ES2401011B1

ES2401011B1 - Connecting element of track device sleepers

Info

Publication number: ES2401011B1
Application number: ES201131558A
Authority: ES
Inventors: Juan Carlos SANCHEZ JORRIN
Original assignee: JEZ Sistemas Ferroviarios SL
Current assignee: JEZ Sistemas Ferroviarios SL
Priority date: 2011-09-27
Filing date: 2011-09-27
Publication date: 2014-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-27
Also published as: ES2401011A2; ES2401011R1

Abstract

Elemento de unión de traviesas de aparatos de vía.#El elemento de unión de traviesas de aplicación ferroviaria, especialmente traviesas monobloque de hormigón, madera o metálicas se encuentra compuesto por una pieza de unión (2), dos uniones atornilladas (3) a cada una de las partes (4A) y (4B) de una traviesa dividida y dos placas de reparto de carga (11), siendo la pieza de unión (2) monolítica y compuesta por dos elementos preferentemente rígidos (5A) y (5B), unidos solidariamente por un material elastómero (6). Este elemento de unión es muy rígido frente a esfuerzos axiales con respecto al eje longitudinal en su propio plano y tiene cierta flexibilidad a flexión en el plano perpendicular al mismo que pasa por su eje longitudinal.Connecting element for track apparatus sleepers. # The connecting element for railway application sleepers, especially concrete, wood or metal monobloc sleepers is composed of a connecting piece (2), two bolted joints (3) to each one of the parts (4A) and (4B) of a split sleeper and two load distribution plates (11), the connecting piece (2) being monolithic and composed of two preferably rigid elements (5A) and (5B), joined together by an elastomeric material (6). This connecting element is very rigid against axial stresses with respect to the longitudinal axis in its own plane and has some flexural flexibility in the plane perpendicular to it passing through its longitudinal axis.

Description

ELEMENTO DE UNION DE TRAVIESAS DE APARATOS DE VÍA ELEMENT OF JOURNEYS OF CROSSING DEVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

La presente invención se refiere a un elemento de unión de traviesas, específicamente para aparatos de vía ferroviarios y se circunscribe al campo de la tecnología de infraestructura ferroviaria. The present invention relates to a crossbar connecting element, specifically for railway track apparatus and is limited to the field of railway infrastructure technology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

En la infraestructura ferroviaria existen desvíos y otros aparatos de vía, en los cuales, la longitud de las traviesas es variable, debido a su geometría. Dicha longitud de traviesas es generalmente mayor a las de las traviesas de vía, dando lugar a situaciones donde la longitud de las traviesas supera los 5 mts, en determinadas zonas de los aparatos, como son el panel del corazón. In the railway infrastructure there are deviations and other track devices, in which, the length of the sleepers is variable, due to their geometry. This length of sleepers is generally greater than those of track sleepers, giving rise to situations where the length of sleepers exceeds 5 meters, in certain areas of the devices, such as the heart panel.

Mientras que una traviesa tiene como longitud 2,6 a 2,8 metros, dependiendo que sea de ancho de vía internacional (1435 mm) o ancho de vía español (1668 mm), las traviesas de un aparato de vía común como es un desvío, pueden alcanzar en la zona del corazón una longitud de entre 4,8 y 5,3 mts. Dicha longitud puede ser incluso mayor en el caso de los escapes o comunicaciones y en los aparatos de vía combinados, que comparten traviesas comunes. While a sleeper is 2.6 to 2.8 meters long, depending on whether it is international track width (1435 mm) or Spanish track width (1668 mm), the cross ties of a common track device such as a detour , can reach in the heart area a length between 4.8 and 5.3 meters. This length can be even greater in the case of leaks or communications and in the combined track apparatus, which share common sleepers.

Normalmente los aparatos de vía se premontan en explanadas en zonas próximas a su ubicación definitiva en la traza, y se trasladan a su lugar definitivo utilizando pórticos móviles para transportar y manipular el aparato de vía ya premontado y otros medios mecánicos. Normally, track devices are pre-mounted on esplanades in areas close to their final location on the track, and they are moved to their final location using mobile gantries to transport and manipulate the pre-assembled track device and other mechanical means.

Dicho traslado y manipulación ofrece dificultades debido a la gran longitud de las traviesas en las zonas mencionadas y el propio peso del aparato de vía. Such transfer and handling offers difficulties due to the large length of the sleepers in the mentioned areas and the weight of the track apparatus itself.

Por otro lado, la mayor parte de los aparatos de vía modernos se montan sobre traviesas monobloque de hormigón. Esto trae consigo dos problemas adicionales a la hora de la fabricación e instalación de los aparatos de vía: On the other hand, most of the modern track devices are mounted on monobloc concrete sleepers. This brings with it two additional problems when it comes to the manufacture and installation of track devices:

--: La gran longitud de algunas traviesas origina problemas a la hora de la fabricación de las mismas, ofreciendo dificultades a la hora de su moldeado en fábrica, no obteniéndose unas buenas tolerancias de rectitud y planitud de las traviesas, dando como resultado una geometría inadecuada de los aparatos de vía, tanto en alineación como en planitud de los mismos, afectando negativamente al comfort y la seguridad en explotación de los aparatos de vía al paso de las unidades ferroviarias. The great length of some sleepers causes problems at the time of manufacturing them, offering difficulties at the time of their factory molding, not obtaining good tolerances of straightness and flatness of the sleepers, resulting in an inadequate geometry of the track devices, both in alignment and flatness thereof, negatively affecting the comfort and safety in operation of the track devices when passing railway units.

