Installation for the assembly and sliding of at least two railway track switches.

Abstract

Installation (1) for the assembly and sliding, for the purpose of laying, at least one first and one second turnout (2, 3) for railway tracks, the installation (1) comprising: a mounting jig (8) disposed on the ground in an assembly area (Z), configured to support the first turnout (2) comprising first sleepers (4) and first rails (5), a platform (10) configured to rest, at a predetermined height (h1), partly on the first rails (5) of the first turnout (2), and to support the second turnout (3) comprising second sleepers (6) and second rails (7), a height-adjustable shoring device (12), configured and disposed to support the second turnout (3), being set at said predetermined height (h1), a sliding system configured to move the first and second turnouts (2, 3) to the railway track. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for mounting and sliding for the installation of at least two track switches for railway tracks technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of railway track renovation or the laying of new railway tracks, for high-speed lines, known as LGV, or conventional lines where trains travel at speeds of up to approximately 220 km / h. It relates in particular to an installation for the assembly and shunting of at least two railway track switches. Previous technique

[0002] Track switches form particular parts of the railway track, for example sections of switches or sections of crossings.

[0003] To install or replace a turnout on a railway, it is known to construct a mounting platform in a suitable area near the tracks. Such a mounting area is not necessarily, and indeed rarely, located at the turnout to be installed or replaced, but rather in a sufficiently large and usable location alongside the tracks to create the mounting platform. The turnout is constructed by mounting it off the tracks, on the mounting platform. The turnout is then transferred onto the railway and finally moved to its final position using the railway. This transfer step on the railway is also called a sliding operation.

[0004] There is a need to optimize the surface area of ​​assembly platforms, in particular to manufacture and store several track switches, for example two or four track switches, on the same assembly platform, and to move them one after the other from the assembly platform, in order to install them as part of a railway renewal or the laying of new railway tracks. Summary

[0005] This disclosure improves the situation. A mounting and sliding installation for the installation of at least one first and one second railway track switch is proposed, the installation comprising: • a mounting block placed on the floor in an assembly area, configured to support the first track switch comprising the first sleepers and the first rails, • a floor configured to rest, at a predetermined height, partly on the first rails of the first track switch, and to support the second track switch comprising second longitudinal beams and second rails, • a height-adjustable levelling device, configured and arranged to support the second track switch, being set at said predetermined height, • a ripping system configured to move the first and second track switches to the railway track.

[0006] Such an installation, which allows two track switches to be mounted and stored one on top of the other, minimizes the surface area required for assembly. It also allows for the sharing of equipment used for assembly. Furthermore, stacking the track switches reduces the volume of excavation, thereby reducing the time required, the amount of excavated material to be removed, and the volume and therefore the transport of new materials to be used. All of this results in overall financial optimization for the track switch renovation or installation project, as well as a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions during the project.

[0007] Moreover, the presence of the levelling device, which is intrinsically height-adjustable, simplifies the installation assembly operation and the reuse of the levelling device at another location on the construction site, if necessary, by adjusting the height to the desired height.

[0008] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0009] The positioning device may comprise a plurality of pads configured to be able to be superimposed on each other. In examples, the plurality of pads comprises at least a first pad having a lower surface provided with first reliefs and at least a second pad having an upper surface provided with second reliefs complementary to the first reliefs, such that the first reliefs of the first pad and the second reliefs of the second pad can be nested when the first pad is placed on the second pad.

[0010] The leveling device may include, alternatively or additionally, at least one height-adjustable block, comprising a first part and a second part movable in height relative to each other so as to allow adjustment of the height of the block.

[0011] In this case, the first part comprises, for example, a first cylinder having an external thread and the second part comprises a second cylinder having an internal thread configured to cooperate with the external thread of the first cylinder so as to adjust the height of the pedestal by screwing or unscrewing the first cylinder and / or the second cylinder.

[0012] The shimming device can be used to shimmify the floor on which the second track switch rests in parts where the first track switch has a reduced width, for example in a point area of ​​the latter.

