WO1999036288A1

WO1999036288A1 - Support structure

Info

Publication number: WO1999036288A1
Application number: PCT/AT1999/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Walter A. Stephan; Wolfgang Billinger
Original assignee: Fischer Advanced Composite Components Gesellschaft M.B.H.
Priority date: 1998-01-14
Filing date: 1999-01-05
Publication date: 1999-07-22
Also published as: AU1954699A; ATA4098A; AT409249B

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure (T), especially for aerial cables, which are mounted in-between two successive masts (1, 1') or the like. In order to cover as large a bearing distance as possible with as little deflection as possible and to enable cost-efficient production and simple installation, the invention provides for a support structure (T) preferably comprising several successively arranged, interconnected frames (R), wherein the frame (R) is arranged on a substantially vertical plane and is oriented in the direction determined by the masts (1, 1') or the like. The frame (R) is made up of interconnected or single-piece profiled parts (2, 2', 2''). At least some, preferably all, profiled parts (2, 2', 2'') are made of a composite material, preferably highly resistant glass or carbon fibers, bonded by a thermoplastic or a duro-plastics matrix. The profiled parts (2, 2', 2'') are preferably formed by hollow sections with a preferably elliptical, oval or similar cross section.

Description

Supporting structure

The invention relates to a supporting structure, in particular for overhead lines, which is arranged between two successive masts or the like.

The supporting structure can also be designed as a supporting structure in the manner of a framework. The term overhead lines is to be understood in its broadest sense and includes both overhead lines for the power supply of rail vehicles as well as lines for the energy supply of industrial plants and other consumer sites as well as for information transport.

Catenaries for electric vehicles, such as e.g. Electric trains suspended between masts. In order to avoid excessive bending of the line, tensioning stations are arranged at certain intervals, which tension the overhead line. This enables temperature-related expansion differences in the lines to be compensated for. In particular, given the high speeds of the trains today, the deflection of the overhead lines may only assume small dimensions. For this reason, the distances between two successive masts are relatively small, which means on the one hand increased installation and maintenance costs and on the other hand a greater intervention in the landscape. In addition, expensive and maintenance-intensive clamping stations with a smaller distance from each other are necessary.

In the field of overhead lines, a support arm for overhead lines is known, for example, from EP 164 284 AI, which consists of composite materials and reinforcing fibers. AT 396 912 B shows a component made of a plastic matrix with reinforcing fibers embedded in it in the direction of its longitudinal axis and which can be used for contact wire tensioning. Finally, GB 2 201 133 A discloses a catenary construction for electric railways, which is particularly space-saving for the arrangement in a tunnel and automatically compensates for thermal expansion.

The object of the invention is to create a supporting structure with which the largest possible spans can be bridged, the deflection should be as small as possible.

REPLACEMENT B π (RULE 26) For practical use, the support structure should be as inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install as possible. The disadvantages of known support structures for comparable applications should be avoided or at least reduced.

This object is achieved in that the supporting structure consists of at least one, preferably a plurality of successively arranged and interconnected frames, the or each frame being arranged in a substantially vertical plane oriented in the direction determined by the masts or the like are, and the or each frame is made up of interconnected or integrally produced profile parts, and - at least some, preferably all profile parts (2, 2 ', 2 ") consist of composite material. By the structure of the supporting structure and the main or only used Material, namely composite material, can be bridged very long distances, for example between two masts, without the deflection of the supporting structure being very large, which results on the one hand from the high strength of composite materials, and on the other hand from their low weight and low expansion coefficient efficient of these materials. As a result, in the case of overhead lines, the masts can be erected at greater distances from one another, which on the one hand reduces the manufacturing outlay and on the other hand results in a more pleasing appearance and thus better environmental compatibility. In addition to a certain percentage of otherwise usual masts, the tensioning stations normally required and the work involved in assembling them can also be omitted. The effects of loads, dead weight, thermal expansion, snow, wind and external loads can be absorbed in the self-supporting construction without tensioning stations. Depending on the application, the frames can have different shapes and can be, for example, rectangular, square, trapezoidal or triangular. In their connection, the frames offer a compact, modular structure, by means of which the installation effort, the maintenance and servicing, both for above-ground lines and for lines in the tunnel, is significantly reduced compared to the known supporting structures. The composite material advantageously consists of high-strength fibers, for example glass fibers, carbon fibers or the like, which are connected to one another by a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic matrix. In addition to the low weight and high strength, the glass fiber or carbon fiber composite materials have a very low coefficient of expansion.

