Catenary contact wire maintenance device

Abstract

Title: Device for maintaining a catenary contact wire The invention relates to a device (1) for maintaining a catenary contact wire (10), comprising: - a frame (20) delimiting a passage for a contact wire (10); - connecting means on a contact wire (10) received in the passage, the connecting means being intended to allow the device (1) to move along the contact wire (10), the connecting means being carried by the frame (20) and comprising rolling members (41) on the contact wire (10) received in the passage and on which the device (1) is suspended. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Catenary contact wire maintenance device

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of maintenance equipment for railway installations.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a device for maintaining equipment for supplying electric current to locomotives of trains running on a railway track.

[0003] The transmission of electric current to the train running on a railway track can be carried out by means of at least one contact wire located above the railway track.

[0004] Such a contact wire supplies current to pantographs carried by a locomotive. The pantograph is a device which allows a locomotive to capture current by friction on the contact wire of a catenary.

[0005] The contact wire is suspended from a carrier cable by means of a succession of vertical cables called pendulums, the lengths of which are adapted to keep the contact wire substantially horizontal. The assembly formed by the contact wire, the pendulums and the carrier cable is conventionally referred to as a "catenary" (or overhead contact line).

[0006] Such a catenary is supported above the railway track by support posts arranged, at intervals, along the railway track.

[0007] A contact wire of a catenary is conventionally in the form of a longitudinal element and comprises on each lateral face a longitudinal fixing groove to allow, in particular, the connection of the contact wire with the pendulums of the catenary using a jaw.

[0008] Various maintenance devices exist for checking contact wires and carrying out maintenance operations.

[0009] Some of these devices may in particular be suspended from the contact wires, and as will appear subsequently, the invention aims to propose an improvement to these suspended devices.

[0010] For example, these devices can be used to monitor the wear condition of the contact wires.

[0011] As trains pass, the locomotive pantographs rub against the underside of the contact wires, causing wear. In practice, this wear results in a flat spot forming on the underside of the contact wire, which is reduced in thickness.

[0012] When a contact wire is worn, it can break and thus cause significant damage to the catenary. Conventionally, a wear limit is defined for a contact wire, this limit corresponding to a minimum thickness of the contact wire before its replacement.

[0013] In order to limit the risk of breakage, the state of wear of the contact wire, i.e. its thickness, is monitored to detect weak points that could lead to breakage. To do this, the wear of the contact wire is monitored periodically, manually or automatically.

[0014] A device for measuring the thickness of a contact wire intended to be carried by a pole has been proposed. Such a measuring device is described in the French patent document published under number FR3033883.

[0015] This measuring device comprises a frame assembled at the upper end of a pole. The frame has means for suspending the frame on a contact wire, the frame carrying a first element and a second element forming a passage for engaging the contact wire, and comprising means for measuring the thickness of the contact wire inside the engagement passage.

[0016] According to this technique, the operator mounts the measuring device at the end of a pole to suspend the device on a contact wire in order to measure the thickness of the contact wire.

[0017] Such a device has several drawbacks in use.

[0018] In practice, it is found that the movement of the measuring device along the contact wire occurs in jerks due to successive arcings, which can harm the measurement and proves, in any case, very unpleasant for the operator.

[0019] Another device intended to be carried by a pole is described in the patent document published under number FR3091919.

[0020] This device is designed to perform a laser profilometer of a contact wire.

[0021] For this purpose, the device comprises a frame delimiting a passage for receiving the contact wire, within which the profile of the contact wire is determined.

[0022] When the contact wire is inserted into the receiving passage, it rests on cylinders mounted freely rotatably on the frame. In this way, the operator manipulating the pole can move the device forward or backward along the contact wire, by rolling it over the contact wire, in order to determine the profile of the contact wire.

[0023] This device nevertheless shows limitations, in particular because the contact wires can have added elements along their length preventing the passage of the device frame. These added elements can, for example, correspond to the jaws allowing the contact wires to be attached to the pendulums.

[0024] More generally, due to the constraints to which these devices are subjected, robust and reliable designs are sought.

[0025] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art, and to meet the operational needs expressed.

[0026] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a contact wire maintenance device which can be suspended on a contact wire and move along the contact wire in an optimized manner compared to what is permitted by the prior art.

