OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention, as expressed in the abstract of this descriptive report, refers
to improvements introduced in the elbowed plates for elastic fastenings of rails on
concrete ties, with which notable advantageous characteristics are offered, both for
the optimization of the injection process of the constitutive plastic material, and
for increasing the strength capacity of the plates versus the stresses to which they
are subjected to. Likewise, the object of the invention contitutes the substantial
cost reduction of each one of the parts.
[0002] The elbowed plates on which the improvements which are the object of the invention
are applied, constitute the five most used versions from among those which make up
the classical elastic fastenings used by RENFE (with type Skl1 clip) for the various
models of concrete ties.
[0003] The parts which define the elbowed plates are placed on the rail seats, arranged
to such effect on the tie, with the external and internal confronted at both sides
of the rail shoe. On each one of them abuts the elastic clip, attached by means of
the corresponding screw which crossed the plate to be tied down to the tie, and which
achieves the correct fastening of the rail on said tie when the nominal torque is
applied.
[0004] According to the invention, the improvements introduced in this type of elbowed plates
are based, together with changes in the geometry of the part in order to obtain a
greater seating of the clip, on the reduction of the quantity of material by means
of the introduction of longitudinal webs, transversal to the shoe of the rail, which,
together with a reduction in the weight, allows the obtention of greater strength
against the real requirements of the parts during their running on the track.
[0005] Similarly, the replacing of the webs and consequently, the reduction of the general
thicknesses of the parts, facilitates the manufacturing process, increasing the rate
of the injection and making sensibly cheaper, the cost of the same, as indicated previously.
[0006] All the above expressed, is complemented with the maintenance of the housings and
geometric conditions which are common to the tie, with which the optimum conditions
for the operation of the parts are obtained, without distorsioning the present processes.
[0007] The ties are of prestressed monoblock concrete (prestressed or post-stressed), participating
in the assembly for a single width of track, or for double width (versatile tie).
[0008] The various current types of elbowed plates are those fastening elements which transmit
the vertical loads of the clip to the tie, as well as those which support the lateral
thrust of the rail shoe, produced by the stress of the wheels of the trains. Therefore,
its mission, besides serving as lateral buffer, is double: support of the lateral
and vertical loads caused by the running of the railroad and acting, together with
the clip and the screw, as fastening element of the rail to the monoblock tie.
[0009] In the elastic fastening of the rails on the monoblock ties, the following elements
participate as rail guides besides the elbowed plates:
- Seating plate: Polyethylene sheet on which the rail lies on the tie.
- Cramp or elastic clip: Steel part with suitable shape, the mission of which is to
fasten the shoe of the rail onto the tie, through the seat plate.
- Screw: Steel part, with body formed by a cylindrical, partially threaded stud ended
with a round head, of greater diameter than the stud, crowned by a frustum-pyramidal
projection.
- Threaded spigot: Conical-frustrum cylinder of plastic material, externally ondulated
and provided with internal thread, which is placed on the tie during its production
and serves as housing of the screw.
[0010] Contributing to the fastening, the tie includes a transversal or rail seat recess
which defines a housing permitting the perfect coupling of the elbowed plates and
consequently that of the rest of the elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0011] At present, the elbowed plastic plates used in the elastic fastening of rails, and
which are the object of RENFE Technical Specification 03.360.566.8, form part of an
elastic system, designed for the replacement of the previous metallic part, with which
the monoblock ties were originally equipped with, such as is described in the standard
in force (N.R.V.3-2-2-0).
[0012] The studies conducted, have made evident the possibility of modifying the design
of the parts respect-ing its behaviour on the track, versus the stresses produced
on the same, and which are summerized in vertical type compressions on its rear side,
due to the torque of the clip, and lateral load stresses transmitted by the rail during
the passage of the moving material.
[0013] The rail has to bear dynamic stresses during the passing of the trains, vertical
ones produced by the loads transmitted by the rim of the wheels and other lateral
ones, caused by the flange of the wheels when they impinge on the active face of the
rail head, during the guiding of the circulation and in the correction of the detrimental
movements.
