or into a sheath of a main body of the electrical interconnection device, adapting the orientation of a second securing member of the electrical interconnection device by rotating the telescopic insert in and relative to the sheath, before engaging the second securing member on the power rail.

[0083] The invention also relates, according to a tenth aspect, to a method for electrically interconnecting and grounding at least one rolling railway rail with a power rail, using an electrical interconnection device as described above, comprising the steps of providing such an electrical interconnection device and arranging it between the rolling rail and the power rail, engaging a first securing member of the electrical interconnection device on the rolling rail, adapting the length of the electrical interconnection device by deploying or retracting a telescopic insert from or into a sheath of a main body of the electrical interconnection device, adapting the orientation of a second securing member of the electrical interconnection device by rotating the telescopic insert in and relative to the sheath,and engage the second securing member on the power rail.,

[0084] The method may comprise the step of selecting a first securing member from one of a first type configured to be mounted at one end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the top of the rolling rail, and a third type, different from the first type, configured to be mounted at the first end of the main body and to be mechanically and electrically secured to the bottom of the rolling rail. Brief description of the figures

[0085] We will now continue the description of the invention by describing exemplary embodiments, given below for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings. There Figure 1represents very schematically an electrical interconnection device mounted in engagement on a first side on a rolling railway rail and on a second side opposite the first side on a supply railway rail for earthing these rails. Figure 2 is similar to the Figure 1 except that it shows in perspective the electrical interconnection device according to a first embodiment of the invention, engaged on the rolling and power rails and in a retracted and locked configuration. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the electrical interconnection device of the Figure 2 , taken in isolation. The Figure 4 shows a top view of the electrical interconnection device of the Figure 2 , taken in isolation. The Figure 5 is a median and longitudinal sectional view of the electrical interconnection device of the Figure 2 , taken in isolation. The Figure 6is a perspective view of the electrical interconnection device of the Figure 2 , taken in isolation and rotated 180° relative to this Figure 2 . There Figure 7 is a median and cross-sectional view of the electrical interconnection device of the Figure 2 , taken in isolation. The figure 8 is similar to the Figure 2 except that it shows a first variant of use of the electrical interconnection device, in its retracted and locked configuration. The Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a second alternative use of the electrical interconnection device illustrated in the figures 2 to 8 , in particular engaged on the rolling railway rail and at a distance from the supply railway rail, here in a retracted and non-locked configuration. The Figure 10 is similar to the Figure 9, except that the electrical interconnection device is also engaged on the power rail, in a deployed and non-locked configuration. Figure 11 is similar to the Figure 10 , showing the electrical interconnection device in a deployed and locked configuration. The Figure 12 is similar to the Figure 9 except that it shows a third variant of use of the electrical interconnection device, in its retracted and unlatched configuration. Figure 13 is similar to the Figure 10 except that it shows the third variant of use of the electrical interconnection device, in its deployed and unlatched configuration. Figure 14 is similar to the Figure 11 except that it shows the third variant of use of the electrical interconnection device, in its deployed and locked configuration. The Figure 15is a perspective view of the electrical interconnection device according to a second embodiment, remote from both the rolling railway rail and the power railway rail, here in a retracted and unlatched configuration. figure 16 is similar to the Figure 15 but turned 180°. The Figure 17 shows in isolated perspective a shoe of the electrical interconnection device illustrated in the figures 15 And 16 . There figure 18 is similar to the Figure 17 , showing the hoof from a different angle. The figure 19 is a perspective view of the electrical interconnection device illustrated in the figures 15 And 16 , engaged on both the rolling rail and the feed rail, here in a deployed and locked configuration. The figure 20 is similar to the Figure 17 but turned 180°. Detailed description

[0086] There Figure 1very schematically represents an electrified railway track 1, for example of the metro type, provided with two so-called rolling railway rails 2 and an electrical supply conductor formed here by a so-called supply rail 3.

[0087] Generally, the rolling rails 2 and the power rail 3 are not located at the same level, i.e. in the same horizontal plane.

[0088] For example, the power rail 3 can be located higher than the rolling rails 2. Alternatively, it can be the other way around.

[0089] An electrical interconnection device 4 is here mounted in engagement on one of the rolling rails 2 and on the power supply rail 3.

[0090] The electrical interconnection device 4 is mechanically secured to and electrically connected with these rails 2, 3 so as to electrically interconnect them for the purpose of grounding them.

[0091] In particular, the electrical interconnection device 4 comprises a main body 5, a first mechanical and electrical securing member 6 located at a first end 7 of the main body 5 and configured to engage on the rolling rail 2, and a second mechanical and electrical securing member 8 located at a second end 9 of the main body 5, opposite its first end 7, and configured to engage on the power supply rail 3.

[0092] The main body 5 here has the shape of a single-arm.

[0093] It will be noted that the other rolling rail 2 may be electrically interconnected with the rolling rail 2 on which the electrical interconnection device 4 is engaged. For example, an electrical cable (not shown) may extend from the electrical interconnection device 4 on the side of the rolling rail 2 on which it is engaged and join the other rolling rail 2, where the electrical cable may be mechanically secured and electrically connected via a terminal or a clamp.

[0094] THE figures 2 to 7 show in detail the electrical interconnection device 4, according to a first embodiment.

