A device for fastening a functional object between two rails of a railway track.

Abstract

A device (1) for mechanically fastening a functional object between rails (2) of a railway track (1) is disclosed, comprising at least a frame (10) for supporting at least one functional object, means (13, 14, 15) for fastening the frame (10) to the rails (2), and means (16, 17, 19, 20) for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames (10) to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Corresponding Application] This application claims priority from the prior international application number PCT / IB2023 / 052511 filed on March 15, 2023 in the name of Joseph SCUDERI, and the content of this prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to the railway sector, and more specifically, to the utilization of the area occupied by railway tracks. The present invention relates in particular to the installation and removal of functional objects, such as solar panels, on railway tracks, for example by mechanical means.

Background Art

[0003] In some countries, the railway network occupies a significant part of the territory.

[0004] For example, in Switzerland, the railway network includes tracks exceeding 5,000 km.

[0005] Also, especially in the fields of energy and communication, the need for available surfaces for storing functional objects is increasing. One particular area of concern is the use of solar panels (photovoltaic, thermal, or hybrid).

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-234644 and Korean Patent No. 101253298 disclose solar panels arranged between railway tracks.

[0007] [[ID=3,4]]In the device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-234644, the panel is fixed by elements that must be inserted under the rail. The system described in Korean Patent No. 101253298 features a solar panel fixed inside the rail by elastic elements, which has the effect of damping the vibrations induced in the panel when a train passes.

[0008] However, the installation and fastening of these panels are complex, and the installation time can be relatively long. The rail mounting elements are also directly connected to the functional panel. Therefore, in this type of configuration, the panel is part of the fastening device and, as a result, is subjected to undesirable mechanical stress that can damage the functional panel. In addition, the placement of the fastening elements on the functional panel reduces the width of the panel. Consequently, the number of functional areas, such as the number of photovoltaic cells, is reduced.

[0009] Another example is described in International Publication No. 2022 / 130307, ​​which describes an apparatus and method for fixing a functional object between two rails, the contents of which are incorporated in whole by reference into this application.

[0010] Numerous patent documents exist in this field that describe methods for fixing photovoltaic panels of various formats and supports between rails of railway tracks. However, the photovoltaic panels described in these publications are specifically designed for installation between rails of railway tracks and do not correspond to the standard 1000 x 1700 mm format photovoltaic panels commonly found on residential roofs or in large-scale solar power plants. As a result, it is necessary to manufacture specific solar panels for this application, which is not economically attractive.

[0011] On the other hand, permanently fixing panels (or other functional objects) to rails or sleepers would result in a significant reduction or hindrance of maintenance work that is essential for the upkeep of the railway.

[0012] Ultimately, the installation of functional objects such as photovoltaic panels requires the connection and routing of electrical cables, which are generally left visible and are at risk of deterioration due to external conditions, maintenance work, or rodents.

[0013] Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the fastening of panels and functional objects between rails, reduce the time required to install panels and functional objects, allow for quick temporary removal for maintenance work (tamping or rail polishing), reduce costs and increase production by using standard-sized photovoltaic panels, and more generally, mitigate or eliminate all of the aforementioned drawbacks. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0014] The present invention aims to improve upon the above-mentioned problems in particular and to propose an improved system based on that described in International Publication 2022 / 130307, ​​which is incorporated by reference in this application.

[0015] "Functional object" means any object that contributes to achieving a desired functionality in the context of the present invention. In this regard, functional objects may include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic panels, thermal panels, hybrid panels, batteries, conductors, fluid elements, measuring instruments, or other equivalent objects.

[0016] The geometric shape of the functional object can be arbitrary, but standard in size, in order to take advantage of the features and benefits of the present invention. However, the geometric shape of the functional object must allow for the placement of the functional object between rails without obstructing rail traffic.

[0017] For this purpose, the present invention relates in particular to an apparatus for mechanically (preferably automatically) installing standard-sized functional objects, such as photovoltaic panels, between rails of a railway track. This will be better understood by the following non-limiting description of embodiments and their modifications.

