REPLACEMENT RAIL SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A support device (10) for a replacement rail (RA) intended to be made integral with a running rail including a first part with removable fastening means (A1) for attachment to a foot (P) of a running rail (RC), and a second part (B) for receiving a replacement rail. The second part is rotatable about an axis (X) relative to the first part (A) and includes two lateral portions (B3, B4) extending in a first longitudinal direction (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation. The two lateral portions (B3, B4) each being designed to bear on a sleeper (T), the second part (B) including a lock for a replacement rail (RA) in at least one second direction (L2) perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (L1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a replacement rail, the device being intended to be made integral with a running rail. The present invention also relates to a method of mounting the device.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE

A railroad track extending in a longitudinal direction comprises two longitudinal rails spaced apart in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to a vertical direction corresponding to the direction of the earth's gravitational field. The longitudinal rails are called running rails because a train can run on them.

As a prerequisite for the replacement of running rails, rail coupons, i.e. rail sections, have been known to be laid out along the track, usually on the outside. It is desirable for the replacement rail sections to be arranged and held on the ground at a given location to prevent them from moving when a train, particularly a high-speed train, passes by. These replacement rail sections are in a waiting position.

Numerous technical solutions have been developed for this purpose. These include an L-shaped support device comprising a part for attachment to a rail foot and a second part rigidly attached to the first part. The first and second parts are elongated in a direction transverse to the rail. The second part comprises a rail-receiving portion. Although this type of device is simple to design, it is not optimal, as the rigidity of the assembly can lead to significant torsion on the rail in use. In addition, the design of some sleepers and several fastening systems are incompatible with the installation of the device.

In a known device, the support device for a replacement rail comprises a first part fixed to a sleeper and a second magnetized part suitable for fixing to the web of a running rail. However, the magnetization must be sufficiently strong to guarantee permanent attachment, which makes the device potentially very costly and, moreover, not guaranteed. Moreover, this type of system is fragile.

SUMMARY

A device is thus proposed for supporting a replacement rail intended to be made integral with a running rail, comprising:

• • a first part extending in a first direction and comprising means for removable attachment to a foot of a running rail,
  • a second part for receiving a waiting rail, this second part being rotatable about an axis relative to the first part and comprising two lateral portions extending in a first longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation, said two lateral portions each being designed to bear on a sleeper, the second part comprising means for locking a waiting rail in at least one second direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction.

According to the present invention, the support device is formed in two parts, one of which is movable relative to the other. The first part can thus be simply and quickly attached to a running rail, while the second part, which is movable relative to the first part, is arranged on two consecutive sleepers in the longitudinal direction. The rotational connection between the two parts enables the second part to be arranged simply and quickly on two consecutive sleepers, irrespective of the height of the sleepers. In addition, this rotational articulation coupled with the arrangement of the second part on two consecutive sleepers makes the holding of this second part, intended to support a replacement rail, independent of the height of the ballast, which makes handling of the device quick and easy for an operator. In this case, the rail is a replacement rail, i.e. a rail designed to replace the running rail to which the device is attached. The first and second directions are fixed relative to the second part B and can therefore be moved relative to the first part around the X axis.

The first part may comprise a substantially flat baseplate base extending in a fourth direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and of which a first end in the fourth direction is connected in rotation to the second part about said axis and a second opposite end comprises means for clamping the first part to a foot of a running rail. The clamping means may be removable from the first part in order to facilitate insertion of said transverse portion of the first part under a foot of a running rail. In this way, the clamping means are arranged on the second end when it has passed under the foot of the running rail to which the device is to be fastened. The term “flat” in relation to the baseplate is intended to define a general shape of the baseplate. For example, the baseplate may be substantially flat in shape, with an opening to lighten it.

The first end of the baseplate may comprise at least one notch, preferably two notches, for receiving and retaining, in a fifth direction perpendicular to the first direction and the fourth direction, a first edge of a foot of a running rail, said two notches being spaced apart along the axis of rotation.

Each side portion of the second part comprises a flat top surface, said two top surfaces lying in the same first plane. In this way, the flat upper surfaces of the side portions of the second part can receive the pad of a replacement rail at the same position along the third direction, thus providing good support for the replacement rail. The terms upper and lower are to be understood relative to a vertical direction when the device is installed between two sleepers. It is understood that the surfaces in question are not necessarily strictly perpendicular to the vertical direction.

The second part may comprise two partitions whose upper ends are aligned in a same second plane. These partitions can be arranged between the two lateral portions of the second part. The partitions stiffen the second part and can be used to support the replacement rail when said first plane coincides with the first plane.