[0014] The lateral stresses are produced singularly in the "opening" direction of the track,
that is to say, with a tendency to separate the rails. To achieve this, they must
be absorbed by the attachment system, and particularly by the elbowed part which fastens
the wing of the exterior shoe to the track box, since in any other case, that is to
say, if it should be displaced outwards from the rail, an excessive over-width would
be produced. As a solution to this problem a system is looked for, which, by means
of an increase of rigidity in the parts, makes them more resistant to these lateral
stresses.
[0015] With the object of quantifying both these stresses and the zones of the plates which
are susceptible of resisting them, prior studies were conducted by finite elements
(which provided the distribution of stresses on the parts for this type of loads and
consequently, the areas susceptible to lightening) and in instrumentation on the track
by means of extensometric gauges which permitted the quantification of the values
initially predicted in the calculation by finite elements.
[0016] In the framework of these studies, a specific work programme was defined for the
development of technical alternatives to this question, its culmination being the
carrying out of different elbowed plates which were improved in accordance with the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In general lines, the improvements introduced in the elbowed plates for elastic fastenings
of rails on concrete ties, which constitute the object of the invention, basically
consist on the lightening of the parts, which vary depending on their arrangement
on the ties and consequently, on their manner of work. The five most used versions
of the previously indicated plates have been grouped in three blocks for this purpose:
[0018] Interior elbowed plates (rail versions UIC 54 and UIC 60). In these parts, the greatest design modifications
are going to be made, since the mechanical demands are lesser. They basically work
under vertical compression on their rear side due to the dynamic torque of the clip.
Due to this situation on the internal part of the rail, the lateral load to be supported
is very inferior to that exerted by the track on the exterior elbowed plates. They
must also however, be equipped with a standard resistance to said requirement. The
previous nomenclature answers to these standardized types of 54 or 60 kg/m rail.
[0019] Exterior elbowed plates (rail versions UIC 54 and UIC 60). The modification in the design of these parts
is more reduced than the one carried out on its interior pairs on versatile ties,
due to the fact that they must directly bear the stresses transmitted by the rail
during the passage of the moving material, fundamentally, the lateral load, besides
the vertical compression stress conferred by the torque of the clip on its rear side,
though this be comparatively very inferior.
[0020] Guide elbow plates. Defined thus, are the ones used in the assembly on the concrete tie of one single
width of track. With the object of maintaining a functionality criteria and to facilitate
the assembly on track of these plates, a single design has been made for the two positions
on the tie. Consequently, variations of the geometry have been adopted, sized to resist
the loads which may be produced in the most unfavourable position, which is the exterior
position.
[0021] One of the improvements introduced in this type of plates are modifications which
are going to be common to all the versions of elbowed plates, emphasizing the following:
- Preassembly supports. These overprominences of the upper side of the elbowed plate,
provided for an improved adapting of the elastic clip in the preassembly position,
initially of trapezial shape, have been shortened and their interior zone is circular.
- Support of the central loop. With the object of allowing an improved coupling of the
loop configured on the central part of the elastic clip, and the part or elbowed plate,
the notch having toroidal shape (which must adapt to the central loop of the clip),
has been constructed wider on plan. With current non lightened parts, the radius of
the central loop of the clip coincides with that of the lightening of the same, and
in consequence, in practice, and due to the irregularities which are common to series
manufactured parts, both elements do not always adapt at adequately. In order not
to modify the present torque, the housing, in elevation continues the same.
- Hole front. The zone which supports the abutting of the central loop, on the part
which surrounds the hole for the passage of the screw, has been made shorter on plan
as regards current parts. This is not detrimental to the strength of the part, since
the central loop of the clip, under normal opoerational conditions, must not transmit
any load to its support. If any vertical load should exist, always compression load,
it must resist without any problems with the new design.
- Arrangement of the lightenings. The different lightenings carried out on the elbowed
plates, are found located on its lower part, and functionally, the lightened zone
confronts the thickness of the seating plate, and consequently, does not directly
receive the loads transmitted by the rail shoe. As a consequence of this lower location,
accumulations of water are also avoided, as well as foreign elements which might occasion
derivations or fractures.