[0018] In embodiments, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises, in particular, at least a frame, several lateral reinforcing members, at least one mounting element, and at least one mechanical and electrical connection element. - The frame is a frame sized to be positioned between rails of a railway track, and comprises a first fixing element at the end of the frame, positioned to fix one side of the frame to one of the rails, and a second fixing element positioned to fix the other side of the frame to the other of the rails. - Several lateral bracing members are fixed to the frame, allowing the base on which the functional object will be placed to be positioned inside the frame. In some embodiments, longitudinal beams are added below the bracing members, and the beams are parallel to the rails, so that the position of the bracing members may be independent of the position of the sleepers. To minimize storage space, these longitudinal beams have a "closed" position when the frame is stored and an "open" position when the frame is positioned between the rails, thereby reducing storage space. - At least one mounting element is located at each end of the frame so that the frame can be mechanically attached (e.g., by "clipping") to another adjacent frame. - At least one mechanical and electrical connection element is located at each end of the frame, enabling both the mechanical connection of the frame and the electrical connection of a functional object to allow some electrical current to pass from one frame to another.

[0019] Depending on the frame size, a frame can accommodate one or more functional objects, for example, three functional objects. Of course, this is merely an example, and you can plan for fewer than three or more functional objects.

[0020] The functional objects can be connected to each other by electrical cables that are safely placed between the functional objects and the bottom of the frame. The electrical cables are preferably connected to electrical connection elements located at each end of the frame.

[0021] Preferably, each fixing element comprises a connecting part made integral with the frame and a free end intended to contact the inside of the rail.

[0022] Suitably, each free end can move relative to the frame between a rest position and an operating position, the operating position corresponding to a configuration in which the free end contacts the inside of the rail and exerts on the rail a force sufficient to ensure optimal fixing of the base unit to the rail.

[0023] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each fixing element comprises an articulated mechanism consisting of at least two pistons positioned on both sides of a double cam. By a 90° rotational movement, the pistons on both sides of the frame move until the pistons are placed inside the two rails. At the point on the cam where the thrust is maximum, the notch on each cam prevents the mechanism from moving back spontaneously.

[0024] In an embodiment, the invention relates to a device for the mechanical fixing and removal of functional objects between the rails of a railway track. This device comprises at least -) a frame intended to support at least one functional object, and -) means for fixing the frame to the rail, and -) means for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames to each other. The device comprises.

[0025] In an embodiment, the means for attaching the frame to the rail can be adjusted longitudinally in a direction parallel to the railway track.

[0026] In an embodiment, the means for mechanically and electrically connecting the frames to each other comprises a male part and a female part.

[0027] In an embodiment, the mounting means comprises a piston and a double cam.

[0028] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for vertically moving the male part.

[0029] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises alignment means.

[0030] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises longitudinal side members for supporting the frame on the bolster.

[0031] In some embodiments, the side members have a low position and a high position.

[0032] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for locking the coupling of the male part and the female part.

[0033] In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least a pair of telescopic arms for preventing vertical movement of the frame.

[0034] In an embodiment, the arm comprises at least one head intended to be pressed under the head of the rail or a portion intended to be inserted under one rail, or both.

[0035] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pin for locking the movement of the telescopic arm.

[0036] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one spring between the frame and the functional object so as to absorb vibrations when, for example, a train passes.

[0037] In an embodiment, the apparatus is combined with two carts having wheels, the carts being used to lift the frame to enable work in the area of the track under the frame and to move the frame on the rails.

[0038] In the embodiments, the functional object is one or more photovoltaic panels. Naturally, other functional objects are also possible within the scope of the present invention, particularly as described in this application.

[0039] In one embodiment, the frame and the functional object are fixed to each other. In another embodiment, the frame is an integral part of the functional object.

[0040] The present invention also relates to a method for laying and fixing a frame comprising a functional object between rails of a railway track. This method is particularly as follows: -As mentioned above, the steps include installing at least one frame between the two rails, - A step of activating the frame fixing element with respect to the rail, Includes.

[0041] Finally, the present invention also relates to a railway machine for laying a frame including fixed elements and functional objects between rails of a track, the machine may correspond to the one described in the European Patent Application Publication No. 0056497 of the patent application, the contents of which are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0042] In this embodiment, a sliding winch is used to lift the functional object (and / or frame) and position the functional object (and / or frame) between the rails using a bottomless wagon.