The second part may comprise a riser member having a bearing surface for a replacement rail, the riser member being able to assume a first position in which the bearing surface is arranged below said plane and a second position in which the bearing surface is arranged above said plane. The riser thus enables a replacement rail to be lifted from the side portions of the second part so as to allow it to expand freely as it is heated for welding.

For example, the riser member may comprise an eccentric pin whose outer surface forms the bearing surface. The outer surface may be formed in a freely rotating cylinder.

The second part may comprise at least one abutment capable of abutting on an upper edge of the pad of a running rail the first part is fixed to said running rail.

The second part may comprise at least two abutments spaced apart along the axis of rotation.

When there are two abutments, they can be spaced apart along the axis of rotation. These abutments prevent the replacement rail on the second part from being displaced on the running rail. This reduces the risk of malicious manipulation.

The locking means in the second direction may comprise two longitudinal flanges formed on each side portion, these longitudinal flanges together delimiting a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail.

The locking means may be able to lock the rail in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction and the first direction. The third direction is fixed relative to the second part B and is therefore displaceable relative to the first part around the X axis. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

The locking means may comprise at least one member movable between a first position releasing the replacement rail in the third direction and a second position locking the replacement rail in the third direction.

In this way, it is understood that a replacement rail positioned on the two lateral portions is blocked in the transverse direction and is also blocked, in use, in the vertical direction. In this way, the rail is integral with the second part, by means of the spaces provided between the replacement rail and the edges of the groove and the space between the moving member and the head of the replacement rail.

The device can include means for electrically isolating the first part from the second part.

The electrical insulation means may comprise a bushing carried by a rod rotatably connecting the first part to the second part, the sleeve being interposed between the first part and the second part.

Unlike previous technology, the electrical insulation is integrated into the connecting rod and is not susceptible to damage. Indeed, in the prior art, the electrical insulation was integrated into the running rail and could be damaged during train operation, and in some cases even forgotten to be installed.

The present document also relates to an assembly comprising a device as previously described, in which a running rail is attached to the first part is to a running rail.

The first part can be interposed between two successive sleepers, and the fourth direction can be perpendicular to the running rail.

One side portion can be carried by a sleeper and another side portion can be carried by an adjacent sleeper.

It further comprises a method of using the device described above comprising the following steps:

• • a) Fixing the first part to a foot of a running rail so that the first part (A) is arranged between two successive sleepers,
  • b) Rotate the second part until the two side portions come into contact with said two successive sleepers.

In a subsequent step, a waiting or replacement rail is arranged on the side portions.

wedges can be placed on the two sleepers, with the two side portions being applied to the wedges.

In a step prior to step a), the first part is inserted under the foot of the running rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, details and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description below, and from an analysis of the appended drawings, on which:

FIG. 1 comprises a part A named FIG. 1A and a part B named FIG. 1B and illustrating the support device according to the invention, in two different orientations and in isolation;

FIG. 2 comprises a part A named FIG. 2A and a part B named FIG. 2B and illustrating the support device of FIG. 1 and according to two different orientations and positioned on two adjacent seleepers;

FIG. 3 illustrates the device according to the invention attached to a circulating running, the assembly being viewed from above;

FIG. 4 comprises a part A named FIG. 4A and a part B named FIG. 4B, each illustrating the device seen from a side opposite the running rail to which it is attached, FIG. 4A illustrating a first position of the riser member and FIG. 4B illustrating a second position of the riser member;

FIG. 5 illustrates the second part of the device according to the invention, seen in the direction of a running rail, with the riser member in its second position;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of an abutment of the device according to the invention, capable of abutting on the foot of the running rail to which the device is fastened;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the stop of the device in a position in which it is locked in rotation on the foot of a running rail;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a rod connecting the first part to the second part, and of insulation means carried by said rod;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a variant of the device described herein;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the overall dimensions of a replacement rail.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to 3, which show a device for supporting a replacement rail according to the invention.

