EP3740617B1 - Device for securing a railway apparatus - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for securing a railway device, in particular a switch. It also relates to a transport vehicle, in particular a wagon, incorporating such a securing device.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In the document FR3024470 is described a transport wagon of a railway apparatus, comprising a support platform of the railway apparatus, having a bearing surface for the railway apparatus, the support platform being movable between a position horizontal loading and an inclined transport position. The switchgear is attached to the support platform by a lashing mechanism made up of individual flanges, distributed over the entire track set, arranged between the crossbars of the switchgear and the platform.

Such a particularly simple method of fixing, however, has the drawback of requiring access to the loading platform in order to manually tighten the clamps, therefore before the switchgear is secured. Special precautions are therefore necessary for handling both in the loading and unloading phases, in order to ensure the safety of the personnel.

In order to allow the switchgear to be fixed to the platform without needing to access the platform, the company MATISA SA has marketed since 2006 at least one switchgear lashing mechanism, comprising bars. fixing, carrying at one end a hook intended to come into engagement with part of a foot of a rail of the switchgear. Each bar is slidably mounted in a sleeve articulated to the platform so as to pivot about a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to the bar. The operator can thus maneuver the bar like a lever, by holding it by its free end opposite the hook to rotate it until the hook approaches the foot of the rail, while adjusting the useful length of the bar. by sliding it into the sleeve. Once the hook is engaged with the foot of the rail, all that remains is to block the sliding of the bar in the sleeve to lock the hook and the switchgear in position relative to the platform. The length of the bar allows the operator to act while staying away from the hook, on the side of the platform. The system thus described is very similar to the system illustrated in the document WO2014154624A1 . It is effective, but does not make it possible to obtain a significant clamping force between the hook and the switchgear, this in particular because the force applied by the hook on the foot of the rail during installation and The immobilization is in the general direction of the bar, slightly oblique with respect to the horizontal, therefore with a strong horizontal component which tends to slide the switchgear on the platform. This device is also difficult to motorize.

To remedy this, the document FR 3 049 963 A1 (see corresponding request FR1653185 ) proposes a securing device for a railway track apparatus a support platform whose securing mechanism comprises a carriage guided by a guide slide, means for locking the carriage with respect to the slide and locking members for the guide slide in relation to the platform. The locking members include in particular a bevelled wedge engaging a corresponding inclined wall of a locking cavity formed in the support platform. Such a device is simple to motorize and makes it possible to obtain a secure handling of the railway apparatus because the movement of the fixing member is thus broken down into at least two components, namely a horizontal movement and a vertical movement thanks to to the beveled shape of the wedge. However, making the wedge bevel and the associated locking cavity can be complex.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a device for securing a railway track device which allows simple and secure handling of the track device, that is to say simple to motorize. , but also to achieve. Another object of the invention is to adjust with precision the height of the fixing mechanism to adapt to the different heights of sleepers, such as for example those made of wood (low height) or concrete (greater height).

• au moins une glissière de guidage s'étendant selon une direction longitudinale;
• au moins un organe de fixation de l'appareil de voie ferrée à la plateforme de support apte à se déplacer le long de la glissière de guidage;

caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme d'arrimage comprend en outre :

• une poutre supérieure supportant la glissière de guidage ; et
• une poutre inférieure reliée à la plateforme de support,

la poutre supérieure et la poutre inférieure étant reliées par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un organe de liaison configuré de sorte que la poutre supérieure est déplaçable par rapport à la poutre inférieure selon une direction perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale de la glissière de guidage, la direction perpendiculaire étant également normale au plan de chargement défini par la surface libre de la plateforme de support, et en ce que le mécanisme d'arrimage comprend des moyens de verrouillage dudit au moins un organe de liaison, configurés pour empêcher le déplacement de la poutre supérieure par rapport à la poutre inférieure.To this end, the invention relates to a device for securing a railway apparatus comprising a support platform for the railway apparatus and to minus a mechanism for securing the track apparatus on the support platform capable of passing from a locking position to an unlocking position and vice versa, the securing mechanism comprising:

• at least one guide slide extending in a longitudinal direction;
• at least one member for fixing the railway track apparatus to the support platform capable of moving along the guide slide;

characterized in that the securing mechanism further comprises:

• an upper beam supporting the guide slide; and
• a lower beam connected to the support platform,

the upper beam and the lower beam being connected by means of at least one connecting member configured so that the upper beam is movable relative to the lower beam in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide slide, the perpendicular direction also being normal to the loading plane defined by the free surface of the support platform, and in that the lashing mechanism comprises means for locking said at least one connecting member, configured to prevent movement of the upper beam relative to the lower beam.

