Vorrichtung zur handhabung einer schienenfahrzeugkupplung und zugehöriges verfahren

Abstract

The present invention describes a device (1) adapted for handling a railway vehicle coupling (21). It comprises a base (10), and first (17) and second (18) support elements associated with the base (10). The device thus allows the coupling (21) to be supported at predetermined support points. The invention also describes a method for handling a railway vehicle coupling.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assisting in the handling, dismantling, and transport of a coupling head, particularly a coupling head from a railway vehicle. It specifically describes a support adapted for the dismantling and reassembly of a coupling head, as well as for its storage and transport. The present invention also covers a method for handling a coupling head, particularly during maintenance operations. State of the art

[0002] Railway vehicles such as trains or trams often consist of several wagons joined by couplings, which must be regularly disassembled for inspection or maintenance. A wagon's coupling is generally fixed to the wagon's frame, set back from the skirt or external fairing of the vehicle. Access to the coupling's attachment points is therefore limited. Inserting a support device to manipulate the coupling is often difficult due to the lack of space. Furthermore, the coupling contains numerous fragile components such as pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic lines, damping elements, and other parts around or through the coupling body. These various components must not be damaged during handling of the coupling.

[0003] In practice, operators often use a pallet, cut to fit into the fairing opening, and slid under the hitch, which can then be placed on the pallet. However, this practice is not ideal because the various components surrounding the hitch are at risk of being damaged during the operation. Furthermore, the hitch cannot rest fully on the pallet. It must be supported at specific points to avoid damaging the intermediate parts. This approach also often requires dismantling the fairing or a section of it near the hitch.

[0004] A commonly considered solution is to use a support with a coupling head that can be connected to the coupling being serviced. The support is thus positioned in line with the coupling and allows it to be handled with suitable equipment such as a pallet jack. However, this solution is not ideal either. The support connected to the coupling significantly increases the overall size. Furthermore, such a support does not allow for the storage of the coupling, which must be transferred to a suitable stand.

[0005] AU2021104657A4 describes a transport device comprising a base and several mounting elements.

[0006] EP0245666A2 describes a military vehicle handling platform comprising arms screwed onto the platform intended to secure the vehicle to the platform. Brief summary of the invention

[0007] There is therefore room to develop a more suitable solution. One aim of the present invention is to provide a device to aid in the handling of a railway vehicle coupling, enabling its dismantling, storage, and transport. Another aim of the invention is to provide a single device for handling a railway vehicle coupling, thereby reducing the number and size of equipment in the workshop and the number of handling operations required.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a simpler and more efficient method for handling a railway vehicle coupling than current methods. Specifically, it aims to provide a method that minimizes or reduces the number of operations, the time required to inspect the coupling, and / or the number of devices needed for handling.

[0009] According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of the device and method which are the subject of the independent claims and described in more detail in the dependent claims.

[0010] In particular, the device comprises a base associated with at least two mounting elements. The mounting elements are adapted to support the coupling at predetermined support points. The width of the base preferably does not exceed the width of the coupling by more than approximately 15%, or even 10%. Preferably, the width of the base does not exceed the width of the coupling. In other words, the width of this device is on the order of 50 cm, 70 cm, or 90 cm, or about one meter. Preferably, the width of this device does not exceed one meter, or even 90 cm, so as to limit its overall size and allow it to be easily inserted under a railway vehicle, particularly between its wheels if necessary. At least one of the mounting elements forms an angle of between 95° and 140° with the base, so as to be offset from the base. The angle may be adjustable.One or both of the mounting elements may include one or more support blocks, which may be fixed or adjustable in position and / or orientation. One of the mounting elements may include an arm with a mounting surface at its end, which may be complementary in shape to the hitch. The arm preferably has a single axis to minimize its footprint across the width of the support and to allow for easy insertion between the fairing elements surrounding the hitch. The arm is angled so that it extends beyond the footprint of the base. In particular, the device does not include any elements directly below the arm, for example, in line with the base. The distance between the mounting elements may be greater than the length of the device's base to minimize its footprint.

