EP0503734A1

EP0503734A1 - Spring attachment construction, especially suited for locking railtracking

Info

Publication number: EP0503734A1
Application number: EP92200657A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni Cinel
Original assignee: NUOVE OFFICINE MECCANICHE CINEL SpA
Current assignee: NUOVE OFFICINE MECCANICHE CINEL SpA
Priority date: 1991-03-12
Filing date: 1992-03-04
Publication date: 1992-09-16
Also published as: IT1248270B; YU23692A; ITTV910029A0; HU9200814D0; HUT62348A; ITTV910029A1; PL293822A1

Abstract

The spring attachment is made up of a single part which has a first (7) and a second end (6), which are connected by one or more arched zones (9,10,13) set on more or less the same plane.

The said first and second ends are removable and positionable within countershaped housings which can be machined on a ground anchor and positioned behind the base of the track.

The arched zones which connect the said first and second ends profer one or more sections which interact with the bottom of the track and the ground anchoring piece.

A construction particularly applicable for the building of railway lines made for carrying especially high speed trains.

Description

This application concerns a construction of a special spring attachment for locking railtracks.
It is already known that a locking attachment is used to interconnect tracks to sleepers by positioning it between the latter and the base of the track.
One of the characteristics such attachments must have is that they must allow for elasticity of the track with regard to the sleeper because of the train running on the track.
To this end there are already various known types of attachment which are positioned between the base of the track and one or more units which lock it to the sleeper: usually such attachments tend to feature various arched shapes with one end relating to a unit locking on to the sleeper and the other interacting directly with the base of the track.
Such known types of attachment, which require setting on planes and/or according to the various inclinations on the ends of these same,show aspects capable of being improved: in fact, the stresses and warping are distributed over localised points, giving rise to the risk of the material yielding.
The main task of the subject of this application therefore is to eliminate the above problems complained of in known types, by devising an invention which allows use of a sprung interconnection between the base of a track and a sleeper so as to permit a resultant desired value of pressure on the base of the sleeper itself , good resistence to fatigue and yielding and good elasticity.
Also included in the task set out above is another important aim which is to bring about an invention which can be used in conditions of safety, reducing maintenance operations.
A further important aim is to bring about an invention which adds to the above characteristics a main feature of being able to be disconnected from the sleeper anchoring device.
A further important aim is to achieve an invention which adds to the above characteristics a feature of being able to be positioned quickly and easily between the base of the track and the sleeper anchoring device.
Not the least of the aims is to achieve an invention which has in addition to the above characteristics also has the feature of being structurally simple and cost effective, this same being achieved with the usual and known devices.
The purpose and the aims indicated above, and others which will be more clearly set out later on, are achieved in a spring attachment construction, especially suited for locking track to railway lines, and is characterised by the fact that it consists of a single piece having a first and a second end set roughly on the same plane, the said first and second ends being removable and positionable within countershaped housings which can be machined on a ground anchor and/or sleeper and /or support device, the said first and second ends being connected by one or more arched zones which present one or more sections which interact with the said base of a track and with the said anchoring device.
Further characteristics and advantages regarding the invention will be noted mainly from detailed description of some particular, but not exclusive, construction shapes, and these are illustrated by way of indication and not limitation in the attached drawing tables where:

fig. 1: illustrates a three quarter view, a first model;
fig. 2: illustrates the above model seen from the top.
fig. 3: illustrates the first model viewed sideways;
fig. 4: illustrates the first model, front view;
fig. 5: illustrates the side view of the sleeper/ground anchor device;
fig. 6: illustrates the side view of the layout of the structure of the locking spring attachment with respect to the anchor device and the base of the track;
fig. 7: illustrates a fourth model relating to the structure;
fig. 8: illustrates a third embodiment for the structure;
fig. 9: illustrates a second embodiment for the structure;
fig. 10: illustrates a fifth model relating to the structure.