Thanks to the invention, the movement of the fixing member is always broken down into at least two components, namely a movement of the connecting member in the longitudinal direction of the slide, and a movement of the upper beam according to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slide. However, unlike the prior art, the mechanism allowing this decomposition of the movement into two components is much simpler to manufacture and use. Indeed, two separate mechanisms allow these movements in two different directions, and not just one as in the prior art.

On the other hand, since it is the upper beam supporting the guide slide along which the fastener moves which moves, the height of the fastener mechanism can be easily adjusted with precision to suit the needs of the fastener. different heights of sleepers.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is an assembly forming an articulated parallelogram comprising at least one transmission rod connected to the upper beam and a transfer lever connected to the lower beam controlled by a screw assembly and nut or a jack, so that the displacement of the upper beam is kinematically linked to the displacement of the screw in the nut or respectively of the jack rod in the body of the jack. This choice of connecting member makes it possible to limit the size and to obtain a good distribution of the forces between the lower beam and the upper beam.

According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is a set of screws and nuts, for example of trapezoidal shape, the screw of which is carried by the lower beam and the nut is carried by the upper beam. , so that the displacement of the upper beam is kinematically linked to the displacement of the nut along the screw and that the locking is ensured by the tightening torque of the screw and nut assembly. The screw or the jack are in fact inexpensive and particularly simple to produce connecting members. The displacement of the screw in the thread or of the jack in the body of the jack also makes it possible to precisely control the displacement of the upper beam.

In order to be able to absorb with the lashing device the difference in height of the different models of concrete or wooden crossings, the displacement stroke of the upper beam is at least 130mm.

Preferably, the securing mechanism comprises two upper beams connected to a lower beam, two guide slides and two connecting members respectively connecting each upper beam to the lower beam, the connecting members being able to be controlled independently. Thus, the two ends can be hooked independently, which avoids an overhang, the clamping force per hook being constant whatever the position of the hook in the guide slide. The user is thus relieved of the constraint of additional vigilance and can afford to be less attentive. The handling safety is therefore increased.

To facilitate the use of the device, the fixing member is moved along the guide slide by a drive mechanism, preferably self-locking, in order to provide additional security to the device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism comprises a movable chain capable of moving along the guide slide which is driven by at least two toothed wheels so that the movable chain forms a loop. The drive by means of a mobile chain makes it possible to obtain a naturally self-locking mechanism, both simple to manufacture and to use.

According to a particular embodiment, having the advantage of being simple to implement, said at least one of the toothed wheels, called the drive wheel, is provided with a drive shaft, said drive shaft being connected to a motor so as to drive the drive wheel in rotation around said drive shaft.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to provide additional security to the device, the drive wheel is provided with a braking system making it possible to prevent the rotation of the drive wheel around its axis. training.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the braking system is of the rest control type, and comprises for example a pair of braking discs. Thus, by default, that is to say without power, the braking system prevents the rotation of the drive wheel around its drive axis. It is therefore necessary to supply the braking system to release the brake.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, easy to implement and use for operators, the support platform is movable between the loading position and an inclined transport position, preferably by rotation around at minus one horizontal pivot axis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, so as to eliminate any muscular effort for the operator, the securing mechanism is controlled by a remote control or an emergency remote control in the event of failure of the first.

Preferably, the fixing mechanism is configured so as to be able to pivot about an axis normal to the plane of the support platform, the pivoting of the fixing mechanism being for example provided by drive means comprising jacks. This allows the position of the fixing mechanism to be adjusted to compensate for any misalignment.