[0011] The base can be adapted to cooperate with a lifting tool or may include an integrated lifting device. The device as described herein may further include one or more lashing elements suitable for securing a coupling and / or securing the device in a means of transport.

[0012] This method facilitates or enables the handling of a railway vehicle coupling, particularly when it is obscured, at least partially, by its fairing. The term "obscured" here refers to being adjacent to or near the fairing and signifies an obstruction in the vicinity of the coupling. The method includes the steps of positioning the device under the coupling, raising the device so that the position of the mounting elements coincides with the corresponding support positions of the coupling, detaching the coupling from the railway vehicle, repositioning or transferring the device and the coupling, and preferably excludes any prior step of dismantling the fairing, or requires a limited number of operations to clear the obstruction around the coupling.

[0013] The method according to this description may further include one or more adjustment steps of one or both of the mounting elements and / or one or more of the shims.

[0014] For the purposes of this description, a railway vehicle means any articulated vehicle moving on a railway track, comprising several cars joined together by a coupling. Railway vehicles include, in particular, trains, trams, and metros. Fairing refers to any bodywork or protective element of the railway vehicle, especially those located at the ends of the cars near the coupling. Fairing includes elements often referred to as skirts, deflectors, or similar terms. For the purposes of this description, a railway vehicle excludes any other non-articulated, and / or flying, and / or floating vehicle. Brief description of the figures

[0015] Examples of implementation of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the accompanying figures: Figures 1a, 1bSchematic profile and top views of one end of a railway vehicle with a coupling. Figure 2 : Detailed perspective view of a railway vehicle coupling. Figure 3 Example of a known device used for handling the coupling of railway vehicles. Figure 4 : Device according to the present invention. Example(s) of an embodiment of the invention

[0016] THE Figures 1a and 1b schematically represent the front of a railway vehicle 20 including a hitch 21. The hitch 21 is positioned at one end of the vehicle 20 in a central position between two buffers 23. The coupling head 220 ( Figure 2 ) protrudes from the fairing 22 of the vehicle 20. The part of the hitch 21 attached to the vehicle 20 is enclosed within the fairing 22 of the vehicle 20. There figure 2 shows the coupling head in more detail 220,allowing the coupling to be connected to the coupling head of another rail vehicle, and the end 210 of the coupling 21 allowing its attachment to the chassis of the railway vehicle 20.

[0017] During inspection or maintenance operations, the coupling 21 must generally be removed from the vehicle 20 then sent to a specialized overhaul workshop. For this purpose, the end 210 attached to the vehicle 20, usually secured with bolts, it must be detached from the vehicle 20. At the same time, the hitch 21 must be supported by an external device such as a pallet jack, gantry crane, jack or any other lifting or support tool to hold the coupling 21 during its dismantling.

[0018] There figure 3 Diagram an example of a device used to maintain the coupling 21during its disassembly. The device notably includes a support 30 that can be handled by a lifting tool. The support 30 is equipped with a coupling head compatible with the removable coupling head. The coupling 21 The part to be disassembled can thus be held in place by means of the offset support 30 during its disassembly. Such a support 30 requires a suitable lifting tool capable of compensating for the sway due to the length of the coupling 21 once disassembled. Furthermore, the disassembled coupling 21 must be transferred to another support for storage or transport to a repair shop.

[0019] There figure 4 Diagram a device according to the present invention. The device 1consists of a support adapted to support a coupling 21 of a railway vehicle 20. It also consists of a support adapted to be placed under the coupling 21 to support it during its dismantling and assembly. The device 1 further serves as a support for transporting or storing the coupling. 21, Once disassembled, it can be described as a handling assistance device for a coupling 21, a transport device, or a storage device. The term "support," as used in this description, encompasses all its terms and functions.

