Description

Lubricating device for railway rails

Technical Field.

The present invention relates to a lubricating device for railway rails.

It is a device designed for use at the curves and points of both the railway network and the underground railway network, with the aim of reducing wear on the rails and train wheels caused by the friction created between them when ^' the train ^' passes. Moreover, the device allows a reduction in the noises and resistance to running .

Background Art ^"

At present many types of lubricating devices are known, ail able to lubricate the side wall of the head of the rails.

For example, devices are 'described in Swedish patent application number 7710965-0, in patent IT 1 123 475, ^" in patent

US ^'" 3 ^" 059 724, ^'' in. patent US 4 856 617 ^' and. in patent ^' Ep ^'' 787 638 ^' . ^{" ' '''}

In all of these patents, the lubricating oil or grease is sprayed onto the rail.

However, this known technology has several disadvantages. ^• Firstly, the amount of lubricant which can be applied to the fail is ^' always relatively small, since it is dispensed by spraying only in delimited points.

Secondly, both the oil and the grease (the latter- because it must be fluid ^' .enough to allow it to be s.prayed) are too fluid, resulting in excessive _, dispersion . (botft tend to run ^' along -the rail) . ^' " ^■ /' ^•■ .. ^{' : ' ' ■'"} . ^' " ^' ' . " ." ' " ^' . .

Disclosure of the invention

In this situation, the technical purpose which forms the basis of the present ^' invention is to provide a lubricating ^" device for railway rails which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages..

In particular, the technical purpose of the present invention is to provide a lubricating device for railway rails which allows the lubricating grease to be distributed on the entire portion of rail involved. Another technical purpose of the present invention is to provide a lubricating device for railway rails which allows the application on the rail of grease which is viscous enough not to run along the rail.

The technical purpose specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a lubricating device for railway rails as described in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the ^' detailed description below, with reference to several preferred, non-limiting embodiments of a lubricating device for railways rails, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic top view with some parts cut away of a device made in accordance with .the present invention located close to a railway rail; ■ ..

Figure.2 shows the position of the- device from Figure-.1 relative ^" .to- a railway track ^' ; ^" Figure 3 _: is> a schematic ■ top view, with ■ some parts cut away f ^' ig. better, illustrate others, of the- device from ^' Figure ϊ; . . Figure 4 shows the -device ^' from Figure 3 with some ■ parts added and others in section;

Figure 5 is a schematic vertical longitudinal section with some -parts cut away of the device from Figure 3/ ^' . ■ ^' . . Figure _. 6 is -a schematic vertical cross-section at the grease dispensing nozzle with some parts cut away, of the device from ^■ Figure- 3; ^'

Figure 7 is a schematic top view, partly in section, . _, of an alternative embodiment of the head of the device from Figure 3; Figure .8 shows the head from Figure 7 in a -different operating condition; ^{' '} . . .

Figure 9, is a top horizontal section of an alternative

embodiment of the head from Figure 7 ;

Figure 10 is a section of the head from Figure 9 according line X - X;

Figure 11 is a vertical cross-section of another schematic alternative embodiment of the device from Figure 9 positioned close to a rail;

Figure 12 shows the device from Figure 11 in a different operating condition; and

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the shape and connections of a device complete with supplies made in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes as a whole a lubricating device for railway rails in accordance with the present invention.

In all of the embodiments illustrated,, the device 1 comprises a support structure 2 on which there are mounted a mobile head 3 supporting a grease dispensing nozzle 4, and means 5 for moving the head 3.

The support structure 2 is designed to be positioned along a section of rail 6 to be lubricated, as illustrated in Figure 1, in such a way that the ^' head 3 can be moved by the .movement means ^' , 5 along ^' , a path which has at least .one linear _, section substantially parallel with the railway rail 6 (although the device 1 is normally positioned at • cμrved .sections of rail 6, the latter may be.. considered _' almost straight when only a limited section is considered) . ■ • .

