EP1275779B1 - Covered track - Google Patents

Abstract

A rail (1), in particular, a rail surrounded by a cover of greenery (3) comprises insulating elements (4) in the form of electrically insulating foils.

Description

The present invention relates to a covered track, namely a track according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection of a track according to the preamble of claim 16.

Under a covered track is here generally a track to understand, in which the rails are at least on one side, in particular in the space between two adjacent rails, covered, so at least partially filled or filled by a roofing, in particular so that any existing Thresholds of the track are covered and / or that the covered track accessible or even by non-rail vehicles is traversable. In particular, the covered track can also be designed as a so-called fixed track or have such, so have a ballastless superstructure.

In a covered track with usually metallic rails isolation against stray currents is desirable or even required. This applies in particular to tracks with DC-powered rail vehicles, such as trams. In addition, covered rails are particularly susceptible to corrosion.

From the EP 0 726 359 B1 is a covered track with metallic rails and the rails associated insulating known. The insulating elements are designed as beam-like molded parts, which are made of shredded waste rubber with polyurethane bond and adapted to the respective rail shape. The mold parts extend at least to the rail head and form a sufficiently sustainable, continuous track next to the rails for driving through a frosted road vehicle. In addition, the moldings on the underside recesses for fastening means of the rails.

The said moldings of the known track structure are costly in terms of their material and their manufacture. Furthermore, the known track construction requires a relatively complex assembly of the moldings. For example, the adaptation and / or assembly of the molded parts in the area of switches, crossings or the like is very expensive. In addition, different moldings for different installation situations and / or different rails are required. Accordingly, the provision and storage of the required moldings are complex and therefore also costly.

The US 5,464,152 A discloses a track with metallic rails, each surrounded by a shoe of elastomeric material. The shoe is formed from a substantially planar elastomeric material to conform to a substantial portion of the surface of the rails. Then, the associated rail is sheathed by the shoe and a substantially planar portion of the shoe is then clamped sealingly against the rail. The shaping of the shoe and the subsequent attachment to the rail are expensive.

The DE 199 47 931 A1 , which forms the starting point of the present invention discloses a track with metallic rails, a roofing and the rails for Streuenstromisolierung associated insulating elements, wherein the insulating elements include an electrically insulating film, which is vulcanized into further packing.

The DE 1 405 725 A discloses insulation of a rail joint, wherein an electrically insulating film is applied to both sides.

The present invention has for its object to provide a covered track, as well as a method for stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection of a covered track, so that produced in a very simple, inexpensive way a covered track with good or improved stray current insulation and / or good corrosion protection is, in particular where the realization is universal, that is possible in virtually any installation situation.

The above object is achieved by a track according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 16. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to use, instead of prefabricated molded parts or the like, an electrically insulating film, preferably a waterproof plastic film or PVC film, for stray current insulation and / or for corrosion protection, ie to be used as insulating element. In particular, the film is arranged laterally on the rails and between the rails and the associated roofing, wherein the film preferably covers the rail head and / or the rail web laterally as well as the rail foot and optionally provided fastening elements of the rails on the upper side or insulated from the roofing. The proposed solution leads to several advantages.

First, the film is available at very low cost. Accordingly, there are low material costs, since the material for the covering is usually much cheaper compared to moldings or the like.

Second, it is a very simple and therefore cost-effective implementation possible, since the film can be moved very easily and quickly before the introduction of the roofing.

Third, the proposed solution is very universally applicable, especially in very different installation situations and also in different in shape and / or size rails. In particular, no use of special moldings is required. Rather, the film, for example, starting from an endless track, be adapted directly on site to the respective installation situation.

Fourth, for the film can be commercially available and therefore inexpensive material, for example, a so-called pond liner or the like, are used.

Fifth, the film can optimally adapt laterally to the rails, so that virtually no seepage water penetrates between the film and the rails. Accordingly, with the proposed solution, improved stray current insulation or improved corrosion protection can be achieved.

