EP3802957A1

EP3802957A1 - Rail clamp

Info

Publication number: EP3802957A1
Application number: EP19791303.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Pierre MORNAC; Peter Radford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-07
Filing date: 2019-06-07
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-07
Also published as: WO2019234372A1; FR3082217B1; EP3802957B1; PL3802957T3; FR3082217A1; ES2965839T3; WO2019234372A8; EP3802957C0

Abstract

A clamp (1) for a rail (2), said rail (2) comprising a web (7) extending between a rail head (8) and a rail base (6). The clamp (1) comprises: a frame (3) which has a first longitudinal axis (11) and on which elements are mounted successively along the first axis (11); and a control unit (33) suitable for controlling the at least one actuator (5) such as to apply a straightening torque to the rail (2), in a plane parallel to the first and third axes (11, 13), between the actuator (5) acting on the rail and the engaged hooking device (18).

Description

PRESS FOR RAIL

FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a press for rails constituting a raceway and guiding a railway vehicle.

CONTEXT

[002] A railway track, which constitutes a rolling track and guide rail vehicles, typically comprises two rails arranged and fixed on sleepers and maintained at a constant spacing. The railway relies on ballast to support the sleepers, but also to distribute the loads on the ground. The repetition of rail vehicles on these tracks requires regular maintenance of the rails. Each rail comprises a succession of adjacent rail sections, placed end to end, and set in pairs. They can be for that welded together.

[003] One of the defects, regularly observed during maintenance operations in track, is the appearance of deformation of a rail, downwards or upwards. Such deformations may appear on a length of rail or at a weld between two successive portions of a rail. These deformations may be due to a misalignment of the rail portions during welding operations, or the presence of ballast on the rail during the passage of a train.

[004] When such deformations exist, it is necessary to straighten the rail. A leveling (flat) of the rail can then be performed, in the open, using a press, such as the press 1 of the prior art, which can act on the rail 2 at several points, As illustrated in FIG. 1. Such a press 1 can be used to press upwards when the rail 2 is upwardly straightened (i.e., when the rail is deformed downwards) and pressing down when rail 2 is straightened down (that is, when the rail is deformed upwards). The press 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a frame 3 on which are mounted mobile two hooks 4, or C-shaped parts in the illustrated example, and an actuator 5.

[005] An actuator 5 is a device that transforms the energy supplied to it into a physical phenomenon that provides a job, modifies the behavior or state of a system. Thus, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder generates a movement from a mechanical energy transmitted by a gaseous or liquid fluid. Moreover, a hook 4 is an example of a hooking device, in the sense that it comes here under an element, such as a rail 2, for once thus engaged under him, to lock it if one pulls on him transversely (along F) to the direction (E) of engagement of its hook rim.

[006] The press 1 illustrated in Figure 1 allows a pressing of a rail 2 only downwards, in the state in which it is located. During such a pressing, the two hooks 4, allow to maintain the position of the rail 2 relative to the press 1. They are arranged in part under the rail 2. The actuator 5 exerts a force F on the rail 2, in the direction of the ground on which the sleepers and the rail 2 are arranged. The two hooks 4 are then, more exactly, placed under the shoe 6 of the rail 2, which shoe 6 serves to stably apply the rail 2 on the sleepers. Each rail 2 comprises, in addition to a lower pad 6, flared downwards in section, a thin intermediate core 7 and a top flared mushroom 8 in upward section. The railway vehicles roll on the mushrooms 8 of the rails 2.

[007] Pressing down with a press according to the prior art therefore typically requires that the hooks 4 (or more generally the hooking device) are placed under the shoe 6 of the rail 2. Arrange these elements under a rail 2 in full way can be made difficult by the presence of the ballast for example, but also sleepers 9 and rail fasteners on the sleepers. In addition, such a press 1 only allows one pressing down, and can not be use to correct deformation of a rail 2 downwards (requiring upward pressing). For pressing up, you have to turn the press and change tools.

[008] Thus, when an upward deformation of a rail 2 is positioned in the immediate vicinity of a cross member, the latter limits access under the rail 2. In this case, the press 1 illustrated can not be disposed on the area of the rail 2 which is the most deformed, and is therefore disposed near it, where the access under the rail 2 is not limited. The position of the press 1 is then not optimal with respect to the deformation of the rail 2.