[0043] In embodiments, in the reverse manner, the machines and methods described herein may also be used to remove functional objects positioned between rails. For this purpose, the described process is performed in reverse, and the sliding winch returns the functional object to the rail machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This shows an overall perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the details. [Figure 3] Some embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 4] Some embodiments of the present invention are shown. [Figure 5] This document illustrates another partial embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This document illustrates another partial embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] An embodiment of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 8] An embodiment of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 9] An embodiment of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 10] An embodiment of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 11] This shows an embodiment of the movement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention. [Figure 12] This shows an embodiment of the movement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This shows an embodiment of the movement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This shows an embodiment of the movement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This shows an embodiment of the movement of the mechanical and electrical connection means according to the present invention. [Figure 16] An embodiment of a side member positioned below the frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 17] An embodiment of a side member positioned below the frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 18] An embodiment of a side member positioned below the frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 19] An embodiment of the means for adjusting the length of a frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 20] An embodiment of the means for adjusting the length of a frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 21] An embodiment of the means for adjusting the length of a frame according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 22] An embodiment of the means for fixing the male and female parts according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 23] An embodiment of the means for fixing the male and female parts according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 24] An embodiment of the means for enabling the movement of a frame on a rail according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 25] An embodiment of the means for enabling the movement of a frame on a rail according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 26] An embodiment of the means for enabling the movement of a frame on a rail according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 27] An embodiment of the means for enabling the movement of a frame on a rail according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 28] An embodiment of the means for enabling the movement of a frame on a rail according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 29] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 30] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 31] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 32] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 33] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 34] An embodiment of a means for holding the frame in a fixed position is shown. [Figure 35] An embodiment of a spring for damping vibrations is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] Figure 1 is an overall and perspective view illustrating the principle of the present invention, which includes frames 10 positioned between rails 2 of a railway track 1. In Figure 1, four consecutive frames 10 attached to each other using the means of the present invention, as described below, are shown as a non-limiting example, but the number of frames is not limiting, and there may be fewer than four or more than four.

[0046] Figure 2 shows the connection between two adjacent frames 10 by the protective plate 11.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 show three functional objects 12, for example, a frame 10 supporting a solar panel. To avoid interfering with the attachment of the rail 2 to the sleepers 3, the attachment system according to the present invention, located beneath the plate 11, is always positioned between two sleepers 3 of the track 2. However, the distance between the sleepers 3 can vary with a tolerance of 2 cm, which means that after several tens of meters, the hook may be on the opposite side of the rail attachment 2, which must be avoided. To solve this problem, the hook system can be slid to vary the length of the frame 10, ensuring that the hook is always positioned between two sleepers 3 of the track 1.

[0048] Figures 5 and 6 show mounting means that form a system for attaching the frame 10 to the rails 2. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting means comprises an articulated mechanism having at least two pistons 13, 14 positioned on either side of a double cam 15 in which rollers 13', 14' move in contact. The 90° rotational motion of the double cam 15 (see Figures 5 and 6) moves the pistons 13, 14 on either side of the frame 10 until the pistons 13, 14 are placed on the inner surfaces of the two rails 2. At the location of the cam 15 where the thrust is greatest, notches 15' on each cam 15 prevent the mechanism from spontaneously moving in the reverse direction and lock the frame 10 in place (see Figure 6). The rollers 13', 14' are in a stable position and the cam 15 is held in the position shown in Figure 6.

[0049] Figures 7 to 10 illustrate embodiments of mechanical and electrical connection means between frames 10. These means comprise a male part 16 and a female part 17. The male part is shown in a perspective view in Figure 7 and, in particular, comprises a cone 18 intended to fit into a corresponding counterpiece 18' of the female part 17, forming a self-centering assembly (see cross-sectional view in Figure 10). The male part also comprises an electrical connection means 19 intended to connect to a corresponding means 20 on the female part 17. The female part 17, along with the electrical connection means 20 of the female part 17, is shown in a perspective view in Figure 8. The geometric shapes of the male part 16 and the female part 17 can vary and are not limited to those shown; they may be square / rectangle, star-shaped, rhombus-shaped, etc.

[0050] The coupling of the male part 16 and the female part 17 is shown in a perspective view in Figure 9, and the connections of the electrical connecting means 19 and 20 are also shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 10. As can be understood, the frame 10 has a male part 16 at one end and a female part 17 at the other end, and thus two frames 10 can be coupled to each other via these means 16, 17 and have mechanical and electrical connections between them. This method is not limited to two frames 10 but is applicable to multiple frames 10 (for example, four as shown in Figure 1).