The film is glued to the rails at least in certain areas, for example pointwise and / or in strips. For example, this silicone or other suitable adhesive can be used. However, the film may alternatively or additionally be designed self-adhesive. The adhesion of the film serves primarily to facilitate the subsequent installation of the roofing, thus preventing displacement or slippage of the film during installation of the roofing. However, gluing the film to the rail can also serve as a seal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, longitudinal strip-like watertight covers are provided arranged on the roofing laterally along the rails to achieve or support stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection of the rails. This results in a preferred, very simple realization in that the covers are made of plastic and grit.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines vorschlagsgemäßen Gleises mit zwei Schienen gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

eine ausschnittsweise, vergrößerte Schnittansicht einer Schiene des Gleises gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine zu Fig. 2 korrespondierende Schnittansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform; und

Fig. 4

eine zu Fig. 2 korrespondierende Schnittansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform.

Further aspects, characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are illustrated in the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a proposed track with two rails according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view of a rail of the track according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

one too Fig. 2 corresponding sectional view of a second embodiment; and

Fig. 4

one too Fig. 2 corresponding sectional view of a third embodiment.

The same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and the same or similar advantages and properties result, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows in a very schematic sectional view of a track 1 according to a first embodiment. The track 2 here has two metallic rails 2, which form a rail track for a rail vehicle, not shown, in particular a tram or the like. For example, the track 1 but also have three rails 2.

The track 1 is set. That is, it is a covered track 1 in the aforementioned sense. In particular, it is a so-called green track or grass track.

Accordingly, the track 1 on a roofing 3. The covering 3 is provided in the illustrated embodiment, on the one hand in the space between the two rails 2 and on the other hand outside, with the covering 3 each along the rails 2 extends.

The roofing 3 is formed permeable to water in the embodiment, thus forming a non-sealed surface into which water, in particular rainwater, can infiltrate. Such water can lead to unwanted corrosion of the rails 2 within the roofing 3. Furthermore, stray electrical currents, in particular when using rail vehicles operated with direct current and use of the rails 2 as ground or return conductors, as in trams, occur, wherein the stray currents lead to an unwanted electrolysis of the rails 2 and can increase said corrosion.

It is an essential aspect of the present invention to provide a simple, inexpensive producible protection against corrosion and / or electrical stray currents, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Fig. 2 shows in partial enlargement of Fig. 1 a rail 2 of the track 1. The rail 2 are insulating elements 4 for protection against corrosion and / or stray currents, so assigned to stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection. The insulating elements 4 are formed by an electrically insulating film 5, in particular by a plurality of pieces thereof, or have these.

The film 5 is preferably made of plastic, in particular PVC or the like, and is preferably waterproof. Optionally, the film 5 may be formed permeable to water vapor in order to avoid or at least reduce the formation of condensation under the film 5. In particular, a conventional pond liner or the like can be used. Accordingly, a commercially available and very inexpensive film 5 can be used. This leads to low material costs of the proposed track structure.

The film 5 is disposed between the rail 2 and the roofing 3, in the embodiment on both sides of the rail 2. In particular, the film covers 5 a rail head 6 and rail web 7 of the rail 2 laterally sowei a rail 8 of the rail 2 at least substantially from the top side , In that regard, an electrical insulation between the rail 2 and the covering 3 is formed by the film 5 in a very simple manner.

The film 2 further covers fastening elements 9 for fastening the rails 2, for example on sleepers 10, as in FIG Fig. 1 and 2 indicated.

The fastening elements 9 are formed, for example, by bolts, nuts, retaining clips, retaining springs or the like, as in Fig. 1 and 2 indicated. In particular, the fastening elements 9 hold the rails 2 by clamping on the sleepers 10.

If the fasteners 9 are made of metal, electrical insulation is preferably provided to the thresholds 10, for example by plastic plugs, sleeves, spacers, washers, Zwischenlagelemente or the like, not shown. Due to the film 5, however, this electrical insulation may also be omitted if necessary.