[009] The invention aims to provide an alternative press, usable in the track, allowing the pressing of a rail 2 upwards and / or downwards and allowing optimized positioning of the press 1 and pressing points on the rail 2 with respect to the deformation of the rail 2 upwards or downwards. It is also intended to avoid raising the rail to pass the press tool under the rail when the lifting point is located above a cross, so not accessible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The present invention thus relates to a press for a rail, the rail having a core extending between a mushroom and a pad, the press comprising:

a chassis having a first longitudinal axis and on which are mounted successively, along the first axis:

at least one hooking device for the rail that can occupy a state engaged under the rail along a second axis transverse to the first axis, and

at least one actuator adapted to act on the rail in order to apply to it a force oriented along a third axis transverse to said first and second axes, and a control unit capable of controlling said at least one actuator so as to apply to the rail, in a plane parallel to said first and third axes, a rectifying torque, between the acting actuator and the engaged picking device,

this press being characterized in that said at least one hooking device is adapted, in the engaged state, to hook the rail at the core just below the mushroom.

Such a press makes it possible to correct a deformation of the rail that can be upwards or downwards. Indeed, with a hooking device and a minimum actuator, the press exerts a torque on the rail so as to reduce the deformation of the rail.

[012] In addition, unlike existing presses, the proposed press does not require access under the rail to exert a force on the rail, in order to reduce deformation. Indeed the hooking device is adapted, when in the engaged state, to maintain the rail at the mushroom and not under the pad. With such a hooking device, one can press the rail and act at the deformation and not near, as in the state of the art, when access was limited.

[013] According to an additional feature, said at least one hooking device can be mounted freely tilting relative to the frame about the second axis.

[014] By mounting the tilting or hooking devices, that is to say, pivoting about the third axis, when pressing up or down the rail, the inclination of the hooking devices adapts to the inclination of the rail. Thus, during the pressing of the rail, the free inclination of the hooking devices makes it possible to avoid impacting the rail, which in turn would cause failure or fatigue defects.

[015] According to another characteristic of the invention, said at least one hooking device may comprise a pair of jaws. In this way, in the engaged state, the jaws will croch the rail, on both sides of the rail, along the second axis. This is a guarantee of balance and efficiency. The committed positioning is then stable.

[016] Also, the press can comprise several said actuators and the jaws of said pair of jaws can be mounted movable in translation on the frame along the second axis and can be controlled by the control unit able to coordinate the mobility of the pairs of jaws. jaws and actuators.

[017] The control unit will thus synchronize the actions of the jaw couples and actuators on the rail, so as to exert the force desired by the operator to rectify the deformation of a rail.

[018] In a practical embodiment of the invention, along the first axis, said at least one hooking device may comprise successively a first, a second and a third hooking devices and said at least one actuator may successively comprise a first and a second actuator, said hooking devices and said actuators being arranged along the first axis so that the second hooking device and the second actuator are disposed between the first and third hooking devices.

[019] A change of pressing direction does not require changing press elements: the hooking devices and the actuators are controlled by a control unit and each of them is activated depending on the direction of pressing of the desired rail by the operator. The press is even more versatile, without complications.

[020] In addition, in such a multiple actuator press and hooking devices, the distances separating along the first axis respectively the first hooking device and the first actuator and the second hooking device and the second actuator may be lower than the distances separating the actuators from each other and the distances separating the hooking devices from each other.

[021] By an adequate control hooking devices and actuators, such an arrangement allows pressing the rail up or down, without having to change the conformation of the press, that is to say, to change parts or elements for example.

[022] Furthermore, said second hooking device and said second actuator may be disposed substantially midway between said first and third hooking devices.

[023] In another embodiment, said at least one actuator of the press may further comprise a third actuator, so that the second hooking device is disposed between the first and third actuators.

Such a configuration of the press thus makes it possible to balance the forces applied by the actuators, and thus to press the region of the rail, presenting the deformation upwards or downwards, uniformly.

[025] According to another feature, said at least one hooking device may comprise an inner rim having an upper bearing surface for a bearing on it from below the rail head.

[026] The hooking devices having such a rim then ensures retaining the rail at the core, under the mushroom. Such hooking devices therefore do not require access under the rail having a deformation, and can thus be used even near a cross member for example.

[027] Also, said rim may comprise a groove along the third axis.

[028] Such a groove may be necessary when the pressing is performed at a weld. Indeed, at this point, only the surface of the weld of the mushroom is ground, so there is a weld bead under the mushroom, along the soul. The groove, dimensioned so as to be adapted to any weld bead, optimizes the contact of the hooking devices, especially when the jaw couples are closed around the rail head. The groove can be through and central in the rim. [029] The edge can include, moreover, a free wall (upper), rounded convex.

[030] Such a convex wall is necessary when the press is used to perform downward pressing, when the rail has a deformation upwards. This form of wall makes it possible to prevent the rail from being subjected to shear stress between the contact points of the active jaw pairs.

