RAIL COUPLING

Abstract

A releasable rail coupling (1000) for releasably coupling a first rail 10A providing a first portion P1 of a miming surface RS for a wheel (120) and a second rail (10B) providing a second portion P2 of the miming surface RS is described. The rail coupling (1000) comprises a first part (1100) having a first end 1110 comprising a first male coupling member (1111) and a second end (1120) arranged for joining to the first rail (10A). The rail coupling (1000) comprises a second part (1200) having a first end (1210) comprising a corresponding first female coupling member (1212), arranged to receive the first male coupling member (1111) therein, and a second end (1220) arranged for joining to the second rail (10B). The rail coupling (1000) is arrangeable in a first configuration wherein the first male coupling member (1111) and the first female coupling member (1212) are uncoupled. The rail coupling (1000) is arrangeable a second configuration wherein the first male coupling member (1111) and the first female coupling member (1212) are coupled by receiving the first male coupling member (1111) in the first female coupling member (1212). The rail coupling (1000) provides a third portion P3 of the running surface RS in the second configuration. In this way, assembly and/or disassembly of the first rail (10A) (i.e. a first length of rail) and the second rail (10B) (i.e. a second length of rail) may be facilitated and/or errors in assembly reduced.

Claims

1. A releasable rail coupling for releasably coupling a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface, the rail coupling comprising: a first part having a first end comprising a first male coupling member and a second end arranged for joining to the first rail; and a second part having a first end comprising a corresponding first female coupling member, arranged to receive the first male coupling member therein, and a second end arranged for joining to the second rail; wherein the rail coupling is arrangeable in: a first configuration wherein the first male coupling member and the first female coupling member are uncoupled; and a second configuration wherein the first male coupling member and the first female coupling member are coupled by receiving the first male coupling member in the first female coupling member; wherein the rail coupling provides a third portion of the running surface in the second configuration.

2. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first female coupling member is arranged to slidably receive, for example axially, the first male coupling member therein.

3. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first male coupling member and/or the first female coupling member comprises a relief region, arranged to facilitate moving the rail coupling between the first configuration and the second configuration.

4. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the first part is arranged for joining to an end of the first rail and/or the second end of the second part is arranged for joining to an end of the second rail.

5. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the first part comprises a second male coupling and/or a second female coupling member for joining to the first rail.

6. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first male coupling member comprises a circular cross-sectional shape,

7. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a length of the first male coupling member to a cross-sectional dimension, for example a diameter or a width, thereof, is in a range from 0.5:1 to 5:1, preferably in a range from 1:1 to 4:1, more preferably in a range from 1.5:1 to 3:1.

8. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the second part provides, at least in part, the third portion of the running surface.

9. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the first part provides, at least in part, the third portion of the running surface.

10. The rail coupling according to claim 1, wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof.

11. The rail coupling according to claim 1, comprising a third part, for example a fishplate, for attaching to the first rail and the second rail.

12. A rail section providing a portion of a running surface for a wheel, the rail section comprising a rail and a first part and/or a second part of a rail coupling, according to claim 1, joined thereto.

13. The rail section according to claim 12, wherein the rail comprises a cylindrical tube, wherein the running surface comprises a cylindrical running surface or a part thereof and wherein the rail comprises a flange.

14. A method of manufacturing a rail section according to claim 12, the method comprising: joining, by welding, the first part and/or the second part of the rail coupling member to the rail.

15. A rail assembly, or a kit of parts for a rail assembly, comprising a set of rail sections, including a first rail section and a second rail section, according to claim 12.

16. The rail assembly according to claim 15, wherein a discontinuity in the running surface, measured normal and/or parallel thereto, between the first rail section and the second rail section is at most 1 mm.

17. A method of assembling a rail assembly according to claim 15, comprising: moving the rail coupling from the first configuration to the second configuration.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: machining the weld.