Further, preferably between the rails 2 and the thresholds 10 in the support region of the rails 2 each one in Fig. 2 indicated insulating member 11 is provided for electrical insulation. For example, the insulating member 11 may also be formed by a plastic film, if necessary, the film 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thresholds 10 are preferably made of concrete. If necessary, however, thresholds 10 made of wood can also be used, for example.

In the preferred track structure according to Fig. 1 is a ballast bed 13 disposed on a support layer 12, which carries the sleepers 10 with the rails 2, wherein the thresholds 10 are embedded in particular in the usual way in the ballast bed 13. This forms a superstructure, to which the possibly multi-layered covering 3 connects, so at least substantially starting from the top of the thresholds 10 and / or the bottom of the rails. 2

Instead of the aforementioned superstructure or ballast bed, the track 1 may also be designed as a so-called fixed track, so be provided a ballastless superstructure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the covering 3 is formed as a plant substrate and is installed as bulk material. At least the covering 3 has such a layer, in particular as the uppermost covering layer.

The Pflanzensubtrat is preferably from mineral material and soil material, preferably grit and topsoil, which is otherwise referred to as the topsoil and according to the VOB Part C: General technical contract conditions for construction works (ATV), earthworks - DIN 18300 is defined, especially chippings and topsoil, produced. In particular, the splinter grains are largely at least partially coated with the soil material in the Pflanzensubtrat, where appropriate, grass seed may be directly submerged.

In the illustrated example, the covering 3 preferably forms a lawn area 14 at least for the most part.

The covering 3 thus preferably forms a vegetation layer 15 or has a vegetation layer 15. In order to prevent penetration of roots from the vegetation layer 15 into the other superstructure, a root barrier layer or mat 16, such as a so-called geotextile or the like, is preferably arranged therebetween.

However, the covering 3 can also be constructed differently, in particular, for example, contain no soil material, if no vegetation or greening is desired. For example, then the covering 3 or at least the upper cover layer of broken mineral material or the like.

If necessary, the covering 3 can also form or have a closed or sealed surface.

For example, it is also possible that the roofing 3 is made by concrete, bitumen gravel, asphalt, paving stones, composite stones, slabs, other road building material or the like.

It is essential that in the preferably provided walkability or trafficability of the track 1 and its roofing 3 sufficient carrying capacity of the covering 3 - especially in the wet state - is present.

In the preparation of the proposed track 1, the film 5 is installed before the covering 3. In particular, corresponding longitudinal strip-like pieces of film, which are preferably cut off from a continuous web, are laid along the rails 2 on the side facing the covering 3. In particular, the film 5 extends laterally on the rails 2 at least substantially up to the height of the later covering 3, ie in particular up to or laterally of the respective rail head 6.

In particular, the film 5 is laid in such a way that it also covers the fastening elements 9, and overlaps with the root barrier layer or mat 16, if present, in the manner of a long strip, in particular covering them.

To secure the laid film 5 this is preferably at least partially, for example, selectively and / or in strips, adhered to the associated rail 2. For this purpose, the film 5 may be formed correspondingly self-adhesive and / or a separately applied adhesive, preferably silicone, may be used.

Subsequently, the covering 3 is introduced and solidified, for example, by shaking or rolling.

In the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2 is a very commonly used rail form, in particular a so-called Vignol rail shown. In Fig. 2 is indicated by the dot-dashed wheel 17 of a rail vehicle, not shown, that the roofing 3 in the space between two associated rails 2, the rail head 6 laterally at least not completely cover to leave room for the wheel flange 17 of the wheel. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the covering 3 between the rails 2 is correspondingly low, in particular not as high as formed on the opposite outer sides of the rails 2.

Fig. 3 shows in one too Fig. 2 Corresponding representation of a second embodiment of the proposed track 1. The main difference from the first embodiment is that here is a so-called grooved rail 2 as an alternative railfrom use. Accordingly, then the rails 2 can be covered equally high on both sides, the roofing 3, if necessary, so be formed on both sides of the same height.