[0095] On the Figure 2 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is mounted in engagement on a rolling rail 2 and on the power supply rail 3.

[0096] The rolling rail 2 here has a substantially inverted T shape.

[0097] In particular, the rolling rail 2 is provided with a base 10 generally placed on the ground or on a support itself placed on the ground, a main wall 11 here substantially vertical and extending from the base 10, and a head 12 connected to the main wall 11 opposite the base 10 and which is provided to form a rolling guide for a railway vehicle using the railway track.

[0098] The base 10 here has, in section, a generally triangular shape having a lower flat face 13, two straight edges 14 extending from the lower flat face 13, and two inclined upper faces 15 each extending from a respective straight edge 14 and each directed upwards and towards the main wall 11.

[0099] It will be noted that the two inclined upper faces 15 may be slightly curved at least at the junction between the base 10 and the main wall 11, and possibly also further upstream of each of these inclined upper faces 15.

[0100] Alternatively, the inclined upper faces 15 may have several changes in inclination slopes from the respective right edge 15 towards the base 10, the slope at the junction with the base 10 being the highest in terms of inclination.

[0101] The head 12 of the rolling rail 2 has the shape of a block having a substantially flat upper face 16 intended to receive railway vehicle wheels, two lateral faces 17 extending on either side of the upper face 16 and two junction portions 18 which are inclined and which join the main wall 11.

[0102] The power rail 3 here has a substantially I-shaped or double U-shaped shape, with the bottom of the U common.

[0103] In particular, the supply rail 3 is provided with a main wall 19 here substantially vertical and two feet 20 each connected to the main wall 19 and opposite one another.

[0104] Each foot 20 here has, in section, a generally triangular shape presenting a flat face 21, two edges 22 extending from the flat face 21, and two inclined faces 23 each extending from a respective edge 22 and each directed towards the main wall 19.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the feet 20 are not identical. In particular, one of the feet 20 has edges 22 and inclined faces 23 which are substantially straight; while the other foot 20 has rounded edges 22 and stepped inclined faces 23 each comprising a shoulder.

[0106] Alternatively, the feet may be the same or have different shapes than the example shown.

[0107] Insulation pieces 24 can be mounted on the feet 20 of the power rail 3.

[0108] Here, two insulation pieces 24 are visible on the foot 20 which is provided with edges 22 and inclined faces 23 which are straight, with the insulation pieces 24 partially covering the flat face 21, completely covering the edges 22 and partially covering the inclined faces 23.

[0109] Alternatively, the insulation pieces can completely cover the flat face and / or the inclined faces, or even the main wall.

[0110] As indicated with reference to the Figure 1 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is provided with the first mechanical and electrical securing member 6 located at the first end 7 of the main body 5 and here mechanically secured and electrically connected to the head 12 of the rolling rail 2.

[0111] This first mechanical and electrical securing member 6 is here formed by a shoe of a first type, hereinafter called the first shoe and described in more detail below, the assembly of which can be facilitated by a positioning handle 25.

[0112] The electrical interconnection device 4 is also provided with the second mechanical and electrical securing member 8 located at the second end 9 of the main body 5 and here mechanically secured and electrically connected to a foot 20 of the power supply rail 3.

[0113] This second mechanical and electrical securing member 8 is here formed by a shoe of a second type, hereinafter called the second shoe and described in more detail later, which is mounted movably and reversibly on the main body 5 so as to be able to be engaged on one or other of the feet 20 of the power supply rail 3.

[0114] In the example illustrated on the Figure 2, the second shoe 8 is engaged on the foot 20 at the bottom of the power rail 3.

[0115] The electrical interconnection device 4 comprises an electrical conductor 26 formed by a cable of predetermined section and mechanically and electrically secured to each of the first and second shoes 6, 8 by means of a first terminal 27 fixed to the first shoe 6 and a second terminal 28 fixed to the second shoe 8, respectively.

[0116] The cable 26 runs along the main body 5, between its first and second ends 7, 9.

[0117] The electrical interconnection device 4 comprises a gripping handle 29 formed of a handle 30 mechanically secured via a pivot connection to a sleeve 31, which is tightly mounted on the main body 5.

[0118] The gripping handle 29 is thus mounted to be able to rotate relative to the main body 5.

[0119] The main body 5 of the electrical interconnection device 4 is provided with a sheath 32, a clamping mechanism 33 secured to the sheath 34 and extending towards the first end 7, and a telescopic insert 34 housed at least partially in the sheath 32 and extending towards the second end 9.

[0120] The first shoe 6 is mounted to rotate on the clamping mechanism 33, while the second shoe is mounted to rotate on the telescopic insert 34, which is on the Figure 2 fully retracted into the sheath 34.

[0121] The clamping mechanism 33 is provided with a threaded rod 35 forming an operating screw on which the first shoe 6 is mounted, a guide member 36 partially housed in the sheath 32 and provided to guide the operating screw 35, and a clamping and locking ring 37 mounted to move in rotation on the operating screw 35, between the first end 7 and the guide member 36.

[0122] On the Figure 2 , the clamping and locking ring 37 bears against the guide member 36 and the electrical interconnection device 4 comprises a locking member, for example of the padlock type 38, mounted locked on the clamping and locking ring 37 together with the guide member 36.