[031] The invention also relates to a method of using a press having all or some of the features described above, therefore to squeeze a rail having a core extending between a mushroom and a pad. In the first place, this method may comprise the following steps:

arranging the press with the or each actuator above the rail, and with said at least one hooking device engaged at the level of the core, just below the rail head;

- Control one or each actuator to apply a force oriented along the third axis on the rail.

[032] In the particular case of a press as described above, wherein the second hooking device is disposed between the first and third actuators and wherein the second actuator is disposed between the first and third hooking devices, the pressing process of the rail up includes the following steps:

arranging the press with each actuator above the rail, and with the second hooking device engaged at the level of the core just below the rail head;

- Control the first and third actuators to apply a force oriented along the third axis on the rail, downwards.

[033] In the case where the second hooking device is disposed between the first and third actuators and wherein the second actuator is disposed between the first and third hooking devices, the method of pressing the rail down comprises the following steps: arranging the press with each actuator above the rail, and with the first and third hooking devices engaged at the level of the core, just below the head of the rail;

- Control the second actuator to apply a force oriented along the third axis on the rail, downward.

[034] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES - FIG. 1 is an example of a press according to the state of the art shaped for downward pressing;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the press according to the invention;

- Figures 3 and 4 respectively illustrate a deformation of a rail junction upward and a deformation of a rail junction downward before any pressing of the rail;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the press according to the invention exerting on a rail downward pressing, with, in more detail:

- In Figure 5A, a schematic cross-sectional view of the rail and a non-activated actuator in the dashed box area; - In Figure 5B, a schematic cross-sectional view of the rail and a pair of jaws in the unconnected state in the dashed box area;

- In Figure 5C, a schematic cross-sectional view of the rail and a pair of jaws in the engaged state in the dashed box area;

- In Figure 5D, a schematic cross-sectional view of the rail and an actuator activated in the boxed area dashed;

- Figure 6 is a diagram modeling the forces exerted on the rail during a downward pressing as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a schematic view of the press according to the invention exerting on a rail an upward pressing, with, in more detail; Figure 7A is a schematic perspective view of a jaw of the second pair of jaws in the dashed box area;

Figure 7B is a schematic perspective view of a jaw of the first and third pair of jaws in the dashed box area;

Figure 8 is a diagram modeling the forces exerted on the rail during an upward pressing as shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic view of the press according to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[035] Reference is made hereinafter to FIGS. 2 and following in connection with the invention, FIG. 1, which relates to an example of anterior solution, having been previously described.

[036] Figure 2 thus illustrates an example of press 1 for rail 2 according to the invention. The press 1 is intended to be used for a rail 2 constituting a railway track, that is to say a rolling track and guiding a railway vehicle. FIG. 2 further illustrates an orthogonal reference 10 comprising:

a longitudinal axis 11 also referred to in the present first axis description,

a transverse axis 12 also referred to in this second axis description, and

a vertical axis 13 (installed press) also referred to herein as the third axis.

[037] The rail 2, a section transverse to its longitudinal axis 11 is visible in Figure 5, comprises a pad 6, a core 7 and a mushroom 8 connecting the mushroom 8 to the pad 6. The mushroom 8 is the upper part of the rail 2 on which the wheels of the rail vehicle rest. The shoe 6 is the lower part of the rail 2 which rests on sleepers which are pieces placed across the track making it possible to maintain the inclination and the separation of the rails 2.

[038] The use of a press 1 as shown aims to reduce a deformation of such a rail 2, either upwards or downwards. These deformations are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[039] An upward deformation, visible in Figure 3, is characterized by the appearance of a domed zone 14, convex upward, the highest point 15 tends to move away from the ground. This type of deformation is likely to appear at the junction of two rail portions 2.

[040] A deformation downward, visible in Figure 4, is characterized by the appearance of a dug area 16 down, the lower point 17 tends to approach the ground. This type of deformation can appear as well in full rail portion 2, as at a junction of successive portions of rail 2.

[041] The press 1, usable in full lane, comprises a frame 3. The frame 3 is elongated along the first axis 11, also called axis of elongation.

[042] At least one hooking device 18 of the rail 2 is mounted on the frame 3. A "hooking device" is thus called a device that can occupy a state engaged under an upper portion 8 of the rail 2 along the second transverse axis 12 to the first axis 11, so as to come under this part in the manner of a hook 4 or an L-shaped tab. In particular, the hooking device 18 is adapted, in the engaged state, to hook the rail 2 at the level of the soul 7, just under the mushroom 8.

[043] The press 1 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a hooking device 18 comprising a first, a second and a third pair of jaws 20a, 20b, 20c adapted so that in the engaged state, the jaws 20 hook the rail 2 , on either side of the rail 2, along the second axis 12. Alternatively, a hooking device 18, with a only one pair of jaws 20, or even one of the two hooks 4 like those of FIG. 1, could have been provided.

