Compensating structure for bridging a structural joint in a railway track

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compensating structure (1) for bridging a structural joint (2) in a railway track (3) with a ballast bed (4) having two edge sleepers (5) arranged at the respective edges of the structural joint (2), which are designed such that, due to their shape, they prevent track ballast from sliding out of the ballast bed (4) into the structural joint (2) and to which at least one central sleeper (6) arranged in the area of ​​the structural joint (2) is movably attached, wherein the at least one movable central sleeper (6) has a central beam (7) and two longitudinal beams (8), wherein the central beam (7) is designed to be so wide that a maximum of two rail supports (9) per rail (10) can be arranged on it and the central sleeper (6) is floatingly mounted on the edge sleepers (5) and has been adjusted in its position at least once relative to the two edge sleepers (5) by means of at least one adjusting means (11, 12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a compensating structure for bridging a structural joint in a railway track with a ballast bed.

[0002] Structural joints that need to be bridged can occur, for example, in the area of ​​a bridge or an elevated railway track. Railway tracks with a ballast bed and rails laid on sleepers are, at least in the case of smaller structural joints, typically simply laid over them. This can lead to ballast abrasion in the area of ​​the structural joint. This abrasion occurs particularly when the railway track rises and falls due to structural movement in the area adjacent to the structural joint. This abrasion is detrimental to the ballast's function because the individual ballast stones should ideally have sharp edges. This sharpness ensures the load-bearing capacity of the ballast structure. If the ballast loses its sharp edges, the load-bearing capacity of the ballast structure, and consequently that of the entire railway track, is compromised.When excessive abrasion occurs in a ballast bed, it is referred to as "white ballast." This ballast, which is no longer sharp-edged and therefore no longer load-bearing, must then be replaced. This not only incurs costs but can also lead to restrictions in the usability of the railway track.

[0003] In order to limit the movement of the railway track in the area of ​​larger structural joints, various compensatory structures have therefore been proposed in the past.

[0004] A well-known compensating structure is the so-called Stog compensating plate, as described, for example, in DE 20 2016 103 931 U1. This is a relatively large steel plate that bridges the structural joint, thereby dividing the actual joint gap into two smaller joint gaps located laterally to the compensating plate. Because it is constructed as a solid steel plate, this compensating structure is relatively expensive to manufacture, and its anchoring requires very large and heavy weights, sometimes exceeding 15 tons each. Therefore, it has so far only been used for so-called slab tracks. These are railway tracks where the rails are fixed to concrete slabs and, due to the relatively high construction costs, are generally used for high-speed lines.The leveling plate, also known as the "Stog plate", is therefore not used on roads with a gravel bed.

[0005] Another well-known leveling design features a support grid that uses less material compared to the Stog plate. However, these designs employ relatively complex mechanical control mechanisms to secure and adjust the position of at least one movable central sleeper, such as laterally mounted scissor mechanisms. These have proven to be expensive and prone to malfunction in the past.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of proposing a cost-effective and at the same time relatively low-maintenance and less prone to malfunctions compensating construction for bridging a structural joint in a railway track with a ballast bed.

[0007] This problem is solved by a compensating structure according to claim 1. This compensating structure is for bridging a construction joint in a railway track with a ballast bed and two edge sleepers arranged at the respective edges of the construction joint. These edge sleepers are designed such that, due to their shape, they prevent track ballast from sliding out of the ballast bed into the construction joint, and at least one central sleeper arranged in the area of ​​the construction joint is movably attached to them. The at least one movable central sleeper has a central beam with two longitudinal beams that are long enough to bridge the construction joint in its fully open state and over which the central sleeper is supported by the edge sleepers. The central beam is wide enough tothat a maximum of two rail supports per rail can be arranged on it and that the center sleeper is floatingly supported on the edge sleepers and has been adjusted in its position at least once relative to the two edge sleepers using at least one adjusting device.

[0008] The inventive solution is based on the idea of ​​creating a compensating structure for bridging a structural joint in a railway track with a ballast bed, requiring only a relatively simple and, ideally, one-time adjustment of the position of at least one movable central sleeper. This eliminates the need for the complex control mechanism of a typical girder grid solution. A design based on the Stog compensating plate for slab track is used. However, unlike the Stog plate, the proposed design is significantly smaller, lighter, and much easier to anchor to the edges of the structure.

