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WO2024159265A1 - Mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail - Google Patents

Mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024159265A1
WO2024159265A1 PCT/AU2024/050050 AU2024050050W WO2024159265A1 WO 2024159265 A1 WO2024159265 A1 WO 2024159265A1 AU 2024050050 W AU2024050050 W AU 2024050050W WO 2024159265 A1 WO2024159265 A1 WO 2024159265A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rail
rail clip
adjustment mechanism
clips
move
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2024/050050
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jian Huang
Gino ANTONELLO
Paul Skinner
Thomas Hargreaves
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Holcim Australia Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Holcim Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2023900207A external-priority patent/AU2023900207A0/en
Application filed by Holcim Australia Pty Ltd filed Critical Holcim Australia Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2024215767A priority Critical patent/AU2024215767A1/en
Publication of WO2024159265A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024159265A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B29/00—Laying, rebuilding, or taking-up tracks; Tools or machines therefor
    • E01B29/24—Fixing or removing detachable fastening means or accessories thereof; Pre-assembling track components by detachable fastening means
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B9/00—Fastening rails on sleepers, or the like
    • E01B9/02—Fastening rails, tie-plates, or chairs directly on sleepers or foundations; Means therefor
    • E01B9/28—Fastening on wooden or concrete sleepers or on masonry with clamp members
    • E01B9/30—Fastening on wooden or concrete sleepers or on masonry with clamp members by resilient steel clips
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B2201/00—Fastening or restraining methods
    • E01B2201/08—Fastening or restraining methods by plastic or elastic deformation of fastener

Definitions

  • Embodiments relate to rail clip adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the configuration of rail clips on sleepers to accommodate rail members.
  • Some rail clips are first coupled to sleepers before the rail members are placed on the sleepers and then the clips are moved to a locking position to couple the rail members to the sleepers.
  • some clips may be configured to slide linearly or rotate into the locking position.
  • Various tools have been designed for moving different clips into the locking position.
  • a rail clip assembly 10 (with Pandrol Fast Clip) is shown in Figures 1 A to II, for example only.
  • the rail clip assembly 10 comprises a fixed member or shoulder 11 which is fixed to a sleeper 1.
  • the shoulder 11 comprises a steel fitting which is cast into the concrete sleeper 1 in position.
  • the assembly 10 also comprises a pair of steel clips 5, which engage part of the shoulder 11 protruding above a top surface of the sleeper 1.
  • the clips 5 are configured to slide relative to the shoulders 11 so that a toe 7 of each clip 5 extends over a base flange of a rail member 4 as shown in Figures 1C and ID.
  • the rail clip assembly 10 also comprises a toe insulator 6 on the toe 7 of each clip 5, which is formed of nylon to avoid direct contact between the steel clips 5 and the steel rail member 4.
  • the rail clip assembly 10 also comprises a side post insulator 3 formed of nylon to avoid direct contact between the shoulders 11 and the steel rail member 4.
  • the rail clip assembly 10 also comprises a rail pad 2 (e.g., HDPE) positioned between the rail member 4 and the sleeper 1 to provide dampening.
  • a rail pad 2 e.g., HDPE
  • Rail clip assembly 10 is assembled by starting with the sleeper 1 and fixed shoulders 11.
  • the rail pad 2, side post insulators 3, and clips 5 (with toe insulators 6) are provided loose, and then assembled with the fixed shoulders 11 to form the rail assembly 10 (or rail seat) as shown in the drawings.
  • the rail clips 5 Before the rail member 4 is placed, the rail clips 5 must be in a parked position with a gap between the clips 5 allowing the rail member 4 to be placed between the clips.
  • the parked position of the clips 5 is shown in Figures IE, IF, and II, and illustrated particularly in Figure IF, showing the space between the clips 5 and the space between the side post insulators 3 configured to accommodate the rail member 4.
  • the rail clips 5 Before the rail clips 5 are placed in the parked position, they must be assembled with the other rail jewellery to form the rail seat and rail clip assembly 10.
  • the rail pad 2, side post insulators 3, and clips 5 are assembled with the shoulders 11 by hand.