Referring to the figures previously quoted, the structure of the spring attachment, indicated overall in number 1, appears particularly useful for locking the base 2 of a track 3 and a sleeper 4 via the interpositioning of and anchoring device consisting of a support 5 partially sinkable into the sleeper 4 itself.
The structure of the spring attachment consists of round metal rod made up in one single piece, which has one first end 6 and one second end 7 set roughly on the same resting plane, these same ends having the possibility of being parallel, divergent or convergent to each other.
Such first and second ends also provide a terminal wall, indicated by numbers 8a and 8b, facing the same direction.
In the embodiments illustrated in figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 the spring attachment 1 presents a roughly specular shape with respect to a plane passing through the existing space between the first and second ends.
Starting from these ends therefore the construction has, opposite the terminal walls 8a and 8b, a first zone, indicated with numbers 9a and 9b, arched in the opposite direction to the adjacent end, which is set on a sloping plane to form an acute angle with respect to the resting planes of the said first and second ends.
The first zones 9a and 9b are connected correspondingly to a second zone, indicated with numbers 10a and 10b, slightly arched with the concave part facing the seating plane of the first and second ends, these same presenting an essentially parallel development to the first and second ends themselves.
The second zones 10a and 10b also lie roughly on the same parallel plane to that of the said first and second ends.
Advantageously the lower surface of the second zone 10a is flattened 11 to interact with the base 2 of the track 3 through positioning between one or more small plates 12 preferably in a plastic material.
The second zones 10a and 10b appear therefore connected by a third zone, indicated with the number 13, which presents an essentially arched U-shape, whose wings 14a and 14b lie on a sloping plane with respect to the resting planes of the first and second ends.
The slope of such wings 14a and 14b defines, starting from the resting plane of the first and second ends, an obtuse angle, the anticlockwise rotation being a positive consideration.
There is also the advantage that the connecting base 15 between the wings 14a and 14b projects beyond the resting plane of the terminal walls 8a and 8b of the first and second ends, the said base 15 preferably having an arched shape.
Support 5 to which the spring attachment 1 can be coupled has a head 16 which has a projecting leg 17 with provision of contouring 18 for optimum sinkage correspondingly in the sleeper 4, usually made of concrete.
By the head 16 there are machined housings one 19 and two 20, set in parallel to each other and correspondingly to the same resting plane and with a slightly higher cross section to that of first end 6 and second end 7.
The axial disposition of the first and second housings is such as to enable setting about parallel to the longitudinal axis of track 3, so as to set the first housing 19 adjacent to the base 2 of the same track.
Sideways on to head 16, in an adjacent zone to housing two 20 which faces from the opposite side of track 3, there is a projecting appendix 21 which supports the second zone 10b of the spring attachment 1 construction.
The height of such appendage 21 with respect to the sleeper 4 is such as to allow, once the spring attachment construction is connected to support 5, preloading of second zone 10a.
The use of the invention is therefore as follows: once the supports 5 have been sunk in register in the sleeper 4, at an opportune distance one from the other or at a distance from the base 2 of the track 3 so as to allow the ideal positioning over the latter of the second zone 10a, the first end 6 and the second end 7 on the spring attachment 1 can then be inserted respectively in register with the first housing 19 and the second housing 20 machined on head 16.
A plate 12 can be positioned to advantage between the part of the second zone 10a which has a flattened part and the base 2 of the track 3.
When the invention is thus assembled it gives good elasticity, due to the fact that the section stressed to fatigue is longer in length and the warping is discharged and distributed in a more uniform manner over the same.
The interaction moreover of the first and second ends in register with the first and second housings machined in head 16 of support 5 increases such improvements inasmuch as a structure with two fulcrums is achieved and consequently the stresses are distributed over both.
Thanks to the particular shape of the subject of this application, the whole brings about a greater pressure on the base 2 of the track 3, with respect to known types of attachment and with rodding of equal section and through the range.
Moreover the distribution of stress and strain over the third zone 13 and zones 9a and 9b renders the structure very resistent to fatigue.
Because the best conditions concerning elasticity, pressure on the tracks and resistence to fatigue are achieved, it is possible to have a structure which lasts relatively longer when locked in place.
As previously shown it allows the part, thanks to the lower load per square centimetre, to work in less damaging conditions; consequently this leads to the elimination of the risk of uneven pressure occurring on various points of the track due for example to faulty or imperfect construction and/or assembly of the various components and in particular due to the different sinking depths of the support in the concrete sleeper.
All the advantages previously listed and therefore the optimum distribution of stresses on the second zones 10a and 10b* and the second end,having two distinct fulcrums, the greater and more even working pressure on the underside of the track and the greater resistence to fatigue determine that the structure will consequently be safer to use.