[0027] The invention also aims to provide such a device which has a robust and reliable design.

[0028] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for maintaining a catenary contact wire, comprising: - a frame delimiting a passage for a contact wire; - connecting means on a contact wire received in the passage, the connecting means being intended to allow the device to move along the contact wire, the connecting means being carried by the frame and comprising rolling members on the contact wire received in the passage and on which the device is suspended; characterized in that each rolling member is mounted to move between a position of use in which the rolling member overhangs the passage to be able to roll on the contact wire received in the passage, and at least a first retracted position in which the rolling member does not overhang the passage, the connecting means comprising a retraction follower for each rolling member, of a cam / follower system, designed to cause the rolling member to move from its position of use to its first retracted position in contact with an element overhanging the contact wire and to which the contact wire is coupled, during a movement of the device along the contact wire in at least a first direction of movement, and in that the connecting means comprise means for elastically returning each rolling member to its position of use.

[0029] The device according to the invention can move along a contact wire in a manner which is optimized compared to what the prior art allows.

[0030] Indeed, the device according to the invention can overcome obstacles located above the contact wire thanks to its rolling members which can retract. During the progression of the device along the contact wire, if the retraction follower comes into contact with an element from which the wire is suspended, such as a jaw of a hanger, it will cause the rolling member to move towards its retracted position, thus allowing this element to be crossed. Once this element is crossed, the elastic return means allow the rolling member to return to its position of use.

[0031] In addition, this device has a robust and reliable design.

[0032] The driving of the rolling members towards their retracted position and the elastic return towards their position of use are carried out mechanically. This allows the device to have the robustness and reliability which may be lacking in electromechanical systems.

[0033] Furthermore, such a design is very easily repairable compared to the repairability of electromechanical systems.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, each rolling member is mounted to be movable in rotation between two retracted positions, including the first retracted position and a second retracted position, between which the position of use is located, the retraction follower being designed to cause the rolling member to move from its position of use to its second retracted position in contact with an element overhanging the contact wire and to which the contact wire is coupled, during a movement of the device along the contact wire in a second direction of movement, opposite to the first direction of movement.

[0035] With this embodiment, the device can move back and forth along a contact wire. This is particularly advantageous in that the device can be installed and uninstalled on the contact wire from a single location. The operator of the device thus does not need to position the device on the contact wire at a first location and then move to a second location to which the device has moved to uninstall it from the contact wire.

[0036] According to an advantageous design, the device comprises motor means designed to drive the movement of the device along the contact wire received in the passage.

[0037] It is thus not necessary to push the device along the contact wire.

[0038] The device can then evolve autonomously or semi-autonomously on the contact wire.

[0039] In the case where the device is configured to move autonomously on the contact wire, the device then incorporates electronics making it possible to control the motor means in order to move the device forward, or even backward if it is capable of doing so.

[0040] In the case where the device is configured to move semi-autonomously on the contact wire, then the device is equipped with telecommunications means allowing it to receive instructions from an operator, for example using a remote control configured to allow instructions to be sent to the device via its telecommunications means.

[0041] According to an advantageous solution, the device comprises an additional system for positioning each rolling member in the retracted position for installation and / or uninstallation of the device on a contact wire.

[0042] The installation and / or uninstallation of the device on a contact wire is thus facilitated.

[0043] In this way, it is not necessary for an operator to use a lifting means to reach the contact wire in order to manually move each of the rolling members into the retracted position to allow the insertion of the contact wire into the passage.

[0044] According to a first conceivable embodiment, the auxiliary positioning system comprises an auxiliary follower for each rolling member, of a cam / follower system, designed to cause the rolling member to move from its position of use to its retracted position in contact with a contact wire in a direction of insertion of the contact wire into the passage.

[0045] It is then sufficient to push the device against the contact wire in order to make the contact wire enter inside the passage.

[0046] According to a second embodiment envisaged, the ancillary system comprises: - a traction cable, for each rolling member, from the rolling member to its or one of its retracted positions; - controllable means of actuation of each traction cable.

[0047] The installation and uninstallation of the device on a contact wire is then carried out by means of the controllable actuation means which make it possible to position all the rolling members in the retracted position.

[0048] Preferably, the device comprises a handling pole connector, configured to allow the device to be attached to the end of a handling pole.