  • the friction is too high to slide the clips 5 into the parked position by hand, so the clips 5 are first placed in engagement with the shoulders 11 in an unparked position, as shown in Figures 1G and 1H, with the clips 5 further apart from each other compared with the parked position.
  • the unparked position may also be referred to as a pre-parked position, preinstalled position, or interim position, and defines a temporary position before being moved into the parked position ready to receive a rail member 4 for connection to the sleeper 1.
  • Figures 1H and II illustrate a manual tool 15 for moving the clips 5 from the unparked position (Figure 1H) to the parked position (II).
  • the tool 15 comprises a jaw 16 for engaging the shoulder 11, a lever arm 17 for pushing the clip 5 towards the jaw 16, and a stop plate 18 for limiting the movement of the clip 5 relative to the shoulder 11 so that the clip 5 doesn’t move beyond the parked position.
  • the clips 5 are in the parked position, they are held in place by friction and the sleepers 1 with rail clip assemblies 10 are transported to a rail construction site and put in place, then rail members are placed in the rail assemblies 10. Then other tools are used, which are configured to move the clips 5 from the parked position to the locking position (as shown in Figure 1 A).
  • a rail clip adjustment mechanism comprising: a support structure; a locating member fixed to the support structure and shaped to engage a stationary part of a rail clip assembly to set an operating position of the rail clip adjustment mechanism relative to the rail clip assembly; first and second clamping members mechanically coupled to the support structure and configured to be moved relative to the locating member to adjust a position of respective first and second rail clips of the rail clip assembly relative to the locating member; and an actuator mechanically coupled to the support structure and the clamping members, and configured to move the first and second clamping members to move the first and second rail clips from an unparked position in the rail assembly to a parked position defining a space between the first and second rail clips configured to receive a rail member.
  • the actuator is configured to move the first and second clamping members towards each other to move the first and second rail clips from the unparked position to the parked position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism further comprises one or more stoppers fixed to the support structure and configured to stop the first and second rail clips from progressing beyond the parked position, thereby setting a parked distance between the first and second rail clips in the parked position defining the space configured to receive a rail member.
  • the locating member comprises a plate configured to contact a rail pad of the rail assembly. [0024] In some embodiments, the locating member defines complimentary surfaces configured to engage one or more isolators of the rail assembly to set the operating position of the rail clip adjustment mechanism relative to the rail clip assembly.
  • the clamping members are coupled to levers, rotatably coupled to the support structure and the actuator to effect movement of the clamping members.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism configured to engage a fixed portion of the rail clip assembly to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism in the operating position during operation.
  • the locking mechanism comprises a latch configured to engage a fixed shoulder of the rail clip assembly to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism during operation.
  • the locking mechanism is coupled to the actuator, and the actuator is configured to move the locking mechanism to engage the fixed portion of the rail clip assembly while the first and second clamping members move the first and second clips into the parked position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism further comprises a second locating member fixed to the support structure and shaped to engage a stationary part of a second rail clip assembly to assist in setting the operating position of the rail clip adjustment mechanism relative to the rail clip assembly; and third and fourth clamping members mechanically coupled to the support structure and configured to be moved relative to the second locating member to adjust a position of respective third and fourth rail clips of the second rail clip assembly relative to the second locating member to move the third and fourth rail clips into the parked position, while the first and second clamping members are moved to move the first and second rail clips into the parked position.
  • the actuator is configured to move the third and fourth clamping members to move the third and fourth rail clips from an unparked position in the second rail assembly to a parked position defining a space between the third and fourth rail clips configured to receive a rail member, while simultaneously moving the first and second clamping members to move the first and second rail clips to the parked position.
  • the actuator is a first actuator and the rail clip adjustment mechanism further comprises a second actuator mechanically coupled to the support structure and the third and fourth clamping members, and configured to move the third and fourth clamping members to move the third and fourth rail clips from an unparked position in the second rail assembly to a parked position defining a space between the third and fourth rail clips configured to receive a rail member, while the first actuator simultaneously moves the first and second clamping members to move the first and second rail clips to the parked position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism further comprises a lift actuator, configured to raise and lower the rail clip adjustment mechanism into the operating position.
  • Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a Pandrol Fast Clip rail clip assembly
  • Figure IB is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 A;
  • Figure 1C is a top view of the assembly of Figure 1 A;
  • Figure ID is a side view of the assembly of Figure 1A;
  • Figure IE is a top view of the assembly of Figure 1 A with the clips in a parked position
  • Figure IF is a cross-section of the assembly of Figure 1A with the clips in the parked position
  • Figure 1G is a top view of the assembly of Figure 1 A with the clips in an unparked position
  • Figure 1H is a perspective view of one of the clips of the assembly of Figure 1 A in an unparked position and a tool for moving the clip into the parked position;
  • Figure II is a perspective view of the clip and tool of Figure 1H after the tool has been used to move the clip into the parked position;
  • Figure 2A is a perspective view of a rail clip adjustment mechanism according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 2B is a rear view of the rail clip adjustment mechanism of Figure 2 A;
  • Figure 3 A is a perspective view of a rail clip adjustment mechanism, according to some embodiments;
  • Figure 3B is a front view of the rail clip adjustment mechanism of Figure 3 A in an operating position on a sleeper with rail clip assemblies;
  • Figure 4A is a perspective view of a rail clip adjustment mechanism, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 4B is a top view of a clamping module of the rail clip adjustment mechanism of Figure 4A;
  • Figure 4C is a side view of the clamping module of the rail clip adjustment mechanism of Figure 4A;
  • Figure 4D is a front view of part of the rail clip adjustment mechanism of Figure 4A in an operating position on a sleeper with rail clip assemblies;
  • Figure 5 A is a perspective view of a rail clip assembly apparatus, according to some embodiments.
  • Figure 5B is a perspective view of the rail clip assembly apparatus of Figure
  • Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a control system for a rail clip adjustment mechanism and rail clip assembly apparatus, according to some embodiments. Description of Embodiments
  • Embodiments relate to rail clip adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the configuration of rail clips on sleepers to accommodate rail members.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanisms described below are suitable for use with Pandrol Fast Clip rail clips (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 A to II), and may be modified (e.g., in dimensions and/or proportions) for use with other rail clips.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 comprises a support structure 201, a locating member 202, a first clamping member 205a and a second clamping member 205b, and an actuator 240 configured to move the clamping members 205.
  • the locating member 202 is fixed to the support structure 201 and shaped to engage a stationary part of a rail clip assembly to set an operating position of the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 relative to the rail clip assembly.
  • the locating member 202 may be configured to engage the side post insulators 3 or fixed shoulders 11 of rail clip assembly 10, shown in Figures 1 A to 1G.
  • the side post insulators 3 may not be fixed in position, but may be placed to abut the fixed shoulders 11, and the locating member 202 may be placed in abutment with the side post insulators 3 (or alternatively, the fixed shoulders 11) to set the position of the support structure 201 relative to the fixed shoulders 11 and the rail clip assembly 10.
  • the locating member 202 is shown in the drawings as a plate configured to be lowered onto the rail pad 2, and defines complementary surfaces or cut-out edges to accommodate and abut the side post insulators 3. In other embodiments, the locating member 202 may be configured to engage the fixed shoulders 11, or another stationary part of the rail clip assembly 10 or another type of rail clip assembly or rail seat. In some embodiments, the locating member 202 may not comprise a plate, and may define one or more members configured to engage a stationary part of a rail clip assembly.
  • the first and second clamping members 205a, 205b are mechanically coupled to the support structure 201 and configured to be moved relative to the locating member 202 to adjust a position of respective first and second rail clips 5 of the rail clip assembly 10 relative to the locating member 202.
  • the actuator 240 is mechanically coupled to the support structure 201 and the clamping members 205, and configured to move the first and second clamping members 205 to move the first and second rail clips 5 from an unparked position in the rail assembly 10 (as shown in Figure 1G) to a parked position defining a space between the first and second rail clips 205 (as shown in Figure IE and IF) configured to receive a rail member 4.