The support device 10 comprises a first part A and a second part B, the first part A and the second part B being connected for rotation relative to one another about an axis X extending in a longitudinal direction L1′. FIG. 2 illustrates a device 10 in which the second part B rests on two adjacent sleepers T. The first part A comprises means A1 for releasable attachment to a foot of a running rail RC, these means enabling the first part B to be rigidly attached to and removed from the foot of the running rail RC. The device will be described with reference to six directions in space, a first direction L1 or longitudinal direction, a second direction L2 and a third direction L3 perpendicular in pairs, and a fourth direction L4, a fifth direction L5 and a sixth direction perpendicular in pairs. It is thus understood that a second orthonormal coordinate system is fixed relative to the first part A and is defined by the fourth direction L4, the fifth direction L5 and a sixth direction corresponding to the direction L1′, and that a first orthonormal coordinate system is fixed relative to the second part B and is defined by the first direction L1, the second direction L2 and the third direction L3. In use, the fifth direction L5 corresponds substantially to the vertical direction, while the third direction L3, coplanar with the fifth direction L5, can form an angle with the latter, this angle being a function of the position of the first part A relative to the second part B around the X axis and therefore a function of the height of the sleepers, as will become clear in the following. The first direction L1 and the sixth direction L1′ are always parallel to each other and to the X axis of rotation of the second part B relative to the first part A.

When the second direction L2 and the fourth direction L4 are parallel, then the third direction L3 and the fifth direction L5 are also parallel.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first part A comprises a substantially flat baseplate A2 extending in the fourth direction L4. This baseplate A2 comprises a closed-contour cutout A3 and carries a rod A4 at a first end along the fourth direction L4 and clamping means A5 at a second end. The clamping means belong to the removable fastening means and are suitable for clamping the first part A to a pad P of a circulated rail RC, as will become apparent later. The rod A4 is inserted into the holes of two branches A6 carried by the baseplate A2, the rod A4 being integral with said two branches A6. It can be seen that rod A4 is rotatably engaged in orifices of two branches B3 of second part B. In this way, the first part A and the second part B are articulated in rotation with respect to each other about the axis X of the rod A4.

As shown in FIG. 8, the device 10 includes means for electrically isolating the first part A and the second part B. In this way, the current flowing in the circulating rail RC cannot pass into the second part B. Otherwise, the current could flow from the first part A to the second part B, then into a replacement rail RA carried by the second part B, then back into a second part B of another device 10 arranged further along the track, the current then flowing into the first part A of this other device 10 and then back to the circulated rail RC. Such a current flow avoids interfering with the current flow in the RC running rails. The electrical insulation means comprise a sleeve A7 having a cylindrical part A7-1 and a radial annular part A7-2 (FIG. 8). Each cylindrical part A7-1 surrounds the rod A4 and is mounted in a hole in a branch A6 of the first part A. Furthermore, the radial annular part A7-2 is interposed along the sixth longitudinal direction L1′ between a branch A6 of the first part A and a branch B3 of the second part B. Thus arranged, the electrical insulation means A7 enable the first part A to be electrically isolated from the second part B. The sleeves A7 are made integral with the rod A4.

The branches A6 of the first part A each comprise a finger A6-1, extending along the fourth direction L4, towards the clamping means A5 of the second end of the first part A. Together with the base A2, these fingers A6-1 or lugs each delimit a notch E designed to receive a first edge of a runner P of a running rail RC. The two notches E are thus spaced apart along the sixth longitudinal direction L1′. The fingers A6-1 belong to the removable fastening means as they cooperate with the clamping means A5.

The clamping means A5 of the first part comprise a mobile member A8 moving in the fifth direction L5 and receiving a threaded rod A9 passing through said mobile member A8 and screwed into the base A2. The mobile member A8 comprises a stud A8-1 oriented towards the lugs A6-1 in the fourth direction L4 and delimiting with the base a notch for receiving a second edge of a runner of a circulated rail RC. The threaded spindle A9 can be made integral with the moving member to avoid losing or misplacing the threaded spindle. The term “integral” here indicates that the two aforementioned parts can be manipulated simultaneously, the relative movement of one of the parts with respect to the other still being permitted to enable the fixed part A to be fastened to the circulating rail RC.

The first part A is positioned on a running rail as follows. The movable clamping member A8 is removed, the base A2 is inserted under a running rail RC and so that a first edge of a flange of said running rail RC comes into the notches delimited by the lugs A6-1. In a second step, the movable member A8 is mounted on the base A2 and clamped so as to block the opposite second edge of the pad of the circulated rail RC. Positioned in this way, the first part A is locked on the RC rail foot and the second part B can be rotated around the X axis of the rod (FIG. 3). In this position, the X axis of the rod is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the RC running rail.

The second part B of the device 10 for supporting a replacement rail RA is now described. This second part B is designed to support a replacement rail RA. It comprises a rigid structure consisting of a first longitudinal wall B1 and a second longitudinal wall B2 spaced apart in the second direction L2. The longitudinal walls B1, B2 are connected by two lateral portions B3, B4 and by two partitions B5, B6 extending along the plane formed by the directions L2 and L3.

