TURNOUT FOR A TRACK SYSTEM

Abstract

A turnout for a rail vehicle track system, having a main track and branch track(s) that joins the main track. The main and branch tracks at least in regions have in each case at least two rails, wherein disposed between the sleepers and the ballast bed, on lower sides of sleepers that face the ballast bed, are in each case sleeper pads which each have at least one elastomer layer. The turnout has a turnout frog tip in which the rails of the main track pointing towards the branch track and of the branch track pointing towards the main track converge. A turnout frog region extends from the turnout frog tip in mutually opposite directions and the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region are softer than in regions of the turnout in front of and behind the turnout frog region.

Claims

1. A turnout for a track system for rail vehicles, the track system having a main track and at least one branch track that joins the main track, wherein the main track and the branch track at least in regions have in each case at least two rails, wherein the rails are fastened on sleepers and the sleepers are mounted on a ballast bed, wherein disposed between the sleepers and the ballast bed, on lower sides of the sleepers that point towards the ballast bed, are in each case sleeper pads which have in each case at least one elastomer layer, the turnout comprising: a turnout frog tip in which the rails of the main track pointing towards the branch track and the rails of the branch track pointing towards the main track converge; a turnout frog region extends from the turnout frog tip in mutually opposite directions; the sleepers in the turnout frog region comprise inherently continuous sleepers on which the rails of the main track as well as the rails of the branch track are fastened; wherein the turnout frog region, proceeding from the turnout frog tip, extends in the mutually opposite directions in each case at most over twenty-five successive sleepers; and the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region are softer than the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads in regions of the turnout in front of and behind the turnout frog region.

2. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the turnout frog region, proceeding from the turnout frog tip, extends in the mutually opposite directions in each case at most over fifteen successive ones of the sleepers.

3. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region at a measurement frequency of 10 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus in a range from 0.088 N/mm.sup.3 to 0.186 N/mm.sup.3.

4. The turnout according to claim 3, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region at a measurement frequency of 20 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus in the range from 0.17 N/mm.sup.3 to 0.42 N/mm.sup.3.

5. The turnout according to claim 4, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region at a measurement frequency of 160 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus in the range from 0.21 N/mm.sup.3 to 0.53 N/mm.sup.3.

6. The turnout according to claim 5, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in a region in front of and behind the turnout frog region at the respective measurement frequencies have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus which is higher by at least a factor of 1.25 than the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region.

7. The turnout according to claim 3, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in a region in front of and behind the turnout frog region at the measurement frequency of 10 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus which is higher by at least a factor of 1.25 than the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region.

8. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads comprise at least one of polyurethane or natural rubber.

9. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective sleeper pads, in addition to the elastomer layer, comprise at least one of a) a binding layer which points towards the sleeper, adapted for fastening the sleeper pad to the sleeper, or b) a protective layer which points towards the ballast bed.

10. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region have in a direction of a longitudinal extent of the respective sleeper in each case a central region and adjacent thereto two outer regions.

11. The turnout according to claim 10, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region are in each case softer in the central region than in the two outer regions.

12. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region at a measurement frequency of 20 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus in the range from 0.17 N/mm.sup.3 to 0.42 N/mm.sup.3.

13. The turnout according to claim 12, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in a region in front of and behind the turnout frog region at the measurement frequency of 20 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus which is higher by at least a factor of 1.25 than the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers (5) in the turnout frog region.

14. The turnout according to claim 1, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region at a measurement frequency of 160 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus in the range from 0.21 N/mm.sup.3 to 0.53 N/mm.sup.3.

15. The turnout according to claim 14, wherein the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in a region in front of and behind the turnout frog region at the measurement frequency of 160 Hz have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus which is higher by at least a factor of 1.25 than the respective elastomer layers of the respective sleeper pads of the sleepers in the turnout frog region.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further features and details of preferred design embodiments of the invention will be explained hereunder by way of example. In the figures:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a turnout according to the invention in a schematic illustration;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows the region A from FIG. 1 in an enlargement;

[0026] FIG. 3 shows the longitudinal section BB from FIG. 1 through the turnout frog region and the adjacent regions in front of and behind the latter;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section along the section line CC from FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along the section line DD from FIG. 1;

[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 show different exemplary embodiments of the cross-section along the section line EE from FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section along the section line FF from FIG. 1; and

[0031] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration pertaining to a sleeper pad according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The turnout 1, which is schematically illustrated in a top view in FIG. 1, is a so-called simple turnout in which a branch track 3 joins a main track 2. For the sake of completeness, it is to be pointed out that the invention can also be implemented in so-called slip switches, in which a branch track 3 joins the main track 2 on one side, and leads out of the latter on the other side. The track which is most heavily travelled is typically referred to as the main track 2. The branch track 3 is typically a track less travelled. However, this is ultimately only a matter of terminology.