[0020] Support 1 includes a base 10 in its lower part, serving as a base. In its storage or transport position, the base 10 rests on the ground. The base 10 may include, for example, two or more longitudinal and parallel tubular structures 11a, 11b. Each of these tubular structures can be fitted with a recess. 12a, 12b, and open at at least one end. This makes them suitable for the insertion of a fork or pallet jack tines, or any other lifting tool, motorized or manual. For this purpose, tubular structures 11a, 11b They can be perforated on their lower part, so as to allow the wheels of a pallet truck, for example, to pass through.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the base 10 may consist of a homogeneous platform rather than a set of tubular structures, or any other arrangement suitable for the insertion of a lifting tool.

[0022] The support 1 includes a first mounting element 17 fixed to the base 10. This first mounting element 17 allows the coupling to be supported in one of its recommended or advised positions and to be held in a raised position relative to the base 10.The suggested or recommended positions correspond to the recommended support points to ensure the stability and transport of the hitch. 21 in the best conditions. The first element to be laid 17 is preferably placed at one end of the support 1, or near one of its ends. The first laying element may, for example, include a bridge or an arch or any other elevated element arranged transversely at the base 10. It can be fixed to the base 10 by any suitable means such as welding, bolting and equivalent means. According to a particular embodiment, the first laying element 17 can be placed on the base 10 adjustable, so that it can take several different positions on the base 10.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first support 17is fixedly mounted, or non-removably mounted on the base 10. Alternatively, it can be mounted in a removable manner so that it can be replaced by another mounting element of a different shape and / or size.

[0024] Advantageously, the first laying element 17 includes on its upper part at least one wedge 17a, 17b, 17c allowing the coupling to be kept in the correct position 21 once placed on this first support element 17. The call(s) 17a, 17b, 17c are preferably arranged to match the dimensions of the hitch 21. In particular, a set of two lateral wedges 17a, 17b can be designed to clamp the hitch and prevent any lateral or transverse slippage relative to the support 1. Alternatively, or in addition, a calle 17c can be placed on the central part of the first mounting element 17in order to stabilize the end of the coupling and thus prevent any longitudinal slippage of the coupling relative to the support 1. The height and width of the shims are adjusted accordingly. They are preferably oriented to match the geometry of the coupling. 21 and thus wedge it in as best as possible. For example, the central wedge 17c It can be oriented at an angle to stabilize the coupling head, which has a beveled section. Other arrangements are possible depending on the requirements.

[0025] The call(s) 17a, 17b, 17c can be fixedly placed on the first mounting element 17, that is to say, in a non-removable and non-adjustable way. Preferably, one or more of the wedges 17a, 17b, 17c are arranged in a removable and / or adjustable manner on the first mounting element 17.For example, they can be bolted to them through oblong holes, allowing their spacing or orientation to be adjusted. In this case, the spacing d1 between two lateral shims 17a, 17b can be adjusted depending on the width of the hitch 21. Other adjustment methods can be considered as needed. One or more of the shims can also be replaced with other shims of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment, the first laying element 17 can be adjusted in height relative to the base 10.For example, the cross member can be bolted to side pillars at various predetermined heights. Alternatively, a continuous height adjustment system such as one or more hydraulic jacks, a worm gear, or any other equivalent system can be used. These arrangements allow the support to be used 1 without any other lifting tools.

[0027] According to one embodiment, it is preferable that the first laying element 17 not adjustable in height relative to the base 10. Indeed, the support 1 is normally adapted to cooperate with a lifting tool, so its height above the ground can be adjusted. It can thus be raised so that the first laying element comes into contact with the coupling. 21 and maintains it.

[0028] The support described herein also includes a second mounting element.18 positioned at the opposite end of the base 10 or near that end.

