EP3368718B1 - System and method for transporting a railway switch - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the transport and handling of a large track apparatus, particularly a switchgear such as a switch of such a width that it can only be transported partially disassembled, and requires arrival at the place of installation a handling operation.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In the document EP 0 617 169 is described a carriage transporting a switch comprising a frame supported by bogies and on which is articulated, in the longitudinal direction, a tilting platform for loading a switch. In practice, the switch is loaded on the platform positioned horizontally, and it is inclined so that the wagon and its load enter the prescribed rail circulation gauge.

To transport particularly large switches, which would not fit into the prescribed rail gauge, even in an inclined position, it was proposed in the document CH 693 485 after the switch has been loaded onto the horizontally positioned tilting loading platform, disassembling the widest cross members of the switch and rotating them about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the platform. After fixing the switch t disks crossed to the platform with flanges, the platform pivots about its longitudinal axis of articulation to find its transport position. On arrival at the unloading site, the platform is positioned horizontally, then the widest cross members are repositioned with respect to the rails. Once the sleepers are attached to the rails again, unloading can take place. For the operations of moving the widest cross, a motorized movement device is provided. But the steps of disassembly and reassembly of the sleepers, and their displacement in the transport position and in the final position can still be painful for the workers.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art and to propose a refinement system and the previous transport method, making the work of operators more secure and less painful.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a system for transporting a switchgear, comprising a waggon for transporting the switchgear, the waggon having a longitudinal direction and a jig of movement, the transport system further comprising at least a first removable or retractable lateral handling platform, able, when the transport car is stopped, to be in at least one position of use laterally of a first side of the transport car, outside the clearance gauge, and allowing a worker access to the switch. The lateral platform allows a worker to intervene on the switch when he is loaded onto the wagon, in particular to fix the switchgear to the wagon, or to dismantle parts of the switchgear which would be too cumbersome to enter the circulation template.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first lateral handling platform is constituted by a lateral bridge extending in a longitudinal direction, preferably over a length of at least two meters and preferably at least three meters. The worker is then free to move on the side bridge, to perform coordinated operations on a corresponding part of the switchgear. Alternatively, one can also consider a short platform, constituted for example by the last step of a ladder, that is just positioned at the appropriate place along the wagon for a given handling intervention, and that one moves as required.

According to one embodiment, the first lateral handling platform is able, when the transport car is stopped, to be in several positions of use laterally of a first side of the transport car, outside of the circulation jig, and allowing a worker to access the switchgear, the positions of use differing by the positioning of the first platform in the longitudinal direction. The transport car can be equipped with fixing means for fixing the first lateral handling platform in its different use positions. Where appropriate, it may be possible to provide on the transport wagon a rail making it possible to position the first lateral handling platform freely along the longitudinal direction, possibly from one end of the transport wagon to the other.

Preferably, and for obvious safety reasons, the first lateral handling platform is provided with a railing.

According to one embodiment, the first lateral handling platform is provided with an access ladder from the ground.

Preferably, the first lateral handling platform is suspended from the transport car. In particular, it will be advantageous for the platform to have no ground support in the position of use.

Preferably, there is also a transport position, in which the first lateral handling platform is retracted, folded and / or disassembled and is positioned inside the circulation jig.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transport system further comprises at least a second removable or retractable lateral handling platform, adapted, when the car is at a standstill, to be in a position of use laterally. a second side of the transport car, outside the clearance gauge. This allows two workers to intervene simultaneously for a joint operation of handling a component of the switchgear or a coordinated operation on several elements of the switchgear, from both sides of the coach.

Preferably, the transport wagon comprises a platform for loading a switch gear, the loading platform being, at least in a loading position, horizontal and preferably located at a height of 50 to 120 cm above the lateral handling platform. According to a particular embodiment, the loading platform is tiltable by rotation about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wagon.

