GB2510221A

GB2510221A - Assembly for a tightening device for a rail tensor

Info

Publication number: GB2510221A
Application number: GB1319267.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sandri Sartori
Original assignee: Societe des Anciens Etablissements Lucien Geismar SAS
Current assignee: Societe des Anciens Etablissements Lucien Geismar SAS
Priority date: 2012-11-16
Filing date: 2013-10-31
Publication date: 2014-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-31
Also published as: FR2998310A1; FR2998310B1; GB201319267D0; ITTO20130922A1; GB2510221B

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for a tightening device 34a for a rail tensor (32, figure 2), including a gripper head 44a comprising an inner portion 46a equipped with a jaw 48a and an outer portion 47a opposite the inner portion 46a. The gripper head is pivotable around an axis between a tightening position and a loosened position. A receiving member 68a is removably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head and comprises a bore 76a for engaging a drawbar (36); and a locking member 78a movably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head between a locking position, in which the locking member secures the receiving member to the gripper head, and an unlocking position, in which the locking member separates the receiving member and the gripper head. The outer portion of the gripper head may be provided with a first bore (66a, figure 5) inside which the receiving member can be engaged, and a second bore (64a), passing through the first bore, inside which the locking member may be engaged.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR A TIGHTENING DEVICE FOR A RAIL TENSOR

The present invention relates to an assembly for a tightening device for a rail tensor, a tightening device for a rail tensor and a rail tensor.

Figure 1 shows a rail tensor 2 known from the state of the art. The rail tensor 2 includes two tightening devices 4a and 4b, two drawbars 6 and two hollow hydraulic cylinders 8.

The tightening device 4a includes a base lOa and two gripper heads 12a.

The gripper heads 12a comprise inner portions 14a equipped with jaws 16a and outer portions 18a equipped with slits 20a. The gripper heads 12a are pivotably mounted on the base ba between a gripping position, in which the jaws 16a grip the baseplate of a rail 22a, and a loosened position in which the jaws 16a release the rail 22a.

Likewise, the tightening device 4b includes a base lOb and two gripper heads 12b. The gripper heads 12b comprise inner portions 14b equipped with jaws and outer portions 18b equipped with slits 20b. The gripper heads 12b are mounted pivotably relative to the base lOb between a gripping portion in which the jaws grip the baseplate of a rail 22b, and a loosened position in which the jaws release the baseplate of a rail 22b.

The drawbars 6 connect the tightening devices 4a and 4b. First ends of the drawbars 6 are engaged in the slits 20b and fixed to the gripper heads 12b by bolting. Second ends of the drawbars 6 are engaged in the slits 20a.

The hollow hydraulic cylinders 8 are arranged to draw the drawbars in a predetermined direction under the effect of a pump (not shown).

Thus, the hollow hydraulic cylinders 8 can bring the tightening devices 4a and 4b closer together, and the rails 22a and 22b toward each other until they are joined. The rails 22a and 22b can then be welded.

One drawback of the rail tensor 2 is that when a significant force is exerted on the drawbars 6, said drawbars may be ejected from the slits 20b and seriously injure an operator.

Furthermore, the tightening devices 4a and 4b can slide along the rails 22a and 22b such that they cannot be joined.

The invention aims to resolve all or some of these drawbacks.

The invention relates to an assembly for a tightening device for a rail tensor, including: -a gripper head comprising an inner portion equipped with a jaw and an outer portion opposite the inner portion, the gripper head being pivotable around an axis between a tightening position, in which the jaw grips the rail, and a loosened position, in which the jaw releases the rail; in which the assembly includes: -a receiving member removably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head and having a bore for engaging a drawbar provided to house the rail; and -a locking member movably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head between a locking position, in which the locking member secures the receiving member to the gripper head, and an unlocking position, in which the locking member separates the receiving member and the gripper head.

When the drawbar is engaged in the bore formed in the receiving member and bolted, the latter can no longer be ejected from the receiving member.

Furthermore, the locking member is moved into the locking position so as to secure the receiving member to the gripper head and subsequently ensure retention of the receiving member and the drawbar with the gripper head.

Thus, the assembly according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the risk of ejection of the drawbar.

Furthermore, the assembly according to the invention makes it possible to couple and alternatingly separate the drawbar from the gripper head easily and quickly.

Lastly, the receiving member can be removed from the gripper head.

Consequently, the receiving member and the gripper head may be carried separately. An operator is not forced to carry heavy loads.

The assembly according to the invention may include one or more of the following features.

According to one feature, the outer portion of the gripper head is provided with: -a first bore inside which the receiving member can be engaged; and -a second bore, passing through the first bore, inside which the locking member can be engaged.