[0123] On the Figure 2, the electrical interconnection device 4 is thus shown in the retracted configuration (i.e. with the telescopic insert 34 not deployed from the sheath 32) and locked configuration (i.e. with the clamping and locking ring 37 together with the guide member 36 immobilized with respect to the sheath 32).

[0124] THE figures 3 to 7 show the electrical interconnection device 4 taken in isolation.

[0125] The first shoe 6 is formed by an L-shaped part with a rim, provided with a first branch 40, a second branch 41 extending from the first branch 40, a rim 42 extending from the first branch 40 opposite the second branch 41, thus forming a gripping and receiving space 43 delimited by an internal contact face 44 to ensure electrical interconnection with the rolling rail 2.

[0126] The rim 42 is slightly inclined outside the gripping and receiving space 43.

[0127] The rim 42 is here discontinuous so that it forms two legs extending on each side of the first branch 40.

[0128] Alternatively the rim can be continuous and extend all along the first branch.

[0129] In reference to the Figure 2 , the first branch 40 is here pressed tightly against one of the lateral faces 17 of the head 12 of the first shoe 6, the second branch 41 is placed in abutment on the upper face 16 of this head 12, and the rim 42 comes into contact with the junction portion 18 of this head 12 which joins the lateral face 17 against which the first branch 40 is in abutment.

[0130] A part of the head 12 of the rolling rail 2 is thus located in the gripping and receiving space 43 and against the internal contact face 44 of the first shoe 6.

[0131] In other words, the first shoe 6 has a shape which substantially matches the shape of the head 12 of the rolling rail 2.

[0132] The positioning handle 25 is fixed on the second branch 41 of the first shoe 6, on a face opposite the contact face 44.

[0133] In the example illustrated, a magnetized part 62 is mounted on the second branch 51, on the side of the internal contact face 54.

[0134] This magnetic part 62 is connected to the positioning handle 25 through the second branch 41 and is thus fixedly mounted in the gripping and receiving space 43.

[0135] Such a magnetic part 62 can facilitate holding the first 8 against the rolling rail 2.

[0136] A fixing piece 45 projects from the first branch 40, opposite the contact face 44, and comprises two hooking eyelets between which a free end 46 of the operating screw 35 is introduced.

[0137] A screw-nut system 47 is assembled on the fixing part 45 and on the free end 46 of the operating screw 35 to mechanically secure it while allowing the rotation of the first shoe 6 with respect to this operating screw 35.

[0138] A third terminal 48 is secured to the first shoe 6 to allow electrical interconnection with the other rolling rail 2 (as explained with reference to the Figure 1 ).

[0139] The second shoe 8 is formed by an L-shaped part and is provided with a first branch 50 and a second branch 51 extending from the first branch 50 and thus forming a gripping and receiving space 53 delimited by an internal contact face 54 to ensure electrical interconnection with the power supply rail 3.

[0140] In reference to the Figure 2, the first branch 50 is here pressed tightly against the edge 22 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3, while the second branch 51 is placed in support under the flat face 21 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3.

[0141] A part of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3 is thus located in the gripping and receiving space 53 and against the internal contact face 54 of the second shoe 8.

[0142] In the example illustrated, a magnetized part 52 is housed in a recess made in the second branch 51, on the side of the internal contact face 54.

[0143] Such a magnetic part 52 can facilitate the holding of the second shoe 8 against the power rail 3.

[0144] A fixing piece 55 projects from the first branch 50, opposite the contact face 54, and comprises two hanging eyelets between which a free end 56 of the telescopic insert 34 is introduced.

[0145] A screw-nut system 57 is assembled on the fixing part 55 and on the free end 56 of the telescopic insert 34 to mechanically secure it while allowing the rotation of the second shoe 6 with respect to this telescopic insert 34.

[0146] The sleeve 31 of the gripping handle 29 has the form of a split ring and is tightly mounted around the sheath 32 by means of a fixing system 60, for example of the screw-nut type.

[0147] The handle 30 of the gripping handle 29 has a split end 39 into which a projection of the sleeve 30 and a fixing system 49 are introduced, for example of the screw-nut type, to establish the connection between the gripping handle 29, also called a lever, and the sheath 32 of the main body 5.

[0148] The electrical interconnection device 4 is provided with collars 61 mounted around the sheath 32. These collars 61 can for example be used to retain cables to prevent them from being loose around the main body 5.

[0149] With particular reference to the sectional view of the Figure 5 , the operating screw 35 of the clamping mechanism 33 has an orifice provided at one end 70 opposite its free end 46, and into which a stop member is introduced, for example here a pin 71.

[0150] The end 70 of the operating screw 35 is housed in an internal space 75 provided in the sheath 32.

[0151] The guide member 36 comprises an annular wall 63 in the form of a flange and a cylindrical wall 65 projecting from the annular wall 63 and housed in the internal space 75 by fitting into one side of the sheath 32.

[0152] A plurality of holes 64 are formed in the annular wall 63 to receive a shackle of the padlock 38.

[0153] The guide member 36 has a threaded internal surface 66 which is crossed by the operating screw 35, with its pierced end 70 which is located opposite the annular wall 63.