[0051] As described above, the frames 10 are connected to each other by mechanical and electrical male and female connectors 16 and 17 that join the elements / components. However, in the current state, after several frames 10 have been connected, it is not possible to remove a frame 10 that is positioned in the middle of a series of connected frames 10 without removing all of them.

[0052] Accordingly, according to the present invention, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the male connector 16 can be disengaged from the female connector 17 by a screw 21 that moves the male connector 16 downward, and thus, when occasional maintenance of the railway track 1 or the frame 10 itself is required (e.g., replacement in case of defects), it is possible to remove a single frame 10 from a series of frames (as shown in Figures 3 and 4). Preferably, once removed, the male connector 16 is then rotated, for example, by translation along the vertical axis, so that it is below the frame 10 and does not obstruct the removal of the frame 10. The rotation of the male connector 16 is shown in Figures 13 to 15.

[0053] Finally, to facilitate the assembly and joining of the frame 10 in a mechanized process, in one embodiment, a guide element 22 already installed and positioned on the frame 10 is allowed to guide the female joint 17 of the frame to be installed, thus facilitating the horizontal positioning of the two joints 16 / 17 and the electrical connection between the two frames 10. This guide element 22, shown in Figures 11 to 15, is, for example, a hole that functions as a reference point on the frame 10.

[0054] Figures 16 to 18 show different positions of the longitudinal beams 23, 23' in one embodiment. In Figures 16 and 17, the side members 23, 23' are shown in a lowered position when used as supports for the frame 10 on the track sleepers 3. In Figure 18, the side members 23, 23' are in a higher position, which allows for a reduction in the height of the frame 10 and facilitates the storage of the frame 10 without wasting space.

[0055] Figures 19 to 21 show one embodiment of a system for adjusting the position of a hook on rail 2 (see also Figures 3 and 4). As described above, the hook system can be slid to change the length of frame 10, ensuring that the hook is always positioned between two sleepers 3 on track 1. Preferably, while the mounting system slides longitudinally to conform to the position of sleeper 3 (see Figures 20 and 21), a plate 11' is used that remains in place (for example, to cover and protect a mechanism comprising a double cam 15 (see Figures 5 and 6)).

[0056] Figures 22 and 23 show one embodiment of a fixing means that enables secure coupling between the male part 16 and the female part 17. These fixing means include, for example, a lever 24 articulated on the female part 17, with a portion of it resting under the shaft 25 of the male part, as shown in Figure 23. Separation is achieved simply by tilting the lever 24. Of course, this is a non-limiting example, and other equivalent means can be implemented to ensure such coupling.

[0057] Figures 24 to 28 show one embodiment of a means for removing a frame 10 from its position between rails, for example, to allow work on a track located below the frame. The structure according to the present invention actually allows for the removal of a single frame 10, rather than a set of frames 10 that can be connected to each other.

[0058] First, the connection between the male part 16 and the female part 17 is released, for example, by first disconnecting the lever 24 (see Figures 22 and 23), and then removing the male part 16 as shown in Figures 11 to 15 and described above.

[0059] Next, a kart 26 is used with wheels 27, 27' intended to move along rail 2, and this kart operates similarly to the means used in Formula One races to lift racing cars during tire changes.

[0060] The cart 26 is equipped with, for example, hooks 28, 28', which are attached to the frame 10 as shown in Figure 25, and by tilting the cart 26 on the track as shown in Figure 26, the frame 10 is lifted and removed from its position. This operation is performed at both ends of the frame 10, resulting in Figure 26 where the frame 10 is supported by the two carts 26 above the rail 2. The frame 10 can then be easily moved by, for example, one or two people rolling the frame 10 on the rail, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, which show the movement of the lifted and supported frame to the left side of the drawing, thus allowing access to the track beneath the moved frame 10. To return the frame 10 (for example, after maintenance or repair or replacement, or when work on the track is completed), the operation proceeds in the reverse order. The frame 10 is returned to its fixed position by the cart 26 and then lowered into a desired position, and the lowering of the frame 10 forms mechanical and electrical connections between the frame 10 and two adjacent frames 10.

[0061] Figures 29 to 34 show other characteristics of the apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention described below.