* of the third zone 13 and on the first
As a consequence maintenance requirements are reduced and, finally, the risk of hairline cracks is considerably reduced. This improved condition, wholly due to the special shape of the construction, is also determined by the fact that several of its zones are in contact with the support 5 and the track 3 and therefore also by the contrast which is created between the first and second ends of the construction with the first and second housings respectively machined on the head 16 of the support 5.
All such advantages listed allow the passage, over stretches having such a construction in use, at a higher speed than currently practised.
Naturally the invention will be subject to numerous modifications and versions, all encompassed within the same concept of invention.
Thus, for example, figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment for a spring attachment construction 301 which still consists of a first end 306 and a second end 307 set roughly on the same plane.
Starting at the first end 306 there is a first zone 309a which has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation lying on the same plane as the said first and second ends themselves.
Such first zone 309a has a shape such as to be positioned between the first end 306 and the second end 307.
The first zone 309a is therefore connected to a third zone 313 which also has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation with the wings lying on a sloping plane of an obtuse angle with respect to the lie of the first and second ends, such angle being positive with an anticlockwise direction of rotation.
The base 315 of the third zone 313 has the advantage that it projects beyond the terminal walls 308a and 308b of the first and second ends.
Starting therefore from the third zone 313 there is a first zone 310a, slightly arched with the concave side facing the direction of the base of the track, which is connected to the second end 307 via a sixth zone 325 which has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation and lies roughly on the same resting plane as the first end 306 and the second end 307.
Figure 8 illustrates a third embodiment of a spring attachment construction 201 which is still made of a first end 206 and a second end 207 set more or less parallel to each other on roughly the same plane.
Starting from the first end 206 there is a first zone 209a which is essentially 'U' shaped lying on the same plane as the said first and second ends themselves.
This first zone 209a is so shaped as to be positioned between the first end 206 and the second end 207.
The first zone 209a is therefore connected to a third zone 213 which is also essentially 'U' shaped with the wings lying or a sloped plane of an obtuse angle with respect to that of the first and second ends, the angle being positive with an anticlockwise rotational direction.
The base 215 of the third zone 213 has the advantage of projecting beyond the terminal walls 208a and 208b of the first and second ends.
Starting therefore from the third zone 213 there is a first zone 210a, slightly arched with the concave side facing the direction of the base of the track, the same being followed by a fourth zone 222 which is 'U' shaped with the wings sloping in an acute angle with respect to the resting plane of the first and second ends, which angle is achieved by a positively considered anti-clockwise turn.
The fourth zone 222 is therefore directly interconnected to the second end 207.
Figure 9 illustrates a fourth embodiment for a spring attachment construction 101 in which the first and second ends 106 and 107 are set roughly on the same plane, this construction however having a different development.
In this second embodiment in fact starting from the second end 107 there is, opposite the terminal part 108b, a direct interconnection with a wing 114b of third zone 113, the wing 114a connecting to a fourth zone 122 which is arched with the concave face towards the opposite side of the resting plane of the first and second ends and set on a transverse axis to these same ends.
This fourth zone 122 has a longitudinal extension such as to come over and go beyond the second end 107; on the other side of the second end 107 the construction has a fifth zone 123 having the same U shape as the third zone 113 with the base 124 dimensioned so as to set the first end 106 adjacent to the second end 107 roughly correspondingly to the median axis of the said third zone 113.
In figure 10 a fifth embodiment of a spring attachment construction 401 which is made up of metal rod having a first end 406 and a second end 407 where the second is positioned above the first: the conformation of these same is, in section, essentially overall eliptical and of even shape, with the prerequisite housing machined in the support.
Starting from the first and second ends, there is, opposite the terminal walls 408a and 408b, a first zone 409a and 409b both arched in the opposite direction to the adjacent end.
The first zone 409a also has an arch radius which is lower than that of first zone 409b.
Following this, the construction has a second zone 410a and 410b which are appropriately and advantageously arched with the concave face towards the said sleeper, and which are themselves connected to a third zone 413 which is essentially 'U' shaped with the wings lying on a roughly sloping plane with respect to the sleeper beneath of an acute angle with anti-clockwise turn considered positive.
Naturally both the materials and the dimensions which make up the items which are the invention component may be most pertinent according to specific requirements.
* with respect to that of lying of said first and second ends
** with a "U" conformation with sloping wings of a acute angle with respect to the lying plane of said first and second ends, this angle being positive with an anticlockwise rotation, said fourth zone