[0049] In this way, the device can be installed and uninstalled using a handling pole, the use of which is widespread in the field of railway maintenance. Such a handling pole is conventionally electrically insulated against high voltages. Its use for installing and uninstalling the device on a contact wire facilitates maintenance operations and makes the operator's intervention safer.

[0050] Advantageously, the connecting means comprise bearings for guiding the contact wire in the passage.

[0051] The relative position of the device with respect to the contact wire, and in other words the position assumed by the contact wire inside the passage, are thus particularly precise. This allows the device according to the invention to carry tools for measuring characteristics of the contact wire, and to derive reliable measurements therefrom.

[0052] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation seen from the side of a device according to the invention suspended on a contact wire; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial schematic representation, seen from above, of the device according to the invention suspended on a contact wire; • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation illustrating the retraction rolling members of the device to cross an element overhanging the contact wire; • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective representation of a first embodiment of a support arm carrying a rolling member; • [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation seen from the side of a second embodiment of a support arm carrying a rolling member.

[0053] With reference to [Fig.l], a device 1 for maintaining catenary contact wires 10 is shown.

[0054] This maintenance device 1 is shown suspended on a catenary contact wire 10.

[0055] For clarity, a reference mark is shown in [Fig.l].

[0056] This reference frame comprises an X axis representing a longitudinal direction, and a Y axis representing a vertical direction. The X axis extends perpendicular to the Y axis.

[0057] The contact wire 10 extends parallel to the X axis.

[0058] As can be seen in [Fig. 3], an added element 11 is illustrated on the contact wire 10. This added element 11 is coupled to the contact wire 10 and at least partially overhangs this contact wire 10.

[0059] This added element 11 may, for example, correspond to a suspension attachment. However, other types of elements 11 are likely to be coupled to the contact wire 10, and to overhang it, for example a junction claw.

[0060] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the device 1 comprises a frame 20.

[0061] This frame 20 delimits a passage for the contact wire 10.

[0062] The frame 20 comprises a longitudinal part 200, which extends in particular parallel to the axis X.

[0063] The passage extends more particularly above the longitudinal part 200.

[0064] This longitudinal part 200 may be formed from a single spar or from an assembly of several spars.

[0065] The frame 20 also comprises support arms 30 coupled at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal portion.

[0066] These support arms 30 extend from the longitudinal part parallel to an axis transverse to the X axis, so as to laterally border the passage.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the support arms 30 are coupled alternately on either side of the longitudinal part.

[0068] According to one possible embodiment, the support arms 30 could all be coupled on one side of the longitudinal part.

[0069] The device 1 also comprises connecting means on a contact wire 10 which is received in the passage.

[0070] These connecting means are designed to allow the device 1 to move along the contact wire 10. The connecting means are carried by the frame 20, directly or indirectly, and more precisely by the support arms 30 for a portion of these connecting means according to the present embodiment.

[0071] Indeed, the connecting means comprise according to the present embodiment: - rolling members 41 on the contact wire 10 received in the passage and on which the device 1 is suspended; - guide bearings 42 of the contact wire 10 in the passage.

[0072] Each rolling member 41 is carried by a support arm 30, while the guide bearings are carried directly by the longitudinal part of the frame 20.

[0073] According to the embodiment illustrated by figures 1 and 2, the connecting means comprise four guide bearings 42 of the contact wire 10.

[0074] The guide bearings 42 are each formed by a cylinder mounted freely to rotate relative to the frame 20.

[0075] The axis of rotation of each of these cylinders extends orthogonally to the X axis.

[0076] These guide bearings 42 are in particular grouped in pairs, and the two pairs are spaced from each other along the longitudinal part of the frame 20.

[0077] Each pair of guide bearings 42 is configured so that the two guide bearings 42 of the pair describe the shape of a V in the hollow of which the contact wire 10 is intended to be housed and to roll on it, when it is received in the passage and the device 1 circulates along this contact wire 10.

[0078] With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the rolling members 41 are now described in more detail.

[0079] As explained below, each rolling member 41 is mounted to move between a position of use and at least one first retracted position.

[0080] For the sake of clarity, a description of a rolling member 41 is provided below, and this description applies to each rolling member 41 of the device 1.