[044] An example of a pair of jaws 20 in the states respectively engaged (FIG. 5C) and not engaged (FIG. 5B) is illustrated in FIG. 5. The jaws 20 extend along the third transverse axis 13 transverse to the first and the second axis. second axes 11, 12. For each pair of jaws 20, the jaws 20 are disposed on either side of the first axis 11, preferably facing one another for a better balance of forces.

The jaws 20 of the press example 1 illustrated each have a general L shape: at one of their ends, the jaws 20 each comprise a lower inner rim 21a which extends transversely projecting according to the second axis 12 relative to the lateral upright 21b of the jaw which extends vertically along the third axis 13. This flange 21 has a shape adapted to be placed at the level of the core 7 under the mushroom 8. As can be 5c illustrating the engaged state of a pair of jaws 20, the flange 21 comprises an upper free wall 22 coming into contact with the lower part 8a1, 8a2 of the fungus 8, at the top of the core 7.

[046] As illustrated in Figure 7A, the jaw couples 20, in particular the first and third jaw couples 20a, 20c may have a rim 21 with an upper free wall 22 rectilinear.

[047] In a practical embodiment of the invention, the flange 21 of the second pair of jaws 20b may have an upper free wall 23 which will be against rounded, convex upward, as shown in Figure 7B. Such a wall 23 is particularly interesting when pressing upwards. Indeed, the shape thus rounded makes it possible to bring the points of contact 24 closer to the flanges 21 of the jaws 20 of the second pair of jaws 20b on the rail 2, as illustrated in FIG. 8. As can be seen in FIG. contact points 24 when the flange 21 is rounded convex, the contact points 24 of the flange 21 on the rail 2, when pressing up, are brought together. By bringing closer these contact points 24, the shear stresses in the rail 2 when pressed upward are, at the same time, reduced.

[048] Furthermore, the pairs of jaws 20, in particular the second pair of jaws 20b, may comprise a groove 25, centered, extending along the third axis 13. This groove 25, passing through the free flange 21, ensures, a good closure of the pair of jaws 20 on the rail 2, despite the presence of a weld bead 26, when the pressing is performed at a welded joint 27 between two successive portions of rail 2. Indeed, when the welding of a rail 2, only the upper part of the rail, that is to say the mushroom 8, is generally ground. Under the mushroom 8, the weld is not ground, the solder bead 26 is present that may interfere with the closure of the jaws 20 on the rail 2. This solder bead 26 has an overthickness in general of the order of 2 mm relative to the rail. The groove 25 provided may therefore have a width, along the first axis 11, between 3 and 10 mm.

[049] The pairs of jaws 20, constituting the hooking devices 18, are movably mounted on the frame 3, and arranged successively along the first axis 11. In this case, each of the jaws 20 is pivotally mounted on the frame 3 , around the second axis 12. Such an assembly allows the jaws 20 to have a pendulum movement 28, around the second axis 12, allowing them to follow the movement of the rail 2, in particular when pressing down, in order to maintain a linear contact under the rail head. In addition, the ability of the jaws 20 to rock, allows each of the jaw couples 20 to naturally center under the mushroom 8 at the core 7 of the rail 2.

[050] On the other hand, each of the jaws 20 is mounted on the frame 3 movable in translation along the same second axis 12. More particularly, the pairs of jaws 20 are mounted to move in translation along a shaft 34 of the frame 3 extending in a direction along the second axis 12. The pairs of jaws 20 are thus adapted to easily reach their two states, engaged and not engaged, visible figure 5. The engaged state of the jaw couples 20 is adapted to prevent a movement of the rail 2 vis-à-vis the press 1 down, that is to say ie along the third axis 13, towards the ground.

[051] As an alternative to this sliding along the second axis 12, the jaws 20 (or even said at least one hooking device 18) may (in) t be movable (s) in rotation along the first axis 11 or along the axis 13, to move from the uncommitted state to the engaged state, and vice versa.

[052] The jaws 20, a pair of jaws 20, respectively comprise at their end vis-à-vis the other jaw 20, an internal stop 35. The abutment 35 extends along the second axis 12, protruding from the rim 21 of the jaw 20. Two coaxial abutments 35 are intended to bear transversely against each other when the pair of jaws 20 passes from the uncommitted state in the committed state. The presence of such stops 35 avoids too much pressure on the web 7 of the rail 2 when the pair of jaws 20 goes into the engaged state. Furthermore, a space, along the third axis 13, may be delimited between the upper end 8b of the rail head 2 and a lower end 36 of each of the stops 35. The lower end 36 may be formed by a substantially flat wall extending in a plane formed by the first and second axes 11, 12.