[0154] The annular wall 63 is arranged in support and outside the sheath 32.

[0155] The clamping and locking ring 37 comprises an annular wall 68 having an external contour 72 which is here serrated and which is intended to come into contact with the annular wall 63 of the guide member 36.

[0156] Such a serrated external contour 72 is provided with hollows deep enough to allow the introduction of the shackle of the padlock 38 so that, when a hollow of the external contour 72 is located opposite a hole 64 of the annular wall 63 of the guide member 36, the shackle of the padlock 38 can pass through both a hollow of the external contour 72 and a respective hole 64 in order to immobilize in rotation the clamping and locking ring 37 together with the guide member 36.

[0157] The clamping and locking ring 37 further comprises a cylindrical wall 67 through which the operating screw 35 passes and having an internal face 69 arranged so as to form a double nut system here.

[0158] The electrical interconnection device 4 is provided with positioning orifices 73 formed both in the sheath 32 and in the telescopic insert 34, as well as a fixing member 74 formed for example by a pin and passing through the positioning orifices 73 of the sheath 32 and of the telescopic insert 34 when they are opposite each other.

[0159] In the illustrated example, two pairs of positioning holes 73 are visible so that the telescopic insert 34 can be held in two distinct positions relative to the sheath 32, namely a retracted position or a deployed position of the telescopic insert 34.

[0160] Here, the pairs of positioning holes 73 are provided both on the sheath 32 and on the telescopic insert 34 so that more than one fixing member 74 of the type, for example, a pin can be introduced into these positioning holes 73 when they are opposite each other, in order to maintain the telescopic insert 34 in a predetermined position relative to the sheath 32.

[0161] Being able to deploy / retract the telescopic insert 34 into the sheath 32 makes it possible to adapt the overall length of the electrical interconnection device 4 to the distance separating the power rail 3 from the rolling rail 4 on which this electrical interconnection device 4 is engaged for the purpose of their electrical interconnection for earthing.

[0162] The telescopic insert 34 may comprise a widened section 77 at one end 76 opposite its free end 56 and forming an internal stop for the sheath 32.

[0163] The sheath 32 may have, on the opposite side where the guide member 36 is located, a narrowed edge 78 at the level of which the telescopic insert 34 projects.

[0164] Thus the telescopic insert 34 can slide in the internal space 75 of the sheath 32 without being able to be completely extracted from the sheath 32 since the widened section 77 comes into abutment against the narrowed edge 78.

[0165] It will be noted that in the present case, the telescopic insert 34 is mounted in the sheath 32 on the side of the sheath 32 where the guide member 36, the clamping and locking ring 37 and the operating screw 35 are located, before the latter are mounted.

[0166] In addition to being movable in translation in the sheath 32, the telescopic insert 34 is movable in rotation, that is to say that it can be rotated inside the sheath 32, in particular to orient the second shoe 8 in a predetermined position among a plurality of positions.

[0167] There figure 8 shows a first variant of use of the electrical interconnection device 4, in which the telescopic insert 34 has been rotated 180 degrees inside the sheath 32 so as to turn the second shoe 8 180 degrees.

[0168] The electrical interconnection device 4 is here visible in the retracted configuration, with the telescopic insert 34 almost completely inserted into the sheath with the exception of its free end 56 to which the second shoe 8 is secured and locked by the fixing member 74.

[0169] The electrical interconnection device 4 is also visible here in the locked configuration with the shackle of the padlock 38 which is locked and engaged in a hollow of the serrated external contour 72 of the clamping and locking ring 37 and in a hole 64 of the guide member 36.

[0170] The clamping mechanism 33 is thus blocked and the operating screw 35 cannot move.

[0171] The first shoe 6 is secured to the head 12 of the rolling rail 2, as on the Figure 2 described above.

[0172] The second shoe 8 has been rotated 180 degrees to allow it to rest and contact the foot 20 at the top of the feed rail 3, rather than on the bottom foot as on the Figure 2 .

[0173] On this figure 8, we see that the insulation pieces 24 are mounted on the foot 20 at the bottom of the power rail 3, and partially cover the flat face 21, completely cover the edges 22 and partially cover the inclined faces 23 of the foot 20.

[0174] The first branch 50 of the second shoe 8 is here pressed tightly against the edge 22 of the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3, while the second branch 51 is placed in support on the flat face 21 of the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3.

[0175] A part of the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3 is thus located in the gripping and receiving space 53 and against the internal contact face 54 of the second shoe 8.

[0176] The rolling and power rails 2, 3 are therefore electrically interconnected here via the head 12 of the rolling rail 2, the first shoe 6, the electric cable 26, the second shoe 8 and the foot 20 at the top of the power rail 3.

[0177] THE figures 9 to 11 show a second variant of use of the electrical interconnection device 4, with the first shoe 6 resting on and in contact with the head 12 of the rolling rail 2, as in the figures 2 And 8 ; and with the second shoe 8 turned as on the Figure 2 , that is to say to be in support and in contact with the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3.

[0178] In other words, the telescopic insert 34 and the second shoe 8 have been rotated 180 degrees relative to the figure 8 .

[0179] On the Figure 9 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is in a retracted and unlocked configuration.

