Mechanism for movement to-and-fro of piles of sleepers and railway vehicle comprising such a mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism for moving stacks (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) intended to equip a railway track, the moving mechanism (130) being intended to equip at least two successive work wagons (100, 200, 300) of a railway vehicle (1), the moving mechanism (130) comprising guiding means (140) configured to guide, along a longitudinal direction (X) of each of the wagons, a plurality of trolleys (131) adjacent in pairs, the moving mechanism (130) comprising drive means (150) for moving the trolleys (131) jointly back and forth between a first and a second moving position such that each trolley (131) carries a stack (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) along a path (W1) from the first to the second displacement position, and configured to traverse a return path (W2), from the second to the first displacement position,by being discharged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of construction and renewal trains consisting of laying equipment necessary for the construction of railway tracks or, in the case of renewal, replacing all or part of the constituent materials of the tracks, namely the rails and sleepers, as well as the ballast which ensures the stability of the track on its platform, when these materials are degraded.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a mechanism for moving stacks of sleepers intended to equip a plurality of successive wagons of a railway vehicle to allow their movement along said wagons. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Railway construction and network operators regularly need to build new tracks or renovate existing ones, which means replacing some of their components such as rails and sleepers, as well as fastening systems and other accessories. Much of this need for renewal stems from the age and wear of the tracks, but it can also involve replacing older models with newer ones to improve performance.

[0004] In the most comprehensive case of track renewal or construction, such operations are carried out using a railway convoy, such as a so-called renewal or replacement train, or construction train, respectively, comprising multiple specialized machines to perform the various replacement or construction operations. A typical renewal operation uses specialized railway convoys with machines capable of sequentially performing the following operations: ballast removal, ballast screening and removal of ballast material, either by conveyor belts onto wagons for unloading or by direct dumping onto the embankment; replacement of the renewed track (rails and sleepers); ballasting and track raising; leveling and alignment; rail welding; stress release; further leveling and alignment; trackside adjustment; and shoulder cleaning.

[0005] Whether for construction or renewal, such a railway convoy includes several wagons for transporting sleepers, at least new and, where appropriate, old ones, to supply specialized machines such as equipment for laying new sleepers and / or to remove worn sleepers from removal equipment.

[0006] It is known to equip such a set of wagons with a continuous track for a gantry crane which, during its back-and-forth movements, picks up new sleepers from a first storage wagon, deposits them onto a second wagon, notably onto a conveyor belt leading to the laying equipment, and, if necessary, picks up used sleepers accumulated on a third wagon on the return journey (which may correspond to the second wagon) and deposits them onto a fourth storage wagon (which may also correspond to the first wagon). The use of such a gantry crane makes it difficult to implement two separate conveying flows, especially when these flows are opposite: the supply of new sleepers to the laying equipment and the removal of used sleepers from the laying equipment to the storage wagons.Furthermore, the back-and-forth movement of the gantry on its track at relatively high speed along several wagons requires special precautions and attention to avoid possible accidents to people located near or on the train during the laying and removal of new and worn sleepers.

[0007] Document WO2019129678A1 also describes a pallet transfer wagon between an upper conveyor located on a higher level of the wagon and a lower conveyor located on a lower level of the wagon. The two conveyors are superimposed and have opposite directions of travel. The transfer is carried out by an elevator with a purely vertical movement between an upper receiving area located at the exit of the upper conveyor and a conveying platform located at the entrance of the lower conveyor, directly below the upper conveyor. Such a system is particularly complex due to the need to manage two flows of superimposed stacks of sleepers, resulting in a relatively high center of gravity that impacts the stability of the various work wagons involved.Furthermore, the passage of the sleeper stacks along the different wagons is particularly challenging and requires perfect stability, especially when the train is moving along curved paths.

[0008] FR-A-2299459 discloses a mechanism for moving piles of sleepers according to the prior art. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing in particular a solution enabling the movement of the sleepers while overcoming the disadvantages linked to the movement of this gantry along its running path while guaranteeing good stability of the wagons and easy movement of the sleepers in curves.

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a mechanism for moving stacks of sleepers intended to equip a railway track is proposed, the moving mechanism being intended to equip a group of at least two successive work wagons of a railway vehicle, each work wagon comprising a chassis supported by at least one set of wheels, the moving mechanism comprising guiding means configured to guide, along a longitudinal direction of each of the work wagons, a plurality of trolleys adjacent two by two, the moving mechanism comprising drive means for moving the trolleys jointly back and forth between a first and a second moving position so that each trolley carries a stack of sleepers along a path of advancement from the first to the second moving position,such that for a given pair of adjacent trolleys among the plurality of trolleys comprising a front trolley and a rear trolley, the second travel position of the rear trolley corresponds to the first travel position of the front trolley, and is configured to travel a return path, from the second to the first travel position, while being unloaded.