Thus, the gripper head has a simple design.

According to another feature, the receiving member comprises: -a body configured to be engaged in the first bore, the body having an annular groove; and -a head wider than the body and provided with the bore for engaging the drawbar; the locking member comprises a body configured to be engaged in the second bore and having a notch; and the locking member is mounted pivotably relative to the gripper head such that: * in the unlocked position, the notch formed on the body of the locking member is turned toward the groove formed on the body of the receiving member, so as to allow the receiving member to be separated outside the first bore; and * in the locked position, the notch formed on the body of the locking member is turned opposite the groove formed on the body of the receiving member, so as to prevent the separation of the receiving member outside the first bore.

Under these conditions, simple pivoting of the locking member prevents the receiving member from being ejected from the jaw, and subsequently prevents the ejection of the drawbar.

Advantageously, the assembly includes fastening means for fastening the locking member to the gripper head.

Thus, the risk of losing the locking member is reduced.

For example, the means for fastening the locking member to the gripper head comprise at least: -a head fixed to a first end of the body of the locking member, wider than that body, and able to be driven, for example using a key; and -a washer fixed to a second end of the body of the locking member, wider than that body.

Advantageously, the assembly includes means for indexing the locking member in the locking position.

Under these conditions, an operator is able to know with certainty whether the locking member is in fact in the locked position. The safety of the assembly is thus improved.

For example, the indexing means for indexing the locking member in the locking position comprise: -a stop fixed to the outer portion of the gripper head; and -a washer fixed on the body of the locking member, the washer being configured to bear on the stop when the locking member is in the locking position and to be separated from the stop when the locking member is in the unlocked position.

The term "washer" is understood in its broadest sense, i.e., any element having an orifice allowing the engagement of a body.

For example, the outer edge of the washer can locally delimit a right angle, such that when the locking member is in the locked position, the stop bears against that angle and when the locking member is in the unlocked position, the stop is separate from that angle.

Advantageously, the jaw comprises a substantially planar inner face intended to be turned toward the rail, and at least one row of teeth extending protruding on the inner face; and each tooth has a planar rear portion inclined relative to the inner face by an angle smaller than 45° and a front portion joining the rear portion while forming a protruding edge.

The terms "front" and "rear" are relative to the pulling direction of the drawbar.

Thus, the penetration of the teeth in the rail is facilitated relative to a jaw having teeth comprising two front and rear portions forming a 45° angle with the inner face of the jaw.

When a significant force is exerted on the drawbars, the risk of slipping of the jaw is limited.

Preferably, the front portion is concave, such that the teeth are generally in the shape of shark teeth.

Advantageously, the jaw comprises multiple rows of teeth extending over the inner face of the jaw in a longitudinal direction.

Under these conditions, each tooth has a width smaller than the width of the jaw. Thus, the pressure exerted on each tooth is increased, and the penetration of each tooth in the rail is still further facilitated.

Advantageously, the inner face of the jaw is provided with: -two gripping areas each comprising at least one row of teeth extending in a longitudinal direction; -a connecting area positioned between the two gripping areas, the connecting area being provided without teeth and having a width greater than or equal to the width of a row of teeth of one of the gripping areas.

Thus, the jaw may be anchored in the rail even when the shape of the core is concave.

Preferably, the two gripping areas each comprise at least two rows of teeth extending in the longitudinal direction.

The invention also relates to a gripping device for a rail tensor, including: -two assemblies according to the invention; and -a support member connecting the gripper heads of the two assemblies, the gripper heads of the two assemblies being pivotably mounted relative to the support member.

Advantageously, the gripping device includes at least one lifting handle fixed to the support member.

The handling of the device is thus facilitated.

The invention lastly relates to a rail tensor provided with: -two tightening devices according to the invention; -two drawbars connecting the two tightening devices; and -pulling means for the drawbars, such as hollow hydraulic cylinders.

The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description in reference to the appended diagrammatic drawing, showing, as a non-limiting example, a rail tensor according to the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rail tensor known from the state of the art; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rail tensor according to the invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tightening device provided on the rail tensor of figure 2; Figure 4 is a front view of the tightening device of figure 3; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tightening device of figure 3 along a plane A-A; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tightening device of figure 3 along a plane B-B; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tightening device of figure 3 along a plane C-C; Figure 8 is a front view of a washer provided on the tightening device of figure 3 when a locking member is in the locking position; Figure 9 is a front view of the washer of figure 8 when the locking member is in the unlocked position; Figure 10 is a jaw provided on the tightening device of figure 3; Figure 11 is a top view of the jaw of figure 10; Figure 12 is an enlarged top view of the jaw of figure 10; Figure 13 is a side view of the jaw of figure 10; and Figure 14 isan enlarged side view of the jaw of figure 10.