  • the actuator 240 may comprise a hydraulic cylinder (i.e., hydraulic piston/ram), for example, and be connected to a hydraulic system to control operation of the actuator 240 and thus the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200.
  • the actuator 240 may comprise any other suitable actuator, such as a pneumatic piston, a linear electromagnetic actuator, or a rotary actuator, such as a motor, for example.
  • the actuator 240 is configured to be operated to move the clamping members 205 relative to the support structure 201 to clamp the first and second clips 205 in the unparked position, moving them towards each other until they reach the parked position.
  • the clip adjustment mechanism 200 may comprise any suitable mechanism to move the clamping members 205 relative to the support structure.
  • the actuator 240 may comprise two actuators configured to move each clamping member 205 independently.
  • the actuator(s) 240 may be coupled directly to the clamping members 205 and the support structure 201.
  • the actuator(s) 240 may be coupled to the clamping members 205 via a translation mechanism configured to translate movement of the actuator(s) 240 into movement of the clamping members 205.
  • a single actuator 240 may be coupled to a clamping mechanism 250 configured to operate both clamping members 205a, 205b simultaneously, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, for example.
  • the clamping mechanism 250 comprises a central lever 251 rotatably coupled to the support structure 201 at a central pivot point 252.
  • the clamping mechanism 250 further comprises two clamping levers 255a and 255b rotatably coupled to the support structure 201 at clamping pivot points 256a and 256b, respectively, and supporting the clamping members 205a and 205b disposed on free ends of the clamping levers 255.
  • each clamping lever 255 (opposite to the free end and clamping member 205) is mechanically coupled to the central lever 251 via respective first and second linkage members 253a and 253b, which are coupled to the central lever 251 on opposite sides of the central pivot 252 so that movement of the central lever 251 rotates the clamping levers 255 a, 255b in opposite directions to effect movement of the clamping members 205a, 205b.
  • One end of the central lever 251 is rotatably coupled to the actuator 240 so that operation of the actuator 240 rotates the central lever 251 around the central pivot 252 which, in turn, rotates the clamping levers 255 about the clamping pivots 256 connected to the central lever 251 by the linkage members 253.
  • some elements such as the linkage members 253, for example, may be doubled up in parallel for added stability in the connections between elements of the clamping mechanism 250.
  • various mechanisms may be employed to transform motion of the actuator 240 into the desired motion of the clamping members 205, including various known mechanical linkages and mechanisms, cogs, cams, gears, ratchets, pinions, pawls, screws and levers, for example.
  • the support structure 201 may comprise any suitable structure for supporting the actuator(s) 240, locating member 202, clamping members 205 and any linking mechanism(s) if required.
  • the structure 201 is shown as a main plate 210 with additional fixed support members 213 bolted onto the main plate 210 to stabilise the rotatable connections with the elements of the clamping mechanism 240.
  • the rotatable connections may be fitted with press-fit ball bearings and bushes.
  • BNl_006-Needle roller bearing inner rings may be used with a Garmax Bush 25x30x16, by Thyssing Industrial Supplies, and coupled together with nuts and bolts, for example.
  • the clamping members 205 may comprise plates fitted to the clamping levers 255 with mechanical fasteners, for example.
  • the clamping members 205 may be removable and replaceable due to wear, for example.
  • the clamping members 205 may define a grooved surface configured to engage the clips 5, for example, the grooved surface of the clamping members 205 may be configured to slightly cup a rounded surface of the clips 5 to mitigate against relative slipping between the clips 5 and clamping members 205.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 may be lowered onto a rail clip assembly 10 and placed in the operating position, with clips 5 temporarily put in place in an unparked position (as shown in Figure 1G) with the locating member 202 resting on the rail pad 2 and abutting the side post insulators 3.
  • the actuator 240 may then be operated to move the clamping members 205 towards each other and towards the clips 5 to engage the clips 5 and slide the clips 5 towards the locating member 202 until the clips 5 reach the parked position (as shown in Figures IE and IF).