[0013] The floor may comprise a floor structure and floor rails arranged on the floor structure and in contact with the second stringers, the floor rails being substantially perpendicular to the second stringers. Such a floor allows for precise positioning of the second stringers on the floor rails, as they can be easily moved along the floor rails if the second stringers are not initially correctly positioned.

[0014] The floor advantageously includes side guardrails fixed to the lateral edges of the floor structure parallel to the floor rails and extending to a safe height. Such guardrails are provided to secure operations with regard to working at height. The safe height is preferably chosen to comply with applicable safety standards.

[0015] The floor structure may be a metal structure. The floor may also include a removable grating, particularly a metal one, covering the floor structure, especially outside the floor rails. Such a floor has the advantage of being lightweight. Furthermore, the installation of such a floor, which may be modular, can be quick and easy.

[0016] Furthermore, the track-shifting system may include longitudinal track-shifting elements, in particular track-shifting rails or beams for the first and second turnouts. During a track-shifting operation of the second turnout, the longitudinal track-shifting elements may be positioned substantially perpendicular to and below the second rails so as to support the second turnout. During a track-shifting operation of the first turnout, the longitudinal track-shifting elements may be positioned substantially perpendicular to and below the first rails so as to support the first turnout. The installation may also include an additional height-adjustable shoring device configured to support the longitudinal track-shifting elements, set at a chosen height so that the longitudinal track-shifting elements extend in a horizontal plane.

[0017] By "horizontal plane" we mean the general definition of this expression, which can be the following: which is perpendicular to a line, to a direction, to an axis which conventionally represents the vertical.

[0018] By "removal" of the first and second track switches, we mean the movement of the first and second track switches from the assembly area to a railway track, perpendicular to it.

[0019] Once on the railway, the first, or second, track switch will be moved, notably on railway trolleys, to its final location. This last step constitutes what is referred to as the "installation" of the first and second track switches.

[0020] There are generally two railway tracks, and the movement of the first and / or second track switch can be carried out on either of the railway tracks, depending on the intended final location.

[0021] The skidding system may include a winch system comprising a cable designed to extend parallel to the longitudinal skidding elements and a pulley around which the cable is able to wind. The winch system may further include a motor for rotating the pulley.

[0022] The installation can be implemented for mounting and sliding, i.e., moving along the railway track, two track switches, or for more than two track switches, for example, four track switches, stacked two by two in the form of two sets of two track switches, in the mounting area as described above. In this case, the two sets of two stacked track switches can be arranged side-by-side so that the first set is close to the railway track and the second set is separated from the railway track by the first set. Alternatively, the two sets of two stacked track switches can be arranged along the railway track one after the other along the railway track, each being close to the railway track.

[0023] According to another aspect, in combination with all or part of the above, a method is proposed for mounting and sliding, for the purpose of laying, at least one first and one second track switch for railway tracks using an installation as defined above, comprising: • Place the mounting marble on the floor in the mounting area, • To create the first track switch by mounting the first sleepers on the assembly jig, then fixing the first rails onto the first sleepers, • Position the chocking device next to the first track switch, particularly in a point area of ​​the latter, and adjust the height of the chocking device, in particular so that a horizontal plane is formed by an upper surface of the first rails and an upper level of the chocking device, • Place the floor on the first rails and on the levelling device, • to construct the second track switch by mounting the second sleepers on the floor and by fixing the second rails onto the second stringers, • set up the ripping system and • Carry out the sliding of the first and second track switches up to the railway track.

[0024] When the installation includes a sliding system as defined above, with longitudinal sliding elements and a winch system, the installation of the sliding system and the execution of the sliding operation may include: • lift the second track switch, notably using gantries, • Install the longitudinal sliding elements under the second rails and arrange them continuously from the assembly area to a railway track, • to rest the second track switch on the longitudinal sliding elements, in particular using said gantries, • Install and adjust the height of the additional shoring device under the longitudinal sliding elements, • attach the second track switch to the winch system, • move, using the winch system, the second track switch until said railway line intended for the second track switch, • Dismantle the longitudinal lateral movement elements, • remove the floor, • repeat the steps preceding the dismantling of the longitudinal sliding elements for the first track switch.