[0081] Each support arm 30 carries a rolling member 4L

[0082] More precisely, the support arm 30 comprises a main part 301 and a secondary arm 302 mounted articulated on the main part 301. The rolling member 41 is thus mounted free to rotate on the secondary arm 302.

[0083] According to the present embodiments, the rolling member 41 is formed by a cylinder. It is nevertheless conceivable that the rolling members 41 take other forms such as wheels or rollers.

[0084] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the rolling member 41 is in a position of use.

[0085] In this position of use, the rolling member 41 overhangs the passage in order to be able to roll on the contact wire 10 which is received in the passage.

[0086] In this position of use, the axis around which the rolling member 41 is mounted to rotate freely on the secondary arm extends orthogonally to the axis X.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the rolling member 41 is in a retracted position, called the first retracted position.

[0088] In this first retracted position, the rolling member 41 does not overhang the passage. The rolling member 41 can thus cross an obstacle (the element 11) coupled to an upper part of the contact wire 10 and located above this contact wire 10 as illustrated by [Fig.3].

[0089] In order to allow the rolling member 41 to move from its position of use to its retracted position, the connecting means comprise a retraction follower 50 for each rolling member 41, of a cam / follower system.

[0090] This retraction follower 50 is designed to cause the rolling member 41 to move from its position of use to its first retracted position in contact with an element 11 overhanging the contact wire 10 and to which the contact wire 10 is coupled, during a movement of the device 1 along the contact wire 10 in at least a first direction of movement (direction of movement of the device 1 illustrated by the arrow F1 in [Fig. 3]). The cam of the cam / follower system is thus formed by the element(s) 11.

[0091] According to the present embodiments, the retraction follower 50 is formed by a roller. The retraction follower 50 may nevertheless be formed by another element such as a pad.

[0092] The connecting means also comprise elastic return means 60 of each rolling member 41 into its position of use.

[0093] These elastic return means 60 are in this case formed by traction springs.

[0094] These elastic return means 60 exert a force tending to maintain the rolling member 41 in its position of use.

[0095] If a constraint has caused the rolling member 41 to move towards its retracted position, then the return force exerted by the elastic return means 60 allows the rolling member 41 to return to its position of use as soon as the constraint is no longer present.

[0096] The arrangement of the rolling member 41 on the support arm 30 of the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 2 to 4 is described in more detail below.

[0097] As can be seen in [Fig.4], the main part 301 of the support arm 30 has at its upper end an upper face on which the secondary arm 302 pivots, around an axis 300 extending perpendicular to the upper face.

[0098] At one end of the secondary arm 302, opposite that which is coupled to the axis 300, the secondary arm 302 has the rolling member 41, as well as the retraction follower 50.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the upper face is inclined, and the pivoting plane PP in which the secondary arm 302 pivots is thus intersecting with a horizontal plane PH extending parallel to the axis X.

[0100] This makes it easier for the rolling member 41 to return to the contact wire 10 after crossing the element 11 which forms an obstacle. In fact, the rolling member 41 then returns to the contact wire 10 by partially lowering onto it.

[0101] Still according to the present embodiment, the traction spring forming the elastic return means 60 is coupled at one of its ends to a fixed point 601 secured to the main part 301 of the support arm, and at the other of its ends to a mobile point 602 secured to the retraction follower 50.

[0102] The distance separating the fixed point 601 and the mobile point 602 is less in the position of use of the rolling member 41 than in its retracted position.

[0103] When the retraction follower 50 is moved, for example due to the presence of an obstacle, then it causes the extension of the traction spring and the increase of the force tending to maintain the rolling member 41 in its position of use.

[0104] The connecting means also comprise a stop 70 against which the secondary arm 302 bears in the position of use of the rolling member 4L.

[0105] The connecting means also comprise an attached block 303, coupled laterally to the support arm 30. This attached arm carries the stop 70, as well as the fixed point 601.

[0106] The embodiment previously described allows the device 1 to cross obstacles in at least a first direction of movement of the device 1 on the contact wire 10.

[0107] With reference to [Fig.5], specific features of a second embodiment are now described allowing the device 1 to overcome obstacles in both directions of movement of the device 1 on the contact wire 10.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the rolling member 41 is mounted to be able to rotate between two retracted positions, including the first retracted position and a second retracted position.

[0109] The position of use of the rolling member 41 is then located between these two retracted positions.