Particular advantages result if the or each frame has a rectangular shape, the long side of which is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the supporting structure defined by the masts. This shape shows a minimal number of profile parts compared to other shapes, such as triangle or trapezoid of the frames, etc., with a correspondingly high ratio of the lengths to one another, as a result of which the visual impression can be further improved and material and weight can be saved. If triangular frames were used, a kind of triangular framework would be created in which the number of profile parts would be higher than necessary.

In order to save material and thus weight, at least some, preferably all, of the profile parts are formed by hollow profiles. The shape of the hollow profiles will be adapted to the respective requirements and the manufacturing process. In the simplest case, the hollow profiles will be a tubular profile, but profiles with several cavities can also have certain advantages.

According to a further feature of the invention, at least some, preferably all, of the profile parts have an elliptical, oval or similar cross-section, the largest cross-sectional dimension preferably being oriented horizontally. This profile design enables better stability properties to be achieved. The influence of cross winds on the supporting structure can be reduced by an essentially horizontal orientation of the larger cross-sectional dimension, since the area of attack is reduced. The profile parts can also be drop-shaped or similar to the cross-section of an aircraft wing. In addition, a non-planar upper surface of the essentially horizontal profile parts is advantageous, since water cannot collect on it, which can freeze to ice at low temperatures, and significantly increases the weight of the supporting structure and thus its deflection. The same applies to snow, which can fall or slip more easily on curved or inclined surfaces. If according to a special construction at least one frame (R) is formed by at least one, preferably two mirror-inverted sections in the form of a triangle, the longest side of the triangle being inclined obliquely downwards relative to the horizontal, it can be achieved that at low temperatures there is a negative deflection in the vertical direction. This is achieved by the obliquely downward sloping side of the triangular sections, which is shorter compared to the shorter sides at negative temperatures and thus causes a lifting of the construction. This reduces the likelihood of additional deflection of the support structure by ice or snow, since the ice or snow is more likely to fall off due to the slight bending. The triangular sections are preferably formed by right-angled triangles, one cathetus of which is arranged essentially horizontally, the other of which is arranged essentially vertically and the hypotenuse of which extends obliquely downwards.

To increase the strength, a rectangular section can adjoin the outside of the two triangular sections of the or each frame, and at most diagonal bracing elements can be arranged in the rectangular sections.

To bridge larger spans, it is expedient that at least the first frames adjoining the mast are suspended by means of ropes or the like on the mast or an adjoining jib, the ropes enclosing an angle with the vertical which is preferably greater than Is 0 °. This type of suspension further improves the deflection of the supporting structure in the vertical direction. Depending on the length of the supporting structure, several ropes or rods can be attached to the frame at different distances and hung on the mast or on an outrigger attached to the mast.

In order to also give the supporting structure lateral stability, the cables are arranged in a horizontal direction on both sides of the frame and enclose an angle in the horizontal direction with the longitudinal direction of the supporting structure or the like defined by the masts, which is greater than 0 °. The supporting structure is also subjected to lateral bracing, ie in the horizontal direction, which causes the deflection in the horizontal direction Direction, which can be caused by cross winds, for example, is reduced.

According to a further feature of the invention, an electrical line is formed by line pieces made of conductive material, preferably copper, and the line pieces are arranged in the substantially horizontally oriented lower profile parts of the frames and conductively connected to one another. The copper rods can, for example, be fastened to the lower profile parts of the frame by means of snap locks or the like, or inserted in grooves, so that the manufacturing outlay can be reduced further, since the overhead line is installed at the same time as the supporting structure is installed. The connection between the copper bars can be made with flexible cables. This modular structure also facilitates the exchange of individual segments or sections of the route.

The features of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures.