  • the stroke length of the actuator 240 may be set or limited (or the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 may be configured) such that the clamping members 205 cannot move the clips 5 closer to each other than the parked position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 further comprises one or more stoppers 218 fixed to the support structure 201 and configured to stop the first and second rail clips 205 from progressing beyond the parked position.
  • the stoppers 218 may comprise stop plates positioned relative to the locating member 202 to abut the toe 7 or toe insulator 6 of the clips 5 in the parked position.
  • the stroke length of the actuator 240 may define the distance between the clips 5 in the parked position such that the clips 5 are secured in the parked position (due to friction with the fixed shoulders 11) and such that the space between the clips 5 is configured to allow passage of the base flange of a rail member 4 to allow construction of a rail track.
  • the actuator 240 can then be operated to open the clamping members 205 to allow the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 to be withdrawn from the rail clip assembly 10 leaving the clips 5 in the parked position.
  • the sleeper 1 with parked rail clip assembly 10 is positioned to form part of a track, and a rail member 4 is placed on the rail pad 2 between the clips 5. Then another tool may be used to move the clips 5 from the parked position to the locking position, thereby securing the rail member 4 to the sleeper 1, as shown in Figures 1 A, 1C and ID, for example.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to engage a fixed portion of the rail clip assembly (e.g., one or both shoulders 11 or the sleeper 1) to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 in the operating position during operation.
  • a locking mechanism configured to engage a fixed portion of the rail clip assembly (e.g., one or both shoulders 11 or the sleeper 1) to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 in the operating position during operation.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 may comprise a second clamping mechanism to operate a second pair of clamping members 205, allowing two pairs of rail clips 5 (associated with two rail seats or rail clip assemblies 10) to be simultaneously moved from the unparked position to the parked position.
  • An example of such an embodiment is shown in Figures 3 A and 3B, for example.
  • the clamping mechanism 250, clamping members 205a, 205b, locating member 202 and optional stoppers 218 may collectively be referred to as a clamping module 220.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 is shown in Figures 2A and 2B with one clamping module 220, but in other embodiments, may comprise two or more clamping modules, to allow corresponding multiple rail clip assemblies to be put into the parked position simultaneously.
  • a single actuator 240 may be configured to operate all of the clamping modules simultaneously.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200 may comprise a plurality of actuators 240, each coupled to and configured to operate a corresponding one of the clamping modules 220.
  • a rail clip adjustment mechanism 300 is shown, according to some embodiments, including all of the features described above in relation to Figures 2A and 2B (like features indicated with like reference numerals), as well as a second clamping module 220 for engaging a second rail clip assembly.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 300 further comprises a second locating member 202b fixed to the support structure 201 and shaped to engage a stationary part (side post insulators 3 or fixed shoulders 11) of the second rail clip assembly 10b to assist in setting the operating position of the rail clip adjustment mechanism 300 relative to the rail clip assemblies 10a, 10b.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 300 further comprises third and fourth clamping members 205c, 205d mechanically coupled to the support structure 201 and configured to be moved relative to the second locating member 202b to adjust a position of respective third and fourth rail clips 5c, 5d of the second rail clip assembly 10b relative to the second locating member 202b to move the third and fourth rail clips 5c, 5d into the parked position, while the first and second clamping members 205a, 205b are moved to move the first and second rail clips 5a, 5b into the parked position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 300 further comprises a second actuator 240b mechanically coupled to the support structure 201 and the third and fourth clamping members 205c, 205d.
  • the second actuator 240b is configured to move the third and fourth clamping members 205c, 205d to move the third and fourth rail clips 5c, 5d from an unparked position in the second rail assembly 10b to a parked position defining a space between the third and fourth rail clips 5c, 5d configured to receive a rail member 4.
  • the first and second actuators 240a, 240b may be independently operable. In some embodiments, the first and second actuators 240a, 240b may be controlled together to simultaneously move the first, second, third and fourth rail clips 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d into the parked positions.
  • the locating members 202a, 202b and corresponding clamping modules 220a, 220b are positioned on the supporting structure at a set distance apart corresponding to the distance between the rail clip assemblies 10a, 10b (or rail seats) and the gauge of the railway track to be constructed (the distance between the parallel rails).