- Homogeneity of thicknesses. In order to simplify the design of the mold, the thicknesses
of the lightenings have been made homogeneous with the non lightened zones, making
them meet the design requirements of an injected part. However, in all the parts,
non lightened zones are maintnained for safety reasons (direct contact with the shoe
and other parts of greater stresses).
- Transversal lightenings. In all the elbowed plates, due to the existance of such lightenings,
transversally arranged webs are formed. Considering that conventional parts, some
have a rectangular configured plant and others trapezial, such webs are perpendicular
to the rail in rectangular parts, and radial in trapezial parts, in all cases following
the direction of the lateral loads transmitted by the rail. In exterior elbowed plates
and in guide elbowed plates, thus defined previously, the zone which is going directly
to support the lateral load of the rail shoe and which is to administer and transmit
the concrete through the rear support, is directly confronted to the same at the maximum
height possible, given the geometry of the part. In interior elbowed plates, the plate
confronted to the rail shoe is of shorter height to allow a greater lightening given
the lesser previously indicated mechanical demands.
- Lateral chamfers. The front section of the elbowed plate which defines the buffer
against the rail, has lateral chamfers on all the parts.
[0022] In order to better understand the characteristics of the invention and forming an
integral part of this descriptive report, drawing sheets are enclosed, which include
figures in which, with illustrative and non limitative character, the following has
been represented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Figure 1 is a longitudinal side elevational view, with sectioned quadrant, of an
elastic fastening of rails on concrete ties, by means of conventional elbowed plates.
It also corresponds to the section on the cut line A-A of figure 2.
[0024] Figure 2 is a plan view of figure 1 representation.
[0025] Figure 3 is a cross section of a conventional interior elbowed plate for rail UIC-54.
It also corresponds to the section on cut line B-B of figure 4.
[0026] Figure 4 is a plan view of figure 3 representation.
[0027] Figure 5 is a section on cut line C-C of figure 4.
[0028] Figure 6 is a section on cut line D-D of figure 5.
[0029] Figure 7 is a cross section of an interior elbowed plate for rail UIC-54, according
to the invention. It also corresponds to the section on cut line E-E of figure 8.
[0030] Figure 8 is a plan view of figure 7 representation.
[0031] Figure 9 is a section on cut line F-F of figure 8.
[0032] Figure 10 is a section on cut line G-G of figure 9.
[0033] Figure 11 is a lower plan view of figure 7 representation.
[0034] Figure 12 is a similar view to figure 3 of a conventional interior elbowed plate
for rail UCI-60.
[0035] Figure 13 is a similar view to figure 7, but of an interior elbowed plate for rail
UIC-60, according to the invention.
[0036] Figure 14 is a cross section of a conventional exterior elbowed plate for rail UIC-54.
It also corresponds to the section on cut line H-H of figure 15.
[0037] Figure 15 is a plan view of figure 14 representation.
[0038] Figure 16 is a section on cut line I-I of figure 15.
[0039] Figure 17 is a section on cut line J-J of figure 16.
[0040] Figure 18 is a cross section of an exterior elbowed plate for rail UIC-54, according
to the invention. It also corresponds to the section on cut line K-K of figure 19.
[0041] Figure 19 is a plan view of figure 18 representation.
[0042] Figure 20 is a section on cut line L-L of figure 19.
[0043] Figure 21 is a section on cut line M-M of figure 20.
[0044] Figure 22 is a lower plan view of figure 18 representation.
[0045] Figure 23 is a similar view to figure 14 but of a conventional exterior elbowed plate
for rail UIC- 60.
[0046] Figure 24 is a similar view to figure 18 but of an exterior elbowed plate for rail
UIC-60 according to the invention.
[0047] Figure 25 is a cross section of a conventional elbowed guide plate for single width
track. It corresponds to the section on cut line N-N of figure 26.
[0048] Figure 26 is a plan view of figure 25 representation.
[0049] Figure 27 is a section on cut line O-O of figure 26.
[0050] Figure 28 is a section on cut line P-P of figure 27.
[0051] Figure 29 is a cross section of an elbowed plate used for single widths track, including
the improvements which are the object of the invention. It corresponds to the section
on cut line Q-Q of figure 30.