Figure 2 shows a rail tensor 32 according to the invention. The rail tensor 32 is equipped with two tightening devices 34a and 34b, two drawbars 36 and two hollow hydraulic cylinders 38.

The tightening device 34a (shown in figures 2 to 7) includes a clevis 40a forming a support member. The clevis 40a is provided with two lifting handles 42a.

The tightening device 34a includes two gripper heads 44a pivotably mounted below the clevis 40a. Each gripper head 44a comprises an inner portion 46a and an outer portion 47a.

Each inner portion 46a is equipped with a jaw 48a. Each jaw 48a (shown in figures 10 to 14) comprises a planar inner face 50a turned toward a rail 52a. The inner face 50a can be broken down into: -two gripping areas 54a each comprising three rows of teeth 56a extending protruding on the inner face 50a in a longitudinal direction; and -a connecting area 58a positioned between the gripping areas 54a, provided without teeth 56a and having a width larger than the width of a row of teeth 56a.

Each tooth 56 has a planar rear portion 59a that is inclined relative to the inner face by an angle ci (shown in figure 12) of approximately 35°.

Each tooth 56a also has a concave front portion 60a joining the rear portion 59a while forming a protruding edge.

Each tooth 56a lastly has two planar side portions 62a connecting the rear 59a and front 60a portions. Each side portion 62a is inclined relative to the inner face 50a by an angle 13 of approximately 30°.

Each outer portion 47a of a gripper head 44a is provided with a through bore 64a (shown in figure 5) and a blind bore 66a. Each bore 64a passes through a respective bore 66a. Here, each bore 64a extends perpendicular to its bore 66a.

Each gripper head 44a is movable between a tightening position (shown in figure 2), in which the jaw 48a provided on that gripper head 44a grips the baseplate of the rail 22a, and a loosened position (not shown), in which the jaw 48a provided on that gripper head 44a is separated from the base plate of the rail 22a.

The tightening device 34a includes journals 68a forming receiving members. Each journal 68a (shown in figures 6 and 7) comprises a body 70a engaged in a respective bore 66a. The body 70a has an annular groove 72a.

Each journal 68a also comprises a head 74a wider than the body 70a. A head 74a is provided with a bore 76a allowing the engagement of a drawbar.

The tightening device 34a includes pins 78a forming locking members.

Each pin 78a comprises a body 80a engaged in a respective bore 64a. The body 80a is provided with a notch 82a. Each pin 78a comprises a head 84a fixed to one end of the body 80a, wider than that body 80a, and able to be driven using a key.

A washer 86a is inserted between the head 84a and the gripper head 44a.

Each pin 78a is pivotably mounted between: -an unlocked position (shown in figure 6), in which the notch 82a formed on the body 80a of the pin 78a is turned toward the groove 72a formed on the body 70a of the respective journal 68a, so as to allow the release of the journal 68a outside its housing 66a; and -a locked position (shown in figure 7), in which the notch 82a formed on the body 80a of the pin 78a is turned opposite the groove 72a formed on the body 70a of the respective journal 68a, so as to prevent the journal 68a from being released outside its housing 66a.

Thus, in the locked position, the pins 78a secure the journals 68a to the gripper heads 44a, and in the unlocked position, the pins 78a separate the journals 68a and the gripper heads 44a.

The tightening device 34a includes washers 88a. Each washer 88a is fixed to one end of a body 80a of a respective pin 78a and is wider than that body 78a.

The tightening device 34a includes rods 90a forming stops. Each rod 88a is fixed to an end portion 47a of a respective gripper head 44a and extends protruding relative thereto.

Each washer 88a is configured to bear on a respective rod 90a when the locking member is in the locked position (shown in figure 8) and to be separated from the rod 90a when the locking member is in the unlocked position (as shown in figure 9).

The washers 88a and the heads 84a form means for fastening the pins 78a tothejaws44a.

The washers 88a and the rods form indexing means for indexing the pins 78a in the locked position.

The tightening device 34b (also shown in figures 3 to 7) is identical to the tightening device 34a and consequently is not described in detail hereafter. In particular, the tightening device 34b comprises a clevis 40b, gripper heads 44b, journals 68b provided with bores 76b, and pins 78b.