  • the locating members 202a, 202b and corresponding clamping modules 220a, 220b are also inclined relative to each other and to the horizontal to correspond to the cant angle of the rail seats 10a, 10b on the upper surface of the sleeper 1.
  • the cant angle or rail inclination may be set at a slope of between about 1 :20 to about 1 :40.
  • Figure 3B also illustrates the parked configuration of rail clip assembly 10a and the unparked configuration of rail clip assembly 10b.
  • the maximum opening distance between the clamping members 205 may be about 470mm, allowing them to fit over the unparked clips 5 with an outer width of about 427mm.
  • the clamping members 205 may then close to move the clips 5 to the parked position with an outer width of about 394mm, for example.
  • clamping members 205 may be configured to move from an open separation of 471mm to a closed separation of 387mm.
  • the parked distance between the toes 7 of the clips 5 may be in the range of 120mm to 200mm, 130mm to 160mm, 135mm to 145mm, 140mm to 155mm, 141mm to 153mm, or greater than 129mm, greater than 130mm, greater than 135mm, or less than 200mm, less than 160mm, less than 150mm, less than 140mm, or about 141mm, about 147mm, or about 153mm, for example.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 may comprise a guard 260 (or first and second guards 260a, 260b) to at least partially cover the corresponding actuator(s) 240 and/or clamping mechanism 250 for operator safety, as shown in Figures 3 A and 3B.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 may further comprise a lift actuator, configured to raise and lower the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 into the operating position.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 may be suspended from a gantry crane, as further discussed below, and the lift actuator may be operated to lower the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 into the operating position relative to a sleeper 1 and rail seat(s) 10. Then, once the clips 5 have been moved into the parked position, the lift actuator may be operated to raise the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300 up and away from the sleeper 1 and rail seat(s) 10 and subsequently moved to another sleeper and rail seat(s) 10 for clip adjustment.
  • a rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 is shown, according to some embodiments, which includes similar features to those described in relation to Figures 2A, 2B, 3 A and 3B (like features are indicated with like reference numerals).
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 includes a lift actuator 440, as described above.
  • the lift actuator 440 comprises a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the support structure 201 and configured to be mechanically coupled to a gantry crane to carry the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 may further comprise handles 460 to facilitate manual positioning of the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400, and one or more control boxes 470 with controls for operating the actuators 240a, 240b, 440. Hydraulic lines 474 are also illustrated, connecting the actuators 240a, 240b, 440 to the control boxes 470, and back to a hydraulic system for generating hydraulic pressure, as well as an electrical cable 477 to supply electrical power to the control boxes 470 allowing operation of hydraulic control valves to operate the actuators 240a, 240b, 440.
  • Figure 4A illustrates an arrangement of two clamping modules 420a, 420b with similar features to clamping modules 220a, 220b described in relation to Figures 2A, 2B, 3 A and 3B with additional features relating to a locking mechanism described below.
  • a similar arrangement of hydraulic lines 474, control boxes 470, handles 460 and lift actuator 440 may be made with any one of the embodiments described in relation to rail clip adjustment mechanisms 200, 300 and Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B by simply replacing the clamping modules 420a, 420b with alternative clamping modules 220a, 220b.
  • the clamping module 420 (420a, 420b) of rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 is shown in more detail, according to some embodiments.
  • the clamping module 420 may include the features of any of the previously described embodiments, and further comprises a locking mechanism 411 configured to engage a fixed portion (e.g., shoulders 11) of the rail clip assembly 10 to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 in the operating position during operation.
  • the locking mechanism 411 may comprise a latch 412, which may take the form of a hook or cam, for example.
  • the latch 412 is configured to engage the fixed shoulder 11 of the rail clip assembly 10 to secure the rail clip adjustment mechanism 400 during operation.
  • the locking mechanism 411 is coupled to the actuator 240, and the actuator 240 is configured to move the locking mechanism 411 to engage the fixed portion (e.g., shoulder 11) of the rail clip assembly 10 while the first and second clamping members 205 move the first and second clips 5 into the parked position.