[0009] The solution proposed here is based on the further insight that, in the area of ​​ballast-bed roadways, the large dimensions of a classic Stog slab with its heavy weights are not necessary to achieve a positive effect on the durability of the ballast bed in the area of ​​the construction joint. According to the invention, it is sufficient that the ballast bed is prevented from sliding into the construction joint and thus covering it by means of appropriately designed edge sleepers. This prevents the ballast from moving with the structure. At the same time, a significantly narrower and therefore easier-to-anchor movable central sleeper, compared to a Stog slab, is used to bridge and support the roadway in the area of ​​the construction joint.Although, due to its smaller dimensions, it does not have the same effect as a classic Stog plate, which distributes movements in the building joint over a relatively large area, this effect is not intended according to the invention.

[0010] The invention relies on the fact that it is sufficient to support the rails only in a relatively small area, essentially corresponding to the construction joint, using a movable central sleeper stiffened by edge beams. This allows the edge sleepers to be designed with relatively slim profiles. Consequently, the very massive anchoring blocks or weights of the conventional Stog plate are eliminated, as only a relatively light and small, movable central sleeper needs to be anchored. This significantly reduces wear on the track ballast and extends the service life of the ballast bed in the area of ​​the construction joint, all at relatively manageable acquisition costs. The solution according to the invention therefore pays for itself relatively quickly.

[0011] Advantageously, at least one adjusting device is arranged between each edge sleeper and at least one movable center sleeper. This allows the position of the at least one movable center sleeper to be adjusted in several respects.

[0012] It is also advantageous if at least one, preferably four, adjusting means acting in a vertical direction is / are arranged between an edge threshold and a center threshold. This allows the height of the center threshold to be adjusted.

[0013] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one, preferably two, adjusting devices are arranged horizontally between an edge sleeper and a center sleeper. This allows, for example, the position of the center sleeper to be adjusted relative to a track axis.

[0014] Preferably, at least one adjusting device comprises a press, in particular an adjusting ring press. The press can be mechanically and / or hydraulically driven. A very advantageous combination of hydraulic press and mechanical load holding is provided by cylinders with a locking ring, so-called adjusting ring presses. With these, the center threshold can be raised or moved and then held in this position. The adjusting ring provides mechanical support. Such a design of the adjusting device enables precise adjustment of the position of the movable center threshold. At the same time, the set position can be effectively, permanently, and easily fixed with such an adjusting device.

[0015] It is advantageous if at least one adjusting device comprises at least one component of a structural bearing, in particular a spherical cap, a support plate, a sliding disc, an elastomeric part and / or a sliding plate, preferably a complete structural bearing. In this way, the adjusting device also assumes the function of supporting the center sleeper.

[0016] In addition, a movable center sleeper and / or edge sleeper features a rail support recess on its upper surface for each rail support to simplify the fastening of the respective rail support. These recesses can be trough-shaped metal plates. This allows a rail support to be moved and fixed in the desired position on the center sleeper or edge sleeper very easily and quickly.

[0017] Preferably, at least one movable center sleeper has an H-shaped design in plan view, preferably with two longitudinal beams of equal length. Such a center sleeper design is very rigid. Furthermore, this type of center sleeper can be manufactured relatively easily.

[0018] Further development involves the longitudinal beams of at least one movable central sill being arranged parallel to each other in plan view and perpendicular to the central beam at its edge. This makes manufacturing as a standardized component conceivable.

[0019] Desirably, at least one movable center sleeper has a fastening means for at least one adjusting means acting in a horizontal direction, wherein the fastening means is in particular designed as a recess, web and / or bracket and is preferably arranged centrally on a side of the center sleeper that faces an adjacent edge sleeper. This allows the center sleeper to be easily adjusted and fastened to the edge sleeper.

[0020] Preferably, at least one edge threshold is designed with a box-like shape, at least in some areas. This box-like design can have several positive effects. For example, it can improve handling during installation. This shape can also simplify the fastening of the center threshold.