[0011] Thanks to such a combination of features, the trolleys can move back and forth on the same path and over a relatively short distance without having to move a gantry, thus ensuring the safety of people who may be in the vicinity of the wagon.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least some of the adjacent carriages are connected to each other by at least one joint to form a transport structure, such that each transport structure preferably comprises three successive carriages. Such a structure of several carriages connected together facilitates the movement of stacks between two wagons. In this way, it facilitates the direct drive of a carriage and, indirectly, the drive of the carriages to which it is connected. This avoids the need for complex drive mechanisms to enable the transfer of carriages from one wagon to another.

[0013] In one embodiment, the carriages of the same transport structure are connected in pairs by a connecting rod. The connecting rod comprises two longitudinally spaced opposite ends, each preferably connected to one or the other of the two carriages by a ball joint. The use of such a connection facilitates the relative rotation between the carriages, particularly when passing between two wagons during curved trajectories of the rail vehicle. A predetermined distance is thus maintained between the carriages, depending on the length of the connecting rod, which, during these trajectories, prevents potential impacts between the sleeper stacks carried by adjacent carriages. The stability of the sleeper stacks during these trajectories is also improved.

[0014] In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured to move each wagon back and forth, with a step size corresponding to a distance between the first and second moving positions greater than or equal to the length of a stack of sleepers. This step size is chosen to be large enough to cover the distance between two adjacent wagons.

[0015] In one embodiment, the guiding means comprise guide shoulders located laterally on either side of each carriage to laterally delimit the forward and return paths. Such a structure provides easy-to-implement and sufficiently precise guidance for this application.

[0016] According to the invention, each trolley defines a first support plane, the movement mechanism comprising a load-bearing structure defining a second support plane, the movement mechanism further comprising a lifting mechanism configured to vary the relative vertical position of the first and second support planes with respect to each other in the first and second longitudinal positions of the trolleys' movement, such that each stack of sleepers rests on the vertically highest support plane of the first and second support planes. Such a structure allows for a sequenced and stable movement of the sleeper stacks. With regard to sleeper stacks, the average speed of movement of the stacks generally depends on the time it takes for the sleeper stacks to be unstacked at the end of the stack's travel path, following the travel paths of each trolley.

[0017] In one embodiment, the load-bearing structure forms, or is constituted by, the guide shoulders. This configuration allows the use of a single structure to perform two functions: firstly, to guide the trolleys along the forward and return paths, and secondly, to support the load of the trolley stacks according to the relative position of the first and second support planes.

[0018] In one embodiment, the load-bearing structure is attached to the chassis by the lifting mechanism, said lifting mechanism comprising cylinders such as hydraulic cylinders. The use of hydraulic cylinders allows the use of a hydraulic power source commonly used on this type of railway vehicle and can be easily connected to such a hydraulic circuit.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the drive means comprise at least one chain engaging a drive wheel attached to all or part of the trolleys, to drive each trolley back and forth, the chain preferably directly driving one trolley per transport structure.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a railway work vehicle of the type comprising, for example, equipment for laying new sleepers and / or removing worn sleepers, the railway vehicle comprising at least two successive work wagons, the railway work vehicle being remarkable in that it comprises at least one mechanism for moving stacks of sleepers as described above.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least part of the work wagons includes an upper conveying device located at a height greater than that of the travel mechanism, the conveying device being configured to transport sleepers individually. This configuration thus allows for conveying sleepers in stacks at a lower level by means of the travel mechanism, and for individual sleepers at an upper level, above the travel mechanism. In this configuration, a relatively low center of gravity is achieved, improving the stability of the train.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the displacement mechanism allows the movement of sleepers by stacking them in a first direction of movement along a longitudinal direction of each given work car, and in that the upper conveying device allows the movement of sleepers individually, in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction, along the longitudinal direction of each given work car. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the attached figures, which illustrate: [ Fig. 1 ] : a profile view of a railway vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] : a side view of a transfer wagon according to this embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3] : a side view of a storage wagon according to this embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] : a side view of a wagon for stacking worn railway sleepers according to this embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 5 ] : a simplified cross-sectional view of a work wagon forming a storage wagon, according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] : a simplified cross-sectional view of a work wagon forming a storage wagon, according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 7 ] : a side view of a transport structure according to an embodiment of the invention comprising three articulated trolleys; [ Fig. 8 ] : a top view of the figure 7 ; Fig. 9 ] : a top view of two adjacent work wagons, during a curved trajectory of the rail transport vehicle; ] Fig. 10 ] : a top view of a junction between two conveyors.

[0024] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference symbols across all figures.

[0025] In the description and claims, to clarify the description and claims, the terminology longitudinal, transverse, and vertical will be adopted without limitation, with reference to the trihedron. X, Y, Z as shown in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0026] With reference to the figure 1 A railway vehicle is illustrated 1 of the type including installation equipment 11 new sleepers 21 and deposit 12 of worn sleepers 22. These are the installation and removal tools for sleepers. 21, 22, Their main function is the repair of railway tracks, for example by replacing worn sleepers 22 or to replace them with newer models and thus improve the performance of the railways.

[0027] The railway vehicle 1, for example a renewal train as illustrated on the figure 1 A train is made up of a series of wagons linked together, usually in an articulated fashion, forming a railway convoy and pulled by a locomotive. 1 During operation, the renewal unit moves along a forward direction, and each wagon extends along a longitudinal direction. X and features a front end AV oriented in the direction of train travel and a rear end AR opposite longitudinally at the front end AV.