Claims

Spring attachment construction, especially suited for locking track to railway lines, with the characteristic that it is made of one single part having a first and second end set at approximately the same plane, the said first and second ends being removable and positionable within countershaped housings machined in an anchoring device which fixes to the ground and/or a sleeper and/or a means of support, the said first and second ends being connected by one or two arched zones which have one or more sections which interact with the said base of the track and with the said anchoring device.
Structure as per patent claim 1, which is characterised by the fact that it is constructed of round or poligonal section resilient metal, manufactured in one single piece which has a first and a second end set roughly on the same resting plane, the said first and second ends being divergent or convergent or parallel to each other and having the terminal walls facing the same direction.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 2 characterised by the fact that it has a roughly specular shape with respect to a plane passing within the interspace between the first and second ends.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 2 characterised by the fact that starting from the said first and second ends and opposite the said terminal walls there is a first zone arched away from the adjacent end and which is set on a sloping plane to form an acute angle with respect to the resting planes of the first and second ends themselves, the said angle being positive for an anticlockwise turn.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 4 characterised by the fact that each of the said first zones is connected to a second zone slightly arched with the concave face towards the resting plane of the said first and second ends, the said second zone having a development which is essentially parallel to the said first and second ends.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 5 characterised by the fact that each of the said second zones lies roughly on the same parallel plane as that along which the said first and second ends lie.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 6 characterised by the fact that on the lower surface of one of the said second zones adjacent to the said base of the said track there is a machined flat section which interacts with the said base itself, via the interplacing of one or more plates preferably manufactured in plastic.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 7 characterised by the fact that the said second zones are connected by a third zone which is essentially 'U' shaped and whose wings lie along a sloping plane with respect to that along which the said first and second ends lie.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 8 characterised by the fact that the slope of the said wings defines, starting from the plane along which the first and second ends lie, an obtuse angle with a positive anticlockwise rotation.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 8 characterised by the fact that the base of the connection between the said wings projects beyond the plane along which the said terminal walls of the said first and second ends lies, the said base preferably having an arched conformation.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 10 characterised by the fact that on the support there is a head from which a lower leg projects with contouring for optimum sinkage correspondingly into the said sleeper.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 10 characterised by the fact that on the said head there are a first and second housing, set parallel or divergent or convergent to each other on the same plane and having a cross section slightly higher than that of the said first and second ends.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 12 characterised by the fact that the axial lie of the said first and second housings is such as to be preferably about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the said track so as to set the first housing adjacent to the said base.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 13 characterised by the fact that set laterally to the said head an appendage for supporting one of the said second zones projects, in a zone adjacent to the said second zone and facing from opposite the said track.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 14 characterised by the fact that the height of the said appendage with respect to the said sleeper is such as to allow slight preloading at the assembly stage.
Structure as per one or more of the previous patent claims characterised by the fact that in a further embodiment starting from the said second end there is, opposite the terminal part, a direct interconnection with the wing of the said third zone, the other wing connecting to a fourth zone, arched with the concave face towards the side opposite the resting plane of the said first and second ends and set on an axis tranversal to these same.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 16 characterised by the fact that the said fourth zone has a longitudinal extension such as to come over and go beyond the said second end, the said fourth zone being followed by a fifth zone with the same 'U' conformation as the said third zone with a base dimensioned so that the first end, connected to one of its wings, is adjacently set to the said second end correspondingly along the median axis of the said third zone.
Structure as per one or more of the previous patent claims characterised by the fact that in a further embodiment starting from the said first end there is a first zone which is essentially 'U' shaped lying on the same plane as the said first and second ends, the said first zone having a shape such as to be interposed between the said first and second ends.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 18 characterised by the fact that the said first zone is connected to a third zone which also has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation with the wings lying on the sloping plane of an obtuse angle* such angle being positive with an anticlockwise rotation, the base of the said third zone projecting beyond the terminal walls of the said first and second ends.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 19 characterised by the fact that starting from the said third zone there is a first zone slightly arched with the concave face towards the said base of the said track the same being followed by a fourth zone** being directly interconnected to the said second end.
Structure as per one or more of the previous patent claims characterised by the fact that in a further embodiment the said second zone is connected to the said second end via a sixth zone which has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation and lies roughly along the same plane as the said first and second ends.
Structure as per one or more of the previous patent claims characterised by the fact that in a fifth embodiment the said second end is positioned over the said first end, starting from this last there is, opposite the said terminal walls, a first zone arched in the opposite direction to the adjacent end, the said first zones having different arched conformation radiuses.
Structure as per patent claims 1 and 22 characterised by the fact that starting from the said first zones there is a second zone, appropriately arched with the concave face towards the said sleeper, which is connected to a third zone which has an essentially 'U' shaped conformation and whose wings lie along a sloping plane with respect to that of the underlying sleeper of an acute angle with positive anticlockwise rotation.
Spring attachment construction, especially suitable for locking tracks onto railway lines, as per one or more of the previous patent claims characterised by the fact that it may be positioned on any three-dimensional slope with respect to the said ground and/or sleeper and/or means of support.