19. The rail assembly of claim 15, wherein the discontinuity is at most 0.5 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0126] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how exemplary embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures, in which:

[0127] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exploded plan view of a rail assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, including a rail coupling according to an exemplary embodiment arranged in a first configuration;

[0128] FIG. 2 schematically depicts plan view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1, including the rail coupling arranged in a second configuration;

[0129] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail coupling of FIG. 2;

[0130] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail coupling of FIG. 3, in more detail;

[0131] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of a first part of the rail coupling of FIG. 1;

[0132] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a perspective view of a second part of the rail coupling of FIG. 1;

[0133] FIG. 7 schematically depicts (A) a front elevation view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) an rear elevation view of the first part of the rail coupling of FIG. 5;

[0134] FIG. 8 schematically depicts (A) a front elevation view; (B) a side elevation view; (C) an rear elevation view; and (D) a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second part of the rail coupling of FIG. 6;

[0135] FIG. 9 schematically depicts (A) a plan view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) a front elevation view of a rail of the rail assembly of FIG. 1;

[0136] FIG. 10 schematically depicts (A) a perspective view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) a front elevation view of a third part of the rail assembly of FIG. 1; and

[0137] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a perspective view of the rail assembly of FIG. 1, including a trolley thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0138] Rail Coupling

[0139] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exploded plan view of a rail assembly 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, including a rail coupling 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment arranged in a first configuration.

[0140] FIG. 2 schematically depicts plan view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1, including the rail coupling 1000 arranged in a second configuration.

[0141] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 2.

[0142] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 3, in more detail.

[0143] The releasable rail coupling 1000 is for releasably coupling a first rail 10A providing a first portion P1 of a running surface RS for a wheel 120 and a second rail 10B providing a second portion P2 of the running surface RS. The rail coupling 1000 comprises a first part 1100 having a first end 1110 comprising a first male coupling member 1111 and a second end 1120 arranged for joining to the first rail 10A. The rail coupling 1000 comprises a second part 1200 having a first end 1210 comprising a corresponding first female coupling member 1212, arranged to receive the first male coupling member 1111 therein, and a second end 1220 arranged for joining to the second rail 10B. The rail coupling 1000 is arrangeable in a first configuration wherein the first male coupling member 1111 and the first female coupling member 1212 are uncoupled. The rail coupling 1000 is arrangeable a second configuration wherein the first male coupling member 1111 and the first female coupling member 1212 are coupled by receiving the first male coupling member 1111 in the first female coupling member 1212. The rail coupling 1000 provides a third portion P3 of the running surface RS in the second configuration.

[0144] In this way, assembly and/or disassembly of the first rail 10A (i.e. a first length of rail) and the second rail 10B (i.e. a second length of rail) may be facilitated and/or errors in assembly reduced.

[0145] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a perspective view of the first part 1100 of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 1.

[0146] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a perspective view of the second part 1200 of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 1.

[0147] FIG. 7 schematically depicts (A) a front elevation view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) an rear elevation view of the first part 1100 of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 5.

[0148] FIG. 8 schematically depicts (A) a front elevation view; (B) a side elevation view; (C) an rear elevation view; and (D) a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second part 1200 of the rail coupling 1000 of FIG. 6.

[0149] In this example, the first male coupling member 1111 and the corresponding first female coupling member 1212 have corresponding shapes, particularly a plug and a socket respectively.

[0150] In this example, the first male coupling member 1111 comprises a cylindrical external shape i.e. a plug. In this example, an external diameter D.sub.m1,ext of the first male coupling member 1111 is turned to a tolerance within a range from −0.02 mm to +0.00 mm of a first coupling member diameter D of 51.00 mm.

[0151] In this example, a ratio of a length L.sub.m1 of the first male coupling member 1111 to the external diameter D.sub.m1,ext thereof is about 2.4:1.

[0152] The second part 1200 is as described with respect to the first part 1100, mutatis mutandis.

[0153] In this example, the first female coupling member 1212 comprises a cylindrical internal shape. In this example, an internal diameter D.sub.f1,int of the first female coupling member 1212 is bored to a tolerance within a range from −0.00 mm to +0.02 mm of the first coupling member diameter D of 51.00 mm.

[0154] In this example, a ratio of a length L.sub.f1 of the first female coupling member 1212 to the internal diameter D.sub.f1,int thereof is about 2.5:1.

[0155] In this example, the first female coupling member 1212 is arranged to slidably receive, axially, the first male coupling member 1111 therein.

[0156] Running Surface

[0157] In this example, the running surface RS is a continuous running surface RS, having no, or substantially free from, discontinuities therein, for example no protrusions (i.e. convexities) thereon or depressions (i.e. concavities) therein. In this example, the running surface RS comprises a convex, particularly a cylindrical, running surface RS.