[0052] Figure 30 is a plan view of figure 29 representation.
[0053] Figure 31 is a section on cut line R-R of figure 30.
[0054] Figure 32 is a section on cut line S-S of figure 31.
[0055] Figure 33 is a lower plan view of figure 29 representation.
[0056] Figures 34 through 38 are respective, similar views to figures 29 through 33 respectively,
which represent the geometric configuration of an elbowed plate used for a single
width track, according to a design achieved after having overcome a further investigation
phase with prototypes, in a modified embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0057] With reference to the numbers adopted in the figures, and especially in relation
to figures 1 and 2, it can be observed that this type of elastic fastening of rail
1 on the monoblock tie 2, is carried out by means of conventional elbowed plates 3
which are placed on one side and another of shoe 4 of rail 1. Those which are situated
on the exterior part of the track are the ones which have been denominated as exterior
elbowed plates, and the ones which are in the interior of the track, the interior
ones. Reference 5 designates the cramp or elastic clip, materialized by the steel
part which directly fastens the shoe 4 of the rail 1, after the torque of screw 6.
[0058] Reference 7 designates the seating plate on which rail 1 on tie 2 directly lies.
Screw 6 remains duly tied down to tie 2, whcn the same includes threaded spigots 8.
On their part, the elbowed plates 3 are equipped with an inferior projection 9 which
meshes in housing 10 provided in tie 2.
[0059] Consequently, the elbowed plates which have been referenced with number 3, offer
the conventional design of eminently solid elbowed plates, which have been modified
in the manner which shall be subsequently seen in order to achieve the improvements
recommended according to the invention.
[0060] Figures 3 through 6 represent one of the versions of conventional elbowed plates,
specifically, the one intended to remain situated in the interior part of rail UIC-54
for versatile tie (double width track). Figures 7 and 11 show the improvements introduced
in this version of plates, according to the invention, with the existance of a parallel
correspondence with the different views and sections of one and the other of the elbowed
plates, with the exception, that in the elbowed plate which includes the improvements
which are the object of the invention, the inferior plan view has been added in order
to observe the arrangement of the transversal webs according to figure 11.
[0061] Analyzing comparatively both groups of figures 3 through 6 and 7 through 11, it can
be observed that a general lightening has been carried out in the formers, which consists
of the formation of eight complete transversal webs, 4 mm thick, laterally arranged,
and another two webs of 4,5 mm interrupted by the central hole 11 for passage of screw
6. The conventional plate is referenced generally with number 12 and the one which
includes the improvements which are the object of the invention, is to be found referenced
with number 13.
[0062] The complete lateral webs are referenced with number 14 and the central interrupted
ones with number 15.
[0063] The central hole 11, in turn, is reinforced with a circular web, also 4 mm thick,
with the exception of the buffer zone against shoe 4, in which, in order to keep the
2 mm resinking provided for the preassembly of the seating plate 7, said web has to
be of 3 mm in this embodiment example shown in the figures. This circular web is referenced
with number 16.
[0064] The thickness of plate 13 in the zone directly confronting the rail shoe is also
of 4 mm, as well as the webs 14, keeping constant in the rear section of the part.
With this arrangement, the transversal webs 14 and 15 may directly receive some lateral
load, less than in the exterior parts, on its upper 2 mm as shall be subsequently
seen.
[0065] Buffer 17, or front and rethickened part of the elbowed plate 13, has a width of
15,4 mm in this version for rail UIC-54 and is provided with a 60º chamfer 18. Circular
web 16 reinforces the central hole 11 and maintains a continuity in the transmission
of stresses from the four central webs 15 and 14.
[0066] The rear support zone of the elastic clip 5, referenced with number 19 is the lightest,
since the maximum thickness of 21 mm of the solid part 12, is avoided. It is considered
that this lightening perfectly supports the vertical load, between 500 and 750 kg
at each support point of the elastic clip 5, produced by the torque of the same.