A further aspect of the present invention resides in the provision of watertight covers 18 on the water-permeable cover 3, which preferably adjoin the respective rail 2 directly on both sides and extend in a strip-like manner along the same.

The covers 18 may be provided in both embodiments and also form insulating elements 4, which serve a stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection. Namely, the covers 18 prevent water from penetrating laterally adjacent to the rails 2, so that the areas of the covering 3 lying laterally next to the rails 2 are at least largely kept dry.

In particular, the width of the covers 18 adapted to the behavior of the covering 3 in terms of water permeability and water pipe or capillary action and wettability, that even in heavy rains or other strong water entry sufficient dry holding the immediately adjacent to the rails 2 areas of the roofing 3 is expected, unless the film 5 is provided.

The covers 18 prevent the rails 2 and their rail heads 6 grow in, so lead to vegetation-free longitudinal strips next to the rails 2. This is a significant advantage in view of the fact that the traffic rails 2 and thus the track 1 can easily recognize should. If necessary, to improve the identification, the covers 18 may also be colored or have a colored surface.

Preferably, the coverings 18 are plate-like and / or embedded in the roofing 3.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the covers 18 made of mineral material and plastic, in particular a synthetic resin and grit, preferably polyurethane and Edelsplitt (repeatedly broken grit) produced. This allows a simple, universal installation and a good toothing with the covering 3.

Fig. 4 shows in one too Fig. 2 Corresponding illustration of a third embodiment of the proposed covered track 1. The essential difference from the first embodiment lies in the fact that the track 1 has a so-called fixed carriageway, so a ballastless, in particular also sleeper-free superstructure 19. Instead of a ballast bed 13 and embedded therein sleepers 10, the rails 2 are supported by a solid, in particular plate-like layer 20, for example, asphalt or concrete.

Preferably, in each case a suitable insulating element 11 is provided for electrical insulation between the rails 2 and the layer 20 in the support region of the rails 2. In particular, this is a so-called Schienenunterguß, which may be required rigid or elastic. For example, it may be a bituminous Unterguß o. The like. Act. However, a plastic film, if necessary even the film 5, can be used.

In the third embodiment, in turn, preferably a so-called grooved rail 2 is used as an alternative rail shape. Accordingly, then the rails 2 can be covered equally high on both sides, as in Fig. 4 indicated.

The two adjacent, a rail track forming rails 2 (in Fig. 4 is only a rail 2 recognizable due to the sectional representation) are connected at suitable intervals or intervals along the rail track by tie rods 21 with each other.

In Fig. 4 a tie rod 21 is indicated by dashed lines. The tie rods 21 are connected by suitable connecting or fastening elements 9 with the associated rails 2, in particular by screw o. The like., Connected.

The covering 3 is preferably covered in each case on both sides of a rail 2. In the third embodiment, the covering 3 is preferably formed at least substantially from a concrete layer 22, a binder layer 23 and a covering layer 24, in particular made of cast asphalt. However, in principle, other constructions are possible when using suitable materials.