  • the locking mechanism 411 may be configured to engage the fixed portion of the rail clip assembly before the clamping members 205 engage the rail clips 5.
  • the locking mechanism 411 may be configured to engage the fixed portion of the rail clip assembly simultaneously as the clamping members 205 engage the rail clips 5.
  • the locking mechanism 411 of clamping module 420 comprises a latch 412 rotatably coupled to the support structure 201 and configured to rotate to engage the shoulder 11.
  • the latch 412 is coupled to the actuator 240 via a connecting rod 413, which is coupled to one of the clamping levers 255.
  • the connecting rod 413 comprises a threaded portion with an adjustment nut 414 allowing the length of the connection rod 413 between the latch 412 and clamping lever 255 to be adjusted, to adjust the engagement position of the latch 412.
  • the locking mechanism 411 also comprises a spring bias 415 configured to allow continued rotation of the clamping lever 255 as the connection slides over the connecting rod 413 while the latch 412 remains engaged with the shoulder 11.
  • connection between the clamping lever 255 and the connecting rod 413 can slide over the connecting rod 413, pushing back the spring bias 415 to allow completion of the clamping movement to place the rail clips 5 in the parked position.
  • the locking mechanism 411 may comprise two latches 412 and corresponding connecting rods 413, adjustment nuts 414 and spring biases 415 positioned on opposing sides of the support structure 201 to engage the fixed shoulder 11 of the rail clip assembly 10 at two contact points.
  • the locking mechanism 411 may comprise further latches or other components to engage the rail clip assembly 10 at other points as well.
  • Figure 4D shows the first and second clamping modules 420a, 420b, with the first clamping module 420a pushing the rail clips 5 into the parked position with the locking mechanism 411 engaging the shoulder 11, and the second clamping module 420b in an open configuration with disengaged locking mechanism 411.
  • a rail clip assembly apparatus 500 is shown, according to some embodiments.
  • the apparatus 500 comprises a carriage 505 supporting a gantry crane 510 with a horizontal beam 515, and a rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 (according to any one of the embodiments described herein), suspended from the gantry crane 510.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 is connected to a roller 517 configured to roll along the beam 515 that allows horizontal movement of the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400, and it is coupled to the roller 517 by a swivel coupler 519 that allows the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 to be rotated.
  • the hydraulic lines 474 are omitted for clarity, but there is a second roller 517b for supporting the hydraulic lines 474 running back to the hydraulic system.
  • the apparatus 500 also comprises a stabilising arm 525 for securing the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 when the carriage 505 is being repositioned.
  • the apparatus 500 also comprises storage bins 535 on the carriage for storing loose rail jewellery components, i.e., the loose components of the rail clip assembly, including rail pads 2, side post insulators 3, and rail clips 5 with toe insulators 6.
  • loose rail jewellery components i.e., the loose components of the rail clip assembly, including rail pads 2, side post insulators 3, and rail clips 5 with toe insulators 6.
  • Figure 5B illustrates an assembly process using the apparatus 500.
  • the carriage 505 may be configured to run on rails 550 to move the gantry crane 510 and allow positioning of the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 over a row of sleepers 1 with fixed shoulders 11.
  • the loose rail jewellery components may be retrieved from the storage bins and assembled with the fixed shoulders 11 by hand to assemble the rail clip assemblies 10.
  • the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 may be manually positioned over a sleeper 1 with a pair of rail clip assemblies 10 with unparked clips 5, and lowered into the operating position with the lift actuator 440.
  • Buttons on the control boxes may be used to operate the lift actuator 440 and then to operate the first and second actuators 240a, 240b to operate the clamping modules 220, 420 to move the clips 5 into the parked position. Then the actuators 240, 440 may be operated to open the clamping modules 220, 420 and remove the rail clip adjustment mechanism 200, 300, 400 from the rail clip assemblies 10 to move onto the next sleeper 1. This allows for the rail clip assemblies 10 on a row of sleepers 1 to be put into the parked position quickly and efficiently compared with manually adjusting the rail clips 5 one by one using the existing hand tool 15 shown in Figures 1H and II.