[0180] In particular, the telescopic insert 34 is almost completely inserted into the sheath 32, with the exception of its free end 56 to which the second shoe 8 is secured.

[0181] The fixing member 74 is introduced into the positioning orifices 73 furthest from the guide member 36.

[0182] The clamping and locking ring 37 is spaced from the guide member 36, with the respective annular walls 68 and 63 being spaced apart from each other, and the holes 64 and the serrated external contour 72 being free.

[0183] In this position, the clamping and locking ring 37 is moved by rotation on the operating screw 35 and the clamping mechanism 33 is not locked.

[0184] On the Figure 10 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is in the deployed and unlocked configuration.

[0185] In particular, the fixing member 74 has been removed from the positioning holes 73 furthest from the guide member 36, the telescopic insert 34 is deployed from the sheath 32 and the fixing member 74 is now introduced into the positioning holes 73 furthest from the second shoe 8.

[0186] The second shoe 8 has its first branch 50 resting under the flat face 21 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3 and its second branch 51 resting against the edge 22 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3.

[0187] On the other side, the clamping and locking ring 37 is still spaced from the guide member 36 and has not been moved onto the operating screw 35, so that the clamping mechanism 33 is still not locked.

[0188] The first shoe 6 is always resting against the head 12 of the rolling rail 2.

[0189] On the Figure 11, the electrical interconnection device 4 is in the deployed and locked configuration.

[0190] In particular, the telescopic insert 34 is deployed relative to the sheath 32 and locked in its position by means of the fixing member 74.

[0191] The second shoe 8 rests against the foot 20 at the bottom of the feed rail 3.

[0192] On the other side, the clamping and locking ring 37 has been rotated and moved along the operating screw 35 until its annular wall 68 comes to bear against the annular wall 63 of the guide member 36.

[0193] By tightening the clamping and locking ring 37 against the guide member 36, the operating screw 35 is driven in translation in the direction opposite to the sheath 32 thanks to the internal face 69 of the clamping and locking ring 37.

[0194] Thus both the first shoe 6 is clamped against the rolling rail 2 and the second shoe 8 is clamped against the supply rail 3.

[0195] The clamping and locking ring 37 is maneuvered so that a hollow of its serrated external contour 72 is located opposite a hole 64 of the guide member 36, and the shackle of the padlock 38 is inserted therein and is locked.

[0196] The clamping mechanism 33 is thus blocked and the operating screw 35 cannot move.

[0197] THE figures 12 to 14 show a third variant of use of the electrical interconnection device 4, with the first shoe 6 resting on and in contact with the head 12 of the rolling rail 2, as in the figures 2 And 8 à 11 ; and with the second shoe 8 turned as on the figure 8 , that is to say to be in support and in contact with the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3.

[0198] In other words, the telescopic insert 34 and the second shoe 8 have been rotated 180 degrees relative to the figures 9 to 11 .

[0199] On the Figure 12 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is in a retracted and unlocked configuration.

[0200] In particular, the telescopic insert 34 is almost completely inserted into the sheath 32, with the exception of its free end 56 to which the second shoe 8 is secured.

[0201] The fixing member 74 is introduced into the positioning orifices 73 furthest from the guide member 36.

[0202] The clamping and locking ring 37 is spaced from the guide member 36, with the respective annular walls 68 and 63 being spaced apart from each other, and the holes 64 and the serrated external contour 72 being free.

[0203] In this position, the clamping and locking ring 37 is moved by rotation on the operating screw 35 and the clamping mechanism 33 is not locked.

[0204] On the Figure 13 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is in the deployed and unlocked configuration.

[0205] In particular, the fixing member 74 has been removed from the positioning holes 73 furthest from the guide member 36, the telescopic insert 34 is deployed from the sheath 32 and the fixing member 74 is now introduced into the positioning holes 73 furthest from the second shoe 8.

[0206] The second shoe 8 has its first branch 50 resting under the flat face 21 of the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3 and its second branch 51 resting against the edge 22 of the foot 20 at the top of the supply rail 3.

[0207] On the other side, the clamping and locking ring 37 is still spaced from the guide member 36 and has not been moved onto the operating screw 35, so that the clamping mechanism 33 is still not locked.

[0208] The first shoe 6 is always resting against the head 12 of the rolling rail 2.

[0209] On the Figure 14 , the electrical interconnection device 4 is in the deployed and locked configuration.

[0210] In particular, the telescopic insert 34 is deployed relative to the sheath 32 and locked in its position by means of the fixing member 74.

[0211] The second shoe 8 rests against the foot 20 at the top of the feed rail 3.

[0212] On the other side, the clamping and locking ring 37 has been rotated and moved along the operating screw 35 until its annular wall 68 comes to bear against the annular wall 63 of the guide member 36.

[0213] By tightening the clamping and locking ring 37 against the guide member 36, the operating screw 35 is driven in translation in the direction opposite to the sheath 32 thanks to the internal face 69 of the clamping and locking ring 37.

[0214] Thus both the first shoe 6 is clamped against the rolling rail 2 and the second shoe 8 is clamped against the supply rail 3.

[0215] The clamping and locking ring 37 is maneuvered so that a hollow of its serrated external contour 72 is located opposite a hole 64 of the guide member 36, and the shackle of the padlock 38 is inserted therein and is locked.