[0029] The second mounting element 18 is structurally different from the first laying element 17. It notably includes a single arrow 18a, positioned in the middle of the width of the support 1. Thus, the bulk of the second mounting element 18 is significantly less than that of the first mounting element 17. In particular, the width of the second mounting element 18, due to its unique arrow 18a, does not exceed 50% of the width d2 of the base 10. The width of the second mounting element 18 preferably is not greater than 30% or 10% or less of the width d2 of the base 10. The second mounting element 18 can be easily slid under the hitch 21 at its extremity 210attached to the railway vehicle 20. Furthermore, it is not necessary to remove the fairing. 22 surrounding the hitch 21 prior to its dismantling. The second mounting element 18 includes a mounting surface 18b at its end, adapted to support the hitch 21 in one of its other suggested or recommended positions and to hold it in a raised position relative to the base 10. The laying surface 18b may have a complementary form of hitch 21 to this holding position. In particular, the support surface 18b coincides with the body of the harness 21, Generally cylindrical. The mounting surface 18b Under these conditions, it preferably has a circular arc shape that allows it to conform to the cylindrical surface of the coupling body. 21. It is understood that the laying surface 18bmay take any other suitable form deemed appropriate for maintaining the coupling 21.

[0030] The arrow 18a of the second mounting element 18 is preferably fixed in an adjustable manner on the base, so that it can be positioned in several ways along the length of the support 1. Thus, the spacing L1 between the first laying element 17 and the second mounting element 18 can be adapted to the dimensions of the hitch 21. The distance L1 is determined at the level of the bearing surfaces of the first bearing element 17 and the second mounting element 18. According to the example shown in the figure 4 the arrow 18a is fixed in a sliding manner within a tubular structure 13 of the base 10. A clamping system using one or more clamping screws can lock the arrow. 18ain a given position. Other equivalent arrangements can be considered, such as a rail in a slide, fixed by means of clamps, or a series of holes allowing the boom to be bolted on. 18 at different predetermined positions.

[0031] The arrow 18 may be equipped with a means of adjusting its height (not shown). As with the first mounting element 17, Height adjustment may not be necessary. In this case, the first 17 and second 18 The mounting elements are arranged by default so as to maintain the coupling in a horizontal position.

[0032] It is understood that the orientations of the first laying element 17 and the second mounting element 18 compared to the base 10 The support elements 1 can be determined independently of each other. For example, the first mounting element 17can be oriented orthogonally to the base 10, while the second mounting element 18, according to the present invention, is disposed with respect to the base 10 with an angle between 95° and 140°, so as to exceed the dimensions of the base 10. An angle of 100°, or 120° or more can thus be determined.

[0033] Thus, the second element of the installation 18 is inclined relative to the base 10, so that the mounting surface can be moved 18b compared to the base 10. This arrangement facilitates the insertion of the second mounting element. 18 under the end 210 of the hitch 21 attached to the railway vehicle 20. An angle between 95° and 120°, or 130° or 140°, can be considered. Furthermore, the space under the support element 18, extending from the base 10remains free of any obstruction. Thus, in case of an obstacle or impediment at the base 10, The device described herein can still be used thanks to the offset of the second mounting element. 18 beyond the base 10 of the device. The mounting surface 18b can thus be projected at more than 5% or 10% or 20% or more of the length L2 of the base 10.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the inclination of the second mounting element 18 compared to the base 10 is predetermined. That is to say, the angle between the arrow 18a and the base 10 is not modifiable. According to another embodiment, the angle between the arrow 18a and the base 10 can be modified or adjusted as needed. To this end, a joint can be provided to vary the angle between the arrow 18a and the base 10.Such a joint can, for example, allow rotation within an angular range of between 90° and 140° relative to the base 10 and be equipped with a clamping means for fixing an angular position. Alternatively, the joint has several predetermined angular positions. Alternatively or in addition, the length of the arrow 18a can be modulated or adjusted. For this purpose, the arrow 18a may consist of two or more telescopic sections, equipped with clamping means or predetermined fixed positions. Depending on a particular arrangement, the angular orientation and length of the boom 18a can be jointly modulated or adjusted so as to position the laying surface 18b at a predetermined hitch support point and / or to modify the boom offset 18a compared to the base 10.The means of adjusting the angular position and length of the arrow 18a, where appropriate, they can replace or supplement the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the second mounting element. 18 compared to the base 10, for example by means of the tubular structure 13.