The .nozzle 4 is mounted on the mobile head 3 (rigidly, on in sμch ' a way that, it is mobile, depending on the embodiments) so that, in practice, it can be close to the railway rail 6 at least

When the head 3 άs moved along, the linear . section o ^' f the ■movement path. ^• '- ^■ - . .. ^' _t . ^' ' ^' V , ^{■ ■ ■} • ^" . .

■ Tn all of the embodiments illustrated the head .3 ^" movement path is .completely straight s,o that, in practice, it is parallel with the rail 6. Moreover, in this case, adjusting the position of special . iimit switches 7.it is also possible to change the length

of the movement path.

However, there are other embodiments in which the movement path has both a straight operating section and other sections which extend in such a way that the nozzle 4 is moved away from the rail 6. Said embodiment is an alternative to the embodiments described below in which the nozzle 4 is also mobile relative to the head 3 (embodiment which also allows the nozzle 4 to be moved away from the rail 6 as described below) .

In the embodiments illustrated there are also means 8 for shifting the nozzle 4, operating on the nozzle 4 to shift it relative to the head 3, between an operating position in which it is brought near to the rail 6 and a non-operating position in which it is distanced from the rail 6.

Advantageously, the shifting means 8 are synchronised with the movement means 5 to keep the nozzle 4 in the operating position when the head 3 is moved along the linear section of the movement path, and bring it to the non-operating position when the head 3 is stationary at the two ends of the movement path.

In the embodiments in Figures 1 to 8, the shifting means 8 comprise a rotary element 9 supporting the nozzle 4, and able to rotate between ■ a first position in which the ^' nozzle 4 is in the operating position (Figures 1 to -3, 6 -and 8), . and a second position in which the nozzle 4 is in the non-operating position

.(Figures ^' 4 and, 7). ^' . ^{■ ' ' ' ' ""} . ^' V ^'" . \ , As ,shown in -the accompanying drawings, when the rotary element 9 is in , the first position the nozzle 4 is preferably positioned along a direction substantially perpendicular to the head 3 movement path, whilst when the , rotary element is in the second position the nozzle 4 is positioned parallel ^' with the movement path. ^' , ^'

The rotary element 9 can be moved .between the . operating position and the non-operating position in many ways. For example, in the - accompanying drawings 'this is done using a gear wheel ■- rack connection (in many of .the accompanying drawings only , their dimensions , are shown).

Therefore, there are always means 10 for • rotating trie rotary element 9 which in the embodiments illustrated comprise at least a

portion of gear wheel 11 integral with the rotary element 9 and at least a rack 12 meshing with the gear wheel 11. Moreover, there are rack 12 actuator means 13 mobile with a toing and froing motion between a first end position in which they position the rotary element 9 in its first position, and a second end position in which they position the rotary element 9 in its second position.

Both in the embodiment in Figures 3 and 4 and in that in

Figures 7 and 8, the actuator means 13 comprise at least a first hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 14 (preferably pneumatic) , which has at least a fixed part 15 integral with the head 3 and a mobile part 16 integral with the rack 12. ^'

In the embodiment in Figures 3 and 4, in particular, the first actuator 14 consists of a first pneumatic cylinder with the jacket 17 fixed to the head 3, and whose inner piston 18 can be moved between a retracted position (Figure 4) corresponding to rack 12 positioning in its second position, and an extended position (Figure 3) corresponding to rack 12 positioning in its first position. ^' ■ There is ^' also a guide element ■ ^' 19 ^• in which the end > of the rack 12 opposite that integral with the first actuator,-14 piston is slidabϊy inserted. • ^• • . . - . , _. . , In contrast, in the embodiment in Figures 7 and 8, the 'first actuator 14 .consists , of a sgcond pneumatic cylinder with through rod, in which the ■ r,od 20 is fixed to the head 3, ^" whilst the rack

12. is integral with the side wali of the jacket 21 of the second cylinder. ^' . ^" _. • ^■

In general, the first actuator 14 may be double-acting or single-acting (embodiment illustrated) _. .. In the latter .case, the actuator means 13 also preferably comprise at least a first return element 22 mounted between -the fixed part 15 and the mobile part

ϊ6 to return the mobile part 3,6 to the position corresponding to rack _. 12 positioning in the second position ^' .