[0033] In front of and behind the turnout 1, the rails 4 are fastened in pairs so as to lie opposite one another in each case on one of the sleepers 5. Along the entire turnout 1, the sleepers 5 are disposed transversely, and in regions even orthogonally, to the respective longitudinal direction, cf. respective directions 11 and 12, of the main track 2 as well as of the branch track 3. The turnout 1 per se has the tongue rail device region 19, the closure track region 20 and the turnout frog region 10. Tongue rails 21, which are known per se and are pivotably disposed on tongue rail roots 18, which are known per se, are located in the tongue rail device region 19. Located within the turnout frog region 10 of the turnout 1, in the region denoted by A, are the turnout frog tip 9 and adjacent thereto the turnout frog gap 22, as is illustrated in an enlargement in FIG. 2. The closure track region 20 of the turnout 1 is located between the tongue rail device region 19 and the turnout frog region 10. The closure rails 23, which are in each case fastened rigidly on the sleepers 5, are located in the closure track region 20. The outer rails 4 in the tongue rail device region 19 are also referred to as stock rails 24. The turnout frog region 10 of the turnout 1 in this exemplary embodiment, shown here purely by way of example, comprises a total of seven sleepers 5. Generally speaking, one part of these sleepers 5 of the turnout frog region 10 lies on one side of, or, in other words, in front of, the turnout frog tip 9. The other part of the sleepers 5 of the turnout frog region 10 lies on the respective opposite side of, thus, in other words, behind, the turnout frog tip 9. The turnout frog tip 9 here preferably lies in a central region of the turnout frog region 10, but does not have to lie exactly in the centre of the turnout frog region 10. The respective number of sleepers 5 of the turnout frog region 10 in front of and behind the turnout frog tip 9 can thus be identical or else differ. The turnout frog region 10 can be embodied differently in terms of how many sleepers 5 it extends across. One criterion for the basic design here is which speeds of rail vehicles the track system in which the respective turnout 1 is integrated is designed for.

[0034] Adjoining the turnout frog region 10, a plurality of so-called short sleepers 25 follow on one side in the region of the main track 2 as well as in the region of the branch track 3, which short sleepers 25 may be of a design shortened on one side in comparison to the other sleepers 5 used in the main track 2 and in the branch track 3, due to the given space situation.

[0035] In the turnout frog region 10 per se, the sleepers 5 are designed as inherently continuous sleepers 5 on which the rails 4 of the main track 2 as well as the rails 4 of the branch track 3 are fastened. It is to be pointed out here, without being limited to a single exemplary embodiment, that continuous sleepers 5 can in each case be designed as an integral, inherently continuous member. However, a continuous sleeper 5 can also be formed from two or more sub-members when the latter are fixedly connected to one another so as to form the continuous sleeper in this way.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows the region A from FIG. 1 in an enlargement. The turnout frog tip 9 is located in this region. The rails 4 of the branch track 2 pointing towards the branch track 3, and the rails 4 of the branch track 3 pointing towards the main track 2, converge in this turnout frog tip 9. The turnout frog gap 22 is located between the rails 4 that lie opposite the turnout frog tip 9 and the turnout frog tip 9.

[0037] When the rail vehicles travel over this turnout frog gap 22, the wheels impact on the rails 4, or the turnout frog tip 9, as a result of which audible as well as perceptible impact noise is generated. All the more impact noise is created the more worn the wheels of the rail vehicles, or the more worn the track system per se is. In order to counteract this generation of audible as well as perceptible impact noise, it is provided in turnouts 1 according to the invention, as in the case of the turnout 1 illustrated here, that the respective elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 of the sleepers 5 in the turnout frog region 10 are softer than the respective elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 in regions of the turnout 1 in front of and behind the turnout frog region 10.

[0038] Reference is made to FIG. 3 for visualization purposes in this regard. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section along the section line BB from FIG. 1. Shown in FIG. 3 are the seven sleepers 5, chosen by way of example here, of the turnout frog region 10, and in each case two sleepers 5 which adjoin the seven sleepers 5 outside the turnout frog region 10, in front of and behind the latter. FIG. 3 first schematically shows the construction known per se, in which a rail 4 is fastened on the sleepers 5 by way of the intervening intermediate tiers 26. Such fastenings are known per se and do not have to be explicitly shown here. They can be embodied as in the prior art. The sleepers 5 in turn are mounted on a ballast bed 6 using intervening sleeper pads 7 which are attached to the lower sides, pointing towards the ballast bed 6, of the respective sleepers 5. According to the invention, the elastomer layers 8 of the sleeper pads 7 in the turnout frog region 10 are softer than the elastomer layers 8 of the sleeper pads 7 outside the latter, thus in other words in front of and behind the turnout frog region 10. The elastic properties of the intermediate tiers 26 known per se can be embodied as in the prior art. The intermediate tiers 26 are favourably harder than the sleeper pads 7, or the elastomer layers 8 of the latter, respectively.