[0025] The operation of setting up and adjusting the height of the additional shoring device under the longitudinal sliding elements can be implemented before, during or after the setting up of the longitudinal sliding elements.

[0026] By "repeat the steps preceding the dismantling of the longitudinal sliding elements for the first track switch", we mean the performance of: • lifting the first track switch, notably using gantries, • Install the longitudinal sliding elements under the first rails and arrange them continuously from the assembly area to a railway track, • to rest the first track switch on the longitudinal sliding elements, in particular using said gantries, • Install and adjust the height of the additional shoring device under the longitudinal sliding elements, • attach the first track switch to the winch system, • move, using the winch system, the first track switch to the railway track intended for the first track switch.

[0027] The method may first involve: providing gantries with height-adjustable lateral legs and arranging them on the second turnout so that the legs can be adjusted to rest on the ground through the floor. The gantries may be reused for the first turnout, or others may be provided. The number of gantries used for each turnout is greater than one, preferably generally between 5 and 30, arranged at regular intervals on the turnout. Other means may be provided for lifting and lowering the turnout.

[0028] The method may further include the installation, i.e. the relocation of the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, to a final location intended for the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, comprising: • to lift the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, in particular using gantries, • remove the longitudinal slip elements, • to have mobile railway lorries on the railway tracks, • to place the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, onto the lorries, • move the second track switch, or the first track switch, placed on the lorries to the final location intended for the second track switch, or the first track switch, respectively. • lift the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, notably using gantries, • remove the lorries, • reposition the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively, at the said final location provided.

[0029] It should be noted that the gantries can remain in place for the entire duration of the installation operation on the second track switch, or the first track switch respectively. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0031] [Fig-1] schematically shows, in cross-section, an installation for the assembly and sliding for the purpose of laying at least one first and one second track switch for railways according to an example.

[0032] [Fig.2] shows in isolation and schematically, in cross-section and in view exploded, a shimming device for the installation of the [Fig.l].

[0033] [Fig.3] shows in isolation and schematically, in perspective, another example of installation levelling device.

[0034] [Fig.4] shows in isolation and schematically, in perspective, an example of installation floor.

[0035] [Fig.5] shows in isolation and schematically, in perspective, partially, a example of the installation floor plan.

[0036] [Fig.6] schematically shows, in cross-section, an example of an installation during a skidding operation.

[0037] [Fig.7] schematically shows, in longitudinal section, the installation according to a example during the skidding operation.

[0038] [Fig.8] schematically shows, in cross-section, an example of an installation during a skidding operation.

[0039] [Fig.9] shows, in schematic top view, a mounting area with a installation according to an example.

[0040] [Fig. 10] shows in schematic top view a mounting area with an installation according to another example.

[0041] [Fig. 11] schematically shows, in top view, the implementation of an example of a ripping process.

[0042] [Fig. 12] schematically shows, in top view, the continuation of the implementation of the example of the ripping process according to [Fig. 11].

[0043] [Fig. 13] schematically shows, in top view, an example of the implementation of a method for moving a track switch after implementation of the sliding method according to [Fig. 12].

[0044] [Fig. 14] schematically shows, in top view, the continuation of the implementation of the example of a method for moving the track switch according to [Fig. 13].

[0045] [Fig. 15] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the implementation of an example of an assembly method.

[0046] [Fig. 16] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the implementation of the example of assembly method according to [Fig. 15].

[0047] [Fig. 17] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, an example of a sliding process following the assembly process of figures 15 and 16.

[0048] [Fig. 18] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig. 17].

[0049] [Fig. 19] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig. 18].

[0050] [Fig.20] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig. 19].

[0051] [Fig.21] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.20].

[0052] [Fig.22] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.21].