[0028] With reference to figures 1 to 10 the train 1 the renewal is equipped with a transfer wagon 100 of sleepers 21, 22. The transfer wagon 100 is intended to be positioned in relation to the train 1renewal, between on the one hand, at least one wagon including installation equipment 11 new sleepers 21 and deposit 12 of worn sleepers 22 and, on the other hand, storage wagons 300 ( figure 3 ) new sleepers 21 and worn sleepers 22. The function of the transfer wagon 100 is to ensure the continuity of flows between: an evacuation flow C1 worn sleepers 22 from the equipment for removing worn sleepers 22 to a rail vehicle storage area 1 capable of extending over several storage wagons, the evacuation flow C1 being oriented along the longitudinal direction of the transfer wagon and in a first direction; and a supply flow C2 new sleepers 21from a train storage area to the equipment for laying the new sleepers 21, the supply flow C2 being oriented along the longitudinal direction of the transfer wagon and in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

[0029] In the configuration illustrated in the figures, the installation equipment 11 new sleepers 21 and deposit 12 of worn sleepers 22 are located at the rear of the railway vehicle 1 compared to the transfer wagon 100 of sleepers 21, 22 and the storage wagons 300 are located at the front of the railway vehicle 1 compared to the transfer wagon 100 of sleepers 21, 22. The reverse arrangement is, however, conceivable.

[0030] The transfer wagon 100, like the other wagons of the railway vehicle 1, includes a chassis 110supported by two bogies 111, located at the two front and rear ends of the chassis 110, and each equipped with one or more sets of wheels 112. For this purpose, it is preferable that each bogie comprises a bogie frame and at least two sets of wheels 112, and at least one suspension between the two wheel assemblies and the bogie frame. The transfer wagon 100 is located between the flows C1 And C2, that is to say, at the intersection of the two evacuation flows C1 worn sleepers 22 on the one hand, and supply C2 new sleepers 21 On the other hand. The transfer wagon 100 understand : a first area Z1 receiving and unloading the new sleepers 21 configured to receive the new sleepers 21 from a storage area 300 of the railway vehicle 1 ;a first platform P1 for conveying worn railway sleepers 22, from which the said worn sleepers 22 can be conveyed to a storage area 300 of the railway vehicle 1 ; a second zone Z2 receiving worn sleepers 22 configured to receive worn sleepers 22 from the equipment for removing worn sleepers 22 a second platform P2 transport of the new sleepers 21 from which the said new crossbeams 21 can be conveyed to the equipment for laying the new sleepers 21.

[0031] The transfer wagon 100 includes at least one ferry 50 supported by a frame 60, the framework 60 being supported by the chassis 110 and fixed in relation to the chassis 110. The transporter 50ensures the transshipment of the new sleepers from the first receiving area Z1 towards, and up to, the second platform P2 convoying, as well as the transshipment of worn sleepers from the second zone Z2 receiving to, and up to, the first platform P1 of conveying. Transshipment here refers to the transport, by lifting and moving it in the air, of a load consisting in this case of one or more crossbeams, from one point to another, in this case from the receiving area to the conveying platform. The first and second conveying platforms P1, P2 are each distant from the first and second reception zones Z1, Z2, along a longitudinal direction X from the transfer wagon 100. The transporter 50 is located, relative to the longitudinal direction X from the transfer wagon 100, between the reception area Z1, Z2 and the conveyor platform P1, P2. In this way, the implementation of the transporter 50 ensures the continuity of drainage flows C1 worn sleepers 22 and supply C2 new sleepers 21.

[0032] The path of the worn sleepers 22 is as follows: the removal equipment 12 of worn sleepers 22 extract worn sleepers one by one, repeatedly and successively 22 then, they place them on a first evacuation conveyor system A1 these worn sleepers 22 are then transported by the first evacuation conveyor system A1 up to the second zone Z2 receiving worn sleepers 22 where they are taken care of by the ferry 50 which moves them to the first platform P1 for conveying worn railway sleepers 22,from which the said worn sleepers 22 are conveyed to a rail vehicle storage area 1 by a second evacuation conveying device A2.

[0033] The first and second evacuation conveyor devices A1, A2 These are chain conveyor devices. 70, preferably metallic, mounted on support and drive devices 71 incorporating idler wheels such as sprockets and freewheels. Often, these devices also include tensioning mechanisms (not shown) designed to properly tension the chain(s). 70. Preferably, each of the first and second evacuation conveying devices A1, A2 includes at least two parallel chain drive paths, the worn crossbeams 22The sleepers are then conveyed while resting on both parallel chains simultaneously. A chain drive path can be formed by a single chain running continuously in a closed loop, or by a succession of continuous chains running in closed loops arranged successively along this sleeper drive path. When several chains or chain drive paths are mounted in parallel and convey the same sleepers, all or part of the support and drive devices, such as idler wheels and sprockets, can be shared. Of course, various conveying devices can be used.