• Die Folie 5 überdeckt die Verbindungs- bzw. Befestigungselemente 9 seitlich.
• Die Folie 5 braucht sich auf der außenliegenden Seite der Schiene 2 seitlich am Schienenkopf 6 nicht bis zur Oberseite der sich anschließenden Eindeckung 3 erstrecken, sondern kann verkürzt ausgebildet bzw. angeordnet werden, da vorzugsweise eine elektrisch isolierende Schienenfuge 25 zwischen Schienenkopf 6 und außenseitiger Eindeckung 3 im Bereich der Deckschicht 24 und/oder der Binderschicht 23 vorgesehen ist, wie in Fig. 4 angedeutet. Die Schienenfuge 25 ist vorzugsweise ausreichend elastisch ausgebildet und besteht beispielsweise aus einem geeigneten Bitumenmaterial o. dgl.
• Ähnliches gilt für die Innenseite der Schiene 2 hinsichtlich der seitlichen Anordnung der Folie 5, sofern ein sogenanntes Schmelzband 26 zwischen dem Schienenkopf 6 der Deckschicht 23 oder ein sonstiges geeignetes Füllmittel vorgesehen ist.
• Vorzugsweise ist die Folie 5 als Längsbahn 27 zwischen den beiden Schienen 2 angeordnet, und zwar insbesondere zwischen der (Trag-) Schicht 20 und der Eindeckung 3, so daß sich eine quasi vollständige innenseitige bzw. wannenartige Auskleidung der Schienen 2 und des dazwischenliegenden Bereichs der Schicht 20 durch die elektrisch isolierende Folie 5 ergibt. Die Folie 5 kann in diesem Innenbereich wahlweise einstückig oder mehrstückig bei entsprechender geeigneter Überlappung, wie in Fig. 4 hinsichtlich der sich entlang der Schienen 2 erstreckenden Längsstreifen und der Längsbahn 27 angedeutet, ausgebildet sein. Durch die Folie 5 werden also die Schicht 20 und die Eindeckung 3 im Bereich zwischen den Schienen 2 - nachfolgend Zwischenbereich genannt - elektrisch isoliert.
• Die elektrische Isolierung der Schicht 20 und der Eindeckung 3 durch die Folie 5 gestattet es, daß eine elektrische Isolierung der üblicherweise metallischen Spurstangen 21 gegenüber den Schienen 2 im Bereich ihrer Verbindung mit den Schienen 2 nicht erforderlich ist und daß bedarfsweise auch die seitliche Auskleidung und damit einhergehende elektrische Isolierung der Schienen 2 durch die Folie 5 auf den zum Zwischenraum hin gewandten Seiten entfallen kann. Alterantiv kann bei Entfallen der Längsbahn 27 bzw. bei fehlender elektrischer Isolierung der Schicht 20 und der Eindeckung 3 im Zwischenbereich eine elektrische Isolierung der Spurstangen 21 gegenüber den Schienen 2 und/oder eine Ummantelung der Spurstangen 21, beispielsweise wiederum durch die Folie 5, zur elektrischen Isolierung gegenüber der Eindeckung 3 vorgesehen sein.

Compared to the first and second embodiments, in the third embodiment, the following differences arise in particular with respect to the use of the film 5:

• The film 5 covers the connecting or fastening elements 9 laterally.
• The film 5 does not need to extend laterally on the rail head 6 on the outer side of the rail 2 to the top of the subsequent covering 3, but can be shortened or arranged, since preferably an electrically insulating rail joint 25 between the rail head 6 and outside roofing third is provided in the region of the cover layer 24 and / or the binder layer 23, as in Fig. 4 indicated. The rail joint 25 is preferably formed sufficiently elastic and consists for example of a suitable bitumen material o.
• The same applies to the inside of the rail 2 with respect to the lateral arrangement of the film 5, provided that a so-called melt band 26 is provided between the rail head 6 of the cover layer 23 or any other suitable filler.
• Preferably, the film 5 is arranged as a longitudinal track 27 between the two rails 2, in particular between the (support) layer 20 and the covering 3, so that there is a quasi-complete inside or trough-like lining of the rails 2 and the intermediate region of the Layer 20 through the electrically insulating film 5 results. The film 5 may optionally in this inner region in one piece or several pieces with appropriate suitable overlap, as in Fig. 4 with respect to the along the rails 2 extending longitudinal strips and the longitudinal path 27 indicated, be formed. By the film 5 so the layer 20 and the covering 3 in the area between the rails 2 - hereinafter called intermediate area - electrically insulated.
• The electrical insulation of the layer 20 and the covering 3 by the film 5 allows that electrical insulation of the usually metallic tie rods 21 against the rails 2 in the region of their connection to the rails 2 is not required and that, if necessary, the lateral lining and thus accompanying electrical insulation of the rails 2 through the film 5 can be omitted on the sides facing the gap. Alterantiv can be omitted in the longitudinal path 27 or in the absence of electrical insulation of the layer 20 and the covering 3 in the intermediate region electrical insulation of the tie rods 21 against the rails 2 and / or a sheathing of the tie rods 21, for example, again through the film 5, for electrical Insulation against the covering 3 may be provided.