.In the embodiments illustrated, the first return element 22 is, a. spring mounted inside the first actuator 14 in Figures 7 and

8, arid' between the rack 12 and the guide element 19 in Figures 3 and 4 (therefore outside the first actuator 14) .

Moreover, the accompanying drawings also show the part, integral with the head 3, of the pipe 23 which supplies pressurised air to the first actuator 14. Said pipe .23. is preferably rigid in Figures 3 and 4, whilst it is partly flexible in Figures 7 and 8 where it must follow the movement of the jacket 21 of the second cylinder.

In contrast, in the embodiments in Figures 9 to 10 and 11 to

12, the nozzle 4 shifting means 8 comprise a second hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator 24 (again preferably pneumatic) , having a fixed portion 25 integral with the head 3 (consisting of the head 3 itself if necessary) and a mobile portion 26 operatively connected to the nozzle 4, mobile between a first position in which it brings the nozzle 4 into the operating position (Figure 11), and a second position in which it brings the nozzle 4 into the non-operating position (Figures 9 and 12) . ^'

In the embodiment in Figure 9 the second actuator 24 consists of a. through-hole 27 made in the head 3, closed at the left end by a cap 28 and at the right end by a bushing 29, in which a rod 30 slidabiy inserted in the bushing ^' 29 is mounted ^' in a sealed fashion. Between the. cap 28 and the seal disk 31 ^• integral with the rod 30 there, is a chamber 32 similar to those of . the first and...second pneumatic cylinders described above. The pipe 23 which supplies the pressurised air (or other fluid) joins said chamber .32. The nozzle 4, άs. mounted- at -the head ^; 3 on a support element 33.- slidabiy mounted in a hole 34 made in the head 3 parallel with the second actuator 24. The support element 33 is integrally connected to the mobile portion 26 of the second actuator 24 by a connecting plate 35. _.

In contrast, in -.the embodiment in Figures Ll and 12, the

I nozzle 4 is mounted directly on the mobile portion 26 of the second'- actuator 24. In. this case, the second actuator 2-4 consists of a cylinder , with through rod whose pneumatic connections are not illustrated. ■ • ■ ^' . ^' . ^"

In. the embodiments in Figures 9 to 12 as well, the second actuator 24 may _. be double-acting or single-acting. In the latter case, the ^' shifting means 8 also preferably comprise at least ^• a second return element 36 mounted, between the fixed portion 25 and

the mobile portion 26 to return the mobile portion 26 to the position corresponding to nozzle 4 positioning in the non- operating position.

In both of the cases illustrated, the second return element 36 is mounted inside the second actuator 24, although it may also be mounted outside the actuator.

As already indicated, in all of the embodiments illustrated the return elements are shaped in such a way that they return the nozzle 4 to the non-operating position. In practice, whilst the operating position corresponds to nozzle 4 positioning very close to the rail ^" 6 (the distance may be around a millimetre) , the non- operating portion corresponds to nozzle 4 positioning ^' at a distance ^' from the rail 6 which ensures that a passing train cannot strike the nozzle 4. However, the nozzle 4 preferably consists of a flexible tubuiar element (surrounded by a spring 37 in the accompanying drawings) . In this way, even if the nozzie 4 were in the operating position when a train passed, the train would only bend the nozzle without causing any further damage . To ^' supply pressurised grease to the dispensing nozzle ' ^" 4, .there is normally at least one pipe 38 with a -first end 39 which can be connected to a supply of pressurised grease, and a second end 40 connected to the nozzle.4. Advantageously, said pipe 38, is at least partly integral with- the head 3. . .. ^■ .. , . -.There .are. also preferably intercepting means 41 mounted along .the pipe 38 to selectively enable and inhibit the passage of the grease in the pipe 38. Advantageously, the intercepting means 41 are activated in such a way that they are synchronised with the head 3 movement means 5, .so as to . allow the. supply of grease, to the nozzle' 4 only ^' during, head 3 movement ;along the linear section of the movement ^' path. ■ ^' . in particular, in the embodiments . illustrated, the intercepting .means 41 are activated by the nozzle 4 shifting means