[0062] These features include, in particular, telescopic arms 30 as shown in Figure 29 (perspective view from above) and Figure 30 (perspective view from below). More specifically, the frame 10 comprises a plurality of arms 30, four in total, two on each side, as shown in Figure 29, and the arms are positioned in pairs. These arms 30 contact and support the rails 2 and are used to prevent vertical movement of the frame 10 after it has been mounted in a fixed position between the rails 2. After the frame 10 is mounted in a fixed position, the arms 30 extend and contact the rails 2, as shown in Figure 31. After being mounted in a fixed position, the arms 30 are stopped by pins 31, as shown in Figure 31, for example. Other equivalent means are, of course, also possible.

[0063] Figures 32 to 34 show front views of modified versions of the arm 30. For example, according to Figure 32, the arm 30 includes a head 32 mounted below the head of the rail 2.

[0064] In the modified example shown in Figure 33, the arm 30 includes a portion 33, such as an extension, that is inserted below the rail 2. Figure 34 shows a modified example formed from a combination of the embodiments of Figures 32 and 33.

[0065] All of these and other equivalent variations are applicable to the present invention on a frame 10 as shown in the figures, and the frame 10 may include a single type of arm (for example, according to one of Figures 32 to 34) or a mixture of these variations.

[0066] Figure 35 shows one embodiment in which springs 34 are positioned between the frame 10 and the functional object 12 to dampen vibrations, for example, when a train passes over it. The number and characteristics of the springs 34 are adapted to conditions such as the weight and / or dimensions of the functional object 12 and the speed at which the train passes.

[0067] Railway machinery used for loading and / or unloading frames and / or functional objects is described, for example, in the incorporated prior applications, European Patent Application Publication No. 0056497 and International Publication No. 2022 / 130307; please refer to these publications.

[0068] Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the examples described above, but encompasses all subject matter defined in the claims. In particular, it should be noted that two fixing elements of the same fixing device are not necessarily identical, and those described in the international publication of the application 2022 / 130307 may be used.

[0069] Embodiments are provided to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function, manufacture, and principles of use of the systems and methods described herein. One or more of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The systems and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in relation to one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Several problems relating to prior art methods and systems are described herein, and the methods and systems described herein may solve one or more of these problems. Furthermore, while the invention has been described in conjunction with several embodiments, alternative forms, modifications, equivalents, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention are also encompassed by this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] Reference numbers used in the diagram 1. Railway track 2 rails 3 treadles 10 frames 11 Protective plate 12 Functional Objects 13 pistons 13' Roll 14 pistons 14' Roll 15 Double Cam 15' Cam Notch 16 Male part 17 Female part 18. Cone 18' Counterpiece 19 Electrical connection part (male connector) 20 Electrical connection part (female type) 21 screws 22 Guidance Elements 23,23' Longitudinal side member 24 Lever 25 axes 26 carts 27,27' Wagon wheels 28,28' hook 30 Extendable Arms 31 pins 32 Arm Head 33 Arm extension 34 springs

Claims

1. A device (1) for mechanically fixing and removing a functional object between rails (2) of a railway track (1), comprising at least, A frame (10) intended to support at least one functional object (12), Means (13, 14, 15) for fixing the frame (10) to the rail (2), Means (16, 17, 19, 20) for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two frames (10) to each other, A device (1) comprising:

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the means for fixing the frame (10) to the rail (2) can be adjusted longitudinally in a direction parallel to the railway track.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for mechanically and electrically connecting the frames (10) to each other comprises a male part (16) and a female part (17).

4. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means for fixing comprises pistons (13, 14) and a double cam (15).

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising means (21) for moving the male part (16) vertically.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising alignment means (22).

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising longitudinal side members (23, 23') for supporting the frame (10) on the sleepers (3).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the side members (23, 23') have a low position and a high position.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising means (24, 25) for preventing the coupling of the male part (16) and the female part (17).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one pair of telescopic arms (30, 32, 33) for preventing vertical movement of the frame (10).

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 10, wherein the arm comprises at least one head (32) intended to be pressed against the head of the rail (2), or a portion (33) intended to be inserted under the rail (2), or both.

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a pin (31) that enables the movement of the telescopic arm (30).

13. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one spring (34) between the frame (10) and the functional object to absorb vibrations.

14. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising two carts (26) having wheels (27, 27'), wherein the carts are used to lift the frame (10) to enable work in the area of ​​the track located beneath the frame (10) and to move the frame (10) on the rails (2).

15. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the functional object is one or more photovoltaic panels.

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