[0039] The turnout frog region 10 extends so as to proceed from the turnout frog tip 9 in the mutually opposite directions 11 and 12, in each case at most over twenty-five successive sleepers 5. The number of sleepers 5 on the mutually opposite sides of the turnout frog tip 9 can be, but does not have to be, identical, as has already been explained. In preferred design embodiments, the turnout frog region 10 is of a smaller design. For example, it can extend in the mutually opposite directions 11 and 12 in each case at most over fifteen, preferably in each case at most over five, successive sleepers 5. This favourably applies to the main track 2 as well as to the branch track 3.

[0040] In the region in front of and behind the turnout frog region 10, the elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 of the sleepers 5 are designed to be harder than in the turnout frog region 10. It is favourably provided that the elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 outside the turnout frog region 10 at the respective measurement frequency have in each case a dynamic bedding modulus which is higher by at least a factor of 1.25, preferably by at least a factor of 2.0. In preferred design embodiments, the respective elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 are composed of polyurethane and/or natural rubber. The sleeper pads 7 are in each case illustrated in a simplified manner in one piece in FIG. 3 as well as in FIGS. 4 to 8. However, it is preferably provided that the respective sleeper pads 7, in addition to the elastomer layer 8, have a binding layer 13, which points towards the sleeper 5, for fastening the sleeper pad 7 to the sleeper 5. The respective sleeper pad 7, on the side that points towards the ballast bed 6, preferably has a protective layer 14. This is known per se and is once again schematically illustrated in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the binding layer 13 is located on top of the elastomer layer 8, and the protective layer 14 is located at the bottom, below the elastomer layer 8. In terms of embodiments and the choice of material for the binding layer 13 and the protective layer 14, there are a wide range of possibilities in the prior art, which are known per se and can also be applied or implemented here in the context of the invention. In this way, the binding layer 13 can be, for example, a layer of randomly oriented fibres, a layer of flock fibres, or else a simple adhesive layer. If the sleeper 5 is composed of concrete, the sleeper pad 7 can however also be fastened to the sleeper 5 in that the binding layer 13 is impressed into the concrete that has not yet set. This is also known per se, and does not need to be explained in more detail.

[0041] The protective layer 14 serves to prevent ballast pebbles of the ballast bed 6 from ingressing too far into the elastomer layer 8, or destroying the latter. Forms of protective layers 14 which are known per se in the prior art and are also applicable in the context of the invention are, for example, geotextiles or other woven fabric layers. For the sake of completeness, it is however pointed out once again that the binding layer 13 as well as the protective layer 14 are optional. In turnouts 1 according to the invention, the sleeper pads 7 within the turnout frog region 10 as well as outside the latter have in each case at least one elastomer layer 8. In turnouts 1 according to the invention, the sleeper pads 7 can however also have more than one elastomer layer 8 within as well as outside the turnout frog region 10. Also in this case, the elastomer layers 8 are in any case softer in the region of the turnout frog region 10 than in front of and behind the latter.

[0042] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the sections through the turnout 1 along the section lines CC (FIG. 4) and DD (FIG. 5). Both sections lie outside the turnout frog region 10. The elastomer layers 8 of the sleeper pads 7 are thus harder there than the elastomer layers 8 of the sleeper pads 7 in the turnout frog region 10.

[0043] FIG. 6 now shows a section along the section line EE in the turnout frog region 10. Here, the elastomer layer 8 of the sleeper pad 7 is designed to be softer than outside the turnout frog region 10. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, the sleeper pad 7, and thus also the elastomer layer 8, is designed to be continuously identical over the entire longitudinal extent in the direction 15 of the respective sleeper pad 5. The dynamic bedding modulus of this elastomer layer 8 at the three measurement frequencies 10 Hz, 20 Hz and 160 Hz mentioned at the outset, lies within the interval stated in the claims. It is thus preferably provided that the dynamic bedding modulus of the elastomer layer 8 of the respective sleeper pad 5 at 10 Hz is in a range from 0.088 to 0.186 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably in the range from 0.091 to 0.181 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably in the range from 0.095 to 0.176 N/mm.sup.3. At 20 Hz, this elastomer layer 8, by way of its dynamic bedding modulus, is preferably in a range from 0.17 to 0.42 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.18 to 0.40 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.19 to 0.39 N/mm.sup.3. At a measurement frequency of 160 Hz, the dynamic bedding modulus of the elastomer layer 8 of the sleeper pad from FIG. 6 is preferably in the range from 0.21 to 0.53 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.22 to 0.51 N/mm.sup.3 and particularly preferably in the range from 0.23 to 0.48 N/mm.sup.3. All these values are preferably determined according to DIN EN 16730:2016-09 according to the track category TC3.