^■ .; This is usually achieved by dividing the pipe 38 into a first, ^' fixed section 42 ^' . integral with the head 3 and ^' extending from ^; the first end. 39 to a third, intermediate end' ^' 43, and a

second, mobile section 44 integral with the nozzle 4 and with the nozzle 4 support (rotary element 9, support element 33, mobile rod of the second actuator 24, etc.) which extends from the second end 40 to a fourth, intermediate end 45, being positioned in such a way that the fixed section 42 and the mobile section 44 are in fluid communication, with the third and fourth ends 43, 45 aligned with one another, only when the nozzle 4 is in the operating position.

In the case of the rotary element 9 this is achieved by arranging the third and fourth ends 43, 45 along an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotary element 9 and eccentric with relation to it. In this way, if the third and fourth ends 43, 45 are aligned when the rotary element 9 is in the first position, they are no longer aligned when it is in the second position. In contrast, in the cases in Figures 9 to 12 the second section 44 of the pipe 38 is made inside respectively the nozzle 4 support element 33 and the second actuator 24 rod. in this case ^" , the fourth end 45 is positioned radially relative to the support element 33 and the rod, whilst the third end 43 is positioned radially, in the head 3, aligned with the position adopted ^• by the fourth end 45 when the nozzle 4 is in> the operating- position "(Figure 11). " .' . _. '-. - .. ^■ .. . - ^. .. ...,

. , The movement means, 5. may have any form. In the accompanying drawings, in particular,- they comprise two- guides (one is normally enough).. consisting of two .longitudinal bars 46 on which the head.3 is slidably mounted, a. motor 47 and a belt drive 48 (only illustrated in Figures 4 and 5) mounted between the motor 47 and the head 3. ' _{, ■} " ' _• ^' .. . ^{. .} . ^. .....

^' The belt ^' .48 is preferably a toothed belt mounted .in _. a loop between two main return rollers 49 and meshing ' with the motor 47 shaft by means of two secondary return rollers ^' 50 .positioned at the ^' side of the shaft. ^■ .

^■ - ■ The belt 48 is. rigidly connected to the head 3 ^' by ^" two. ^" plates

51 integral with the- head 3 which clamp it between them! ' • ■ ■ ' Depending on the embodiments, the device 1 may- or may not comprise supply and check apparatuses. ^' ,

As illustrated in. Figure 13, device 1 operation άs checked

by a central check and control unit 52 which may, for example, be located in a panel mounted close to the track.

Said central unit 52 is supplied with electricity either directly by an electricity line (solution not illustrated) , or by a storage battery 53 which may be connected to a solar panel 54.

As well as checking and controlling the motor 47 for the movement means 5, the central .unit 52 checks and controls a compressor 55 for the production of pressurised air for the pneumatic actuators, and a unit 56 for supplying the pressurised grease which, in turn, comprises a grease tank 57 and a pump 58 (advantageously pneumatic) .

Advantageously, the device 1 may comprise means for automatically returning the nozzle 4 to the non-operating position if the ^' pneumatic or electricity supplies fail (solution not illustrated) . For example, the pipe which supplies the pressurised air may be intercepted by a three-way valve mounted in such a way that it selectively connects the ^' first/second actuator 14, ^' 24 with the ^' compressor 55 or the ^' outside environment, and made in such a way that in the absence of external commands, the first/second act.uator' _, 14, 24 are _. .always connected to the- outside. .

• . In this way,- both if the electricity supply fails and if the pneumatic supply fails, the .first and second, actuators 14,- ,24 cannot -apply any force and the first and _j Second return elements ,22,- 36 return the nozzle 4 -from the operating position^ ^" , ., .Finally, the device .1 preferably , also ^' •comprises one .or more sensors 59, for .example ultrasonic, for detecting the passage, stopping and/or direction of travel of trains at the device.!.

. , Figure ■ 13 also shows with a different dashed, line style the electricity supply line 60, grease ■ supply line '61, air supply,line 62, arid check and cqntrol line 63 (which ^" also contain part of the electricity supply)- . . - . ^' • ■ ..