[0216] The clamping mechanism 33 is thus blocked and the operating screw 35 cannot move.

[0217] THE figures 15 to 20 show the electrical interconnection device according to a second embodiment. To simplify the description, the same numerical references have been used except for the first shoe which differs from that illustrated and described with reference to the previous figures, and therefore for which similar references but added with the number 100 have been used.

[0218] On the figures 15 And 16 , then 19 and 20, the electrical interconnection device 4 is illustrated respectively in the retracted and unlocked configuration, substantially as in the Figure 9 , then in deployed and locked configuration, much like on the Figure 11 .

[0219] The electrical interconnection device 4 is provided with a first shoe 106 of a third type, forming a first mechanical and electrical securing member configured to be mechanically secured and electrically connected to the base 10 of the rolling rail 2, rather than to the head 12 of the rolling rail 2.

[0220] This first shoe 106 is mechanically secured to the operating screw 35 by its free end 46.

[0221] In particular, the first shoe 106 is provided with a fixing part 145 fitted with two hooking eyelets between which the free end 46 of the operating screw 35 is introduced.

[0222] A screw-nut system 147 is assembled on the fixing part 145 and on the free end 146 of the operating screw 35 to mechanically secure it while allowing the rotation of the first shoe 106 with respect to this operating screw 135.

[0223] This first shoe 106 (described in more detail below) has a shape which will allow it to be placed in support and in contact essentially with one of the inclined upper faces 15.

[0224] This first shoe 106 is intended to be in support and also in contact with the straight edge 14 from which the partially inclined upper face 15 extends, partially on the lower flat face 13, in the immediate vicinity of the straight edge 14, and also partially on the main wall 11 in the immediate vicinity of the partially inclined upper face 15.

[0225] The second shoe 8 of the electrical interconnection device 4 is identical to that described above with reference to the figures 2 to 14 .

[0226] This second shoe 8 is here oriented so as to be configured to come into contact with and bear against the foot 20 at the bottom of the power supply rail 3, as on the figures 2 to 7 And 9 à 11 .

[0227] In other words, the telescopic insert 34 and the second shoe 8 have been rotated 180 degrees relative to the figure 8 and also in relation to the figures 12 to 14 .

[0228] In particular, on the figures 15 And 16 , the telescopic insert 34 is almost completely inserted into the sheath 32, with the exception of its free end 56 to which the second shoe 8 is secured.

[0229] The fixing member 74 is introduced into the positioning orifices 73 furthest from the guide member 36.

[0230] The clamping and locking ring 37 is spaced from the guide member 36, with the respective annular walls 68 and 63 being spaced apart from each other, and the holes 64 and the serrated external contour 72 being free.

[0231] In this position, the clamping and locking ring 37 is moved by rotation on the operating screw 35 and the clamping mechanism 33 is not locked.

[0232] The first shoe 106 will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures 17 and 18 .

[0233] The first shoe 106 is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall 180 having an external face 181 configured to essentially form a contact face for coming into support and contact with the rolling rail, and an internal face 182 opposite the external face 181 and from which projects the fixing part 145 provided with the two attachment eyelets which are each pierced with an orifice.

[0234] The first shoe 106 is provided here with fixing hooks 182 extending from an edge 183 of the inclined and / or curved main wall 180.

[0235] These fixing hooks 182 have an L shape having a first branch 184 extending from the edge 183 and a second branch 185 extending from the first branch 184.

[0236] The fixing hooks 182 are oriented so that the second branch 185 of each of these fixing hooks 182 extends on the side of the external face 181.

[0237] The first shoe 106 is further provided with a side wall 186 extending on one side of the first shoe 106, opposite one of the fixing hooks 182 and opposite one of the hanging eyelets of the fixing part 145.

[0238] This side wall 186 is pierced with an orifice 187 for fixing the terminal 27.

[0239] On the figures 19 and 20, the fixing member 74 has been removed from the positioning holes 73 furthest from the guide member 36, the telescopic insert 34 is deployed from the sheath 32 and the fixing member 74 is now introduced into the positioning holes 73 furthest from the second shoe 8.

[0240] The second shoe 8 has its first branch 50 resting under the flat face 21 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3 and its second branch 51 resting against the edge 22 of the foot 20 at the bottom of the supply rail 3.

[0241] On the other side, the clamping and locking ring 37 has been rotated and moved along the operating screw 35 until its annular wall 68 comes to bear against the annular wall 63 of the guide member 36.

[0242] By tightening the clamping and locking ring 37 against the guide member 36, the operating screw 35 is driven in translation in the direction opposite to the sheath 32 thanks to the internal face 69 of the clamping and locking ring 37.

[0243] Thus both the first shoe 106 is clamped against the rolling rail 2 and the second shoe 8 is clamped against the supply rail 3.

[0244] The clamping and locking ring 37 is maneuvered so that a hollow of its serrated external contour 72 is located opposite a hole 64 of the guide member 36, and the shackle of the padlock 38 is inserted therein and is locked.

[0245] The clamping mechanism 33 is thus blocked and the operating screw 35 cannot move.