[0053] [Fig.23] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.22].

[0054] [Fig.24] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.23].

[0055] [Fig.25] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.24].

[0056] [Fig.26] schematically shows, in cross-sectional view, the continuation of the installation implementation of the example of the sliding process of [Fig.25]. Description of the implementation methods

[0057] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0058] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1]. This figure shows an example of an installation 1 for the assembly and sliding of a first track switch 2 and a second track switch 3 for railway tracks. The first track switch 2 in this example consists of a turnout and comprises first sleepers 4 and first rails 5. The second track switch 3 in this example consists of a crossing and comprises second sleepers 6 and second rails 7. The installation 1 allows two track switches to be assembled and stored in a superimposed manner and moved to the railway track by sliding.

[0059] Installation 1 comprises a mounting jig 8 arranged on the ground in a mounting area Z and configured to support the first track switch 2. The mounting jig 8 is placed on ground prepared by excavation and may include rails, two in this example, as shown. The surface area required for assembly, i.e., the surface area of ​​the mounting area Z, is minimized by stacking the first and second track switches 2 and 3.

[0060] The first stringers are arranged substantially perpendicular to the rails of the mounting block 8, in this example.

[0061] The installation 1 further includes a floor 10 configured to rest, at a predetermined height hl, partly on the first rails 5 of the first track switch 2, and to support the second track switch 3.

[0062] The installation 1 further includes a height-adjustable shoring device 12, configured and arranged to support the second track switch 3, being set at the predetermined height hl, as can be seen. Thus the floor 10 rests in a horizontal plane on the first rails and on the shoring device 12, as illustrated.

[0063] Installation 1 also includes a ripping system configured to move the first and second track switches 2, 3 to the railway track as will be described later.

[0064] In the illustrated example, and as more clearly seen in [Fig. 2], the positioning device 12 comprises a plurality of pads 13 configured to be superimposed on one another. In the illustrated example, the plurality of pads 13 comprises a first pad 13a having a lower surface 14 provided with first reliefs 15 and a second pad 13b having an upper surface 16 provided with second reliefs 17 complementary to the first reliefs 15, such that the first reliefs 15 of the first pad 13a and the second reliefs 17 of the second pad 13b can be nested, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 when the first pad 13a is placed on the second pad 13b.

[0065] Furthermore, the leveling device 12 comprises, in this example, at least one height-adjustable block 18, comprising a first part 18a and a second part 18b movable in height relative to each other so as to allow adjustment of the height of the block.

[0066] In this example, the first part 18a comprises a first cylinder having an external thread, and the second part 18b comprises a second cylinder having an internal thread configured to cooperate with the external thread of the first cylinder so as to adjust the height of the lug 18 by screwing or unscrewing the first and / or second cylinder. In this example, the second part 18b comprises a lower surface 19 provided with first ridges 15 configured to cooperate with second ridges 17 formed on an upper surface of the first lug 13a. Thus, as illustrated, the leveling device 12 comprises, from top to bottom, the height-adjustable lug 18, superimposed on and adjusted onto the first lug 13a, which is itself superimposed on and adjusted onto the second lug 13b.

[0067] The first and second reliefs 15 and 17 may be different from those illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0068] Different combinations and numbers of pads are possible to constitute the leveling device 12, in particular to obtain the predetermined height.

[0069] In particular, in the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the leveling device 12 comprises a single height-adjustable pedestal 18, with a first part 18a and a second part 18b as described above, the second part 18b also comprising a base 20 for resting on the ground.

[0070] The shoring device 12 allows the floor 10 supporting the second track switch 3 to be shored in the parts where, as illustrated in [Fig.1], the first track switch 2 has a reduced width, for example in a point area of ​​the latter.