[0044] As has already been explained at the outset, it is however also possible that the respective elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 of the sleepers 5 in the turnout frog region 10 in the direction 15 of a longitudinal extent of the respective sleeper 5 have in each case a central region 16 and adjacent thereto two outer regions 17. This is shown by way of example by the section along the section line EE from FIG. 1 in the turnout frog region 10 in FIG. 7. In such design embodiments it is then possible to design the respective elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 of the sleepers 5 in the turnout frog region 10 to be in each case softer in their central region 16 than in the two outer regions 17 adjacent thereto. In other words: it is provided in these exemplary embodiments that the elastomer layers 8 of the respective sleeper pads 7 are designed to be particularly soft in the centre, thus in particular also below the turnout frog tip 9 and below the turnout frog gap 22, so as to achieve a particularly positive damping of the audible and also perceptible impact noise.

[0045] Here too, the dynamic bedding moduli of the elastomer layer 8 in the central region 16 as well as in the outer regions 17 are in the ranges already mentioned at the outset and in the claims.

[0046] In the outer regions 17, the elastomer layer 8 at 10 Hz however preferably has a dynamic bedding modulus in the range from 0.134 to 0.186 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.139 to 0.181 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.144 to 0.176 N/mm.sup.3. At 20 Hz, the dynamic bedding modulus in the regions 17 is preferably in the range from 0.28 to 0.42 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.30 to 0.40 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.32 to 0.39 N/mm.sup.3. At a measurement frequency of 160 Hz, the dynamic bedding modulus in the regions 17 is preferably in the range from 0.35 to 0.53 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.37 to 0.51 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.40 to 0.48 N/mm.sup.3.

[0047] In the softer, thus central, region 16, the elastomer layer 8 at 10 Hz has a dynamic bedding modulus preferably in the range from 0.088 to 0.145 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.090 to 0.141 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.095 to 0.138 N/mm.sup.3. At 20 Hz, the dynamic bedding modulus in this central region 16 is preferably in the range from 0.17 to 0.30 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.18 to 0.29 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably in the range from 0.19 to 0.28 N/mm.sup.3. At a measurement frequency of 160 Hz, the dynamic bedding modulus of the elastomer layer 8 in the region 16 is preferably in the range from 0.21 to 0.37 N/mm.sup.3, furthermore preferably from 0.22 to 0.36 N/mm.sup.3, and particularly preferably from 0.23 to 0.34 N/mm.sup.3.

[0048] These values of the dynamic bedding modulus at the various frequencies are also preferably determined according to DIN EN 16730:2016-09 according to the track category TC3.

[0049] FIG. 8 also shows the section along the section line FF. Here, the sleepers 5 again lie outside the turnout frog region 10. These are short sleepers 25. Here too, a longitudinal division of the elastomer layer 8 of the sleeper pad 7 into two regions can be provided. This is illustrated here by the first region 27 and the second region 28. In both regions, the elastomer layer 8 is harder than in the turnout frog region 10. As a result of the two regions 27 and 28 being designed so as to differ in terms of hardness or softness, respectively, tilting effects which arise on short sleepers 25 can be counteracted in a manner known per se. This has already been described in AT 520 697 B1.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0050] 1 Turnout [0051] 2 Main track [0052] 3 Branch track [0053] 4 Rail [0054] 5 Sleeper [0055] 6 Ballast bed [0056] 7 Sleeper pad [0057] 8 Elastomer layer [0058] 9 Turnout frog tip [0059] 10 Turnout frog region [0060] 11 Direction [0061] 12 Direction [0062] 13 Binding layer [0063] 14 Protective layer [0064] 15 Direction [0065] 16 Central region [0066] 17 Outer region [0067] 18 Tongue rail root [0068] 19 Tongue rail device region [0069] 20 Closure track region [0070] 21 Tongue rail [0071] 22 Turnout frog gap [0072] 23 Closure rail [0073] 24 Stock rail [0074] 25 Short sleeper [0075] 26 Intermediate tier [0076] 27 First region [0077] 28 Second region