The invention also relates to a vehicle for transporting a railway device, in particular a wagon for transporting a railway device, characterized in that it comprises a securing system according to the invention mounted on a chassis. transport supported by running gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• la figure 1 d'un wagon de transport d'un appareil de voie intégrant un dispositif d'arrimage de l'appareil de voie selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif d'arrimage de l'appareil de voie étant dans une position de transport;
• la figure 2 est une coupe selon le plan II-II de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue similaire à la figure 2 du dispositif d'arrimage de la figure 1, dont la poutre supérieure est dans une première position ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus d'un détail du dispositif d'arrimage de la figure 1, dont les chaînes ont été omises ;
• la figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, illustrant différentes positions de l'organe de fixation du dispositif d'arrimage selon l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 3, illustrant différentes position des organes de fixation du dispositif d'arrimage selon l'invention, la poutre supérieure étant dans une deuxième position ;
• les figures 7 à 9 sont des vues de détails de la figure 3 illustrant différentes position des organes de fixation du dispositif d'arrimage ;
• la figure 10 est une vue similaire à la figure 3 d'un dispositif d'arrimage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans une première position ;
• la figure 11 est une vue similaire à la figure 10 d'un dispositif d'arrimage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans une deuxième position ;
• la figure 12 est une vue de dessus du wagon de transport d'un appareil de voie de la figure 1.

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

• the figure 1 of a transport wagon of a switchgear incorporating a securing device for the switchgear according to one embodiment of the invention, the securing device of the switchgear being in a position of transport;
• the figure 2 is a section according to the plane II-II of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a view similar to figure 2 the securing device of the figure 1 , whose upper beam is in a first position;
• the figure 4 is a top view of a detail of the securing device of the figure 1 , whose strings have been omitted;
• the figure 5 is a view similar to figure 3 , illustrating different positions of the fixing member of the securing device according to the invention;
• the figure 6 is a view similar to figure 3 , illustrating different positions of the fasteners of the lashing device according to the invention, the upper beam being in a second position;
• the figures 7 to 9 are detail views of the figure 3 illustrating different positions of the securing members of the lashing device;
• the figure 10 is a view similar to figure 3 of a securing device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first position;
• the figure 11 is a view similar to figure 10 a securing device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a second position;
• the figure 12 is a top view of the transport wagon of a switchgear of the figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

On the figure 1 is illustrated a transport wagon 10 being loaded with a switchgear 12 (visible at the figure 3 ) of large dimensions, and in particular of a width greater than the traffic gauge 14 prescribed for rail transport. The track switch 12 is for example, as can be seen at figure 3 , a switch comprising rails 16 and switch cross members 18.

As can be seen at the figure 2 in particular, the transport wagon 10 comprises a frame 20 , the width of which is less than or equal to the width of the traffic gauge 14. The lashing of the switchgear 12 to the transport wagon is provided by a securing device 22 comprising a support platform 24 for the track apparatus 12 articulated to the frame 20 by an articulation 25 allowing pivoting about a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis ZZ of the frame 20, which is itself normal to the plane of the figure 2 .

On the figures 1 and 2 , the support platform 24 is inclined relative to a reference plane parallel to the plane of the track on which the wagon runs. transport 10. One or more hydraulic cylinders (not shown), or any other type of motorized actuator, allow the tilting support platform 24 to be pivoted between a loading position, shown in FIG. figure 3 in which the support platform 24 is located in a loading plane P (shown in dotted lines on the figures 3 and 5 to 11 , and which corresponds to the plane of the figure 4 ), and an inclined transport position shown on the figure 1 and 2 .

The support platform 24 is preferably in two or more parts in order to make the structure of the lashing device 22 less rigid. In this case, the support platform 24 is preferably a mechanically welded structure. It comprises side members 24a and cross members 24b on which is mounted at least one lashing mechanism 30. This complete assembly can either be in the raised position ( figure 2 ) or pivot around the articulation 25 to a horizontal position for loading and unloading. The securing device 22 further comprises a securing mechanism 30 comprising a lower beam 26 and an upper beam 27 connected to the support platform 24 . The lashing mechanism 30 is provided for securing the switchgear 12 to the support platform 24.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, in particular in the figures 1 to 9 , the tie-down device 22 comprises four tie-down mechanisms 30. It will be noted that the tie-down device 22 may have less or more tie-down mechanism as required, in particular depending on the number and size of the switches and crossings. to carry.

The securing mechanism 30 are here movable on the platform 24 along the longitudinal axis ZZ of the frame 20, independently of one another. This makes it possible to adapt to the various constraints of loading or transport, as well as to the dimensions or shape of the crossings to be transported.