[0071] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 4] and also in [Fig. 1], the floor 10 comprises a floor structure 21 and floor rails 22 arranged on the floor structure 21. The floor rails 22, three in number in Figures 1 and 4, are intended to be in contact with the second stringers 6, as seen in [Fig. 1]. The floor rails 22 extend substantially perpendicularly to the second stringers 6. Such a floor 10 with floor rails 22 allows the second stringers 6 to be precisely positioned on the floor rails 22, since it is possible to easily move the second stringers 6 on the floor rails 22 during their installation, in case the second stringers 6 are not initially correctly positioned.

[0072] In the illustrated examples, the floor structure 21 forms a metallic structure. As seen in the example in [Fig. 4], the floor 10 also includes a removable, metallic grating 23 covering the floor structure 21, specifically outside the floor rails 22, as can be seen. Such a floor 10 has the advantage of being lightweight. Furthermore, the installation and assembly of such a floor 10, which can be modular, can be quick and easy.

[0073] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 5], and also in [Fig. 1], the floor 10 advantageously includes lateral guardrails 24 fixed to the lateral edges 25 of the floor structure 21 parallel to the floor rails 22 and extending to a safety height hs. Such guardrails 25 are intended to secure operations with regard to working at height, and the safety height hs is preferably chosen to comply with applicable safety standards. The floor in the example in [Fig. 5] may, of course, include a grating like that in [Fig. 4], although it is not shown for the sake of clarity in the drawing.

[0074] Furthermore, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the track-shifting system may include longitudinal track-shifting elements 30 for the installation of the first and second track switches 2 and 3, of which only one switch, namely the first track switch 2, is illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The longitudinal track-shifting elements 30 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the track rails of the switches, in particular to the first and second rails. In this example, the longitudinal track-shifting elements 30 form skidding rails, but they can take another form, for example skidding beams, in another example.

[0075] The installation 1, as also shown in [Fig. 6], includes an additional height-adjustable shoring device 32 configured to support the longitudinal sliding elements 30, being set at a chosen height so that the longitudinal sliding elements 30 extend in a horizontal plane. The additional shoring device 32 may be similar to the shoring device 12, and may include one or more stackable pads 13a, 13b, allowing for height adjustment. The installation 1 includes several additional shoring devices 32 for each longitudinal sliding element 30 in the example illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0076] The longitudinal sliding elements 30 can be arranged, as illustrated in [Fig.6], during a sliding operation of a track switch, substantially perpendicular to the rails of the track switch and under these rails so as to support the track switch.

[0077] When the track switch is the second track switch, then the longitudinal sliding elements are arranged under the second rails so as to support the second track switch.

[0078] The installation can also be configured so that the longitudinal sliding elements 30 are positioned, during a sliding operation of the first turnout, particularly following the sliding operation of the second turnout, substantially perpendicular to and below the first rails so as to support the first turnout at a reduced height. The additional shoring device 32 can then be adjusted to this reduced height to support the longitudinal sliding elements 30 so that the longitudinal sliding elements 30 extend in a horizontal plane.

[0079] In the example shown in Figures 7 or 8, the rail-shifting system comprises at least one roller on which the first or second rails rest, depending on the track switch in question. In this example, the roller comprises at least one roller 33 adapted to run on the longitudinal rail-shifting element 30 and supported by a roller support 34.

[0080] As can be seen in the examples of Figures 6 and 8, the sliding system may include a winch system 35, comprising for example a pulley 36 and a cable 37, which allow the track switch, which is the first track switch 2 on [Fig.6] and the second track switch 3 on [Fig.8], to be moved laterally on the longitudinal sliding elements 30.

[0081] The track switches which are mounted in the mounting area Z and then moved onto the railway tracks VI and / or V2 are not solely linear, and may form crossings or switches, such that they may have a point 40, i.e. a longitudinal part which narrows towards a longitudinal end and an enlarged portion 41, which increases towards the opposite longitudinal end. These particular shapes can be seen in Figures 9 and 10. In the example of [Fig. 9], installation 1 is implemented for the mounting and sliding of two superimposed track switches.