The two lateral portions B3, B4 serve to support a replacement rail RA and each comprise a flat upper surface B3-1, B4-1 which lie in the same first plane so as to support the replacement rail RA in this plane. Similarly, the two partitions B5, B6 have upper ends along the third direction L3 which are aligned in the same second plane, this second plane being merged here with the first plane so as to also be able to support the replacement rail RA. Shims C can be inserted between the branches B3 and B4 and a sleeper to compensate, where necessary, for a significant difference in height between a horizontal plane passing through the axis X of the rod A4 and the upper surface of the sleepers T. In this way, a substantially horizontal positioning of part B and thus of surfaces B3-1 and B4-1 can be guaranteed. The wedges C can be secured by fixing screws passing through the branches B3, B4.

It can be seen that the two longitudinal walls B1, B2 project in the third direction L3 relative to the surfaces B3-1, B4-1 or to the first plane so as to form longitudinal flanges B1-1, B2-1. In this way, the longitudinal flanges B1-1, B2-1 together form a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail RA, this groove making it possible to lock the replacement rail RA in the second direction L2. Each flange B1-1 and B2-1 comprises a part formed on one lateral portion B3 and another part formed on the other lateral portion B4.

The first longitudinal wall B1 carries the two branches B7, these two branches B7 extending from this first longitudinal wall B1 in a direction opposite to the second longitudinal wall B2. Each branch B7 of the second part B comprises fingers or lugs B7-1 for locking the second part B in rotation on the baseplate P of the running rail RC to which the first part A is fixed (FIGS. 1A, 2B, 6 and 7). These B7-1 lugs are designed to abut an edge of the runner P of a circulating rail RC to prevent the second part B from tilting on the circulating rail RC.

The device 10 also includes means for locking the replacement rail RA on the second part B and in the third direction L3. These ocking means are optional and make it possible to limit displacements of the replacement rail RA in the third direction L3 when a train, particularly a high-speed train, is running on the tracks.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means along the third direction L3 comprise at least one member B8 movable between a first position releasing the replacement rail RA along the third direction L3 and a second position locking the replacement rail RA along the third direction L3. This movable member is rotatable along an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X of the rod A4 of the first part A. This Y axis is perpendicular to surfaces B3-1 and B4-1. In the second locking position of the replacement rail RA, the free end of the movable member B8 is positioned above the pad P of the replacement rail RA, as shown in FIG. 7.

The device 10 may also include a riser B9 formed on the second part B, capable of assuming a first position (FIG. 4A) in which a bearing surface B10 is arranged below the first reference plane formed by the surfaces B3-1, B4-1 of the side portions B3, B4, and a second position in which the bearing surface B10 is arranged above said plane (FIG. 4B). This second position is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the support surface B10 is seen arranged above, along the third direction L3. In the example shown in the figures, riser member B9 comprises an eccentric pin B11, the outer surface of which forms support surface B10. This riser member B9 can be moved between the first position (FIG. 4A) and the second position (FIG. 4B) by means of a manipulator for moving the B10 support surface from the first position to the second position, such as a B12 crank. In its second or raised position, riser B9 enables the replacement rail to be lifted off the top surfaces B3-1, B4-1 of side portions B3, B4. The riser member is such that the bearing surface B10, which may be cylindrical, is freely rotatable about an axis parallel to the second direction L2. When the RA waiting rail rests on the support surface, it preferably provides linear support along the second direction L2 on the B10 support surface. Thus, in the second position of the riser member B9, the linear support preferably extends in the second direction L2 to facilitate free expansion of the waiting rail RA. In the first position, the riser arranged between side portions B3, B4 is thus arranged below the first plane defined by surfaces B4-1 and B4-2. It is also arranged between the two sleepers T supporting the second part B.

Note that the locking means B8 are designed to lock the foot of the waiting rail RA in the third direction with a non-zero clearance J when the riser member B9 is in its second position (FIG. 10). In this way, the locking means do not restrict the free expansion of the waiting rail. Locking means B8 hold the waiting rail in position on the second part B in the third direction L3, without constraining expansion of the waiting rail in the first direction L1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a variant of the device described herein, which is similar to that described with reference to the preceding figures, but differs in the features described below. Here, the riser member is actuated by a crank B12 which can be locked by a pin G engaged in a lateral flange B2-1 in order to lock the riser member in the raised position and thus maintain the replacement rail in a position of free expansion along its longitudinal extension L2. In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the device 10 may comprise two members B8 for locking the runner P of the replacement rail PA in the third direction L3.