The upper beam 27 and the lower beam 26 are connected by means of at least one connecting member 31. This connecting member 31 configured so that the upper beam 27 is movable relative to the lower beam 26 in a direction perpendicular N to the longitudinal direction L of a guide slide 32 carried by the upper beam 27 which will be described later. In In particular, the upper beam 27 and the lower beam 26 are connected by means of two connecting members 31 arranged on either side of a plane of symmetry S of the support platform 24, which is normal to the plane of loading P.

As will be detailed later, each lashing mechanism 30 is able to move from a locked position, in which the switchgear 12 is securely lashed to the support platform 24, and an unlocked position in which the switchgear 12 can be detached from the support platform 24.

To this end, each lashing mechanism 30 comprises a guide slide 32, supported by the upper beam 27 , extending in a longitudinal direction L, supported by the support platform 24. In particular, the longitudinal direction L of the guide rail 32 is, when the support platform 24 is in the loading position, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame 20 or to the axis of the railway track, while being contained in the free plane formed by the platform of support 24.

Each lashing mechanism 30 further comprises fasteners 34 of the switchgear 12 to the support platform 24 able to move along these guide rails 32. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the fasteners 34 are hooks.

As can be seen at the figure 3 , each fixing member 34 or hook comprises an attachment zone 35 intended to come into engagement with the foot 18a of one of the rails 18 of the switch 16.

A drive mechanism 36 is associated with each fixing member 34 and allows its movement along the associated guide slide 32. This drive mechanism 36 is preferably self-locking, to avoid any untimely movement of the fixing member 34 and in particular during the movement of the transport wagon 10.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, and as can be seen in particular in figures 3 and 4 , each drive mechanism 36 comprises here a movable chain 38 able to move along the guide slide 32, to which the fixing member 34 is connected. More particularly, each chain 38 is guided by the associated guide slide 32 so that the The fixing member 34 can be moved along the guide slide 32. The guide slide 36 thus defines a linear path, and preferably rectilinear, for the fixing member 34. This path is contained in the loading plane P. In practice, the slide 36 is here constituted by a rail of generally U-shaped section, thus forming a groove along which the chain 38 can be moved.

Each chain 38 is driven by at least two toothed wheels 40 , in particular so that the chain 38 forms a loop. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the toothed wheels 40 are six in number. Two toothed wheels 40 are disposed at a first end 38a of the loop which is closest to the center of the platform 24 , and four at the opposite end 38e of the loop which is closest to the free end 32a of the. guide rail 32.

One of these toothed wheels 40 , called the drive wheel 42 , is provided with a drive shaft 44 connected to a motor 46 , for example a hydraulic motor, so as to drive the drive wheel 42 in rotation around it. this drive shaft 44. The diameter of the drive wheel 42 is greater than that of the other toothed wheels 40 to facilitate drive by the motor 46.

The drive wheel 42 is here arranged at the 38e end of the loop and is also arranged lower than the other toothed wheels 40 , that is to say closer to the track on which the transport wagon 10 runs. in loading position. It will be noted that the arrangement and the number of toothed wheels 40 can of course vary. It is possible for example to envisage that there is only one toothed wheel 40 at each end of the loop formed by the chain 38. It is also possible to have the drive wheel 42 at the end 38a of the loop. rather than at the 38th end.

The drive wheel 42 is provided with a braking system 48 making it possible to prevent the rotation of the drive wheel 42 about its drive shaft 44. Preferably, the braking system 48 is of the control type. rest and comprises for example a pair of brake disks 50. The brake disks are arranged on either side of the drive wheel 42 , as can be seen in the figure. figure 4 , where for clarity string 36 has been omitted.

The braking system 48 is configured so that without power, it prevents the rotation of the drive wheel 42 about its axis. In other words, it is necessary to supply the braking system 48 in order to release the braking discs 50. This type of braking system being known per se to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in more detail here.

The securing mechanism 30 being self-locking, the position of the fixing member 34 is blocked in the longitudinal direction of the guide slide 32. Its displacement is therefore prevented in a first direction. More precisely, the chain 38 cannot move along the guide slide 32 without, on the one hand, disengaging it from the braking system 50 , and on the other hand, the drive of the drive wheel 42 by through the motor 46. A double locking safety is therefore provided to prevent the movement of the fixing member 34 in the longitudinal direction of the guide slide 32.

The securing mechanism 30 further comprises locking means 52 of the connecting member 31 , configured to prevent the movement of the upper beam 27 relative to the lower beam 26.