[0110] The retraction follower 50 is in this case designed to also be able to cause the rolling member 41 to move from its position of use to its second retracted position in contact with an element overhanging the contact wire 10 and to which the contact wire 10 is coupled, during a movement of the device 1 along the contact wire 10 in a second direction of movement, opposite to the first direction of movement.

[0111] In this embodiment, the upper face of the main part 301 of the support arm 30 is not inclined relative to a horizontal plane PH, and the plane in which the secondary arm 302 pivots is parallel with the axis X.

[0112] According to another embodiment envisaged, this upper face is inclined in the direction of the passage.

[0113] Other means may nevertheless be implemented to facilitate the return to the contact wire 10 of the rolling member 41, such as another degree of freedom of the rolling member 41, or even a different dimensioning of the cylinder forming the rolling member.

[0114] As can be seen in [Fig.5], the elastic return means 60 then also comprise a crosspiece comprising two mobile parts 603 mounted to rotate about the axis 300 around which the secondary arm 302 is also mounted to rotate.

[0115] Each movable part 603 of the crosspiece has a finger 604 intended to index the position of use of the rolling member 401, as well as a movable point 602 on which the traction spring is attached, distally from the axis 300 of rotation of the crosspiece.

[0116] More specifically, each movable part 603 has a front extension 6031 extending from a central section of the movable part freely coupled to rotate about the axis 300, and a rear extension 6032 extending from the central section opposite the rear extension 6032.

[0117] The rear extension 6032 thus presents the movable point 602, while the front extension 6031 presents the finger 604.

[0118] As can be seen in [Fig.5], the two moving parts 603 of the crosspiece together adopt a cross shape.

[0119] Each finger 604 extends perpendicular to the plane in which the secondary arm 302 is mounted to rotate, and extends in height, over at least part of the height of the secondary arm 302, as well as over at least part of the height of the main part 301 of the support arm 30.

[0120] When the rolling member 41 is driven towards one of its retracted positions, then: - the finger 604 of one of the two movable parts 603 of the crosspiece is supported against one of the lateral faces of the main part 301 of the support arm 30, which keeps fixed in position relative to this main part 301 the movable point 602 carried by said movable part 603 of the crosspiece; - the finger 604 of the other of the two movable parts 603 of the crosspiece bears against a lateral face of the secondary arm 302, which increases the distance separating the two movable points 602 between which the traction spring is attached, as the rolling member 41 progresses towards its retracted position.

[0121] This design thus allows the device 1 to overcome obstacles in both possible directions of movement along the contact wire 10.

[0122] Although this is not shown, the device 1 comprises an additional system for positioning each rolling member 41 in the retracted position for the installation and / or uninstallation of the device 1 on a contact wire 10.

[0123] This additional system makes it possible to put all the rolling members 41 in the retracted position, so as to open a path for inserting the contact wire into the passage delimited by the frame 20.

[0124] Two possible designs of this additional system are described below.

[0125] The auxiliary positioning system may comprise an auxiliary follower for each rolling member 41, of a cam / follower system, designed to cause the rolling member 41 to move from its position of use to its retracted position in contact with a contact wire 10 in a direction of insertion of the contact wire 10 into the passage.

[0126] The direction of insertion is of course strictly different from one of the directions of movement of the device 1 along the contact wire 10.

[0127] This additional follower may for example take the form of a cone extending and tapering from the roller forming the retraction follower 50.

[0128] Alternatively and preferably, the ancillary system comprises: - a traction cable, for each rolling member 41, of the rolling member 41 towards its or one of its retracted positions; - controllable means of actuation of each traction cable.

[0129] The controllable actuation means may for example correspond to a motor designed to allow the winding of the traction cables to pull the traction cables and position the rolling members 41 in their retracted position, and the unwinding of the traction cables in order to release the rolling members 4L. This motor may be controlled for example using a computer tool used by a human operator.

[0130] The device 1 advantageously comprises at least four pairs of rolling members 41 spaced from each other. This allows the center of gravity of the device to always be located between at least two pairs of rolling members 41 always in contact with a contact wire when crossing an obstacle, and prevents the device from being destabilized or even detached from the contact wire when crossing.