[053] Also mounted on the frame 3 of the press 1, at least one actuator 5 is adapted to act on the rail 2 in order to apply to it a force F oriented along said third 13 axis transverse to said first and second axes 11, 12.

[054] In the press example illustrated in Figure 2, said "at least one" actuator 5 comprises a first, a second and a third actuators 5a, 5b, 5c, successively mounted on the frame 3 of the press 1 along the first axis 11. [055] These actuators 5, which may be pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, are adapted to exert a force F on the rail 2 oriented along the third axis 13.

[056] The actuators 5 are mounted so as to exert a force F with the press 1 locked on the rail 2 by its or its hooking devices 18, here at least one said pair of jaws 20.

[057] In Figure 5D are illustrated two examples: one with an actuator 5 exerting a force F on the rail 2, the other with an actuator 5 not activated. As illustrated, a said actuator 5 exerts a force F on the rail 2 via a movable portion 29 of the actuator 5. Once actuated, this portion 29 is moved and comes into contact with a rail 2 disposed between the pairs of jaws 20 of the press 1. When the actuator 5 is not actuated, as is also visible in FIG. 5A, movable portion 29 is retracted into the body of the actuator 5.

[058] In one embodiment, the hooking devices 18, which can therefore comprise three pairs of jaws 20a, 20b, 20c, and the three actuators 5a, 5b, 5c are arranged and mounted on the frame 3 successively, along of the first axis 11. In particular, the jaw pairs 20 and the actuators are then arranged along the first axis 11 so that:

the hooking devices 18, here the pairs of jaws 20, and the actuators 5 being arranged along the first axis 11 so that a second hooking device 18a is arranged between the first and third actuators 5a, 5c and that the second actuator 5b is disposed between first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c;

the second actuator 5b is disposed between the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c, that is to say the first and third pairs of jaws 20a, 20c, preferably substantially halfway between the first and third pairs jaws 20a, 20c (distance L1 along the first axis 11, Figure 2). The distance L1 is equal to half of the distance L, along the first axis 11, separating the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c.

- The second hooking device 18b is disposed between the first and third actuators 5a, 5c, preferably substantially midway between the first and third actuators 5a, 5c (L2 distance along the first axis 11, Figure 2).

[059] Preferably, the distance L1 is equal to the distance L2.

[060] The distance L1 or L2 may be between 50 cm and 60 cm.

[061] Alternatively, the distance between the first or the third actuator 5a, 5c and the second hooking device 18b, respectively the distance between the first or the third hooking device 18a, 18c and the second actuator 5b is between 40 cm and 75 cm.

[062] In particular, the mounting of the jaw pairs 20 and the actuators 5 on the frame 3 of the press 1 can be done so that the distances separating respectively the first hooking device 18a and the first actuator 5a, the second device 18b and the second actuator 5b and the third hooking device 18c and the third actuator 5c are less than the distances separating the actuators 5 between them and the hooking devices 18 between them. In other words, the first, second and third pair of jaws 20b, 20c are respectively contiguous with the first, second and third actuators 5a, 5b, 5c. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the first pair of jaws 20a and the first actuator 5a are mounted on the frame 3 close to each other. They can be a few centimeters or ten centimeters from each other.

[063] This assembly allows in particular to have a compact press and adapted to perform pressing up or down, with one and the same press.

[064] Thus, as mentioned, the press 1 makes it possible to correct defects of a rail 2 having a vertical deformation either upwards (as visible in FIG. 3) or downwards (as visible as FIG. 4). according to third axis 13. The deformations are deformations along the third axis 13, which are in the illustrated cases, at the junction 27 by welding two rail portions 2, creating an upwardly raised zone (FIG. curved zone 14, or recessed downwards (FIG. 4), otherwise called in-ground zone 16.

[065] The deformation up or down can be quantified by a deformation angle formed between the ground level on which the rails 2 are placed and a deformed zone 14, 16 of the rail 2, the angle having the vertex either the culminating point 15 or the lower point 17 of the deformation.

[066] This deformation angle is indicated respectively in FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively representing upward and downward deformations. In the case illustrated in FIG. 3, the angle of deformation is formed by one of the welded rail portions 2, and the axis 31 passes through the culminating point 15 and extends parallel to the first axis 11. In the illustrated case in FIG. 4, the angle of deformation is formed by one of the welded rail portions 2, and the axis 32 here representing the level of the ground, extending parallel to the first axis 11.

[067] According to the European standard NF EN 14587-1 & 2 for the railing and welding of the rails 2 by spark for railway applications, no zone of the rail 2 must be inclined with an angle greater than a few tenths of a degree of angle with respect to ground level.