Otherwise, the same aspects and advantages with respect to the installation and use of the film 5 in the third embodiment as in the other embodiments.

A solid roadway can also be formed by the fact that the rails 2 supporting sleepers 10 are cast into the layer 20, for example. If necessary, then the tie rods 21 can be omitted.

In general, with regard to all embodiments, it should be added that the connecting or fastening elements 9, in particular screws, nuts, bolts or the like, are provided with suitable, preferably rounded protective caps, covers or the like, preferably plastic caps or the like. may be provided or covered to prevent unwanted damage to the film 5 in the region of these elements 9.

From the above explanation it follows that the proposed solution for stray current insulation and / or corrosion protection is very simple and therefore inexpensive and virtually in each installation situation, so very universally feasible.

Claims (17)

1. Track (1), in particular green track, with metal rails (2), a covering (3) and insulating elements (4) which are assigned to the rails (2) for providing leakage current insulation and/or protection against corrosion, wherein the track (1) has attachment elements (9) such as bolts, screws, nuts, springs or clamps, for attaching and connecting the rails (2), wherein the insulating elements (4) are formed by electrically insulating film (5) which is laid along the rails (2), characterized in that the film (5) covers the attachment elements (9) laterally and on the upper side.
2. Track according to Claim 1, characterized in that the film (5) is watertight and/or is composed of plastic, preferably PVC.
3. Track according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the film (5) has a thickness of less than 10 mm, in particular less than 5 mm.
4. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (5) can be extended in a flexible manner and preferably elastically or inelastically in the area of extent.
5. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (5) is adhesively bonded to the rails (2), at least in certain areas, in particular at points or based on strips, preferably by means of silicone.
6. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (5) is designed so as to be self-bonding so as to bond to the rails (2), at least in certain areas, in particular on a punctiform basis or strip basis.
7. Track according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the film (5) is installed separately or loosely between the rails (2) and the covering (3).
8. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film (5) is arranged and/or fits laterally on the rails (2), in particular laterally on the rail head (6), laterally on the rail web (7) and/or on the upper side of the rail foot (8).
9. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track (1) has a root barrier layer or mat (16) which preferably covers sleepers (10) of the track (1) and/or is preferably arranged at least essentially at the level of rail feet (8) of the rails (2), and in that the film (5) and the root barrier layer or mat (16) overlap one another in certain areas.
10. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating elements (4) have longitudinal-strip-like covers (18) which are supported by the covering (3) and extend along the rails (2) on the covering (3), wherein in particular the covers (18) are embedded in the covering (3).
11. Track according to Claim 10, characterized in that the covers (18) are arranged or formed on the covering (3) and adjoin the rails (2), in particular their rail heads (8), and/or the film (5) laterally.
12. Track according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the covering (3) is of water-permeable design and the covers (18) are of plate-shaped and/or watertight design.
13. Track according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the covers (18) are manufactured from plastic and mineral material, preferably artificial resin and chippings, in particular polyurethane and high-grade chippings.
14. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track (1) has a permanent way (19) without ballast and/or without sleepers.
15. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track (1) has electrically conductive track rods (21) which connect the rails (2), wherein the track rods (21) are electrically insulated with respect to the rails (2) and/or the film (5) is arranged between the rails (2) for insulating on the underside the covering (3) which is arranged between the rails (2).
16. Method for providing leakage current insulation and/or protection against corrosion for a track (1), in particular a green track, with metal rails (2) and a covering (3), in particular at least partially made of mineral material, characterized in that the electrically insulating film (5) from a continuous web is arranged between the rails (2) and the covering (3) and is laid along the rails (2) and is bonded to the rails (2) at least in certain areas.
17. Method according to Claim 16, characterized in that a watertight film (5) made of plastic is used.

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