FIG. 10 shows a view in the first longitudinal direction L1. The replacement rail is positioned on the support device 10, which is attached to the running rail RC. A hatched area ZH can be seen, corresponding to a permissible zone for use by devices or installations on the track. However, it is impossible to exceed this hatched area in height and also in lateral direction, i.e. towards the running rail, so as not to come into contact with parts of a moving train. It is clear that the installation of device 10 between two sleepers reduces the overall dimensions of the support device in the vertical direction, since it is arranged between two sleepers, unlike the devices of the previous technique.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A support device (10) for a replacement rail (RA) intended to be made integral with a running rail (RC), comprising: a first part (A) comprising removable fastening means (A1) for attachment to a foot (P) of a running rail (RC),a second part (B) for receiving a replacement rail (RA), this second part (B) rotatable about an axis (X) relative to the first part (A) and comprising two lateral portions (B3, B4) extending in a first longitudinal direction (L1) parallel to the axis of rotation (X), said two lateral portions (B3, B4) each designed to bear on a sleeper (T), the second part (B) comprising means (B2-1, B1-1) for locking a replacement rail (RA) in at least one second direction (L2) perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction (L1).

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the first part (A) comprises a substantially baseplate (A2) extending in a fourth direction (L4) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (X) and of which a first end in said fourth direction (L4) is connected in rotation to the second part (B) about said axis (X) and a second opposite end comprises means for clamping the first part (A) to a foot (P) of a running rail (RC).

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the first end of the baseplate (A2) comprises at least one notch, preferably two notches (E), said two notches (E1, E2) being spaced apart along the axis (X) of rotation, said at least one notch for receiving and retaining, in a fifth direction (L5) perpendicular to the axis X and to the fourth direction (L4), a first edge of a foot (P) of a running rail (RC).

24. The device according to claim 21, wherein each side portion (B3, B4) of the second part (B) comprises a flat top surface, said two top surfaces (B3-1, B4-1) lying in the same first plane.

25. The device according to claim 21, wherein the second part (B) comprises two partitions (B5, B6) whose upper ends are aligned in a same second plane.

26. The device according to claim 24, wherein the second part (B) comprises a riser member (B9) comprising a bearing surface of a replacement rail (RA), the riser member (B9) being able to assume a first position in which the bearing surface (B10) is arranged below said plane and a second position in which the bearing surface (B10) is arranged above said plane.

27. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the riser member (B9) comprises an eccentric pin whose outer surface forms the bearing surface (B10).

28. The device according to claim 21, wherein the second part (B) comprises at least one abutment (B7-1) capable of abutting on an upper edge of the foot (P) of a running rail (RC) when the first part (A) is fixed to said running rail (RC).

29. The device according to claim 21, wherein the second part (B) comprises at least two abutments (B7-1) spaced apart along the axis (X) of rotation.

30. The device according to claim 21, wherein the locking means in the second direction (L2) comprise two longitudinal flanges (B2-1, B1-1) formed on each lateral portion (B3, B4), these longitudinal flanges (B2-1, B1-1) together delimiting a longitudinal groove for receiving a replacement rail (RC).

31. The device according to claim 21, wherein the locking means (B8) are able to lock the rail in a third direction (L3) perpendicular to the second direction (L2) and to the first direction (L1).

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the locking means comprise at least one member (B8) movable between a first position releasing the replacement rail (RA) in the third direction (L3) and a second position locking the replacement rail (RA) in the third direction (L3).

33. The device according to claim 21, further comprising means for electrically isolating the first part (A) and the second part (B).

34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the electrical insulation means comprise a sleeve (A7) carried by a rod for rotational connection of the first part (A) to the second part (B), the sleeve (A7) being interposed between the first part (A) and the second part (B).

35. An assembly comprising a device according to claim 22, wherein the first part (A) is attached to a running rail (RC).

36. The assembly according to claim 35, wherein the first part (A) is interposed between two successive sleepers and the fourth direction (L4) is perpendicular to the running rail (RC).

37. The assembly according to claim 35, in which one side portion (B3) is carried by a sleeper and another portion (B4) is carried by an adjacent sleeper.

38. A method of using the device according to claim 21, comprising: a) fixing the first part (A) to a foot of a running rail (RC) so that the first part (A) is arranged between two successive sleepers (T),b) rotating the second part (B) until the two side portions (B3, B4) come into contact with said two successive sleepers (T).

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein wedges are arranged on said two sleepers (T), the two side portions (B3, B4) being applied to the wedges.

40. The method according to claim 38, further comprising: a step prior to step a) of inserting the first part (A) under the foot (P) of the running rail (RC).