Tram turnout rail with enhanced groove profile

Abstract

FIELD: tram tracks.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the design of rails for turnouts of tram tracks, intended for guiding wheel pairs in the dead space zone of a frog. The rail for a tram turnout contains a groove for guiding the wheel flange. The groove is made with a variable width, including: a working area with a width of 25 mm, collection areas with a smooth change in width from 25 to 31 mm, branches with a change in width from 31 to 35 mm.EFFECT: increased reliability and safety of the rail operation by optimizing the groove profile.1 cl, 4 dwg

Description

[0001] The invention relates to devices for the superstructure of a rail transport track, in particular to the designs of turnout rails of tram tracks, intended for guiding wheel pairs in the dead space zone of a frog.

[0002] Turnout rails are designed to correct the direction of travel of a rolling stock's wheelset as it passes the frogs of the turnout. This prevents the wheel's flange from striking the frog core when passing through the so-called dead space. The wheel of a vehicle in the dead space area of ​​the frog moves along its flange in a groove that is elevated in the dead space area relative to the overall groove of the turnout rail.

[0003] When using standard tram rails with the dimensions: X = 35 mm, Y = 1524 mm, Z = 1472 mm (Fig. 1), the groove dimensions X = 35 mm as specified in GOST R 55941-2014 "Grouted tram rails" (selected as a prototype). In this case, the safe passage of the train is ensured only in the extreme left position of Fig. 1 (A) and is not ensured in the extreme right position of the wheelset in Fig. 1 (B), where the flange of the right wheel can run onto the working surfaces of the frog, which may subsequently lead to the wheelset derailment.

[0004] Technical challenge: increasing the reliability and safety of rail operation by optimizing the groove profile.

[0005] Technical result: ensuring safe passage of the wheelset in extreme positions.

[0006] Disclosure of the essence of the invention

[0007] The stated task and technical result are achieved due to the fact that a rail for a tram switch is declared, containing a working groove for guiding the wheel flange, characterized in that the groove is made with a variable width, including:

[0008] - working area width 25 mm,

[0009] - catching zones with smooth width change from 25 to 31 mm,

[0010] - bends with width change from 31 to 35 mm.

[0011] Brief description of drawings (if any)

[0012] Fig. 1 - Problem of safe passage with a 35 mm gutter (A - safe position of the wheelset; B - dangerous position of the wheelset).

[0013] Fig. 2 - Profile of the declared rail design (25 mm groove).

[0014] Fig. 3 - Safe passage of the wheelset.

[0015] Fig. 4 - Rail structure in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In the drawings: 1 – working area, 2 – collecting area, 3 – branch.

[0017] Implementation of the invention

[0018] The rail (item 3) (Fig. 2) is a component of the turnout switch and is designed to guide the flange (crown) of the rolling stock wheel within the so-called "dead space" of the frog, preventing the wheel from striking the frog core and causing derailment. The rail (item 3) is located opposite the frog point at a specific geometric distance, ensuring a smooth entry and exit of the wheelset from the crossing area.

[0019] The fundamental difference of the proposed rail is the design of its working groove with a variable width along its length (see Fig. 4):

[0020] - Working area (1), see Fig. 4: The area located directly opposite the crosspiece. The width of the groove K (Fig. 2) here is 25 mm. This is a critical dimension, preventing the right wheel flange from colliding with the working surfaces of the crosspiece even in the extreme right position of the wheelset (Fig. 3), thereby reliably preventing derailment, since within the dimensions: Y = 1524 mm, Z = 1472 mm, the groove depth K = 25 mm prevents the wheelset from slipping.

[0021] - Catch Zones (2): Located on both sides of the working area. The groove width gradually increases from 25 mm to 31 mm. This section ensures a smooth, impact-free entry and exit of the wheel flange into the narrow working area.

[0022] - Bends (smooth transitions) (3): The beginning and end sections of the rail. The groove width increases from 31 mm to the standard 35 mm, ensuring compatibility with the standard tram rail profile and smooth interaction with the wheel when approaching and leaving the rail.

[0023] The variable groove rail profile is formed by hot rolling on a rail and beam mill, followed by calibration of the working area by mechanical processing (milling) of a standard rail blank.

[0024] A rail with a variable groove can be produced on existing metallurgical and mechanical engineering equipment of enterprises that produce rails and turnouts (for example, NPO VNIIZhT, Uraltransmash, etc.).

[0025] The design directly solves the identified safety problems: it prevents the flange from colliding with the crosspiece (due to the 25 mm groove).

[0026] Thus, the invention meets the criteria of "novelty," "inventive step," and "industrial applicability." Its implementation will improve the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of tramway turnouts.

Claims

A rail for a tram switch comprising a groove for guiding the wheel flange, characterized in that the groove is made with a variable width, including: a working zone with a width of 25 mm, catching zones with a smooth change in width from 25 to 31 mm, bends with a change in width from 31 to 35 mm.

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