[068] For the control of at least one of the actuator (s) 5, or preferably of the hooking device (s), in order to then automate the press 1, this preferably comprises a unit 33.

By this control unit 33, it will be possible to apply to the rail 2, in a plane parallel to said first and third axes 11, 12, a rectifying torque, between the acting actuator 5 and the hooking device engaged 18.

[070] By controlling together the actuator (s) 5 and the hooking device (s) 18, it will also be possible to be able to coordinate the mobility of the jaw couples 20 and the actuators 5 (FIG. see mixed strokes figure 2). The control unit 33 will then make it possible to exert a force F on the rail 2 by means of the retractable movable portion 29 of the actuator 5, and to control the pairs of jaws 20 so that they are positioned at the committed state. The control unit 33 may for example be a PLC, comprising a user interface. In this way, the operators can indicate to the automaton the type of pressing desired, upwards or downwards, as well as the force F to be exerted to reduce the deformation at least to a minimum accepted by the European standard NF EN 14587 -1 & 2.

[071] The controller 33 may also be coupled to one or more sensors 41 (lasers, magnetic or ultrasound for example), able to follow the deformation of the rail. The measuring system can be made by three sensors 41 (41a, 41b, 41c) which take measurements above the mushroom 8. The sensors 41 are mounted on the frame 3 of the press 1. The first sensor 41a is respectively mounted between the first hooking device 18a and the first actuator 5a. The second sensor 41b is mounted between the second hooking device 18b and the second actuator 5b. The third sensor 41c is mounted between the third hooking device 18c and the third actuator 5c. The sensors 41 are vertical (axis 13) and aim at the rail 2 placed below. The measurements are thus made directly on the rail 2. They are each connected to the controller / control unit 33 where software, calculation means and a memory unit make it possible to control and control the control parameters of the hooking devices 18 and actuators 5 (5a, 5b, 5c), or even to invite to shift the press along the axis 11 to compensate for a previous pressing.

[072] The positioning of the sensors is configured such that they are halfway between the two positions of the press 1. During the longitudinal movement of the press 1 for pressing either upwards or downwards. This displacement can be for example of the order of 18.5 cm. In this configuration, the sensors are positioned at about 10 cm from the hooking devices 18 or actuators 5 concerned. The first and third sensors 41a, 41c are not necessarily placed at 50 cm on either side of the weld, which is the basis for measuring the European standard NF EN 14587-1 & 2 for welds (typically 50 cm of the second actuator 5b or picking device 18b biased), the measurements provided by the sensors may need to be extrapolated so as to have an indication and sufficient accuracy for the operator to quantify his successive pressing operations. Indeed, according to said electrical welding standard, one must make a measurement to 50 cm on either side of the welded joint. However, in the case where the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c or the first and third actuators 5a, 5c are separated by a distance other than 100 cm, and 50 cm respectively on either side of the junction welded 27, along the first axis 11, it is necessary to extrapolate the measurements of the sensors using the controller 33. This extrapolation is necessary since the standard considers that the spacing between the first and third actuators 5a , 5c or the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c is equal to 100 cm. These sensors make it possible to measure the level of the pressed rail 2, and thus to ensure, following a pressing operation, that the rail 2 has been sufficiently pressed without preferably moving the press and carrying out the level control manually at using a rule. Preferably, the measurements can be performed using the first, second and third sensors or only the second sensor.

[073] Such a press 1 can also straighten rails 2 without welding, so without reference to an electric welding standard.

[074] Depending on whether the press 1 is used to press up or down, the control unit 33 will actuate or not one or other of the aforementioned elements of the press. Figures 5 and 7 show two uses of the press for downward pressing and pressing up respectively. [075] For the use of the press 1 for a pressing down, the controller 33 activates and controls the first and third pairs of jaws 20a, 20c and the second actuator 5b, as shown in Figure 6. The method use then comprises a first step of disposing the press 1 above the rail 2 to be pressed, as shown in Figure 5A. The mushroom 8 of the rail 2 is then held between said pairs of jaws 20 in the open position and the rail is in contact with the actuators.

[076] Once the press in position, the control unit the first and third pairs of jaws 20a, 20c so that they hold in the closed position (position shown in Figure 5C).

[077] The control unit 33 then actuates the second actuator 5b so that it exerts a force F oriented along the third axis 13 on the rail 2, in particular on the mushroom 8 of the rail 2, towards the shoe 6 of said rail 2. Figure 6 schematizes the force F exerted on the rail 2 during such pressing up. As illustrated, the second actuator 5b thus exerts a force F along the third axis 13 on the rail 2, from the head 8 towards the shoe 6 while the first and third pairs of jaws 20a, 20c hold the rail 2, so as to maintain it in a fixed position relative to the chassis 3 of the press 1.