[0034] The second zone Z2 receiving worn sleepers 22 receiving the worn sleepers 22 from the drop-off equipment 12 worn sleepers 22 as well as the first platform P1for conveying worn railway sleepers 22, from which the said worn sleepers 22 are conveyed to a rail vehicle storage area 1, each include, or are each constituted by, one end of the first and second evacuation conveying devices A1, A2, respectively. As an alternative, or even as a complement, the second zone Z2 receiving worn sleepers 22 may include a buffer zone located in the extension of the first evacuation conveyor device A1 and allowing for the temporary storage of a plurality of worn sleepers 22before being handled together, in batches. Such a buffer zone includes, for example, an area devoid of any drive system or an area with one or more free or disengaged chains, that is, without a drive system engaged with the chains that could constrain the rotating chains on this section, known as the buffer, of the conveyor. In such a configuration, each worn sleeper 22 It then completes its journey on the conveyor belts of the evacuation system and comes into contact and rests against the worn crossbeam. 22 positioned in front of her and pushes her, pulling her along in its movement.

[0035] In parallel with the evacuation flow C1 worn sleepers 22, the route of the new railway sleepers 21 fueling the supply flow C2 new sleepers 21 is as follows: the new sleepers 21are transported in stacks from a storage area of ​​the rail vehicle 1 up to the first zone Z1 receiving and unloading the new sleepers 21 by a first conveying and transport system B1 where they are taken care of by the ferry 50 which moves the new sleepers 21 up to the second platform P2 transport of the new sleepers 21 from which the said new crossbeams 21 are conveyed to the installation equipment 11 new sleepers 21 by a second conveying and transport device B2. The transporter 50 The person who performs these operations is the same one who carries out the operations of transferring the evacuation flow. C1 worn sleepers 22. A single, unified transporter 50 therefore implements the flows C1 And C2.

[0036] The second platform P2 the conveying system includes, or is constituted by, one end of the second conveying system. B2. This second conveying and transport system B2 possibly a chain conveyor(s) 70 as described with reference to evacuation conveying devices A1, A2.

[0037] The first conveying and transport device B1 includes, or is made up of, a displacement mechanism 130 batteries 21' new sleepers 21 to move said piles 21' of traverses in step-by-step translation towards and up to the first zone Z1 receiving and unloading the new sleepers 21.

[0038] The displacement mechanism 130 equips a plurality of successive wagons of the railway vehicle 1including at least some storage wagons 300 and the transfer wagon 100. The set of wagons along which the movement mechanism extends is subsequently called the work wagon. The movement mechanism 130 includes trolleys 131 successive and adjacent in pairs, each cart 131 being configured to each support a stack 21' new sleepers 21. Each cart 131 is here formed by a frame, for example a metal one, reinforced by a central beam 136 longitudinal, preferably metallic. This central metallic beam 136 The longitudinal section of the carriage has an interface at its two opposite ends to receive an end 134' of a connecting rod 134 with another cart 131.

[0039] The displacement mechanism 130 includes training aids 150to move each of the carts 131 jointly moving back and forth between a first and a second movement position. Each trolley 131 carries a battery 21', 22' of sleepers 21, 22 following a path of progress W1 from the first to the second position of movement, such as for a pair of trolleys 131 adjacent data among the plurality of carts 131 comprising a front carriage and a rear carriage, the second travel position of the rear carriage corresponds to the first travel position of the front carriage. The carriages are also configured to travel a return path. W2, from the second to the first position of travel, while being unloaded. The back-and-forth movement of a trolley 131 Therefore, a given is an alternating movement along the same path, in a direction of advancement. W1, by carrying a battery 21', 22' of sleepers 21, 22,and in a sense back W2, opposite to the direction of travel and discharged, that is to say, they do not carry a battery 21', 22' of sleepers 21, 22. Each cart 131 It therefore moves in a shuttle-like fashion between its first and second positions.

[0040] Guidance methods 140 are designed to guide, along the longitudinal direction X from each of the work wagons, the trolleys 131 presenting each of the pebbles 135 allowing the trolleys 131 to drive on a guide track 132. Guidance methods 140 include guide shoulders 141 located on either side, laterally, of each trolley 131 to delimit laterally by bordering the paths of advance W1 and back W2.

[0041] Part of the trolleys 131Pairs of adjacent objects are connected to each other by at least one joint. 133 to form a transport structure 13. Each transport structure 13 This includes three carts 131 successive (see for example the figures 7 and 8 ). In this way, the transfer of a stack can be easily managed. 21' new sleepers 21 between two wagons. The wagons 131 of the same transport structure 13 are thus connected in pairs by a connecting rod 134 connecting part comprising two ends 134' opposite, longitudinally distant, each of them 134' is preferably connected to one or the other of the two trolleys 131 via a ball joint. Two joints in series thus ensure the connection between each carriage. 131.During curved trajectories, the instantaneous center of rotation of the adjacent wagons is moved as far away as possible from the wagons, thus avoiding the risk of collision between two stacks of sleepers adjacent to the junction of two wagons.