&s illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the ■ support structure 2 may comprise a lower containment element 64 closed by a /first cover 65 under the head 3 and having _. a .longitudinal slit 66 through which, the head 3 is connected to the longitudinal guides. Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 2, there may be ^" -a second, ^" upper cover 67 with a side slit 68 through -which only the

nozzle 4 can come out when in the operating position (said side slit may be closed by a sheet of rubber or the like) . Although in the accompanying drawings the covers 65, 67 and the relative slits 66, 68 are only illustrated in some of the embodiments, obviously they may be present in all embodiments, whether illustrated or not.

Finally, it should be noticed that the device 1 disclosed will be equipped with special known coupling elements which allow it to be fixed close to the rail 6, as well as adjusting elements which allow precision adjustment of its position relative to the rail 6 (not illustrated) . Moreover, the device i may also be combined with a normal grease collection tank which can be placed under the side of the rail 6 to ^' be lubricated (also not illustrated) . Operation of the device 1 disclosed is immediately relative to the structural description above.

In the home condition, the head 3 is at one end of the movement path and the nozzle 4 is in the non-operating position (if it is mobile) . . When the- central unit 52 decides ^' to proceed with _, rail 6 lubripatioη, it .activates' the motor, 47 to move the .head .3 along the movement path. , Jf the nozzle 4 is mobile, the central unit 52 also issues the command- for nozzle 4 shifting to the operating position and the supply of grease to the nozzle 4 as soon .as the head 3 starts moving along the linear section of the path! If the nozzle 4 is fixed, only the supply of grease is activated.

■In particular, the nozzle 4 is shifted, as already indicated, by supplying pressurised air to the first or the ■ second actuator 24, overcoming the resistance of the first and the second return element 36.

As indicated, ■ when it is in the operating ■ position, the nozzle 4 is brought near to the surface of the rail 6. Advantageously, said distance is calculated in such a way that the grease which comes out of the nozzle 4 must make contact with the surface of the rail 6 before being detached from the nozzle 4. Therefore, .in practice, grease must preferably be supplied to the nozzle 4 with a flow rate which allows the grease to come out of

the nozzle 4 without being sprayed.

In this way, the grease which comes out of the nozzle 4 continuously as the head 3 shifts remains attached to the rail 6 creating a line of grease on it as long as the linear section of the movement path.

When dispensing is complete, the central unit 52 disables the supply of air to the first and/or second actuator 24 and, by- means of a suitable valve, puts the inner pressurised chamber in contact with the outside environment. In this way the return element can return the nozzle 4 to the non-operating position (obviously, in the case of double-acting actuators operation is slightly different) .

The moment when the grease must be dispensed can be identified thanks to the sensor(s) 59. In particular ^' , ^* if the sensor (s) 59 detect (s) the passage of the train (ultrasonic sensor 59), the grease can be dispensed immediately after the train has ^" passed, ^' in contrast, if the sensor (s) 59 detect (s) the ^" approaching train, the grease can be dispensed before the train passes.

Alternatively, the control unit may issue a command for activation of, the device, 1- after a command is received from a remote, source. , .. .

. - αt. ^' -the end of the movement path, the hea.d 3 may remain stationary, .standing by for the next activation,; or it may- be returned to the starting position (the nozzle 4 being kept in the non-operating position if necessary) . . ^■ ■ . ^■ . ■

The present invention brings important advantages.

Firstly^ .thank's to the present invention it is possible to distribute an even strip of grease on .a long section ^' .of rail, thus increasing the lubricating effect. ^{" '} . ^{• '"} _. . ^" • ^" . Secondly, relatively viscous grease, can be applied, which does -not tend to slide off the rail.

It . should also be noticed that the present invention is relatively. ^' easy tip produce and even the cost jinked ^' .to implementation of the invention is not very high. ^' ' The. invention described may be modified and adapted without thereby departing from the scope of the. inventive concept.

All details of the invention may be substituted by other

technically equivalent elements and, in practice, all of the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may be any according to requirements.