[078] Such an implementation has allowed a deformation of the rail 2 down, hence the name pressing down. This will have made it possible to correct a high-deformation rail 2, as illustrated in FIG. 3, so as to reduce the angle of deformation.

[079] In the illustrative figures 5 and 6, the rail 2 pressed down appears deformed downwards, as shown in dashed lines: in reality, this deformation will have occurred, but it will not be entirely irreversible. Indeed, when the actuator 5 is released, the area of the rail 2 in which the actuator 5 has been actuated increases with respect to its state during the pressing and has a rectilinear shape extending substantially along the first axis 11, as illustrated in FIG. solid lines. Thus, the rail 2, once pressed, presents a deformation (upward) reduced compared to the deformation of the rail 2 in the initial state (Figure 3).

[080] The press 1 further comprises a first stirrup 37 and a second stirrup 38. The first and second stirrups 37, 38 extend along the third axis 13, downwards. The first stirrup 37 extends from a first end

39 of the frame 3 of the press 1. The first end 39 is placed longitudinally upstream, that is to say before the hooking devices 18 and the actuators 5 in the direction of the first axis 11. Respectively, the second stirrup 38 extends from a second axial end 40 of the frame 3 of the press 1. The second end 40 is placed longitudinally downstream, that is to say after the hooking devices 18 and the actuators 5 according to the direction of the first axis 11. The first and second stirrups 37, 38 are intended to bear against the mushroom 8 of the rail 2. The stirrups 37 and 38 have the function of guiding the press laterally. They are not present to come under pressure on the rail; Otherwise, they may be damaged during vertical pressing operations. Indeed, when the press is placed on the rail, nothing prevents it from making a (very) slight rotation along the vertical axis 13.

[081] For the use of the press 1 for pressing up, the controller 33 activates and controls the first and third actuators 5a, 5c and the second pair of jaws 20b, as shown in FIG. 7 The method of use then comprises the same first step as pressing down; namely: arrange the press 1 above the rail 2 (see Figure 7) so that its mushroom 8 is interposed between said pairs of jaws 20 in the open position and that the rail 2 is (preferably) in contact with the actuators 5.

[082] Once the press 1 in position, the control unit 33 or the controller controls:

the second pair of jaws 20b so that it remains in the closed position (illustrated in FIG. 5), and the first and third actuators 5a, 5c so that they exert a force F oriented along the third axis 13 on the rail 2, in particular on the mushroom 8 of the rail 2.

[083] Figure 8 schematizes the forces F exerted on the rail 2 during such pressing up. As illustrated, the first and third actuators 5a, 5c exert a force F along the third axis on the rail 2, from the mushroom 8 to the shoe 6. The second pair of jaws 20b maintains the rail 2 in a fixed position. relative to the frame 3 of the press 1. It ensures then a deformation of the rail upwards, hence the name pressing up.

[084] Such upward pressing makes it possible to correct a downward deformation as illustrated in FIG. 4, in order to reduce the angle of deformation.

[085] In the same way as for Figures 5 and 6, in Figures 7 and 8 the rail 2 pressed up appears deformed upwards, as shown in dashed lines: in fact, as before, this deformation will take place but will not be entirely irreversible. Indeed, once the control unit 33 is stopped, the areas of the rail 2 on which the actuators were acting will rise with respect to their positions during the pressing and will have a rectilinear shape extending substantially along the first axis 11, as illustrated in FIG. solid lines.

[086] The press 1 as described above can thus be used according to several methods of use including however all the following procedure:

placing the press 1 with the or each actuator 5 above the rail 2, and with said at least one hooking device 18 engaged at the core

7, just under the mushroom 8 of the rail 2; and

- Command one or each actuator 5 to apply a force F oriented along the third axis 13 on the rail 2.

[087] If we want to carry out a pressing up, then we will realize more precisely the following steps: - Have the press 1 with each actuator 5 above the rail 2, and with the second hooking device 18b engaged at the core 7 just below the mushroom 8 of the rail 9;

- Control the first and third actuators 5a, 5c to apply a force oriented along the third axis 13 on the rail 2, downwards.

[088] If, on the contrary, we want to press down, we will do the following steps instead:

- Place the press 1 with each actuator 5 above the rail 2, and with the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c engaged at the core 7, just below the mushroom 8 of the rail 2;

- Control the second actuator 5b to apply a force F oriented along the third axis 13 on the rail 2, downwards.