[0042] Each cart 131 defines an initial support plan P1 of a stack of sleepers on which the stack rests when the trolleys move said stacks of sleepers along the path of travel W1. The displacement mechanism 130 It also includes a load-bearing structure 160 which defines a second support plan P2 of a stack of sleepers on which the stack of sleepers rests when the wagons move while being unloaded, that is to say without moving stacks of sleepers in their movement, along the return path W2.

[0043] The displacement mechanism 130 includes a lifting mechanism 170configured to vary the relative vertical position of the first and second support planes P1, P2 relative to each other in the first and second longitudinal positions of the trolleys' movement 131, so that each stack 21', 22' of sleepers 21, 22 rests on the highest vertical support plane among the first and second support planes P1, P2 (see the figure 5 The load-bearing structure 160 is attached to the chassis 110 work wagons by the lifting mechanism 170 including jacks 171 such as double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The load-bearing structure 160 features two support beams, each located on either side of the trolleys 131 each mobile relative to the chassis of the associated wagon to which it is linked by at least some of the jacks 171. The actuation of the cylinders 171This allows the height of the supporting structure to be varied. 160 relative to the wagon chassis, and therefore the height of the support plane P2. The load-bearing structure 160 features two support beams, each located on either side of the trolleys 131. Each of these beams can be continuous or discontinuous longitudinally. In this embodiment, the beams are continuous longitudinally along each of the wagons, with discontinuities only between the wagons so that each of these beams forms a guide shoulder. 141 located on either side, laterally, of each trolley 131 to delimit laterally the paths of advance W1 and back W2. The transverse spacing between the two beams or guide shoulders 141 is configured to be less than the length of the sleepers. The width of the carriages 131is therefore also less than the length of the crossbeams, and also less than the distance separating the guide shoulders 141.

[0044] In this configuration: the carts 131, trained by the training methods 150, travel on the guidance track 132 guided by the guidance systems 140, and each carry a battery 21' new sleepers 21 along the path of progress W1 when the load-bearing structure 160 is in a lowered vertical position and is located below the support plane P1 trolleys 131, that is to say when P2 is at a height lower than that of P1 and the chariots 131 travel on the guidance track 132 and are free to move along the return path W2 without manipulating the new sleepers 21 when the load-bearing structure160 is in a vertically mounted position at a level higher than that of the trolleys 131, that is to say when P2 is at a height greater than P1.

[0045] A sequence of moving stacks of new sleepers 21 by the displacement mechanism 130 For example, it is the following: in the first longitudinal movement position of the trolleys 131, the load-bearing structure 160 is lowered by the jacks 171 until the support plan P2 ends up under the support plane P1, The stacks of sleepers are simultaneously placed on the support planes P1 trolleys 131, each cart 131 then supporting a battery 21' new sleepers 21 training methods 150 move each cart 131, each carrying a pile 21'new sleepers 21 with a step p predetermined spacing corresponding to a set distance between two trolleys 131, so as to arrive in a second longitudinal movement position of the trolleys corresponding for each to the first longitudinal position of the trolley located directly in front of or downstream of it with respect to the direction of movement of the sleeper stacks, that is to say that for a pair of trolleys 131 adjacent among the plurality of carts 131 comprising a front carriage and a rear carriage, the second position of movement of the rear carriage corresponds to the first position of movement of the front carriage; in the second position of longitudinal movement of the carriages 131, the load-bearing structure 160 has risen until the support plane P2 ends up above the support plane P1, each of the piles 21'being lifted simultaneously by the supporting structure 160 on the support plan P2 thanks to the actuation of the cylinders 171, training methods 150 then move the carts 131 empty or unloaded back to their starting position, namely in the first longitudinal movement position of the trolleys 131, to position themselves each under another pile 21' cross 21, which has also just been moved during the sequence by the rear trolleys.

[0046] The cyclical repetition of the sequence allows for the movement of the stacks 21' new sleepers 21 step by step towards the first area Z1 receiving and unloading the new sleepers 21. Training methods 150 include here a chain 151 engaging a drive wheel 152 attached to only one of the trolleys 131of the transport structure 13, preferably attached to the trolley 131 central among the three chariots 131 of a transport structure 13. The cart 131 The central unit is therefore driven directly by the chain 151 training methods 150, the cart 131A front and the cart 131C rear in relation to this trolley 131B central ones, on the other hand, are driven indirectly by the trolley 131 central to which they are each connected by the connecting rod 134 (see for example the figure 9 A closed-loop chain can be used for each wagon, and / or one or more closed-loop chains, some of which may span two wagons. Such a chain allows each wagon to be driven. 131 back and forth depending on the direction of movement of the chain.