[0131] Furthermore, the distance between two pairs of rolling members 41 separated from each other by only one other pair of rolling members 41 is designed to be greater than the longitudinal dimension of the largest known obstacle on a contact wire (in particular a junction claw), in order to prevent two pairs of rolling members 41 from being simultaneously open at the same time when crossing an obstacle.

[0132] With reference to [Fig.l], the device 1 comprises motor means designed to cause the device 1 to move along the contact wire 10 received in the passage.

[0133] These motor means take for example the form of an electric motor 80 associated with wheels 81 driven in rotation by the electric motor 80, the wheels 81 advantageously having a coating adapted to improve the grip on the contact wire 10.

[0134] According to a variant not shown, the device 1 comprises a handling pole connector, configured to allow the removable attachment of the device 1 to the end of a handling pole.

[0135] This type of connector allows remote coupling and uncoupling of the device 1 on a handling pole.

[0136] An operator can use such a pole to position the device 1 on a contact wire 10, then uncouple the pole from the device in order to allow the device 1 to move autonomously along the contact wire 10.

[0137] In the absence of motorization of the device 1 using motor means such as those mentioned above, the handling pole can be used to move the device 1 forward and / or backward along the contact wire 10.

[0138] It is however conceivable that the device 1 is installed on a contact wire 10 by an operator located in a lifting cradle positioned high up near the catenary.

[0139] When positioning the device 1 on the contact wire 10, or when removing it, the operator uses, for example, the controllable actuation means in order to position the rolling members 41 in the retracted position, in order to allow the insertion of the contact wire into the passage.

[0140] During its movement along the contact wire 10, the device 1 rolls along this contact wire 10 using the rolling members 41 which roll on the contact wire 10 while allowing the suspension of the device 1 on the contact wire 10.

[0141] In the presence of an obstacle formed by an element 11 overhanging the contact wire and to which the contact wire is coupled, the device 1 will still be able to overcome this obstacle thanks to its rolling members 41 which can temporarily move into the retracted position as detailed above.

[0142] The device 1 previously described can be suspended on a contact wire and move along the contact wire in a manner optimized compared to what is permitted by the prior art. This device 1 has a robust and reliable design.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for maintaining a catenary contact wire (10), comprising: - a frame (20) delimiting a passage for a contact wire (10); - connecting means on a contact wire (10) received in the passage, the connecting means being intended to allow the movement of the device (1) along the contact wire (10), the connecting means being carried by the frame (20) and comprising rolling members (41) on the contact wire (10) received in the passage and on which the device (1) is suspended;characterized in that each rolling member (41) is mounted to move between a position of use in which the rolling member (41) overhangs the passage to be able to roll on the contact wire (10) received in the passage, and at least a first retracted position in which the rolling member (41) does not overhang the passage, the connecting means comprising a retraction follower (50) for each rolling member (41), of a cam / follower system, designed to cause the rolling member (41) to move from its position of use to its first retracted position in contact with an element (11) overhanging the contact wire (10) and to which the contact wire (10) is coupled, during a movement of the device (1) along the contact wire (10) in at least a first direction of movement, and in that the connecting means comprise elastic return means (60) of each rolling member (41) in its position of use.;

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each rolling member (41) is mounted to rotate between two retracted positions, including the first retracted position and a second retracted position, between which the use position is located, the retraction follower (50) being designed to cause the rolling member (41) to move from its use position to its second retracted position in contact with an element (11) overhanging the contact wire (10) and to which the contact wire (10) is coupled, during a movement of the device (1) along the contact wire (10) in a second direction of movement, opposite to the first direction of movement.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises motor means designed to cause the device (1) to move along the contact wire (10) received in the passage.

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional system for positioning in the retracted position each rolling member (41) for the installation and / or uninstallation of the device (1) on a contact wire (10).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the auxiliary positioning system comprises an auxiliary follower for each rolling member (41), of a cam / follower system, designed to cause the rolling member (41) to move from its position of use to its retracted position in contact with a contact wire (10) in a direction of insertion of the contact wire (10) into the passage.

6. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the ancillary system comprises: - a traction cable, for each rolling member (41), of the rolling member (41) towards its or one of its retracted positions; - controllable actuation means for each traction cable.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a handling pole connector, configured to allow the removable attachment of the device to the end of a handling pole.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means comprise guide bearings (42) of the contact wire (10) in the passage.

Images