According to another aspect of the invention, this relates to a method of transporting a switchgear, comprising the loading of the switchgear on a transport car, then a first handling of at least a part of the switch on the transport wagon, then the transport of the switch unit on the transport wagon from a loading point to a point of unloading, and a second handling of at least a portion of the the switchgear on the transport car, then the unloading of the switchgear, characterized in that it further comprises the installation of at least a first lateral handling platform in a position of use along a first side of the transport car for the first handling and second handling, and the removal of the lateral handling platform for transport. Preferably the method comprises, after the first handling, and before transport, a tilting operation of the switchgear in an oblique transport position on a tilting loading platform, then, after transport, at a standstill the passage from the oblique transport position to a horizontal unloading position by horizontal straightening of the tilting loading platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1, une vue de côté d'une phase de la procédure de chargement et de déchargement d'un aiguillage par un système de transport suivant un mode de réalisation de l'invention;
• la figure 2, une vue de dessus de la phase de la procédure de chargement et de déchargement illustrée sur la figure 1;
• la figure 3, une vue de face de la phase de la procédure de chargement et de déchargement illustrée sur la figure 1;
• la figure 4, une vue de face du système de transport des figures précédentes, à l'issue de la phase précédente;
• la figure 5, une vue de face du système de transport des figures précédentes, lors du transport de l'aiguillage;
• la figure 6, une vue de côté du système de transport des figures précédentes, lors du transport de l'aiguillage;
• la figure 7, une vue de face d'une variante de réalisation du système de transport selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

• the figure 1 , a side view of a phase of the procedure of loading and unloading a switch by a transport system according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 , a top view of the phase of the loading and unloading procedure illustrated on the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 , a front view of the phase of the loading and unloading procedure illustrated on the figure 1 ;
• the figure 4 a front view of the transport system of the preceding figures, at the end of the previous phase;
• the figure 5 a front view of the transport system of the preceding figures, during the transport of the switch;
• the figure 6 , a side view of the transport system of the preceding figures, during the transport of the switch;
• the figure 7 , a front view of an alternative embodiment of the transport system according to the invention.

For the sake of clarity, identical or similar elements are marked with identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

On the Figures 1 to 3 is illustrated a transport car 10 being loaded a large switch 12, and in particular wider than the traffic template 200 prescribed for rail transport.

The transport wagon 10 comprises a frame 14 whose width is less than or equal to the width of the circulation template 200, defining a longitudinal axis 100 and supported by two running gear 16. A tilting loading platform 18 is articulated to the frame 16 by a articulation 20 allowing pivoting about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 100 of the frame 14. Where appropriate, the tilting loading platform 18 may be in two parts. In the loading and unloading position illustrated on the Figures 1 to 3 , the tilting loading platform 18 is horizontal. One or more hydraulic cylinders 22, or any other type of motorized actuator, make it possible to pivot the tilting loading platform 18 from the loading and unloading position to a transport position illustrated on the figures 5 and 6 .

The transport wagon is furthermore equipped with two lateral handling platforms 24, constituted in this embodiment by side gangways running the full length of the tilting loading platform 18, on either side of the tilting platform. 18. These side bridges 24 are positioned to allow workers to intervene on the tilting platform 18 and its loading during the loading phase. They are therefore preferably positioned at a height slightly less than the height of the tilting platform 18, the difference in height H being of the order of preference greater than 50 cm, and less than 1.2 m. They are further equipped with a guard rail 26 and an access ladder 28 connecting them to the ground. Each side gangway 24 is removably attached by any suitable means to the transport wagon 10, preferably to the tilting loading platform 18, and can be disassembled, folded and stored for transport. Preferably, no ground support is necessary, neither for the side walkways 24 nor for the ladders 28.

On the Figures 1 to 3 , the wagon is shown being loaded. A switch 12 has been deposited using a crane or crane (not shown) on the tilting platform loading 18 positioned horizontally. This switch 12 comprises rails 30 and crosspieces 32, 34, 36 fixed together. The longest sleepers 34, 36, right on the figure 2 , can not be transported in a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 100, because of their size. They must therefore be disassembled and moved by means of a motorized actuator, for example of the type described in the document CH 693 485 , or a guide carriage, to pivot at an angle of 30 ° to 45 ° about an axis perpendicular to the tilting loading platform. On the figure 2 , this disassembly phase is in progress, some (34) of the longer sleepers having already been arranged for transport while others (36) have not yet been dismounted rails. To perform this disassembly, a worker is positioned at each end of the cross members 34, 36, on one of the side bridges 24, which allows fluid work, not painful and without risk of falling. The workers also proceed to the fixing of the switch 12 and the disassembled crosspieces 34 to the tilting loading platform 18, using fastening flanges 36, illustrated in FIG. figure 3 .

Once this operation has been completed, the lateral handling gangways 24 are disassembled. The wagon 10 then has the position illustrated on the figure 4 , from which it is possible to incline the transport platform 18 to reach the transport position illustrated on the figures 5 and 6 . In this position, the loaded transport car 10 remains inside the circulation jig 200 while optimally utilizing it. Where appropriate, security may be provided to prohibit pivoting of the tilting loading platform 18 as long as the side bridges 24 are in place. For example, it is possible to provide an interlock between the control panel of the actuators 22 and an element of each of the two lateral gangways 24. It is also possible to provide a presence detector for the side gangways 24 or at least one of them, connected to one another. at the control panel of the actuator 22.