[0047] There figure 9illustrates a detailed view of two wagons moving along a curved railway track (not shown). Note that in this embodiment, one wagon carries three stacks of sleepers aligned longitudinally, each transport structure 13 including here an equal number of trolleys that the wagon can carry of stacks of sleepers along the forward path, namely three trolleys 131 successive. In the first longitudinal movement position of the carriages 131, a transport structure 13 consisting of three trolleys 131 is carried on the same wagon 200A. During the movement from the first to the second longitudinal position of the trolleys 131, the cart 131A the most forward part of the transport structure 13 continues its run until it exits the wagon 200A,partially cantilevered until it continues its course, guided along a track for the wagon's advance. 200B adjacent downstream in the direction of movement of the sleeper stacks, which here is the upstream wagon in the direction of train movement. In the second longitudinal movement position as illustrated on the figure 9 the front trolley 131C is positioned completely on the wagon 200B and the stack of sleepers transported by this cart can be set down. The central cart 131B remains guided on the same wagon 200A, which is continuously driven by the driving means 150, without interruption of drive between the two adjacent wagons. Furthermore, the connecting rod 134 articulated between the two carriages 131C and 131B, allows for taking into account the curved trajectories of the train, implying that the longitudinal axis X1 of the wagon 200Aexhibits an inclination with the longitudinal axis X2 of the wagon 200B adjacent. A transverse gap between the trolleys can be provided. 131 and the guiding shoulders 141 so as to facilitate the guidance of the trolleys moving between the two wagons 200A, 200B adjacent and connected together along a curved path.

[0048] The transfer wagon 100 includes a lifting mechanism 120 in the first area Z1 receiving and unloading the new sleepers 21 towards which converge, one by one, the stacks of sleepers moved by the moving mechanism 130. This lifting mechanism 120 allows, as a stack 21' new sleepers 21 is stacked, to be able to raise the stack 21' of a predetermined height so that the new sleepers 21located on an upper end layer of the stack, are positioned at a predetermined height and can be more easily handled by the transfer truck 50 and improve the speed of movement of said transporter 50.

[0049] In this embodiment, the transporter 50 is unique. The frame 60 which supports it includes a plurality of amounts 62 erected vertically and supporting at least two horizontal beams 63, on which rails are arranged 61 guidance and support of a shuttle 53 mobile in longitudinal translation relative to the frame 60. The frame uprights are fixed relative to the chassis 110 from the transfer wagon 100. The shuttle 53 The mobile unit forms a horizontal structure moving along the two guide tracks formed by the rails. 61, said shuttle 53comprising at least one transverse beam, that is to say extending transversely between the two rails 61, and preferably two beams, forming a rolling bridge and guided by rails 61 guidance and support.

[0050] The transporter 50 It also includes a gripping system 51 of at least one crossbeam 21, 22 suspended by a lifting system 52 to the shuttle 53. The lifting system 52 is a cable lifting system. The gripping system 51 preferably includes a spreader bar configured to carry a plurality of crossbeams 21, 22 grouped into packages. A mode of operation in which the transfer station 50 moves the sleepers 21, 22 in single-layer bundles, meaning that during their transfer, the sleepers 21, 22 are not superimposed, but placed side by side.

[0051] The gripping system 51 includes a spreader bar formed of one or more beams joined together and comprising at its transverse ends, and facing each other, jaws, for example in the shape of an "L", each jaw being articulated by its end to the spreader bar, and being controlled in pivoting by a jack (not illustrated).

[0052] The work of the transporter 50, in particular the shuttle 53, of the lifting system 52 and the gripping system 51, is generally located within a volume delimited by the framework 60 with the chassis 110 from the transfer wagon 100. Furthermore, regardless of the work route of the transporter 50, This is contained, for any position along its trajectory, within a volume delimited laterally by a template of the transfer wagon. 100 crossbeams, preferably using a template of its chassis 110,preferably still by the volume delimited by the framework 60. In this way, at the same time as ensuring the safety of people on the sides of the transfer wagon 100, the wagon has a footprint that does not exceed that of a conventional wagon.

[0053] The first platform P1 conveyor belt and the first zone Z1 receiving points are closer to a first end 101 from the transfer wagon 100 that the second platform P2 convoying and the second zone Z2 reception. In particular, the first platform P1 conveyor belt and the first zone Z1 The receiving points are close to the front end. 101 from the transfer wagon 100, while the second platform P2 convoying and the second zone Z2 receiving are closer to a second end 102 from the transfer wagon 100,namely from the rear end.

[0054] Furthermore, and although located at different heights, the first platform P1 The conveyor is closer to the first end 101 from the transfer wagon 100 that the first area Z1 reception. Similarly, the second platform P2 The conveyor is closer to the second end 102 from the transfer wagon 100 that the second zone Z2 reception. These longitudinal offsets allow accessibility via the ferry. 50 along the same axis, corresponding to its axis of translation along the frame 60.

[0055] The first platform P1 the conveyor is located at a higher height than the first zone Z1 reception and the second platform P2 the conveyor is located at a higher height than the second zoneZ2 receiving platform. By positioning the first platform P1 conveying to a height greater than that of the first zone Z1 receiving, and in relation to the storage wagons 300, the second evacuation conveyor system A2 is positioned above the first conveying and routing device B1. The sleepers are stored in stacks and are placed under the second evacuation conveyor. A2 which transports the sleepers in single-layer bundles, meaning without overlapping sleepers. This allows the center of gravity to be placed as low as possible, thus ensuring better stability for the various wagons, such as the transfer wagon. 100 and the storage wagons 300.