[0246] The first shoe 106 has the external face of its main wall inclined and / or curved 180 in contact and resting on one of the inclined upper faces 15 of the base 10 of the rolling rail 2 and also partially on the main wall 11 in the immediate vicinity of the partially inclined upper face 15.

[0247] The shape of the inclined and / or curved main wall 180 of the first shoe 106 substantially matches the shape of the inclined upper face 15 of the rolling rail 2, from the straight edge 14 to the main wall 11, including a portion of this main wall 11.

[0248] The first shoe 106 further has its fixing hooks 182 which are engaged on the straight edge 14 from which extends the partially inclined upper face 15 on which the inclined and / or curved main wall 180 rests, and partially under the lower flat face 13, in the immediate vicinity of the straight edge 14.

[0249] In particular, the first branch 184 of each fixing hook 182 rests on the straight edge 14 while the second branch 185 of each fixing hook 182 rests under the lower flat face 13.

[0250] The electrical interconnection device 4 therefore has the advantage of being telescopic, and / or of having a second shoe whose orientation is reversible for its engagement on the power rail, and / or of having a single arm provided with a lockable clamping mechanism, and / or of having a first shoe selectable between a shoe which substantially matches the shape of the head of the rolling rail and a shoe which substantially matches the shape of the base of the rolling rail.

[0251] Variants not shown are described below.

[0252] The device may be without a locking member.

[0253] The device may include several cables connecting the shoes.

[0254] The device may comprise a main body in the form of a frame having two arms rather than a single arm and, where appropriate, the multi-arm frame may be telescopic and / or the device may be provided with a first reversible shoe of the first type as described above and / or a second shoe of the second type or third type as described above, namely either which substantially matches the shape of the head of the rolling rail or which substantially matches the shape of the base of the rolling rail.

[0255] The first and / or second shoe may be without a magnetic part.

[0256] The clamping and locking ring may be provided with a plurality of holes on its annular wall rather than a serrated outer contour.

[0257] The telescopic insert may include a plurality of positioning holes defining a plurality of deployed positions relative to the sheath.

[0258] It is the first shoe rather than the second shoe that is secured to the telescopic insert.

[0259] The sheath may have only one pair of positioning holes at the location of the insertion of the fastener.

[0260] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented but that the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Electrical interconnection device for grounding railway rails, which device comprises a main body (5), at least one first attachment member (6, 106) mounted at a first end (7) of the main body (5) and configured to be mechanically and electrically attached to a so-called running rail (2), at least one second attachment member (8) mounted at a second end (9) of the main body (5), opposite the first end (7), and configured to be mechanically and electrically attached to a so-called power supply rail (3), wherein the main body (5) is provided with at least one sleeve (32) and at least one telescopic insert (34) mounted so as to be able to move in translation and in rotation relative to the sleeve (32), with one of said at least one first attachment member (6, 106) and of said at least one second attachment member (8) being mechanically attached to a free end (56) of the telescopic insert (34); whereby the electrical interconnection device (4) is configured to accept a retracted configuration in which the telescopic insert (34) is inserted into the sleeve (32) and a deployed configuration in which the telescopic insert (34) is at least partially extracted from the sleeve (32), characterised in that one of said at least one first attachment member (6, 106) and of said at least one second attachment member (8) is configured to be disposed in a predetermined orientation from among a plurality of orientations, regardless of the configuration of the electrical interconnection device (4).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with positioning orifices (73) made both in the sleeve (32) and in the telescopic insert (34), as well as a fastening member (74) mounted in the positioning orifices (73) of the sleeve (32) and of the telescopic insert (34) when facing one another; whereby the telescopic insert (34) can be held in a plurality of different positions with respect to the sleeve (32).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the main body (5) comprises a clamping mechanism (33) attached to the sleeve (34) extending towards the first end (7) of the main body (5), and the first attachment member (6, 106) is mounted on the clamping mechanism (33).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the clamping mechanism (33) is provided with an operating screw (35), a guide member (36) partially housed in the sleeve (32) and intended to guide the operating screw (35), and a clamping and locking ring (37) rotatably mounted on the operating screw (35), between the first end (7) of the main body (5) and the guide member (36).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that, when the device is in a locked configuration, the clamping and locking ring (37) is disposed in abutment against the guide member (36) and the electrical interconnection device (4) comprises a locking member (38) mounted locked on the clamping and locking ring (37) together with the guide member (36).

6. Device according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the operating screw (35) is partially housed in an internal space (75) provided in the sleeve (32) and has an orifice made at one end (70) into which a stop member (71) is introduced.

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the second attachment member (8) is rotatably mounted on a free end (56) of the telescopic insert (34); and / or the first attachment member (6, 106) is rotatably mounted on a free end (46) of the operating screw (35).

8. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the guide member (36) comprises an annular wall (63) in the form of a flange, which bears against and outside the sleeve (32), and a cylindrical wall (65) protruding from the annular wall (63) and housed in an internal space (75) provided in the sleeve (32) by interlocking on one side of the sleeve (32), and a plurality of holes (64) are made in the annular wall (63); and the clamping and locking ring (37) comprises an annular wall (68) having an outer contour (72) which is serrated here, and which is provided to bear against the annular wall (63) of the guide member (36).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the serrated outer contour (72) is provided with recesses to allow the introduction of a portion of the locking member (38) so that, when a recess in the outer contour (72) faces a hole (64) in the annular wall (63) of the guide member (36), the portion of the locking member (38) can pass through both a recess in the outer contour (72) and a hole (64) respectively with a view to rotationally immobilising the clamping and locking ring (37) together with the guide member (36).