[0035] Preferably, the first laying element 17 is perpendicular to the base 10, that is to say, oriented vertically. The first placement 17 being intended to support the hitch head 220, more accessible than its extremity 210 For fixing, it is not necessary to offset it from the base 10.

[0036] During the removal of the coupling 21, the support 1 is brought under the coupling. 21 and raised so as to come into contact with it at the level of the advised or recommended support positions. It is held in this position until the hitch 21be detached from the railway vehicle 20. It can then be lowered to the ground or transported to a storage area or placed in a means of transport such as a truck or other vehicle to a repair shop. A suitable lifting device must be used for this purpose.

[0037] Alternatively, the base 10 may be equipped with an integrated lifting device to raise the support 1 until contact with the hitch and hold it once disassembled. A system of hydraulic jacks, a worm gear, or any other suitable system can be considered. Furthermore, the base 10 It may be fitted with wheels or casters to allow manual movement of the support and the disassembled hitch. It is understood that any equivalent variation may be provided.

[0038] The dimensions of the base 10 are adapted to the dimensions of the hitch 21. For example, the widthd2 of the base 10 can be determined so as to match the width of the hitch, or not exceed the width of the hitch 21 by more than 10% or 15%. The reduced size makes it easier to transport several towbars in a single vehicle by placing several supports side by side. A wider base limits storage and / or transport options. The width d2 The reduced size also allows for easy handling of the support 1, particularly under the railway vehicle 20 or between its different fairing elements.

[0039] It is understood that the dimensions of the base, such as its width d2 and its length L2 define the maximum footprint of this device at its base 10.

[0040] Accessories such as tie-down hooks, straps, or retaining clips can be placed on the support. 1or combined with the support 1. Tie-down hooks, or any equivalent device, can be used to secure the coupling. 21 on the support 1 and / or to secure the support in a transport vehicle. Protective elements can also be placed on the mounting surface. 18b and / or on the first mounting element 17, to protect the coupling from any damage. A layer of polymer or other shock-absorbing material can, for example, be used for this purpose.

[0041] The length L2 of the base 10 is also optimal, both for facilitating the insertion of the support 1 under the hitch 21 and to limit its size. In this case, the length of the base is less than that of the hitch. 21. The length of the base, for example, is between 1meter and 2 meters, preferably in the range of 110 to 160 cm. Preferably, it is also less than the distance L1 which separates the first 17 and second 18 mounting elements, or the corresponding mounting surfaces.

[0042] The present invention also covers a method of handling a railway vehicle coupling 20. The method includes a step of placing it under the hitch. 21 a support 1 as described above. The support 1 is arranged so that the first laying element 17 and the second mounting element 18 coincide with the pre-established support positions of the coupling 21. Preferably, support 1 is positioned so that the second mounting element 18, offset from the base 10 be arranged under the end 210 of the coupling 21 fixed to the railway vehicle 20.

[0043] The method includes a step of raising the support 1 until putting the first 17 and second 18 Mounting elements in contact with the coupling 21. Preferably, this method does not involve any preliminary step of dismantling the fairing or part of the fairing of the vehicle 20. Support 1 can be raised by any suitable lifting tool, including by an integrated lifting device.

[0044] The method includes a step of disconnecting the coupling. 21 of his vehicle 20. In particular, detachment may consist of unbolting it. Since the tow hitch rests on support 1, it can be easily moved away from the vehicle. 20 by moving support 1. To do this, the lifting tool used includes the appropriate means of movement.

[0045] Support 1 can then be placed on the ground for storage, or on a transport platform for transfer to a service workshop. It is understood that once the coupling 21 Having been placed on support 1, there is absolutely no need to transfer it to another type of support to move or store it.