[0056] Due to the layout of the first platform P1of conveying in relation to the first area Z1 reception, of the second platform P2 of conveying in relation to the second zone Z2 of reception, these evacuation flows C1 and supply C2 are crossed here. The transporter bridge 50 being the only one to operate both flows, namely the evacuation flow C1 worn sleepers 22 and the supply flow C2 new sleepers 21, The transfer steps are implemented in a sequential manner.

[0057] Along a longitudinal axis X, the first and second platforms P1, P2 and the first and second zones Z1, Z2 are located so that the transporter 50 is capable of traversing the paths of evacuation flows C1 and supply C2 when it translates longitudinally relative to the frame 60following a single round trip between two extreme longitudinal positions. In this first embodiment, the transfer wagon 100 includes along a longitudinal direction X From back to front: the first platform P1 the first transport zone Z1 reception, the second zone Z2 receiving and then the second platform P2 for conveying.

[0058] The railway vehicle 1 also includes a wagon 200 stacking of worn railway sleepers 22, illustrated on the figure 4 This wagon 200 The stacking area is located directly after the storage wagons. 300, themselves located directly after the transfer wagon 100 in the direction of the rear AR forwards AV of the railway vehicle 1. The wagon 200 stacking system includes a stacking transfer unit 250which transfers the worn sleepers 22 from a third zone Z3 receiving worn sleepers 22 from the transfer car 100 after being transported by the second evacuation conveyor system A2, until they are placed on a pile 22' of worn sleepers 22 to be stacked. This stacking area Z4 is located on the supporting structure above the guide track 132 trolleys 131. In this way, once the battery 22' of worn sleepers 22 complemented by the transporter 260, it can be advanced by the displacement mechanism 130 at a certain pace p predetermined, corresponding to the step p the relocation of the stack of new sleepers 21' towards the first area Z1 reception. These operations are simultaneous given that the railway vehicle 1lays the groundwork for so many new sleepers 21 that it does not deposit worn sleepers 22. In this way, when a stack of new sleepers 21 is emptied at the front of the storage area, in the first area Z1 receiving stack 22' of worn sleepers 22 is completed at the rear of the storage area, in the stacking area Z4. The stacking area Z4 and the first area Z1 The receiving end forms the two longitudinal ends of the first conveying device. B1.

[0059] The third zone Z3 the receiving area includes, or is constituted by, one end of the second evacuation conveying device A2, opposite the end constituting the first platform P1 for conveying. A buffer zone (not shown) may also be provided to receive the sleepers.

[0060] The stacking transfer unit 250, unique, is supported by a frame 260 associated, said framework 260 being supported by the chassis and fixed relative to said chassis. This stacking transfer unit 250 may be of a similar design to that of the transporter bridge 50 of transfer, but may be of smaller dimensions given that the path to be traveled is shorter.

[0061] The wagon 200 The stacking system also includes a rotating platform system (not shown) allowing at least one stack of sleepers to be rotated, for example, 90°, in order to facilitate their handling by a means of handling external to the machine.

[0062] There figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage wagon 300 which differs essentially from that of the figure 5 in that the renewal train includes a third conveying device D1configured to transport materials such as ballast. Of course, this can be used ballast, new ballast, or even treated ballast made from used ballast after it has undergone a treatment allowing its recycling.

[0063] This cross-sectional view notably illustrates the positioning of the third conveying device. D1 which is located vertically above the first evacuation conveyor device B1, therefore of the displacement mechanism 130, and the second evacuation conveyor system A2. The illustrated wagon is located here upstream of the transfer wagon. 100 relative to the direction of travel of the train. On a section located downstream of the transfer car 100 In this case, a positioning of the third conveying device will be chosen in relation to the direction of travel of the train. D1 which is located vertically above the second conveying device B2and the first evacuation conveying device A1. In this case, to ensure continuity of the conveying on the third conveying device D1, the said third conveying device will be placed D1 vertically above the conveyor 50 at the level of the transfer wagon 100.

[0064] In general, it should be noted that whatever the flow of sleepers implemented by the railway vehicle, the transfer wagon preferably includes a third conveying device, for example for conveying material such as ballast, located vertically above the transfer wagon.

[0065] There Figure 10 illustrates an intersection 72 or overlap in the same horizontal plane of two pairs of chains 70 of a chain conveyor system 70.This interlocking of two pairs of chains, each continuous and circulating in a closed loop, arranged successively along the drive path, ensures continuous movement in the conveying of the sleepers. 21, 22. Furthermore, this interlacing of the end portions of the two pairs of chains 70 is designed to provide sufficient predetermined spacing to allow minimal articulation between the two conveyor sections, each formed by a pair of chains. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous at the intersection of two wagons and ensures perfect conveying of the sleepers. 21, 22, without being affected by the curves of the railway track on which the train travels 1.

[0066] It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variants of the invention without going out of the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0067] For example, a significantly different configuration of the transfer wagon can be considered. For instance, it is possible to place the second zone Z2 receiving at a height greater than that of the second platform P2 conveying and / or placing the second area Z2 receiving point closer to a second end 102 from the transfer wagon 100 that the second platform P2 of convoy so that the transfer wagon 100 includes, following a longitudinal direction from back to front: the first platform P1 the first transport zone Z1 reception, the second platform P2 convoying and then the second zone Z2reception.