[0158] In this example, the first part 1100 provides, at least in part, the third portion P3 of the running surface RS and the first end 1110 of the second part 1200 provides, at least in part, the third portion P3 of the running surface RS. In this example, the first part 1100 and the second part 1200 provide similar or equal parts of the third portion P3 of the running surface RS. In this example, an external surface of the first female coupling member 1212 provides, at least in part, the third portion P3 of the running surface RS.

[0159] In this example, the running surface RS comprises a cylindrical running surface RS or a part thereof, for example as provided by a tube 11. In this example, the first rail 10A comprises a first tube 11 having an external diameter D.sub.ext of 60.3 mm, whereby the first portion P1 of the running surface RS comprises a first portion P1 of a cylindrical running surface RS, the second rail 10B comprises a second tube 11 having a diameter D.sub.ext (i.e. the same diameter as the first tube 11, at least nominally), whereby the second portion P2 of the running surface RS comprises a second portion P2 of the cylindrical running surface RS and the rail coupling 1000 comprises a cylindrical region or part thereof having a diameter D.sub.ext (i.e. the same diameter as the first tube 11 and the second tube 11, at least nominally), whereby the third portion P3 of the running surface RS comprises a third portion P3 of the cylindrical running surface RS.

[0160] Relief Region

[0161] In this example, the first female coupling member 1212 comprises a socket comprising a relief region 1213 provided in an intermediate region thereof, having a relatively larger diameter than adjacent regions thereto. In this example, an internal diameter D.sub.f1,rr of the relief region 1213 of the first female coupling member 1212 is bored to within a range from +2.00 mm to +2.50 mm of the internal diameter D.sub.f1,int.

[0162] Joining to End of Rail

[0163] In this example, the second end 1120 of the first part 1100 comprises a second male coupling 1121 for joining to the first rail 10A. In this example, the second end 1220 of the second part 1200 comprises a second male coupling 1221 for joining to the second rail 10B.

[0164] In this example, the first rail 10A comprises a first tube 11A having an internal diameter D.sub.int of 53.9 mm the second rail 10B comprises a second tube 11B having an internal diameter D.sub.int (i.e. the same internal diameter as the first tube 11A, at least nominally), the second end 1120 of the first part 1100 comprises a second male coupling 1121 having an external diameter D.sub.m2,ext where D.sub.m2,ext is compatible with D.sub.int and the second end 1120 of the second part 1200 comprises a second male coupling 1221 having an external diameter D.sub.m2,ext where D.sub.m2,ext is compatible with D.sub.int. It should be understood that where D.sub.m2,ext is compatible with D.sub.int means that D.sub.m2,ext is at most D.sub.int. In this example, an external diameter D.sub.m2,ext of the second male coupling member 1121 is turned to within a range from −1.00 mm to −0.75 mm with respect to D.sub.int. In this way, insertion of the second male coupling 1121 into the first rail 10A, for example, is facilitated.

[0165] Material

[0166] In this example, the rail coupling 1000 is formed from steel according to EN 10025: part 2: 2004 grade S355. In this example, the rail coupling 1000 is powder coated.

[0167] Third Part

[0168] FIG. 10 schematically depicts (A) a perspective view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) a front elevation view of a third part 1300 of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1.

[0169] In this example, the rail coupling 1000 comprises a third part 1300, particularly a set of fishplates, for attaching to the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B, particularly to respective flanges thereof. In this way, the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B may be mutually aligned. In this example, the first fish plate 1300 comprises a set of perforations 1303 therethrough for mechanically attaching, for example using mechanical fasteners such as dowels and/or threaded fasteners, to one side of respective flanges 12A, 12B of the first rail 10A and the second rail 10B via the set of congruent perforations 13 included in the respective flanges 12A, 12B at adjacent ends of the first rail and the second rail. In this example, the set of fishplates includes the first fishplate and a second fishplate, comprising respective set of perforations therethrough, for mechanically attaching, for example using threaded fasteners, to both sides of respective flanges of the first rail and the second rail via a set of congruent perforations included in the respective flanges at adjacent ends of the first rail and the second rail. In this example, the perforations are closely toleranced, for example in a range from +0.10 to +0.20 with respect to the mechanical fasteners, for example a shank thereof. For example, the perforations may have a diameter of 14.00 mm for M14 bolts having a shank diameter of 13.80 mm or a diameter of 12.00 mm for M12 bolts having a shank diameter of 11.80 mm.

