Under-ballast damping device for railroads

Abstract

 An under-ballast damping device (1), specifically designed for railroads, comprising at least a flat element (2) made of an elastomeric material or a plastics material, comprising a substantially flat top surface (3) and a plurality of bottom ribs (4), defining cross recesses (5) for at least partially engaging therein respective damping section bars (6).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an under-ballast damping device, which has been specifically designed for railroads.

[0002] It is already known to use anti-vibration systems for damping vibrations generated by running vehicles.

[0003] In particular, trains generate a comparatively high level of noise, due to vibrations propagating either directly to the underlying ground through the train framework, or being indirectly propagated through the rail supporting constructions.

[0004] The vibrations generated by running trains transmit great stresses to the adjacent structures and, moreover, provide a high acoustical pollution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Accordingly, the aim of the present invention is to provide such a vibration damping device, which is greatly improved with respect to prior like devices or systems.

[0006] Within the scope of the above mentioned aim, a main object of the present invention is to provide such a flexible vibration damping device which can be used for different types of railroad lines, tramways and so on.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a vibration damping device which has a long duration.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a vibration damping device which can be quickly and easily installed.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned aim and objects, as well as yet other objects, which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an under-ballast damping device, specifically designed for railroads, characterized in that said device comprises at least a flat element made of an elastomeric material or a plastics material, comprising a substantially flat top surface and a plurality of bottom ribs defining cross recesses therebetween adapted to at least partially engage therein respective damping section bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent hereinafter from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated, by way of an indicative, but not limitative, example, in the accompanying drawings, where:

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the vibration damping device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded side elevation view of the planar or flat elements included in the vibration damping device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a further perspective view illustrating a vibration damping section bar;

Figure 4 is a further perspective view illustrating latching means included in the vibration damping device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a side elevation view, in longitudinal cross section, of the damping device according to a further aspect of the present invention;
   and

Figure 6 is a side perspective view, as partially cross-sectioned, of a possible application of the vibration damping device according to the present invention, as applied to a railroad.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0011] With reference to the number references of the above mentioned figures, the vibration damping device according to the invention, which has been generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprises a flat or planar element 2, made of an elastomeric material or a plastics material, comprising a substantially flat top surface 3 and a plurality of bottom ribs 4 defining a corresponding plurality of cross recesses 5 therebetween, designed for at least partially engaging therein respective damping section bars 6.

[0012] At the bottom of the flat element, is provided a second flat or planar element 22, analogous to the first flat element 2, and comprises a substantially flat bottom surface 33 and a plurality of ribs 44 which also define a plurality of cross recesses 55 designed for engaging therein, at least partially, the mentioned damping section bars 6.

[0013] The damping devices are advantageously made as strips having a minimum width of 500 mm, a set length and a thickness of substantially 23 mm.

[0014] The flat elements are made of a compact rubber compound, or a plastics material compound, and their vibration damping properties are assured by their specifically designed tooth pattern.

[0015] The homogeneous or even thickness of the surface layer which, as the device is applied, will contact the ballast 7 of the railroad, and the hardness of said surface layer will provide the device with a long duration.

[0016] The damping device or "mattress" can be made in several patterns depending on the desired stiffness and damping to the obtained thereby.

[0017] As stated, the device must be applied under the ballast, i.e. between the extrados of the foundation sole 8 and said ballast 7, as is schematically shown in figure 6.

[0018] More specifically, the device will be installed through the overall extension of the railroad line, and not only under the sleepers thereof.

[0019] The devices 1 comprises moreover locking or latching means, including a cross tooth element 9, formed on an end portion of the flat element and a cross recess 10 formed at the opposite end thereof.

[0020] The cross tooth element 9 of a flat element is designed for engaging in the cross recess 10 of an adjoining flat element, as is clearly shown in figure 4.

[0021] The subject vibration damping device can be used both under said ballast or under reinforced concrete slabs.

[0022] In this latter case, it can also be used on a portion of the railroad line, instead of through the overall extension of the latter.

[0023] The vibration damping action is provided by the damping section bars 6, made of foamed rubber, and obtained by extruding or drawing operations, whereas the protection from the ballast, or concrete casting, depending on the application type, is provided by the top surface 3.

[0024] A main feature of the vibration damping device according to the invention is that the damping section bars 6 can be easily interexchanged depending on the railroad type such as railroad proper, tramway, and so on, without the need of modifying the flat elements 2 and 22.

[0025] According to a modified embodiment of the invention, shown in figure 5, the vibration damping device 101 comprises only the top flat element 2 and damping section bars 6, without the second flat element.

[0026] Moreover, the top flat element 2 can also be used individually, i.e. without the damping section bars 6 and the bottom flat element 22, as a damping device.

[0027] In practicing the invention, the used materials, as well as the contingent size and shapes can be any, depending on requirements and the status of the art.

Claims

1. An under-ballast damping device, specifically designed for railroads, characterized in that said device comprises at least a flat element made of an elastomeric material or a plastics material, comprising a substantially flat top surface and a plurality of bottom ribs defining cross recesses therebetween adapted to at least partially engage therein respective damping section bars.

2. A damping device, according to Claim 1, characterized in that said damping device comprises a second flat element arranged at the bottom of said first flat element and comprising a plurality of ribs defining cross recesses therebetween for engaging therein, at least partially, said damping section bars, thereby said damping section bars are included between said two flat elements.

3. A damping device, according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said damping device comprises latching means for coupling the device to an adjoining like device, said latching means comprising a cross tooth element formed at one end of the flat element and a cross recess formed at the opposite end thereof, a cross tooth element of a flat element being designed for engaging in a cross recess of an adjoining flat element.

4. A damping device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping section bars are made by drawing a foamed rubber material.

5. A damping device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping section bars have a variable density, to change their vibration damping properties depending on the application of the damping device.

6. A damping device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said damping device comprises one or more of the disclosed and/or illustrated characteristics.

Drawing