[0021] It is conceivable that at least one edge sill has a cavity which, after the installation of the edge sill in a building, can be filled with a grout to weigh down the edge sill.

[0022] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one edge threshold has a fastening means for attaching at least one horizontally acting adjustment device, in particular a pin-shaped stop projecting upwards. This facilitates the installation and adjustment of the adjustment device and reduces installation time.

[0023] Ideally, at least one edge sleeper should have an anchoring device for connecting it to a structural element. This can be a special anchor design or a conventional anchor. Options include anchors embedded in concrete, bolts, dowels, or screwed-in solutions. Ultimately, all of these serve to transfer the loads from the at least one movable center sleeper into the structure.

[0024] Preferably, at least one edge sill has at least one recess on its longitudinal side facing the building joint for receiving and supporting at least one longitudinal beam and / or a fastening element of a movable central sill. In this way, the edge sill can also perform a protective and guiding function.

[0025] In a further development, at least one edge sleeper has an additional sheet metal plate extending longitudinally along at least one end face for ballast retention. This allows material for ballast retention to be saved.

[0026] Preferably, at least one edge sleeper has a maximum of one rail support point per rail on its upper surface. Preferably, a rail support point socket is also provided for each rail support point to simplify the fastening of the respective rail support point to the edge sleeper.

[0027] Furthermore, at least one edge sleeper has at least one sliding bearing for supporting a longitudinal beam of a movable center sleeper. This improves load distribution and durability.

[0028] It is also conceivable that two movable central sleepers are arranged between the two edge sleepers, which in turn are articulated and / or slidably attached to each other. In this way, even larger construction joints can be bridged easily. This increases the range of applications of the solution according to the invention.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing. The drawing schematically shows: Fig. 1 a top view of the compensating construction according to the invention; Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1 section shown along axis AA; Fig. 3 den in Fig. 1 section shown along axis BB; Fig. 4 den in Fig. 1 section shown along axis CC; Fig. 5 den in Fig. 1 section shown along the axis DD; Fig. 6 an enlarged top view of one of the two in Fig. 1 shown fastenings of the central sill 6 to a fastening device 15 with the interposition of two horizontally acting adjusting devices 12; and Fig. 7 an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the in Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 vertically acting adjustment devices shown 11.

[0030] The same reference symbols are used for the same components in the figures.

[0031] In the Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a compensating construction 1 according to the invention for bridging a structural joint 2 in a railway track 3 with a ballast bed 4 with two edge sleepers 5 arranged at the respective edges of the structural joint 2 in four different views or sections.

[0032] The compensating structure 1 has two edge sleepers 5 which are designed in such a way that, due to their box-shaped form extending to the top edge of the ballast bed 4, they prevent track ballast from sliding out of the ballast bed 4 into the structure joint 2.

[0033] Furthermore, a central sill 6, located in the area of ​​the construction joint 2, is movably attached to the two edge sills 5. The movable central sill 6 in turn has a central beam 7 with two longitudinal beams 8, arranged here at its lateral ends (although a more central arrangement is also conceivable in principle), which are designed to be long enough to bridge the construction joint 2 in its fully open state and over which the central sill 6 is supported by the edge sills 5.

[0034] The central support 7 is now designed to be so wide or narrow that a maximum of two rail supports 9 per rail 10 can be arranged on it. It is therefore significantly narrower than a conventional Stog plate.

[0035] The central sleeper 6 is now supported in a floating manner, similar to a Stog slab, and its position relative to the two edge sleepers 5 has been adjusted at least once using at least one adjusting device 11. However, unlike the Stog slab, the support here is provided by the specially shaped edge sleepers 5.

[0036] How to examine the longitudinal section of the Fig. 2 and the cross-sections in Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5, the embodiment of a compensating construction 1 according to the invention shown here has two (i.e., a total of four) vertically acting adjusting means 11 under each longitudinal beam 8. In addition, the central threshold 6 has also been adjusted in its position by means of four horizontally acting adjusting means 12.