Preferably, as illustrated in figures 3 to 9 , the connecting member 31 is a set of screw and nut 52 , for example of trapezoidal section, carried by the upper beam 27 , so that the movement of the upper beam 27 is kinematically linked to the movement of the nut 56 on the along the screw 54 and that the locking is ensured by the tightening torque of the assembly of screw and nut 52. In this particular embodiment, the locking means 52 are therefore constituted by the tightening of the screw 54 in the nut 56 carried by the lower beam 26. It will of course be possible to envisage that the shape of the cross section of the screw 54 differs.

The tightening of the screw and nut assembly 52 makes it possible to prevent the displacement of the upper beam 27 relative to the lower beam 26 according to a direction perpendicular to the guide slide 32 , which is also normal to the loading plane defined by the free surface of the support platform 24 (this plane being represented schematically by the dotted line P on the figure 3 ). The attachment zone 35 of the fixing member 34 being in plane contact with the foot of the rail 16a in a plane normal to this direction, the position of the fixing member 34 is thus locked in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to the guide rail 32.

The movement and tightening of the screw and nut assembly 52 can be carried out by means of drive means known per se to those skilled in the art, in particular using a motor. They will therefore not be described in detail here.

Another advantage of choosing a set of screws and nuts 52 as the connecting member 31 is to be able to choose the travel of the nut 56 along the screw 54 , in other words to adjust its height. So, as can be seen at the figures 5 illustrating the different heights of sleepers 18 , and figure 6 illustrating two different positions of the screw 52 in the thread 54 , the hooking zones 35 can be located, in the fixing position, at different heights above the lower beam 26 . This allows the mechanism to be used interchangeably with track devices 18 wooden sleepers (low height) and concrete sleepers 18 (greater height). For example, taking into account the usual heights of concrete and wooden sleepers 18 , one chooses the displacement stroke of the upper beam 27, in other words of the nut 56 along the screw 54 in this particular embodiment, of so that it is at least 130mm.

In a variant not shown in the figures, the screw is replaced by a jack and the thread by a jack body.

Thanks to the self-locking function of the securing mechanism 30 on the one hand, and to the presence of the locking means 52 of the connecting members 31 on the other hand, the movement of the fixing member 34 is respectively prevented according to the direction. longitudinal L of the guide slide 32 and the direction normal N to this longitudinal direction. The safety of the securing of the switchgear 12 to the support platform 24 of the securing device 22 is therefore ensured in a simple manner. and reliable, as we will continue to describe the execution according to a sequencing illustrated in figures 7 to 9 .

As can be seen on the figure 12 , the securing mechanisms 30 are configured so as to be able to pivot about an axis normal to the plane of the support platform 24 , the pivoting of the fixing mechanism 30 being for example provided by drive means comprising jacks 76 pivot. The stroke of the jacks 76 takes place in the plane of the platform 24 , transversely to the longitudinal axis ZZ of the wagon 10 , for example perpendicular to this longitudinal axis ZZ.

On the figure 7 , the switchgear 12 , a rail 18 of which can be seen, has been placed on the support platform 24. The fasteners 34 are retracted so that they are located below the loading plane, schematically represented by the dotted line P on the figure 7 , in order to avoid any interference with the switchgear 12 during handling.

To secure the lashing of a switch 16 to the platform 24, an operator adjusts the positioning of the screw 54 in the screw thread 56 by controlling the associated motor according to the height of the cross member 18 so that that the lashing mechanism 30 comes into contact with the foot of the rail 16a.

Then, the operator unlocks the braking system 48 and controls the motor 46 to allow the drive of the drive wheel 42 and therefore the movement of the chain 36 along the guide slide 32 . He then adjusts the positioning of the fasteners 34 , so as to bring the latter into engagement with the foot of the rail 18a of the switchgear 12. At the end of this operation, the lashing mechanism 30 is in the position. transitional position illustrated on figure 8 .

Finally, the operator adjusts the positioning of the screw 54 in the screw thread 56 by controlling the associated motor until the fixing member 34 exerts a sufficient clamping force on the foot of the rail 16a. Preferably, an indicator light indicates that the clamping force is reached.

Once the switchgear 12 has thus been secured to the support platform 24 , it is possible to raise the latter in the position of the figures 1 and 2 For transport.