[0170] Rail

[0171] FIG. 9 schematically depicts (A) a plan view; (B) a side elevation view; and (C) a front elevation view of the rail 10 of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1.

[0172] In this example, the rail 10 (i.e. the first rail 10A and/or the second rail 10B) comprises a cylindrical (i.e. a convex) running surface RS. In this example, the rail comprises a cylindrical tube 11, wherein the running surface RS comprises a cylindrical running surface RS or a part thereof and wherein the rail comprises a flange 12. In this example, the tube 11 has an external diameter D.sub.ext of 60.3 mm. In this example, the tube 11 has a wall thickness of 3.2 mm. In this example, the tube 11 has an internal diameter D.sub.int of 53.9 mm.

[0173] In this example, the rail 10 is a monorail (i.e. a single rail).

[0174] In this example, the rail 10 is formed from steel according to EN 10025: part 2: 2004 grade S275 or equivalent. In this example, the tube 11 is seamless tube 11. In this example, the rail 10 is powder coated.

[0175] In this example, the flange 12, having a thickness of 12 mm and a height of 100 mm, is arranged upstanding from the tube 11 i.e. extending away therefrom. In this example, the flange 12 is arranged longitudinally with respect to the tube 11. In this example, the flange 12 is oriented normally to the running surface RS. In this example, the rail comprises a longitudinal flange 12. In this example, the flange 12 is arranged to provide a fixing means, particularly a first set of four perforations 13 through the flange 12. In this example, the longitudinal flange 12 comprises a second set of four perforations through the flange 12. In this example, the longitudinal flange 12 extends continuously along a length of the rail. In this example, the flange 12 is welded to the tube 11, for example continuously or intermittently (i.e. stitch welding, for example on alternate sides of the flange 12).

[0176] In this example, a length of the flange 12 is greater than a length of the tube 11. In this example, the flange 12 extends beyond both ends of the tube 11, by distances correlating or coinciding (i.e. equal to or substantially equal to) respective lengths, or parts thereof, of the third portion P3 of the running surface RS provided by the first part 1100 and/or the second part 1200 of the rail coupling 1000 joined thereto.

[0177] Trolley

[0178] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a perspective view of the rail assembly 1 of FIG. 1, including a trolley 100 thereon.

[0179] In this example, the trolley 100 comprises a frame 110; a set of wheels 120, including the first wheel 110A and a second wheel 120B, rotatably coupled to the frame 110; and an attachment member (not shown), coupled to the frame 110, for attachment, preferably suspension, of the load L therefrom, in use. The first wheel 110A is rotatable in a first plane about a first axis and the second wheel is rotatable in a second plane about a second axis. The first plane and the second plane define a line. The trolley 100 is arrangeable in: a first configuration, wherein the attachment member (not shown) is arranged at a first angular displacement about the line; and

[0180] a second configuration, wherein the attachment member (not shown) is arranged at a second angular displacement about the line, wherein the first angular displacement and the second angular displacement are different.

[0181] In this example, the trolley 100 is a captive trolley 100, as described above. In this example, the set of wheels 120 are arranged to retain the trolley 100 on a rail.

[0182] Although a preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

[0183] In summary, a releasable rail coupling, a rail section comprising a part of a rail coupling, a method of manufacturing a rail section, a rail assembly and a kit of parts for a rail assembly including a set of rail sections and a method of assembling a rail assembly are provided.

[0184] The releasable rail coupling is for releasably coupling a first rail providing a first portion of a running surface for a wheel and a second rail providing a second portion of the running surface, the rail coupling comprising: a first part having a first end comprising a first male coupling member and a second end arranged for joining to the first rail; and a second part having a first end comprising a corresponding first female coupling member, arranged to receive the first male coupling member therein, and a second end arranged for joining to the second rail; wherein the rail coupling is arrangeable in: a first configuration wherein the first male coupling member and the first female coupling member are uncoupled; and a second configuration wherein the first male coupling member and the first female coupling member are coupled by receiving the first male coupling member in the first female coupling member; wherein the rail coupling provides a third portion of the running surface in the second configuration.

[0185] In this way, assembly and/or disassembly of the first rail (i.e. a first length of rail) and the second rail (i.e. a second length of rail) may be facilitated and/or errors in assembly reduced.

[0186] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0187] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0188] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0189] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.