Show in it

1 shows a schematic of an Alisführungform the support structure according to the invention for the overhead line of an electric train in side view, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the support structure of FIG. 1,

3 shows a section through a profile part along the section line 3-3 from FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 shows a special embodiment of a frame of the supporting structure.

Fig. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of the support structure T according to the invention for the overhead line of an electric train. The representation is only a diagram, the dimensional relationships do not correspond to reality. The support structure T consists of five rectangular frames R, which are arranged in succession. The outermost frames R are each connected to a mast 1, 1 'or the like or hung on this. The individual frames R consist of interconnected profile parts 2, 2 ', 2 "made of composite materials. The profile parts 2, 2', 2" can have any cross-section, whereby hollow profiles are preferable to solid profiles due to the lower weight. The connection of the profile parts 2, 2 ', 2 "can be done by gluing take place, wherein shell-like or sleeve-like components can be used at the connection points for reinforcement (not shown). The connection can also be made by connecting elements such as screws or the like. In addition, it is possible to manufacture the frame R in one piece or from many individual parts which are connected accordingly. The greatest possible distance is sought between two masts 1, 1 'or the like, since this can reduce the number of masts 1, 1' or the like, thereby reducing the outlay for installation and maintenance and less impairing the landscape . The longer the supporting structure T, the higher its own weight and thus the deflection Di in the vertical direction. In the case of overhead contact lines for rail vehicles in particular, the vertical deflection Di must not become too great, since the pantograph of an electric locomotive is not able to compensate for excessive height fluctuations between the roof of the locomotive and the overhead contact line. It is therefore necessary to make a compromise between the length L to be bridged and the deflection Dj. The individual frames R are connected to one another via their vertical profile parts 2 ', these connections in turn being able to take place in various ways, for example by gluing or with the aid of sleeves or the like. The overhead line can either be in the usual way in the form of a wire which is suspended from the lower substantially horizontal profile parts 2 "or fastened in some other way. Likewise, in the lower profile parts 2" of each frame R elements made of conductive material, such as copper for the energy transport can be provided on which the pantograph of the electric locomotive grinds. The copper elements must be electrically connected to one another from frame R to frame R. For longer lengths L, the supporting structure T can be supported by ropes 4. Instead of the ropes 4, rods or similar devices can also be used. The ropes 4 form an angle ß or ß 'with the vertical and are stretched between the mast 1, 1' and the lower profile part 2 "of the frame or R.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the bracing of the supporting structure T with the ropes 4 or the like is preferably carried out in such a way that the ropes 4 or the like enclose a certain angle α or α 'with the longitudinal direction of the supporting structure. This is achieved in that a boom 3, 3 'is attached to the mast 1, 1' in a known manner, to which the cables 4 are attached. This type of strut gives the supporting structure T a certain Side tension, through which the deflection D ₂ can be kept lower in the horizontal direction. A lateral deflection D _{2 of} the support structure T is caused, for example, by cross winds. Of course, the ropes 4 or the like are arranged on both sides of the supporting structure T, so that the deflection D _{2 is} reduced in both directions. The ropes 4 or the like can be connected directly to the profile parts 2 ″ or via a cross member 5 to the frame R.

In one exemplary embodiment, a frame R has a length L _R = 13 m and a height H _R = 0.4 m, so that with five frames R a length L of 65 m can be bridged between two masts 1, 1 '. The weight of a frame R is about 100kg to 120kg or 150kg to 200kg with the overhead line in the form of a copper bar arranged on the lower profile parts 2 "of the frame R. According to calculations, there is a deflection in the vertical direction of D = 25mm and a horizontal deflection of D ₂ = 250 mm. Due to the low height HR of the frame R and thus the entire supporting structure T, this is less noticeable than a larger number of masts including overhead lines, tensioning cables and tensioning stations. The invention therefore contributes significantly to reducing the landscape image In addition, the assembly and maintenance effort is significantly reduced by the reduction in the number of masts and the lack of tensioning stations.