[0046] The method may include a review or inspection step carried out on-site or remotely. The review of coupling 21 is advantageously performed directly on support 1.

[0047] The method includes a step of reassembling the coupling 21, which is still positioned on the support 1. For this purpose, the support 1 is brought close to the railway vehicle so as to position the coupling correctly for assembly. The support 1is then raised, or by means of any suitable lifting device, which may include integrated lifting means where appropriate. Once in position, the coupling can be reattached to the rail vehicle 20. Once the hitch is in place 21 climbed back onto the vehicle 20, Support 21 is released.

[0048] The method according to the present invention may include a preliminary step of adjusting one or more of the different elements, such as the first mounting element. 17, the second mounting element 18, the arrangement of one or more of the calles 17a, 17b, 17c or any other adjustable element.

[0049] The method may further include a step of strapping or securing the hitch 21 to the support, or securing the support 1 in a means of transport. Reference numbers used in the figures

[0050] 1 Handling aid device 11a, 11b Tubular base structures 12a, 12b Recesses 13 Tubular adjustment structure 17 First mounting element 17a, 17b, 17c Holding wedges 18 Second mounting element 18a Boom 18b Mounting surface 20 Rail vehicle 21 Coupling 210 Coupling end 220 Coupling head 22 Fairing 23 Buffer

Claims

1. Device (1) adapted for handling a coupling (21) of a rail vehicle (20), comprising an end (210) that can be attached to a rail vehicle (20) and a coupling head (220), said device comprising a base (10) whose maximum dimensions are defined by a width (d2) and a length (L2), a first (17) and a second (18) support elements associated with said base (10) and adapted to support said coupling (21) at predetermined support points, in a raised position relative to the base (10), at least one of the first support element (17) and the second support element (18) forming an angle between 95° and 140° with the base (10), so as to be offset relative to the base (10) and project beyond its maximum bulk size.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the width (d2) of the base (10) is adapted to correspond to the width of said coupling (21) or not to exceed the width of said coupling (21) by more than 15%.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which said at least one of the first support element (17) and the second support element (18) forming an angle between 95° and 140° with the base (10) refers to a single cantilever (18a) whose width is less than 50%, or 30%, or 10% of the width (d2) of the base (10).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first positioning element (17) comprises one or more wedges (17a, 17b, 17c).

5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the position and / or orientation of the one or more wedges (17a, 17b, 17c) is adjustable.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which said at least one of the first support element (17) and the second support element (18) forming an angle between 95° and 140° with the base (10) refers to the second support element (18), which has at its end a support surface (18b) shaped to hold the coupling.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein said support surface (18b) is offset by more than 5% or more than 10% or more than 20% of the length (L2) of the base (10).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distance (L1) between the first support element (17) and the second support element (18), determined at the corresponding support surfaces, is greater than the length (L2) of the base (10).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base (10) is adapted to cooperate with a lifting device or comprises an integrated lifting device.

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more securing elements adapted to secure a coupling (21) to said device and / or to secure said device in a means of transport.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the height of the first support element (17) and the second support element (18) is adapted to maintain the coupling in a horizontal position.

12. Method for handling a coupling (21) of a rail vehicle (20), the coupling being attached to said rail vehicle by one of its ends (210) and at least partially concealed by its fairing (22), by means of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the steps of: - placing the device (1) under the coupling (21), so as to position a support element offset from the base (10) of the device (1) under the end (210) of the coupling attached to the rail vehicle (20), - raising the device (1) so that the first (17) and second (18) support elements come into contact with predetermined support points on the coupling (21), - disconnect the coupling (21) from said rail vehicle (20), - rest and / or transfer the device (1) on which said coupling (21) rests, the method excluding any preliminary step of dismantling the fairing (22).

13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising a step of adjusting one or more of the first positioning element (17), the second positioning element (18), and one or more of the wedges (17a, 17b, 17c).

Images