DE20116789U1 - 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

Gesthuysen, by Rohr & Eggert

01.1917.4.mo Essen, 15 October 2001

Utility model application

Mr Dipl.-Ing. Berthold Adler

Stapenhorststrasse 35

45329 Essen

with the label

Covered track

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Covered track

The present invention relates to a covered track, namely a track according to the preamble of claims 1, 17 or 21.

A covered track is generally understood to mean a track where the rails are covered on at least one side, in particular in the space between two adjacent rails, i.e. at least partially filled or filled by a covering, in particular in such a way that any sleepers on the track are covered and/or that the covered track can be walked on or even driven over by non-rail vehicles. In particular, the covered track can also be designed as a so-called solid track or have one, i.e. have a ballast-free superstructure.

For a covered track with usually metallic rails, insulation against stray currents is desirable or even necessary. This is especially true for tracks with direct current-operated rail vehicles, such as trams. Covered rails are also particularly susceptible to corrosion.

From EP 0 726 359 B1, which forms the starting point of the present invention, a covered track with metal rails and insulating elements associated with the rails is known. The insulating elements are designed as beam-like molded parts made from shredded waste rubber with a polyurethane bond and adapted to the respective rail shape. The molded parts extend at least to the rail head and form a sufficiently load-bearing, continuous track next to the rails for a road vehicle with tires to drive on. In addition, the molded parts have recesses on the underside for fastening means for the rails.

The above-mentioned molded parts of the known track structure are expensive in terms of their material and their production. Furthermore, the known track structure requires a relatively complex assembly of the molded parts. For example, the adjustment and/or assembly of the molded parts in the area of switches, crossings or the like is very complex. In addition,

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Different molded parts are required for different installation situations and/or different rails. Accordingly, the provision and storage of the required molded parts is complex and therefore also costly.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a covered track so that a covered track with good or improved stray current insulation and/or good corrosion protection can be produced in a very simple, cost-effective manner, in particular whereby the implementation is universal, i.e. possible in practically any installation situation.

The above object is achieved according to the invention by a track according to claim 1, 17 or 21. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to use an electrically insulating film, preferably a waterproof plastic film or PVC film, for stray current insulation and/or corrosion protection, i.e. to use it as an insulating element, instead of prefabricated molded parts or the like. In particular, the film is arranged on the side of the rails between the rails and the associated covering, with the film preferably covering the rail head and/or the rail web on the side and the rail foot and any fastening elements provided for the rails on the top or insulating them from the covering.

The proposed solution leads to several advantages.

Firstly, the film is very inexpensive. This results in low material costs, as the material for the covering is usually much cheaper than molded parts or the like.

Secondly, it enables a very simple and therefore cost-effective implementation, since the film can be laid very easily and quickly before the roof covering is installed.

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Thirdly, the proposed solution is very universally applicable, especially in very different installation situations and also for rails of different shapes and/or sizes. In particular, no special molded parts are required. Instead, the film can be adapted to the respective installation situation directly on site, for example starting from a continuous strip.

Fourthly, commercially available and therefore inexpensive material, such as a so-called pond liner or the like, can be used for the film.

Fifth, the foil can optimally adapt to the side of the rails, so that practically no seepage water penetrates between the foil and the rails. Accordingly, the proposed solution can achieve improved stray current insulation and improved corrosion protection.

According to a particularly preferred development, the film is glued to the rails at least in some areas, for example at points and/or in strips. For example, silicone or another suitable adhesive can be used for this. However, the film can alternatively or additionally be self-adhesive. Gluing the film primarily serves to facilitate the subsequent installation of the covering, thus preventing the film from moving or slipping when the covering is installed. However, gluing the film to the rail can also serve as a seal.

According to an aspect of the present invention that can be implemented as an alternative or in addition to the film, longitudinal strip-like, waterproof covers are arranged on the covering laterally along the rails in order to achieve or support stray current insulation and/or corrosion protection of the rails. A preferred, very simple implementation here is that the covers are made of plastic and chippings.

-A-

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a proposed

Track with two rails according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 a partial, enlarged sectional view of a rail

of the track according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 of a second

embodiment; and

Fig. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to Fig. 2 of a third

embodiment.

The same reference symbols are used for identical or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable advantages and properties result, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows a very schematic sectional view of a track 1 according to a first embodiment. The track 2 here has two metal 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 can also have three rails 2.

Track 1 is covered. This means that it is a covered track 1 in the sense mentioned above. In particular, it is a so-called green track or grass track.