3, 3 'and 3 "show some cross-sectional variants of the profile parts 2 and 2', 2" of the frame R. FIG. 3 shows a particularly advantageous cross section in the form of an ellipse. The influence of cross winds on the supporting structure T can be reduced by an elliptical, oval or drop-shaped cross section. The large axis of the ellipse or the largest cross-sectional dimension is oriented essentially horizontally, so that the support structure T offers the crosswind less surface to attack. If the upper surface of the profile parts 2 is designed to slope off to the side, as is the case with the elliptical, oval or round cross section (FIG. 3 '), any rain or snow can also run off or slide off better, which increases the weight of the supporting structure T and thus an increase in the vertical deflection Di can be reduced. The cross-sectional shape of the profile parts 2, 2 ', 2' can also be designed similar to the cross-section of an aircraft wing. 3 "finally shows a square cross section of the profile part 2. Instead of the hollow profiles, too massive parts are present, which, however, has disadvantages due to the increased dead weight.

Fig. 4 shows a special embodiment of a frame R of the support structure T, which essentially consists of two outer elements in a rectangular shape and two inner

Triangular elements. The outer elements in a rectangular shape consist of the horizontal profile parts 2, 2 "and the two vertical profile parts 2 ', which are connected to one another or manufactured in one piece as described above. Diagonally one can

Anchoring element 6 can be provided, which is usually weaker than the profile parts 2, 2 ', 2 ". The two adjacent elements in triangular form are each a horizontal profile part 2", a vertical profile part 2' and an oblique to the center of the

Frame R extending profile part 2 is formed. This construction is used at deep

Temperatures a negative vertical deflection -Di, which is indicated by the dashed line

Drawing is indicated. The negative deflection -Di can compensate for any deflection Di caused by snow or ice. Snow or water can also accumulate less easily on the inclined profile parts 2 of the triangular sections.

Of course, the applications are not limited to overhead lines for electric rail vehicles. The supporting structure according to the invention can also be used as a bridge, for example. The type and number of frames R, the dimensions of the profile parts 2, 2 ', 2 "and any ropes 4 or the like and the choice of material must be adapted to the particular application.

Claims

Claims:

1. Support structure, in particular for overhead lines, which is arranged between two successive masts (1, 1 ') or the like, characterized in that the support structure (T) from at least one, preferably from a plurality of successively arranged and interconnected frames (R ), the or each frame (R) being arranged in a substantially vertical plane oriented in the direction defined by the masts (1, 1 ') or the like, and the or each frame (R) being connected to one another or one-piece profile parts (2, 2 ', 2 ") is constructed, and - at least some, preferably all

Profile parts (2, 2 ', 2 ") consist of composite material.

2. Support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the composite material made of high-strength fibers, e.g. Glass fibers, carbon fibers or the like. Which are connected to one another by a thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic matrix.

3. Support structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one frame (R) has a rectangular shape, the long side of the rectangle being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the support structure (T) defined by the masts (1, 1 ').

4. Support structure according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least individual, preferably all profile parts (2, 2 ', 2 ") are formed by hollow profiles.

5. Support structure according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least some, preferably all profile parts (2, 2 ', 2 ") have elliptical, oval or similar cross-section, the larger cross-sectional dimension preferably being oriented essentially horizontally .

Supporting structure according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one frame (R) is formed by at least one, preferably two, mirror-inverted sections in the form of a triangle, the longest side of the triangle being inclined downwards relative to the horizontal is arranged.

Supporting structure according to claim 6, characterized in that a rectangular section adjoins the two triangular sections of the or each frame (R) on the outside, and in that at most diagonal bracing elements (6) are arranged in the rectangular sections.

8. Support structure according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least the first to the mast (1, 1 ') adjoining frame (R) with the aid of ropes (4) or the like. On the mast (1, 1 ') or an adjoining arm (3, 3') are suspended, the cables (4) enclosing an angle (β, β ') with the vertical which is preferably greater than 0 °.

9. Support structure according to claim 8, characterized in that in the horizontal direction on both sides of the frame (R) ropes (4) are arranged, the ropes (4) in the horizontal direction with the through the masts (1, 1 ') od . Set the defined longitudinal direction of the supporting structure (T) an angle (α, α ') which is greater than

Is 0 °.

10. Supporting structure according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an electrical line is formed by line pieces of conductive material, preferably copper, and the line pieces in the substantially horizontally oriented lower profile parts (2 ") of the frame (R ) are arranged and connected to each other.