  • the apparatus 500 may further comprise a trolley 555 trailing behind the carriage 505 as it moves along the rails 550 to the next row of sleepers 1.
  • the trolley 555 may be configured to carry spacers, such as timber beams, for example, to be placed on the rail pads 2 between the parked rail clips 5, allowing the sleepers 1 to be stacked on top of one another for transport to a rail construction site.
  • the control boxes 470 may also include controls for moving the gantry crane 510.
  • the apparatus 500 may comprise a dead man switch on one side of the crane 510 which must be manned by a spotter in order to operate the crane or the rail clip adjustment mechanism.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a circuit diagram of a control system 600, according to some embodiments. This may be varied depending on the requirements of a particular operating situation in different embodiments.
  • control system may include indicator lights to indicate one or more of the following: safe to operate (dead man switch engaged), clamping actuator enabled (or ready to use), clamping operation completed (rail clips placed in parked position), clamp in open/extended configuration, carriage/trolley ready to move, lift ready/ safe to use.
  • control system may include one or more emergency stop buttons, which may be installed on one or more of the rail clip adjustment mechanism and the gantry crane or trolley.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Abstract

Des modes de réalisation concernent un mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail comprenant : une structure de support ; un élément de positionnement fixé à la structure de support et formé pour venir en prise avec une partie fixe d'un ensemble crapaud de rail pour régler une position de fonctionnement du mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail par rapport à l'ensemble crapaud de rail ; des premier et second éléments de serrage accouplés mécaniquement à la structure de support et conçus pour être déplacés par rapport à l'élément de positionnement pour régler une position de premier et second crapauds de rail respectifs de l'ensemble crapaud de rail par rapport à l'élément de positionnement ; et un actionneur couplé mécaniquement à la structure de support et aux éléments de serrage, et conçu pour déplacer les premier et second éléments de serrage à déplacer les premier et second crapauds de rail d'une position non stationnée dans l'ensemble rail à une position stationnée définissant un espace entre les premier et second crapauds de rail conçus pour recevoir un élément de rail.
PCT/AU2024/050050 2023-01-30 2024-01-29 Mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail Ceased WO2024159265A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2024215767A AU2024215767A1 (en) 2023-01-30 2024-01-29 Rail clip adjustment mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2023900207 2023-01-30
AU2023900207A AU2023900207A0 (en) 2023-01-30 Rail clip adjustment mechanism and apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024159265A1 true WO2024159265A1 (fr) 2024-08-08

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PCT/AU2024/050050 Ceased WO2024159265A1 (fr) 2023-01-30 2024-01-29 Mécanisme de réglage de crapaud de rail

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AU (1) AU2024215767A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024159265A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5839377A (en) * 1997-02-14 1998-11-24 Racine Railroad Products, Inc. Apparatus and method for applying and removing transversely applied elastic rail clips
WO1999024669A1 (fr) * 1997-11-06 1999-05-20 A. Rosenquist Förvaltnings Ab Assemblage pour faire passer un dispositif de prehension d'une position d'assemblage a une position de relachement
US20130239840A1 (en) * 2010-11-19 2013-09-19 Rosenqvist Rail Ab Manually Operated Arrangement
JP2022187160A (ja) * 2021-06-07 2022-12-19 株式会社交通建設 レールクリップ脱着装置

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5839377A (en) * 1997-02-14 1998-11-24 Racine Railroad Products, Inc. Apparatus and method for applying and removing transversely applied elastic rail clips
WO1999024669A1 (fr) * 1997-11-06 1999-05-20 A. Rosenquist Förvaltnings Ab Assemblage pour faire passer un dispositif de prehension d'une position d'assemblage a une position de relachement
US20130239840A1 (en) * 2010-11-19 2013-09-19 Rosenqvist Rail Ab Manually Operated Arrangement
JP2022187160A (ja) * 2021-06-07 2022-12-19 株式会社交通建設 レールクリップ脱着装置

Also Published As

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