On arrival at destination, unloading operations are carried out in the reverse order of loading: the loading platform 18 is pivoted from the position of the figures 5 and 6 at the position of the figure 4 And then releases the flange 38 for fixing the switch 12 and cross members 34 removed, is raised cross members 34 to the rails 30, prior to discharge itself with lifting means, for example a construction crane.

We illustrated on the figure 7 an alternative embodiment of the lateral handling platforms 24, which here each consist of the last step of a scale 30 of access to the tilting loading platform. Both scales 30 shown in figure 7 can be moved along the tilting loading platform 18 to be positioned at the location of the intervention. Where appropriate, one can provide on each side of the tilting loading platform 18 a rail for sliding the associated ladder parallel to the longitudinal axis 100 of the wagon 10. Where appropriate, the displacement of the ladder 30 can be motorized .

Naturally, the examples shown in the figures and discussed above are given for illustrative and not limiting. Various variants are possible. In particular, the lateral handling platforms may be removable platforms that are disassembled for the loading and unloading phases and then dismount and store, for example on the frame of the wagon, for the transport phases. Alternatively, the lateral handling platforms may be retractable platforms, which, while remaining integral with the car, pass from a retracted position in the transport phases to a deployed position in the loading and unloading phases.

The lateral platforms according to the invention find a particularly advantageous application for the handling of large sleepers of a switch when loaded on a tilting loading platform. However, they also have an interest in other situations of loading a large track device, on a loading platform inclinable or not.

The loading platform 18 can be made in one or more parts, and consist of beams, with or without floor.

It is explicitly provided that the various illustrated embodiments can be combined with one another to propose others.

It is emphasized that all the features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims.

Claims (12)

1. System for transporting a switch or crossing, having a wagon (10) for transporting the switch or crossing (12), the transport wagon (10) having a longitudinal direction (100) and a running envelope (200), characterized in that the transport system also has at least one removable or retractable first lateral handling platform (24) that is able, when the transport wagon (10) is at a standstill, to be located in at least one use position to the side of a first side of the transport wagon (10), on the outside of the running envelope (200), allowing a worker to access the switch or crossing (12).
2. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first lateral handling platform (24) is made up of a lateral walkway extending in the longitudinal direction (100), preferably along a length of at least two metres and preferably at least three metres.
3. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral handling platform (24) is able, when the transport wagon (10) is at a standstill, to be located in several use positions to the side of a first side of the transport wagon (10), on the outside of the running envelope (200), allowing a worker to access the switch or crossing (12), the use positions differing in terms of the position of the first platform in the longitudinal direction.
4. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral handling platform (24) is provided with a railing (26).
5. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral handling platform (24) is provided with an access ladder (28) from the ground.
6. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral handling platform (24) is suspended on the transport wagon (10) .
7. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a transporting position, the first lateral handling platform (24) is retracted, folded and/or dismantled and is positioned inside the running envelope (200).
8. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system also has at least one removable or retractable second lateral handling platform (24) that is able, when the wagon is at a standstill, to be located in a use position to the side of a second side of the transport wagon (10), on the outside of the running envelope (200).
9. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport wagon (10) has a loading platform (18) for a switch or crossing, the loading platform (18) being, at least in a loading position, horizontal and preferably situated at a height of 50 to 120 cm above the lateral handling platform (24).
10. System for transporting a switch or crossing according to Claim 9, characterized in that the loading platform (18) is inclinable by being rotated about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wagon (100).
11. Method for transporting a switch or crossing (12), involving the loading of the switch or crossing (12) onto a transport wagon (10), then a first handling operation of at least one part (34, 36) of the switch or crossing (12) on the transport wagon (10), then the transporting of the switch or crossing (12) on the transport wagon (10) from a loading point to an unloading point, then a second handling operation of at least one part (34, 36) of the switch or crossing (12) on the transport wagon (10), then the unloading of the switch or crossing (12), characterized in that it also involves the installing of at least one first lateral handling platform (24) in a use position along a first side of the transport wagon (10) for the first handling operation and the second handling operation, and the removal of the lateral handling platform (24) for transport.
12. Method for transporting a switch or crossing according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it involves, after the first handling operation, and before transport, an operation of inclining the switch or crossing (12) into an oblique transport position on an inclinable loading platform (18), then, after transport, at a standstill, transferring it from the oblique transport position to a horizontal unloading position by returning the inclinable loading platform (18) to horizontal.

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