Accordingly, the track 1 has a covering 3. In the embodiment shown, the covering 3 is provided on the one hand in the space between the two rails 2 and on the other hand outside, with the covering 3 extending along the rails 2 in each case.

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In the embodiment, the covering 3 is designed to be water-permeable, thus forming an unsealed surface into which water, in particular rainwater, can seep. Such water can lead to undesirable corrosion of the rails 2 within the covering 3. Furthermore, stray electrical currents can occur, in particular when using rail vehicles powered by direct current and using the rails 2 as ground or return conductors, such as in trams, whereby the stray currents can lead to unwanted electrolysis of the rails 2 or intensify the aforementioned corrosion.

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

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

The film 5 is preferably made of plastic, in particular PVC or the like, and is preferably waterproof. If necessary, the film 5 can be designed to be 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 film or the like can be used. Accordingly, a commercially available and very inexpensive film 5 can be used. This leads to low material costs for the proposed track structure.

The film 5 is arranged between the rail 2 and the covering 3, in the embodiment on both sides of the rail 2. In particular, the film 5 covers a rail head 6 and rail web 7 of the rail 2 on the side as well as a rail foot 8 of the rail 2 at least essentially on the top. In this respect, the film 5 forms an electrical insulation between the rail 2 and the covering 3 in a very simple manner.

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

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

If the fastening elements 9 are made of metal, electrical insulation from the sleepers 10 is preferably provided, for example by means of plastic dowels, sleeves, spacers, washers, intermediate elements or the like (not shown). However, due to the film 5, this electrical insulation can also be omitted if required.

Furthermore, an insulating element 11 for electrical insulation, indicated in Fig. 2, is preferably provided between the rails 2 and the sleepers 10 in the support area of the rails 2. For example, the insulating element 11 can also be formed by a plastic film, if necessary the film 5.

In the embodiment shown, the sleepers 10 are preferably made of concrete. However, if required, sleepers 10 made of wood can also be used.

In the preferred track structure according to Fig. 1, a ballast bed 13 is arranged on a base layer 12, which supports the sleepers 10 with the rails 2, wherein the sleepers 10 are embedded in the ballast bed 13 in the usual way. This forms a superstructure, to which the covering 3, which may be constructed in multiple layers, is connected, i.e. at least essentially starting from the top of the sleepers 10 and/or the bottom of the rails 2.

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Instead of the aforementioned superstructure or ballast bed, track 1 can also be designed as a so-called fixed track, i.e. a ballast-free superstructure can be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the covering 3 is designed as a plant substrate and is installed as bulk material. The covering 3 at least has such a layer, in particular as the top covering layer.

The plant substrate is preferably made of mineral material and soil material, preferably grit and topsoil, which is otherwise also referred to as topsoil and is defined in accordance with VOB Part C: General technical contract conditions for construction work (ATV), earthworks - DIN 18300, in particular fine grit and topsoil. In particular, in the plant substrate, the grit grains are mostly at least partially coated with the soil material, whereby grass seeds can be mixed in directly if necessary.

In the example shown, the covering 3 preferably forms at least a large part of a lawn area 14.

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

However, the covering 3 can also be constructed differently, in particular, for example, it can not contain any soil material if no vegetation or greenery is desired. For example, the covering 3 or at least its upper covering layer can then consist of crushed mineral material or the like.

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

·

·

·

-8th-

For example, it is also possible that the covering 3 is formed or manufactured from concrete, bitumen gravel, asphalt, paving stones, interlocking stones, slabs, other road building material or the like.

It is essential that, given the preferably intended accessibility or drivability of track 1 and its covering 3, there is sufficient load-bearing capacity of the covering 3 - especially when wet.

&iacgr;&ogr; When producing 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 from a continuous track, are laid along the rails 2 on the side facing the covering 3. In particular, the film 5 extends laterally along the rails 2 at least essentially up to the height of the later covering 3, i.e. in particular up to or to the side 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, if present, and overlaps the root barrier layer or mat 16, if present, in the form of longitudinal strips, in particular covering it.

To secure the laid film 5, it is preferably glued to the associated rail 2 at least in some areas, for example at certain points and/or in strips. For this purpose, the film 5 can be designed to be self-adhesive and/or a separately applied adhesive, preferably silicone, can be used.

The covering layer 3 is then installed and consolidated, for example by vibrating or rolling.

In the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 and 2, a very frequently used rail form is shown, in particular a so-called Vignol rail. In Fig. 2, the wheel 17 of a rail vehicle (not shown) shown in dash-dotted lines indicates that the covering 3 in the space between two associated rails 2 laterally covers the rail head 6.