The drawbars 36 connect the tightening devices 34a and 34b. More specifically, first ends of the drawbars 6 are engaged in the bores 78a of the journals 68a and fixed to those journals 78a by bolting. Segments of the drawbars 36 are engaged in the bores 78b of the journals 68b.

The hollow hydraulic cylinders 8 are arranged to pull the drawbars 36 in a predetermined direction under the effect of the pump (not shown).

Thus, the hollow hydraulic cylinders 38 can bring the tightening devices 34a and 34b closer together, and the rails 52a and 52a toward each other until they are joined. The rails 52a and 52b can then be welded.

Under usage conditions, an operator is careful to position the pins 78a and 78b in the locking position before starting the pump. Thus, the pins 78a and 78b secure the journals 68a and 68b to the jaws 44a and 44b and subsequently ensure retention of the drawbars 36.

The invention is of course not limited to the sole embodiment presented, but on the contrary encompasses all alternative embodiments.

It is should be observed that the jaws 48a could equip a rail tensor other than that described above. The jaws 48a could for example replace the jaws 16a of the rail tensor 2 described in reference to figure 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly for a tightening device for a rail tensor, including: -a gripper head comprising an inner portion equipped with a jaw and an outer portion opposite the inner portion, the gripper head being pivotable around an axis between a tightening position, in which the jaw grips the rail, and a loosened position, in which the jaw releases the rail; in which the assembly includes: -a receiving member removably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head and having a bore for engaging a drawbar provided to house the rail; and -a locking member movably mounted on the outer portion of the gripper head between a locking position, in which the locking member secures the receiving member to the gripper head, and an unlocking position, in which the locking member separates the receiving member and the gripper head.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, in which the outer portion of the gripper head is provided with: -a first bore inside which the receiving member can be engaged; and -a second bore, passing through the first bore, inside which the locking member can be engaged.
3. The assembly according to claim 2, in which the receiving member comprises: -a body configured to be engaged in the first bore, the body having an annular groove; and -a head wider than the body and provided with the bore for engaging the drawbar; the locking member comprises a body configured to be engaged in the second bore and having a notch; and the locking member is mounted pivotably relative to the gripper head such that: * in the unlocked position, the notch formed on the body of the locking member is turned toward the groove formed on the body of the receiving member, 50 as to allow the receiving member to be separated outside the first bore; and * in the locked position, the notch formed on the body of the locking member is turned opposite the groove formed on the body of the receiving member, so as to prevent the separation of the receiving member outside the first bore.
4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the assembly includes fastening means for fastening the locking member to the gripper head.
5. The assembly according to claim 4, in which the means for fastening the locking member to the gripper head comprise at least: -a head fixed to a first end of the body of the locking member, wider than that body, and able to be driven, for example using a key; and -a washer fixed to a second end of the body of the locking member, wider than that body.
6. The tightening assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which it includes means for indexing the locking member in the locking position.
7. The assembly according to claims 5 and 6, in which the indexing means for indexing the locking member in the locking position comprise: -a stop fixed to the outer portion of the gripper head; and -a washer fixed on the body of the locking member, the washer being configured to bear on the stop when the locking member is in the locking position and to be separated from the stop when the locking member is in the unlocked position.
8. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the jaw comprises a substantially planar inner face intended to be turned toward the rail, and at least one row of teeth extending protruding on the inner face in a longitudinal direction; and each tooth has a planar rear portion inclined relative to the inner face by an angle ci smaller than 45° and a front portion joining the rear portion while forming a protruding edge.
9. The assembly according to claim 8, in which the jaw comprises multiple rows of teeth extending over the inner face of the jaw in the longitudinal direction.
1O.The assembly according to any one of claims 8 or 9, in which the inner face of the jaw is provided with: -two gripping areas each comprising at least one row of teeth extending in a longitudinal direction; -a connecting area positioned between the two gripping areas, the connecting area being provided without teeth and having a width greater than or equal to the width of a row of teeth of one of the gripping areas.
11 The assembly according to claim 10, in which the two gripping areas each comprise at least two rows of teeth extending in the longitudinal direction.
12.A gripping device fora rail tensor, in which it includes: -two assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and -a support member connecting the gripper heads of the two assemblies, the gripper heads of the two assemblies being pivotably mounted relative to the support member.
13.The gripping device according to claim 12, in which it includes at least one lifting handle fixed to the support member.
14.A rail tensor, provided with: -two tightening devices according to any one of claims 12 or 13; -two drawbars connecting the two tightening devices; and -pulling means for the drawbars, such as hollow hydraulic cylinders.
1 5.An assembly for a tightening device for a rail tensor substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
16.A gripping device fora rail tensor substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
17.A rail tensor substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.