[0082] In the example of [Fig. 10], the installation 1 is implemented for more than two track switches; in this example, for four track switches, stacked two by two in the mounting area. There are thus two sets of two stacked track switches. In the example of [Fig. 10], the two sets of two stacked track switches are arranged side-by-side so that the first set is close to railway track VI and the second set is separated from railway track VI by the first set, as can be seen. In such a case, the tips 40 and enlarged portions 41 of the two sets can be arranged head-to-tail, i.e., reversed, as illustrated, for the purpose of saving space, for example.

[0083] In an unillustrated variant, the two sets of two superimposed track switches can be arranged along railway VI one after the other along the longitudinal axis of the railway, each being close to railway VI.

[0084] In both cases illustrated in figures 9 and 10, the track switches will be moved, from the assembly area, according to the arrows, one after the other, from the assembly area to the railway tracks VI or V2.

[0085] The so-called sliding process for moving each track switch, first the second track switch 3 then the first track switch 2, up to railway tracks VI and V2 will now be described with regard to figures 6, 8 and 11 to 14.

[0086] We begin by providing gantries 42, one of which is visible in the figures, having lateral feet 43 that can be adjusted in height, and we place it on the second track switch 3 so that the feet 43 can be adjusted to rest on the ground through the floor 10. The floor 10 can, for this purpose, be partially dismantled, in particular the grating, or cut out.

[0087] Then the second track switch 3 is lifted using the gantries 42 and the longitudinal sliding elements 30 are put in place under the second rails 7. The longitudinal sliding elements 30 are put in place from the mounting area Z to a section of track comprising tracks VI and V2 in this example, that is to say, to track VI if the second track switch 3 is to be moved onto track VI, or to track V2 if the second track switch 3 is to be moved onto track V2. The second track switch 3 is then lowered onto the longitudinal sliding elements 30 using the gantries 42. In the example illustrated in Figures 11 to 14, it can be seen that the number of gantries 42 is much greater than one. Several gantries 42 are distributed along the entire length of the track switch, notably between 5 and 30.

[0088] Before, simultaneously or after the installation of the longitudinal sliding elements 30, the additional shoring device 32 is also installed and adjusted in height under the longitudinal sliding elements 30.

[0089] To shunt, that is, to pull and move the track switch, a winch system 35 is provided and installed in the track area. This system includes a cable 37 parallel to the longitudinal shunting elements 30, and a pulley 36 around which the cable 37 is wound. The winch system 35 may include a motor to rotate the pulley 36. Each longitudinal shunting element 30 is associated with a winch system 35, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and a centralized hydraulic control 38 is provided in the illustrated example.

[0090] As seen in [Fig.8], cable 37 is attached to the second track switch 3. Then cable 37 is wound around pulley 36 so as to slide, i.e. move, the second track switch 3 to the railway area, in this example to track VI as seen in [Fig. 12].

[0091] Next, since the final positioning location of the second track switch 3 is not the one visible on [Fig. 13], the second track switch 3 can be moved to the location on the railway track intended for the second track switch 3 by implementing a displacement method.

[0092] To do this, the second track switch 3 can be lifted using the gantries 42, and then the longitudinal sliding elements 30 can be removed, as partially visible in [Fig. 13]. Mobile, low-profile railway trolleys 45 on railway wheels are then positioned on track V1, for example using a mechanical shovel, and then moved along railway track V1 to position the trolleys 45 on the railway rails under the second track switch 3 before the second track switch 3 is placed back on the trolleys 43. The track switch 3 is then positioned on the trolleys 45 and can be moved along track VI to the final location intended for the second track switch 3, as illustrated by the arrow in [Fig. 14]. Once at the final planned location, the second track 3 switch can be lifted using the gantries 42, the lorries 45 removed and the second track 3 switch placed back at the said final planned location.

[0093] It should be noted that the gantries remain in place throughout the entire sliding operation on the second track switch. Systems other than the gantries 42 can be used to lift the track switches.