[0037] Since all eight adjustment devices 11 and 12 shown here are hydraulic adjusting ring presses, the position of the center sleeper 5 can be adjusted once during its installation using the hydraulic presses. The presses are then fixed in position using the adjusting rings. Because the adjustment devices 11 and 12 each also incorporate at least one component of a structural bearing, the center sleeper 6 is nevertheless supported by a floating bearing.

[0038] Opposite the vertically acting adjustment means 11, a bearing element 13, in this case designed as a ball bearing, is provided. However, the design with a ball bearing should not be interpreted strictly here. The bearing element 13 could also be implemented with a sliding part made of a sliding material.

[0039] The horizontally acting adjusting means 11 in turn engage a fastening means 14 of the center clamp 6, which is designed here as a recess, and a fastening means 15, which is designed here as a pin-shaped stop pointing upwards and is provided on the edge sleepers 5.

[0040] The edge sleepers 5 are connected to the structure by means of anchor devices not shown in detail here. Furthermore, any cavities in the box-shaped edge sleepers 5 have been filled with a grout 16. The weight of the grout 16 thus also contributes to anchoring the respective edge sleeper 5 and ultimately the central sleeper 6.

[0041] To simplify the fastening of each rail support 9 to an edge sleeper 5 and the center sleeper 6, each of these has a rail support fitting 17 for each rail support 9. This fitting is a laterally bent sheet metal plate.

[0042] Especially when the edge sleepers 5 are not as wide as the ballast bed 4, it is advisable – as is the case here primarily in the Fig. 1 shown - additional side plates 17 are provided for gravel retention on the end faces.

[0043] How to Fig. 6 and Fig. As can be seen from 7, both the vertically acting adjustment means 11 and the horizontally acting adjustment means 12 can expediently be designed in the manner of a spherical sliding bearing.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the horizontal adjustment of the center sleeper 6 using two horizontally acting adjustment means 12. For this purpose, a sliding plate 20 is mounted on each of the side walls of the recess 14 provided in the center sleeper 6. This forms a pairing, also referred to as a sliding surface, with the sliding disc 22 made of a low-friction plastic mounted on the sliding plate 21. The sliding plate 21 has a spherically curved recess in which a spherical cap head 23 sits and can rotate. The cap head 23, in turn, sits on a pin 24, which can be extended or retracted hydraulically or mechanically, e.g., by means of a thread, from a mounting base 25 attached to the fastening element 15 of the edge sleeper 5 and permanently adjusted there.

[0045] In Fig.Figure 7 shows one of the four adjustment means 11 provided for vertical position adjustment. Here, too, a sliding plate 26, attached to the central sill 6, more precisely to the edge support 8, interacts with a flat sliding disc 27. This flat sliding disc 27 is embedded in the flat top surface of a cap 28. The cap 28, in turn, is movably seated in a spherically concave curved recess in a piston 29. A curved sliding disc 30 made of a low-friction material is attached in the recess. The piston 29 is located in a pot-shaped cylinder 31 and can be moved by injecting hydraulic oil into the cylinder 31 via a filler neck 32. A locking device 33 allows the piston 29 to be permanently fixed in its position in the cylinder 30 without the need for continuous hydraulic oil injection. To prevent hydraulic oil from leaking, an annular seal 34 is provided on the piston.In addition, two pins 35 are provided in the cylinder as anti-rotation devices, on which the piston can slide. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Compensation structure 2. Construction joint 3 Railway track 4 gravel bed 5 Edge threshold 6. Medium threshold 7 central beams 8 longitudinal beams 9 Rail support point 10 rail 11 Vertically acting adjustment device 12 Horizontally acting adjustment device 13 roller bearings 14 Fastening devices (recess) on the center threshold 15 Fastening devices (pin-shaped stop) on the edge threshold 16 Potting compound 17 rail support point 18 sheets for gravel retention 19 Threshold 20 sliding plates 21 Sliding plate 22 Sliding disc 23 calotte head 24 pens 25 mounting bases 26 sliding plate 27 Flat sliding disc 28 Calotte 29 pistons 30 Curved sliding disc 31 cylinders 32 filling ports 33 locking devices 34 Seal 35 pins for anti-rotation protection QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2016 103 931 U1

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