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ly at least not completely cover it in order to leave space for the flange of the wheel 17. Accordingly, in the first embodiment, the covering 3 between the rails 2 is correspondingly low, in particular not as high as on the opposite outer sides of the rails 2.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the proposed track 1 in a representation corresponding to Fig. 2. The essential difference from the first embodiment is that here a so-called grooved rail 2 is used as an alternative rail shape. Accordingly, the rails 2 can then be covered to the same height on both sides, and the covering 3 can therefore be made to the same height on both sides if required.

A further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently of the provision of the film 5, is that waterproof covers 18 are provided on the water-permeable covering 3, which preferably directly adjoin the respective rail 2 on both sides and extend along it in strips.

The covers 18 can be provided in both embodiments and also form insulating elements 4 which serve to insulate against stray currents and/or protect against corrosion. The covers 18 prevent water from penetrating from the side next to the rails 2, so that the areas of the covering 3 lying to the side next to the rails 2 are kept at least largely dry.

In particular, the width of the covers 18 is adapted to the behavior of the covering 3 with regard to water permeability and water conduction or capillary action and wettability in such a way that even in the event of heavy rainfall or other heavy water ingress, the areas of the covering 3 immediately adjacent to the rails 2 can be expected to be kept sufficiently dry, provided that the film 5 is not provided.

The covers 18 prevent the rails 2 or their rail heads 6 from growing in, thus leading to vegetation-free longitudinal strips next to the

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Rails 2. This is a significant advantage in view of the fact that traffic should be able to easily recognize the rails 2 and thus the track 1. If necessary, the covers 18 can also be colored or have a colored surface to improve identification.

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

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the covers 18 are made of mineral material and plastic, in particular also a synthetic resin and grit, preferably polyurethane and fine grit (multiple-crushed grit). This enables simple, universal installation and good interlocking with the covering 3.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of the proposed covered track 1 in a representation corresponding to Fig. 2. The essential difference from the first embodiment is that the track 1 has a so-called solid track, i.e. a ballast-free, in particular sleeper-free superstructure 19. Instead of a ballast bed 13 and the sleepers 10 embedded therein, the rails 2 are supported by a solid, in particular plate-like layer 20, for example made of asphalt or concrete.

Preferably, a suitable insulating element 11 for electrical insulation is provided between the rails 2 and the layer 20 in the support area of the rails 2. In particular, this is a so-called rail underlay, which can be rigid or elastic as required. For example, this can be a bituminous underlay or the like. However, a plastic film, even the film 5 if required, can also be used.

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

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The two adjacent rails 2 forming a rail track (in Fig. 4 only one rail 2 is visible due to the partial representation) are connected to one another at suitable distances or intervals along the rail track by tie rods 21.

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

The covering 3 is preferably covered on both sides of a rail 2. In the third embodiment, the covering 3 is preferably formed at least essentially from a concrete layer 22, a binder layer 23 and a covering layer 24 consisting in particular of mastic asphalt. However, other structures are also possible in principle if suitable materials are used.

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

The film 5 covers the connecting or fastening elements 9 on the sides.

The film 5 does not need to extend to the top of the adjoining covering 3 on the outside side of the rail 2 at the side of the rail head 6, but can be designed or arranged in a shortened manner, since an electrically insulating rail joint 25 is preferably provided between the rail head 6 and the outside covering 3 in the area of the cover layer 24 and/or the binder layer 23, as indicated in Fig. 4. The rail joint 25 is preferably designed to be sufficiently elastic and consists, for example, of a suitable bitumen material or the like.

• · * &idigr; * &iacgr; * &iacgr; I i

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The same applies to the inside of the rail 2 with regard to the lateral arrangement of the film 5, provided that a so-called melting band 26 is provided between the rail head 6 of the cover layer 23 or another suitable filler.

Preferably, the film 5 is arranged as a longitudinal web 27 between the two rails 2, in particular between the (supporting) layer 20 and the covering 3, so that a virtually complete inner or trough-like lining of the rails 2 and the area of the layer 20 lying between them is provided by the electrically insulating film 5. In this inner area, the film 5 can optionally be formed in one piece or in several pieces with a corresponding suitable overlap, as indicated in Fig. 4 with regard to the longitudinal strips extending along the rails 2 and the longitudinal web 27. The film 5 thus electrically insulates the layer 20 and the covering 3 in the area between the rails 2 - hereinafter referred to as the intermediate area.