The unloading operations take place in the reverse order of the loading operations.

Where appropriate, only one of the two fixing members 34 can be positioned in engagement with one of the rails 18 of the switchgear 12, the other fixing member 34 remaining in a free position along the guide slide 32. . preferably, there is provided, as illustrated, two stowage mechanisms 30 including the fixing members 34 are oriented transversely towards one another, that is to say so that the hooking zones 35 are facing each other. Thanks to this arrangement, when the two fasteners 34 are engaged, the switchgear is locked laterally.

In a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in figures 10 and 11 , the lashing mechanism 30 differs in that the connecting member 31 is an articulated parallelogram assembly 58 comprising at least one transmission rod 62 connected to the upper beam 27 , and a transfer lever 60 connected to the lower beam 26 controlled by a screw and nut assembly 64, so that the movement of the upper beam 27 is kinematically linked to the movement of the screw 65 in the nut 67.

More precisely, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the assembly forming a parallelogram 58 comprises a transmission rod 62 of longitudinal shape, extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the upper 27 and lower 26 beams. . the transmission rod 62 is preferably tapered at its center so as to alleviate it. The transmission rod 62 is connected at each of its free ends 62a , 62b to two respective transfer levers 60a , 60b. This connection is made for example using two pins 68 passing through both the transmission rod 62 and the transfer levers 60a, 60b extending in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the transmission rod 62, c 'that is to say in the normal plane figures 10 and 11 .

The first transfer lever 60a , having a C or boomerang shape, is connected at a first end to the screw and nut assembly 64 by a pin 66 extending normal to the longitudinal direction of the transmission rod. 62 , that is to say in the normal plane figures 10 and 11 . The screw and nut assembly 64 is linked to the upper beam 27 so that movement of the screw 65 in the nut 67 moves the transfer lever 60a toward the upper beam 27. Because the transmission rod 62 is linked to the transfer lever 60a , it is also moved to the top of the figure.

Furthermore, the transmission rod 62 is also connected at its end 62a, still via the transfer lever 60a, to the upper beam 27, because the transfer lever 60a is linked to the upper beam 27 at its free end opposite to that. where it is linked to the transmission rod 62. This connection is made by means of a pin 70 also extending in a normal manner the longitudinal direction of the transmission rod 62 passing through the transfer lever 60a, itself connected to an axis 72 passing through the upper beam 27 , these two axes 70 and 72 being connected by a tube 74. It will be noted that the connection of the two axes 70 and 72 has been chosen in the form of a tube so as to reinforce the structure, but it could be of a different nature.

Symmetrically, the transmission rod 62 is also connected, at its opposite end 62b , via the transfer lever 60b (also C-shaped), to the upper beam 27 , since the transfer lever 60b is also linked to the beam upper 27 via an axis 70 also extending in a normal manner the longitudinal direction of the transmission rod 62 passing through the transfer lever 60 a, itself connected to an axis 72 passing through the upper beam 27 , these two axes 70 and 72 being connected by a tube 74.

In a variant of this second embodiment, not shown in the figures, the screw and nut assembly is replaced by a jack and jack body assembly.

Moreover, in this second embodiment illustrated in figures 10 and 11 , the securing mechanism 30 comprises two upper beams 27a, 27b connected to a lower beam 26 , two guide rails 32 , and two connecting members 31 respectively connecting each upper beam 27a , 27b to the lower beam 26 , the connecting members 31 being able to be controlled independently. More specifically, preferably, the two upper beams 27a , 27b are each of a length corresponding to half of the upper beams 27 illustrated in the previous embodiment.

Thus, the two ends can be hooked independently, which avoids an overhang, the clamping force per hook being constant whatever the position of the hook in the guide slide. The user is thus relieved of the constraint of additional vigilance and can afford to be less attentive. The handling safety is therefore increased.

Of course, the examples shown in the figures and discussed above are given only by way of illustration and are not limiting. Various variants are possible.

In particular, the loading and unloading position of the platform is not necessarily horizontal, but can on the contrary be inclined, naturally less than the transport position.

Moreover, in practice, the same transport wagon can be equipped with a number of securing mechanisms different from that which has been described, distributed over the length of the platform, in order to locally adapt to the configuration of the switchgear.