[0094] The following figures show an example of a mounting and sliding method, for the purpose of installing at least one first and one second track switch 2, 3 for railway tracks using an installation 1. Prior to this, earthworks were carried out. carried out over the entire assembly area Z. The process consists of first placing, for example with a mechanical shovel P, an assembly jig 8 on the ground in the assembly area Z, as illustrated in [Fig. 15], then mounting the first sleepers 4 onto the assembly jig 8, again as illustrated in [Fig. 15]. The first rails 5 are then fixed to the first sleepers 4, so as to create the first track switch 2.

[0095] The leveling device 12 is then positioned in the designated locations next to the first track switch 2 so that a horizontal plane is formed by the upper surface of the first rails and the upper level of the leveling device. The cross-sectional view in [Fig. 16] does not show this step, which is visible, however, in [Fig. 1], for example.

[0096] The floor 10 is placed on the first rails 5 and on the shoring device 12, then second stringers 6 are mounted on the floor 10 and second rails 7 are fixed on the second stringers 6, so as to make the second track switch 3. This superposition is illustrated on [Fig. 16] and can be carried out using the mechanical shovel P, and has been carried out twice, with two superpositions side by side, so as to store on the assembly area Z four track switches, two first track switches and two second track switches, in the example of [Fig. 10] for example.

[0097] Following this assembly begins the implementation of the track switch sliding process, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 16 to 26. We begin by supplying the gantries 42, such that each gantry 42 has its lateral feet 43 adjusted so as to rest on the ground through the floor 10, while the rest of the gantry 42 rests on the second track switch 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 16]. Figures 17 and 18 show, for each set of two track switches, the lifting of the second track switch 3 using the gantries 42 and the placement of the longitudinal sliding elements 30 under the second rails 7 from the assembly area Z to the railway tracks VI and V2, with placement and height adjustment of several additional shoring devices 32 under the longitudinal sliding elements 30, as seen in Figures 17, 18, and 19.

[0098] After placing the second track switch 3 onto the longitudinal sliding elements 30 using the gantries 42, the winch system 35, as described above, with the cable and pulley, is supplied and installed in the track area, and the second track switch 3 is moved to the track area as shown in [Fig. 19]. The longitudinal sliding elements 30 installed in this example for both assemblies are also used to move the second track switch of the second assembly as illustrated in [Fig. 20].

[0099] The movement of the second set of track switches of the two sets to the planned final locations of the railway, i.e. the installation of the second set of track switches can be carried out for each of them as described above, using the lorries 45.

[0100] After moving the second set of track switches 3, the first set of track switches 2 for each set can be slid into position. To do this, as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, the longitudinal sliding elements 30 are first dismantled, and then the floor 10 is removed. Next, for each set, several gantries 42 are provided and positioned on the first set of track switches 2. The first set of track switches 2 is lifted using the gantries 42, and the longitudinal sliding elements 30 are placed under the first rails 5 from the assembly area Z to the railway tracks VI and V2, as shown in Figures 22 to 24. The height of the additional shoring devices 32 is adjusted, notably to a reduced height, and each first set of track switches 2 is then lowered onto the longitudinal sliding elements 30 using the gantries 42.The winch system 35 is then used to position the first turnout 2 of one of the sets onto the railway, as illustrated in [Fig. 24], and then the first turnout 2 of the other set onto the railway, as illustrated in [Fig. 25]. Each of the first turnouts can then be moved to its intended location, as described above, for example. The longitudinal sliding elements 30, as illustrated in [Fig. 26], and the additional shoring devices 32 are removed.

Claims

Demands

1. Installation (1) for the assembly and sliding, for the purpose of laying, of at least one first and a second railway switch (2, 3), the installation (1) comprising: • a mounting jig (8) disposed on the ground in an assembly area (Z), configured to support the first railway switch (2) comprising first stringers (4) and first rails (5), • a platform (10) configured to rest, at a predetermined height (hl), partly on the first rails (5) of the first railway switch (2), and to support the second railway switch (3) comprising second stringers (6) and second rails (7), • a height-adjustable shoring device (12), configured and disposed to support the second railway switch (3), being set at said predetermined height (hl), • a sliding system configured to move the first and second railway switches (2, 3) to the railway track.