The electrical insulation of the layer 20 and the covering 3 by the film 5 means that an electrical insulation of the usually metallic tie rods 21 from the rails 2 in the area of their connection to the rails 2 is not necessary and that, if required, the lateral lining and the associated electrical insulation of the rails 2 by the film 5 on the sides facing the intermediate space can also be omitted.

Alternatively, if the longitudinal track 27 is omitted or if there is no electrical insulation of the layer 20 and the covering 3 in the intermediate region, an electrical insulation of the tie rods 21 with respect to the rails 2 and/or a sheathing of the tie rods 21, for example again by the film 5, can be provided for electrical insulation with respect to the covering 3.

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

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A solid track can also be formed by casting the sleepers 10 supporting the rails 2, for example, into the layer 20. If necessary, the tie rods 21 can then 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, can be provided with or covered with suitable, preferably rounded protective caps, covers or the like, preferably plastic caps or the like, in order to avoid unwanted damage to the film 5 in the area 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 accordingly inexpensive and can be implemented in virtually any installation situation, thus very universally.

Claims (22)

1. Track ( 1 ), in particular green track, with metallic rails ( 2 ), a covering ( 3 ) and insulating elements ( 4 ) assigned to the rails ( 2 ) for stray current insulation and/or for corrosion protection, characterized in that the insulating elements ( 4 ) are formed by electrically insulating foil ( 5 ). 2. Track according to claim 1, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) is waterproof and/or consists 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 ) is flexible and preferably elastically or inelastically stretchable in surface extension. 5. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) is glued to the rails ( 2 ) at least in regions, in particular point-wise or strip-wise, preferably by means of silicone. 6. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) for bonding to the rails ( 2 ) is self-adhesive at least in regions, in particular point-wise or strip-wise. 7. Track according to one of claims 1 to 4, 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 rests 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 on the rail foot ( 8 ). 9. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track ( 1 ) has in particular metallic fastening elements ( 9 ), such as bolts, screws, nuts, springs or clamps, for fastening and/or connecting the rails ( 2 ), in particular on associated sleepers ( 10 ), and that the film ( 5 ) covers the fastening elements ( 9 ) laterally and/or on top. 10. 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 substantially at the level of rail feet ( 8 ) of the rails ( 2 ), and that the film ( 5 ) and the root barrier layer or mat ( 16 ) overlap one another in regions. 11. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating elements ( 4 ) have longitudinal strip-like covers ( 18 ) carried by the covering ( 3 ) which extend along the rails ( 2 ) on the covering ( 3 ), in particular wherein the covers ( 18 ) are embedded in the covering ( 3 ). 12. Track according to claim 11, characterized in that the covers ( 18 ) are arranged or formed on the covering ( 3 ) and are laterally connected to the rails ( 2 ), in particular to their rail heads ( 8 ), and/or the film ( 5 ). 13. Track according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the covering ( 3 ) is designed to be water-permeable and the covers ( 18 ) are plate-shaped and/or waterproof. 14. Track according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the covers ( 18 ) are made of plastic and mineral material, preferably synthetic resin and grit, in particular polyurethane and fine grit. 15. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track ( 1 ) has a ballastless and/or sleeper-free superstructure ( 19 ). 16. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the track ( 1 ) has electrically conductive tie rods ( 21 ) connecting the rails ( 2 ), the tie rods ( 21 ) being electrically insulated from the rails ( 2 ) and/or the film ( 5 ) being arranged between the rails ( 2 ) for the underside insulation of the covering ( 3 ) arranged between the rails ( 2 ). 17. Track ( 1 ), in particular green track, with metallic rails ( 2 ) and a covering ( 3 ), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electrically insulating foil ( 5 ) is arranged between the rails ( 2 ) and the covering ( 3 ). 18. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) is waterproof and/or is made of plastic and/or an endless sheet. 19. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) is laid along the rails ( 2 ) and is preferably glued to the rails ( 2 ) at least in some areas. 20. Track according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the film ( 5 ) is arranged between the rail ( 2 ) and the covering ( 3 ) and/or between the rails ( 2 ) on the underside of the covering ( 3 ). 21. Track ( 1 ), in particular green track, with metallic rails ( 2 ) and a covering ( 3 ), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that watertight covers ( 18 ) are laterally connected to the rails ( 2 ), in particular to rail heads ( 8 ), and are arranged along the rails ( 2 ) on the covering ( 3 ). 22. Track according to claim 21, characterized in that the covers ( 18 ) are made of plastic and mineral material, preferably synthetic resin and grit, in particular polyurethane and fine grit.