[0067] Subsequently comparing figures 12 and 13 which respectively represent in cross section
the conventional interior elbowed plate for rail UIC-60, and the same, after being
modified according to the improvements of the invention, it can be said that these
plates which are referenced in the same order with numbers 20 and 21, only differ
from the former 12 and 13, in the width of heel 17 which passes from having 15,4 mm
to 12 mm, having being said heel, referenced in this case with number 17'. Therefore,
buffer 17' in the part for rail UIC-60, has a width which is compatible with the one
adopted in the verson for rail UIC-54, keeping the common angle of 60º of chamfer
18, allowing the production of both versions 13 and 21 with the same mold by means
of added modifications.
[0068] This design allows the possibility of introducing overwidths in the track by means
of the added modification. Thus, the basic size of buffer 17 may be increased in the
parts for rail UIC-54, which is 12,4 mm, up to 2,5 mm or 5 mm, to permit a stepped
aperture of track jointly with the exterior part (which shall be mentioned further
on), every 2,5 mm, until 10 m have been reached. Similarly, part 21 for rail UIC-60
admits an increase of 2,5 mm in its basic size, 9 mm, to permit a stepped aperture
of track jointly with the exterior part, every 2,5 mm up to 5 mm.
[0069] The geometry of another of the current versions of plates, specifically the one denominated
as exterior elbowed plate for versatile tie with UIC-54, may be observed in detail
in figures 14 through 17. This conventional exterior elbowed plate, is referenced
in general with number 22. Its main difference as regards the interior elbowed plate
is its trapezial configuration, as can be seen in figure 15.
[0070] The modifications conducted in this exterior elbowed plate 22, to achieve the recommended
characteristics, according to the invention, can be observed in figures 18 through
22, the different views and sections also being shown in parallel. The new, lightened
exterior elbowed plate is referenced with number 23 in these figures 18 through 22.
[0071] Since these plates 23 are elbowed in trapezial shape, the arrangement of the six
webs is radial, whilst that of the four central webs is perpendicular to shoe 4. The
oblique webs are referenced with number 24 and the transversal ones to the plate,
with number 25. In this form of embodiment shown, the webs have a constant thickness
of 6 mm, with the exception of the two end ones, which due to geometric reasons, is
of 5,5 mm. Consequently, the thickness of the gaps is variable.
[0072] The thickness of the plate confronted directly to the rail shoe is also 6 mm, as
are the webs. With this arrangement, the transversal webs do not directly receive
the lateral load, although they indirectly collaborate in the transmission of stresses.
[0073] The circular web, on the contrary to the interior plates 13, reinforces the central
hole 11 in its front zone, transmitting the stresses through the webs which border
the same.
[0074] The correct operation of this part under lateral load, must prevent that bending
stresses are transmitted to screw 6. Therefore, the rear zone directly confronted
to hole 11 remains considerably lightened in these parts 23.
[0075] The rear support zone of the elastic clip 5 is lightened in order to overcome the
present strong thicknesses, being designed with a constant thickness. However, zone
26, where this support begins, has a greater thickness than in the interior ones,
in order to resist the greater alternative compression and tensile stresses which
are produced in this zone when the trains pass. Also, in order to unify thicknesses,
the rear support part in the tie has been lightened by 3,5 mm.
[0076] With the object of allowing the manufacturing of the two versons of exterior elbowed
plates in existance, with one of them, the latter commented on for rail UIC-54, referenced
with 23, and the one which is to be used for the other type of rail UIC-60, with the
same mold by means of added modifications, it has been predicted that, in the same
manner as for the interior parts, they shall only be differentiated in the width of
the buffer. In figure 23, we can observe the cross section of this conventional exterior
elbowed plate 27, and in figure 24, the cross section corresponding to the lightened
plate in compliance witih the invention, referenced with number 28. Buffer 29' on
the part for rail UIC-60, has a width of 12 mm, which is compatible with the 18,6
mm width in the version for rail UIC-54 (see figure 18). These plates 23 and 28 having
additionally, the same 60º angle of chamfer 18 of heel 29 and 29'.
[0077] This design also admits the possibility of introducing overwidths in the track by
means of added modifications. Thus, the basic size of buffer 29 in parts 23 for rail
UIC-54 can be reduced, from 15,6 mm to 2,5 or 5 mm, to allow a stepped aperture of
track jointly with the interior part, every 2,5 mm, until the 10 mm has been reached.