2. Installation (1) according to claim 1, wherein the shimming device (12) comprises a plurality of pads (13) configured to be able to be superimposed on each other, said plurality of pads (13) comprising at least a first pad (13a) having a lower surface (14) provided with first ridges (15) and at least a second pad (13b) having an upper surface (16) provided with second ridges (17) complementary to the first ridges (15), such that the first ridges (15) of the first pad (13a) and the second ridges (17) of the second pad (13b) can be nested when the first pad (13a) is placed on the second pad (13b).

3. Installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the leveling device (12) comprises at least one height-adjustable pedestal (18), comprising a first part (18a) and a second part (18b) movable in height relative to each other so as to allow adjustment of the height of the pedestal (18).

4. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first part (18a) comprises a first cylinder having an external thread and the second part (18b) comprises a second cylinder having an internal thread configured to cooperate with the external thread of the first cylinder so as to adjust the height of the stud (18) by screwing or unscrewing the first cylinder and / or the second cylinder.

5. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor (10) comprises a floor structure (21) and floor rails (22) disposed on the floor structure (21) and being in contact with the second stringers (6), the floor rails (22) being substantially perpendicular to the second stringers (6).

6. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the floor (10) has lateral guardrails (24) fixed to lateral edges (25) of the floor structure (21) parallel to the floor rails (22) and extending over a safety height (hs).

7. Installation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the sliding system comprising longitudinal sliding elements (30) for the installation of the first and second track switches (2, 3), arranged, during a sliding operation of the second track switch (3), respectively of the first track switch (2), substantially perpendicular to the second rails (7) and under the second rails (7) so as to support the second track switch (3), respectively substantially perpendicular to the first rails (5) and under the first rails (5) so as to support the first track switch (2), the installation (1) further comprising an additional shoring device (32) adjustable in height and configured to support the longitudinal sliding elements (30), being set at a height chosen so that the longitudinal sliding elements (30) extend in a horizontal plane.

8. Installation (1) according to the preceding claim, the skidding system comprising a winch system (35) having a cable (36) intended to extend parallel to the longitudinal skidding elements (30), a pulley (37) around which the cable (36) is able to wind.

9. A method for mounting and sliding, for the purpose of laying, at least one first and one second track switch for railway tracks using an installation according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: • Place the assembly jig (8) on the floor in the assembly area (Z), • Assemble the first turnout (2) by mounting the first sleepers (4) on the assembly jig (8), then fixing the first rails (5) onto the first sleepers (4), • Position the leveling device (12) next to the first turnout (2) and adjust the height of the leveling device (12), in particular so that a horizontal plane is formed by the upper surface of the first rails (5) and the upper level of the leveling device (12), • Position the floor (10) on the first rails (5) and on the leveling device (12), • Assemble the second turnout (3) by mounting the second sleepers (6) on the floor (10) and fixing the second rails (7) onto the second sleepers (6), • Set up the track-shifting system and • Perform the track-shifting of the first and second turnouts (2,3) up to the railway line (VI; V2).

10. A method according to the preceding claim, the installation being according to claim 7 and 8, the installation of the track-shifting system and the execution of the track-shifting comprising: • lifting the second track switch (3), in particular using gantries (42), • installing the longitudinal track-shifting elements (30) under the second rails (7) and arranging them continuously from the mounting area (Z) to a railway track (VI; V2), • lowering the second track switch onto the longitudinal track-shifting elements (30), in particular using said gantries (42), • installing and adjusting the height of the additional shoring device (32) under the longitudinal track-shifting elements (30), • attaching the second track switch (3) to the winch system (35), move, using the winch system (35), the second track switch (3) to said railway track (VI; V2) intended for the second track switch (3), dismantle the longitudinal sliding elements (30), remove the floor (10), repeat the steps preceding the dismantling of the longitudinal sliding elements (30) for the first track switch (2).

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