10. Device according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterised in that the guide member (36) comprises an inner threaded surface (66) through which passes the operating screw (35), with an end (70) which is located opposite the annular wall (63), and the clamping and locking ring (37) further comprises a cylindrical wall (67) through which passes the operating screw (35), and which has an inner face (69) arranged so as to form a double nut system.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it comprises a grip handle (29) formed of a shaft (30) mechanically attached via a pivot connection to a bushing (31), which is mounted tightly on the main body (5).

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the first attachment member is of a first type (6) and is formed by an L-shaped piece with a rim, provided with a first branch (40), with a second branch (41) extending from the first branch (40), and with a rim (42) extending from the first branch (40) opposite the second branch (41), thus forming a gripping and receiving space (43) delimited by an inner contact face (44) to ensure the electrical interconnection with the running rail (2); and / or the second attachment member is of a second type (8) and is formed by an L-shaped piece, provided with a first branch (50) and with a second branch (51) extending from the first branch (50) and thus forming a gripping and receiving space (53) delimited by an inner contact face (54) to ensure the electrical interconnection with the power supply rail (3); and / or the first attachment member is of a third type (106) and is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall (180) having an outer face (181) configured to substantially form a contact face to come into bearing contact with the running rail (2), and fastening hooks (182) extending from an edge (183) of the inclined and / or curved main wall (180).

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the running rail (2) is provided with a base (10), with a main wall (11) extending substantially vertically from the base (10), and with a head (12) connected to the main wall (11) opposite the base (10) and which is intended to form a rolling guide for a rail vehicle, with the cross-section of the base (10) having an overall triangular shape that has a lower flat face (13), two edges (14) extending from the lower flat face (13), and two inclined and / or curved upper faces (15) each extending from a respective edge (14) and each directed upwards and towards the main wall (11), and in that said at least one first attachment member (106) is rotatably mounted on the main body (5) and is provided with an inclined and / or curved main wall (180) having an outer face (181) configured to substantially form a contact face to come into bearing contact with one of the inclined upper faces (15) of the base (10) of the running rail (2) and also partially on the main wall (11) in immediate proximity to the inclined upper face (15) of the base (10) of the running rail (2) when the first positioning member (106) is engaged with the running rail (2).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterised in that said at least one first attachment member (106) is provided with fastening hooks (182) extending from an edge (183) of the curved main wall (180) and configured to engage at least on the edge (14) of the base (10) of the running rail (2) from which extends the inclined upper face (15) on which the outer face (181) bears, when the first positioning member (106) is engaged on the running rail (2).

15. Device according to claim 14, characterised in that the fastening hooks (182) have an L-shape having a first branch (184) extending from the edge (183) and a second branch (185) extending from the first branch (184), and are oriented so that the second branch (185) of each of the fastening hooks (182) extends from the side of the outer face (181), with the first branch (184) of each fastening hook (182) bearing on the edge (14) whereas the second branch (185) of each fastening hook (182) bears beneath the lower flat face (13) in immediate proximity to the edge (14) when the first positioning member (106) is engaged on the running rail (2).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterised in that the first positioning member (106) is provided with a fastening part (145) protruding from an inner face (182) opposite its outer face (181) and via which the first attachment member (106) is rotatably mounted on the main body (5).

17. Assembly comprising an electrical interconnection device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 as well as one or more accessories, including at least one first attachment member of a first type (6) configured to be mounted at a first end (7) of a main body (5) of the electrical interconnection device (4) and to be mechanically and electrically attached at the top of a running rail (2), at least one second attachment member of a second type (8) configured to be mounted at a second end (9) of the main body (5) opposite its first end (7), on a telescopic insert (34) of the main body (5), and to be mechanically and electrically attached at the top or bottom of a power supply rail (3) depending on its orientation, and at least one first attachment member of the third type (106), different from that of the first type, configured to be mounted at the first end (7) of the main body (5) and to be mechanically and electrically attached to the bottom of the running rail (2).

18. Method for electrically interconnecting and grounding at least one running rail (2) with a power supply rail (3) using an electrical interconnection device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising the steps of providing such an electrical interconnection device (4) and of disposing it between the running rail (2) and the power supply rail (3), engaging a first attachment member (6; 106) of the electrical interconnection device on the running rail, adapting the length of the electrical interconnection device by extending or retracting a telescopic insert (34) from or into a sleeve (32) of a main body (5) of the electrical interconnection device, adapting the orientation of a second attachment member (8) of the electrical interconnection device by rotating the telescopic insert (34) in and with respect to the sleeve (32), and engaging the second attachment member (8) on the power supply rail (2).

19. Method according to claim 18, comprising the step of selecting a first attachment member from one of among a first type (6) configured to be mounted at a first end (7) of the main body (5) and to be mechanically and electrically attached to the top of the running rail (2), and a third type (106), which is different from that of the first type, configured to be mounted at the first end (7) of the main body (5) and to be mechanically and electrically attached to the bottom of the running rail (2).