[089] Figure 9 illustrates a press 1 according to an alternative embodiment. The press 1 thus comprises successively along the first axis 11 a first, a second and a third hooking devices 18a, 18b, 18c, and a first and a second actuator 5a, 5b. The second hooking device 18b and the second actuator 5b are arranged between the first and third hooking devices 18a, 18c.

[090] Similarly to the press 1 shown in FIG. 2, in the press 1 of FIG. 9, the distances separating respectively the first hooking device 18a and the first actuator 5a, the second hooking device 18b and the second actuator 5b are less than the distances separating the actuators 5 and the distances separating the hooking devices 18 from each other.

[091] The press 1 operates in a manner similar to that previously discussed except that there is more than one extreme cylinder, the third actuator 5c being removed.

Claims

1. Press (1) for a rail (2), the rail (2) having a web (7) extending between a mushroom (8) and a shoe (6), the press (1) comprising:

- a frame (3) having a first longitudinal axis (11) and on which are mounted successively, along the first axis (11):

- At least one hooking device (18) of the rail (2) can occupy a state engaged under the rail (2) along a second axis (12) transverse to the first axis (11), and

at least one actuator (5) adapted to act on the rail (2) in order to apply to it a force (F) oriented along a third axis (13) transverse to said first and second axes (11, 12), and

a control unit (33) capable of controlling said at least one actuator (5) so as to apply to the rail (2), in a plane parallel to said first and third axes (11, 13), a rectifying torque, between the actuator (5) acting and the hooking device (18) engaged, characterized in that said at least one hooking device (18) is adapted, in the engaged state, to hook the rail (2) at the level of the soul (7), just under the mushroom (8).

2. Press (1) according to claim 1 wherein said at least one hooking device (18) is pivotally mounted relative to the frame (3) about the second axis (12).

3. Press (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one hooking device (18) comprises a pair of jaws (20) adapted so that, in the engaged state, the jaws (20) hook the rail (2), on either side of the rail (2), along the second axis (12).

4. Press (1) according to claim 3, which comprises several said actuators (5) and wherein the jaws (20) of said pair of jaws (20) are mounted movable in translation on the frame (3) along the second axis (12) and are controlled by the control unit (33) able to coordinate the mobility of the jaw couples (20) and the actuators ( 5).

5. Press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein along the first axis (11), said at least one hooking device (18) successively comprises a first, a second and a third hooking devices ( 18a, 18b, 18c) and said at least one actuator (5) successively comprises a first and a second actuator (5a, 5b), said hooking devices (18) and said actuators (5) being arranged along the first axis ( 11) so that the second hooking device (18b) and the second actuator (5b) are arranged between the first and third hooking devices (18a, 18c).

6. Press (1) according to claim 5, wherein, along the first axis (11), the distances separating respectively the first hooking device (18a) and the first actuator (5a), the second hooking device (18b). and the second actuator (5b) are smaller than the distances separating the actuators (5) and the distances separating the hooking devices (18) from each other.

7. Press (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one hooking device (18) comprises an inner flange (21) extending along the second axis (12) and which is adapted for be placed at the level of the core (7), under the mushroom (8) of the rail (2).

8. Press (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that said flange (21) comprises a groove (25) along said third axis (13).

9. Press (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said flange (21) comprises a free wall (23), rounded convex.

10. A method of using the press (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, for pressing a rail (2) having a core (7) extending between a mushroom (8) and a pad (6). , the method comprising the following steps: - arranging the press (1) with the or each actuator (5) above the rail

(2), and with said at least one hooking device (18) engaged at the core (7), just under the mushroom (8) of the rail (2);

- Control one or each actuator (5) to apply a force (F) oriented along the third axis (18) on the rail (2).

11. A method of using the press (1) according to claim 5 or 6, for pressing a rail (2) upwards, the rail (2) comprising an upper mushroom (8), a lower shoe (6) and a core (7) connecting the mushroom (8) to the shoe (6), the method comprising the following steps:

placing the press (1) with each actuator (5) above the rail (2), and with the second hooking device (18b) engaged at the core

(7), just under the mushroom (8) of the rail (2);

- Control the first actuator (5a, 5c) to apply a force (F) oriented along the third axis (13) on the rail (2), downwards.

12. A method of using the press (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, for pressing a rail (2) downwards, the rail (2) comprising a mushroom.

(8) upper, a lower pad (6) and a core (7) connecting the mushroom (8) to the pad (6), the method comprising the following steps:

- arrange the press (1) with each actuator (5) above the rail (2), and with the first and third hooking devices engaged (18a, 18c) at the core (7), just under the mushroom (8) of the rail (2);

- Control the second actuator (5b) to apply a force (F) oriented along the third axis on the rail (13), downwards.