[0068] Of course, the use of a displacement mechanism 130 as described, is not limited to the strict use of moving the piles 21' new sleepers 21 to form the first evacuation conveying device B. For example, whether as a complement or not, the first evacuation conveying device A1 may consist of, or include, a displacement mechanism 130 exhibiting all or part of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0069] It is also possible to consider a fixed supporting structure with the lifting mechanism acting on the trolleys. Another embodiment is possible where the trolleys move along a closed-loop path, each individually or collectively changing its vertical position. Alternatively, a lifting mechanism can be housed wholly or partially within the thickness of each trolley, and the trolleys can be configured to vary the height of the support planes P1.

Claims

1. Mechanism (130) for moving stacks (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) which are intended to equip a railroad track, the movement mechanism (130) being intended to equip a group of at least two successive work cars (100, 200, 300) of a railroad vehicle (1), each work car (100, 200, 300) comprising a frame (110) supported by at least one wheel set (112), the movement mechanism (130) comprising a plurality of adjacent carts (131) which are in pairs and each defining a first support plane (P1) for a stack of sleepers, guide means (140) configured to guide the plurality of carts (131) along a longitudinal direction (X) of each of the work cars (100, 200, 300), drive means (150) for moving the carts (131) together back and forth between a first and a second movement position, a support structure (160) defining a second support plane (P2) for a stack of sleepers, and a lifting mechanism (170) configured to vary the relative vertical position of the first and second support planes (P1, P2) with respect to each other between: - a vertically lowered position, when the second support plane (P2) is at a lower height than the first support plane (P1), and - a vertically raised position, when the second support plane (P2) is at a greater height than the first support plane (P1), in the first and second movement position of the carts (131), so that each stack (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) can rest on the vertically uppermost support plane from among the first and second support planes (P1, P2), said movement mechanism (130) being configured so that: - in the vertically lowered position, the movement mechanism (130) is such that each cart (131) is able to carry a stack (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) on its first support plane (P1) along an advancement path (W1) from the first to the second movement position, such that for a given pair of adjacent carts (131) from among the plurality of carts (131) comprising a front cart and a rear cart, the second movement position of the rear cart corresponds to the first movement position of the front cart, and the mechanism is configured such that: - in the vertically raised position, the movement mechanism (130) is such that each cart (131) is able to travel a return path (W2) from the second to the first movement position while being unloaded, without moving the stack (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) in its movement along the return path (W2), each of the stacks (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) being able to be carried on the second support plane (P2) when the carts travel along the return path (W2).

2. Movement mechanism (130) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the pairs of adjacent carts (131) are connected to one another by at least one joint (133) to form a transport structure (13), such that each transport structure (13) preferably comprises three successive carts (131).

3. Movement mechanism (130) according to claim 2, characterized in that the carts (131) of a single transport structure (13) are connected in pairs by a connecting rod (134), the connecting rod (134) comprising two longitudinally spaced, opposite ends (134'), each of which is preferably connected to one or other of the two carts (131) by a ball and socket joint.

4. Movement mechanism (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to move each cart (131) back and forth, by a spacing (p) corresponding to a distance between the first movement position and the second movement position, greater than or equal to a length (I) of a stack of sleepers (21, 22).

5. Movement mechanism (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (140) comprise guide shoulders (141) located laterally on either side of each cart (131) in order to laterally delimit the forward (W1) and return (W2) paths by bordering said paths.

6. Movement mechanism (130) according to claim 5, characterized in that the support structure (160) forms the guide shoulders (141).

7. Movement mechanism (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (160) is secured to the frame (110) by the lifting mechanism (170), said lifting mechanism (170) comprising jacks (171) such as hydraulic jacks.

8. Movement mechanism (130) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (150) comprise at least one chain (151) engaging with a drive wheel (152) which is secured to all or some of the carts (131) in order to drive each cart (131) back and forth, the chain (151) preferably directly driving one cart (131) per transport structure (13).

9. Railroad work vehicle (1) comprising equipment for laying (11) new sleepers (21) and / or removing worn sleepers (22), the railroad vehicle (1) comprising at least two successive work cars (100, 200, 300), the railroad work vehicle (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least one mechanism (130) for moving stacks (21', 22') of sleepers (21, 22) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Railroad work vehicle (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that at least some of the work cars (100, 200, 300) further comprise an upper conveying device (A2) located at a higher height than the moving mechanism (130), the conveying device (A2) being configured to transport sleepers (21, 22) individually.

11. Railroad work vehicle (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the movement mechanism (130) allows the movement of sleepers (21, 22) per stack (21', 22') of stacked sleepers, in a first movement direction along a longitudinal direction (X) of each given work car (100, 200, 300), and in that the upper conveying device (A2) enables sleepers (21, 22) to be moved individually, in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction, along the longitudinal direction (X, X1, X2) of each given work car (100, 200, 300).

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