It is also possible to provide other means for driving the fixing member, such as for example a carriage guided by the guide slide provided with raceways on which rollers or balls associated with the carriage or sliding for the feet. trained on the carriage.

Claims (15)

1. Device (22) for securing a railway apparatus (12), comprising a support platform (24) of the railway apparatus (12) and at least one mechanism (30) which is intended for securing the railway apparatus (12) on the support platform (24) and is capable of moving from a locked position to an unlocked position and vice versa, the securing mechanism (30) comprising:

   - at least one guide rail (32) extending in a longitudinal direction (L);

   - at least one member (31) for fixing the railway apparatus (12) to the support platform (24), capable of moving along the guide rail (32); and

   characterized in that the securing mechanism (30) further includes:

   - an upper beam (27) supporting the guide rail (32); and

   - a lower beam (26) connected to the support platform (24),

   the upper beam (27) and the lower beam (26) being connected via at least one connecting member (31) that is configured such that the upper beam (27) is movable relative to the lower beam (26) in a direction perpendicular (N) to the longitudinal direction (L) of the guide rail (32), the perpendicular direction (N) also being normal to the loading plane (P) defined by the free surface of the support platform (24), and in that the securing mechanism (30) includes means (52) for locking said at least one connecting member (31), said means being configured to prevent movement of the upper beam (27) relative to the lower beam (26).
2. Securing device (22) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connecting member (31) is an articulated parallelogram assembly (58) including at least one transmission connecting rod (62) connected to the upper beam (27) and a transfer lever (60a) connected to the lower beam (26) and controlled by a screw and nut assembly (64) or a cylinder, such that the movement of the upper beam (27) is kinematically linked to the movement of the screw (65) in the nut (67) or, respectively, of the cylinder rod in the body of the cylinder.
3. Securing device (22) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connecting member (31) is a screw and nut assembly (52), for example of trapezoidal shape, of which the screw (54) is supported by the lower beam (26) and the nut (56) is supported by the upper beam (27), such that the movement of the upper beam (27) is kinematically linked to the movement of the nut (56) along the screw (54) and such that the locking is provided by the tightening torque of the screw and nut assembly (52).
4. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one connecting member (31) is a cylinder (52), for example a hydraulic cylinder, of which the body is supported by the lower beam (26) and the rod (56) is supported by the upper beam (27), such that the movement of the upper beam (27) is kinematically linked to the movement of the rod of the cylinder in the cylinder body and such that the locking (52) is provided by a system for immobilizing the rod (56).
5. Securing device (22) according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the travel range of the upper beam (27) relative to the lower beam (26) is at least 130 mm.
6. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing mechanism (30) includes two upper beams (27a, 27b) connected to a lower beam (26), two guide rails (32a, 32b), and two connecting members (31a, 31b) respectively connecting each upper beam (27a, 27b) to the lower beam (26), the connecting members (31a, 31b) being capable of being controlled independently.
7. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing member (34) is moved along the guide rail (32) by a drive mechanism (36), which is preferably self-locking.
8. Securing device (22) according to claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism (36) includes a movable chain (38) which is capable of moving along the guide rail (32) and is driven by at least two toothed wheels (40) so that the movable chain (38) forms a loop.
9. Securing device (22) according to claim 8, wherein said at least one of the toothed wheels (40), referred to as the drive wheel (42), is provided with a drive shaft (44), said drive shaft (44) being connected to a motor (46) so as to rotate the drive wheel (42) about said drive shaft (44).
10. Securing device (22) according to claim 9, wherein the drive wheel (42) is provided with a braking system (48) for preventing rotation of the drive wheel (42) about its drive shaft (44).
11. Securing device (22) according to claim 10, wherein the braking system (48) is of the idle control type and includes, for example, a pair of brake discs (50).
12. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support platform (24) is movable between the loading position and an inclined transport position, preferably by rotation about at least one horizontal pivot axis.
13. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the securing mechanism is capable of being controlled by a remote control or, in the event of failure of said remote control, by an emergency remote control.
14. Securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing mechanism (30) is configured so as to be able to pivot about an axis that is normal to the plane of the support platform (24), the fixing mechanism (30) being pivoted by drive means that include cylinders (77), for example.
15. Transport vehicle (10) of a railway apparatus (12), in particular transport wagon (10) of a railway apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a securing device (22) according to any of the preceding claims mounted on a transport frame supported by running gears.

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