Similarly, part 28 for rail UIC-60 admits a 2,5 mm reduction in its basic size, 9
mm, to permit a stepped aperture of track jointly with the interior part, every 2,5
mm up to the 5 mm.
[0078] Finally, comparing the elbowed plates of figures 25 through 28, as regards the ones
corresponding to figures 29 through 33, in which the conventional plastic guide elbowed
plate for the single rail, is respectively represented, and including the improvements
of the invention, it can be observed that they have the same design as regards the
case of their arrangement, both in the interior housing as in the exterior one. In
consequence, for half of the cases, it is oversized. The conventional plate is referenced
in general with number 30 and in the second one with number 31.
[0079] The guide elbowed plated 31 has a rectangular contour and is distinguished at first
sight from the upper part by a cylindrical mark 32 of 3 mm depth and 10 mm width,
which is situated in buffer 33, centered with the hole 11.
[0080] In the same manner as for the exterior part, it has a resistant zone 6 mm thick,
the same as eight of the ten transversal webs 34 and 35 (the two ends are 5,5 mm thick
due to reasons of geometry), of which the eight end ones are continuous and the two
central ones discontinuous. For the same reason as the exterior part, the rear part,
confronted to hole 11, has been lightened.
[0081] Zone 26, where the rear support of clip 5 commences, has a greater thickness in order
to resist the superior, alternative, compression and tensile stresses which, when
the trains pass, are produced in this area. Similarly, in order to unify the thickness,
the rear support part on the tie has been lightened 3 mm.
[0082] This design admits the possibility of introducing overwidths in the track by means
of added modifications. Thus, the basic size of the buffer, 12 mm, may be reduced
or incremented into 2,5 or 5 mm, to permit a stepped aperture of track every 2,5 mm
up to 10 mm.
[0083] The main advantages derived from the special optimized design of the elbowed plates,
modified according to the invention, are included in three main aspects:
- Manufacturing process. The modifications introduced in the design of the plates permit the optimization
of the injection process of the plastic material by means of the reduction of part
thicknesses and the maintenance of their uniformity.
[0084] Likewise, the injection rate is notably increased, which produces an incremase in
the production and the productive capacity.
- Behaviour of the plates. All the process, described up to now, permits an increase in the strength capacity
of the plates versus common stresses during the running of a railway.
[0085] The appearance of longitudinal webs in the lateral thrust direction of the rail,
will increase the strength of the part versus this type of stresses
[0086] The reinforcement and redesign of the support zones of the elastic clip, confer the
same with an improved seating on the plates, which influences the greater strenth
of the latter versus the tensile and compression loads transmitted by said clip.
- Cost of the plates. The substantial reduction of the cost of each one of the optimized parts, is given,
on the one hand, by the improvements introduced in the manufacturing process (a greater
injection rate implies a higher production and consequently a cutting of direct costs)
and on the other hand, of the decrease of the quantity of raw material which constitute
the plates as a consequencae of the lightenings introduced.
[0087] Considering the above, and with special reference to figures 34 to 38, it can be
observed that the design characteristics of an elbowed plate for single rail, improves
the behavious and productivity:
[0088] Thus, the thickness of the webs has been reduced, passing from 6 mm to 5 mm, whilst
keeping the same quantity of the same. The injection process is simplified, obtaining
improved results in their mecanical service and in the productivity of the manufacturing.
[0089] Addtionally, the central and rear section of the part has been raised, comprissed
between the two clip supports, improving the distribution of the longitudinal load
which affects this zone.
[0090] A transversal web is added at 10 mm of the rear clip supports, reinforcing the part
and sensibly reducing the stresses supported by the part on the rear section.
[0091] The front section of the part has also been modified on the clip support and adjacent
area, lightening the material on a non service zone.
[0092] The rear section of this part, in its housing on the tie, is also lightened as regards
the oversizing of the part of figures 29 through 33.
[0093] In these figures 34 through 38, to which we are now referring to, an apostrophe has
been added to the references which designate sections modified as regards figures
29 through 33.