--: La gran longitud de las traviesas origina un gran peso del desvío completo, no siendo posible el The great length of the sleepers causes a great weight of the complete deviation, not being possible the

transporte transport: y manipulación del mismo durante su and manipulation of the same during his

instalación installation: mediante medios mecánicos through media mechanics

convencionales. conventional.

--: Durante la explotación y mantenimiento del aparato de vía, se pueden plantear situaciones en las que sea necesario sustituir alguna traviesa porque ha sufrido daños, siendo esta labor muy complicada si la traviesa es larga. During the operation and maintenance of the track apparatus, situations may arise in which it is necessary to replace a crossbeam because it has suffered damage, this work being very complicated if the crossbar is long.

Para resolver este problema, se ha utilizado en los últimos años traviesas partidas en aquellas zonas del aparato de vía donde las traviesas unitarias tendrían una gran longitud. Dichas traviesas partidas van unidas entre sí mediante elementos de unión de diversa naturaleza, las cuales unen ambas partes de las traviesas y garantizan el ancho de vía y la geometría del aparato durante su servicio. To solve this problem, in recent years, mischievous items have been used in those areas of the track apparatus where the unit sleepers would have a great length. Said cross ties are joined together by means of connecting elements of different nature, which join both parts of the cross ties and guarantee the track width and the geometry of the apparatus during its service.

Durante la instalación, la existencia de traviesas partidas permite la instalación del aparato de vía mediante paneles de anchura y peso conveniente para utilización de pórticos y medios mecánicos convencionales. During installation, the existence of split sleepers allows the installation of the track apparatus by panels of width and weight suitable for use of porticos and conventional mechanical means.

Una vez colocados los paneles en su lugar definitivo de la traza, se unen las partes de las traviesas divididas mediante dichos elementos de unión, garantizándose el ancho de vía. Once the panels have been placed in their final place of the trace, the parts of the sleepers divided by said joining elements are joined together, guaranteeing the track width.

Por otro lado, al dividir las traviesas largas en partes más cortas, se obtienen beneficios adicionales: On the other hand, by dividing the long sleepers into shorter parts, additional benefits are obtained:

--: Las tolerancias de planitud y rectitud de las The flatness and straightness tolerances of

traviesas son más ajustadas, por tanto, la geometría sleepers are tighter therefore the geometry

del aparato de vía se ve afectada positivamente, of the track apparatus is positively affected,

siendo sus prestaciones superiores. being its superior benefits.

--: Permiten la correcta nivelación de ambas vías They allow the correct leveling of both tracks

(directa y desviada) del aparato de vía durante las labores de instalación y mantenimiento con maquinaria presada, evitando el desnivel que se puede producir entre ambas al utilizar traviesas unitarias largas, cuando las tolerancias de planitud de las traviesas no son ajustadas. Para que esta condición se cumpla, el elemento de unión entre ambas traviesas debe permitir un cierto giro en el plano vertical que pasa por el eje de la traviesa. (direct and deviated) of the track apparatus during installation and maintenance work with loaned machinery, avoiding the unevenness that can occur between both when using long unit sleepers, when the flatness tolerances of the sleepers are not adjusted. For this condition to be fulfilled, the connecting element between both sleepers must allow a certain rotation in the vertical plane that passes through the axis of the sleeper.

Existen patentes de traviesas divididas tales como la EP B1 552788 (ES 2095503). En dicha patente se reivindica en la división de traviesas largas para la obtención de un efecto dinámico de oscilación de la traviesa favorable durante el paso de los vehículos ferroviarios, optimizándose las longitudes de partición de las traviesas. Por otro lado, las soluciones que plantea dicha patente para la unión de ambas partes de la traviesa dividida son diversas y complejas, tanto de fabricar como de instalar en el aparato de vía. There are patents for split sleepers such as EP B1 552788 (ES 2095503). In said patent it is claimed in the division of long sleepers for obtaining a dynamic effect of oscillation of the favorable sleeper during the passage of railway vehicles, optimizing the lengths of partition of the sleepers. On the other hand, the solutions proposed by said patent for the union of both parts of the divided sleeper are diverse and complex, both for manufacturing and for installing in the track apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

El objetivo de esta patente de invención es un elemento de unión de traviesas de aplicación ferroviaria, especialmente, traviesas monobloque de hormigón para aparatos de vía que aúne las ventajas de: The objective of this patent of invention is a rail element for railway application, especially monobloc concrete sleepers for track equipment that combines the advantages of:

--: Facilidad de fabricación tratando de reducir el número de componentes, y por tanto, el coste. Ease of manufacture trying to reduce the number of components, and therefore, the cost.

--: Robustez y resistencia a las acciones que se presentan sobre los aparatos de vía al paso de las unidades ferroviarias. Robustness and resistance to the actions that are presented on the track equipment at the passage of the railway units.

--: Facilidad de instalación y mantenimiento del aparato de vía. Ease of installation and maintenance of the track apparatus.

5 El elemento de unión de traviesas de aparatos de vía deberá constar de un número mínimo de piezas, y su fabricación deberá ser sencilla y poco costosa. Por otro lado, deberá presentar una gran rigidez a los esfuerzos axiales de tracción y compresión en el sentido del eje de 5 The connecting element of track device sleepers must consist of a minimum number of parts, and its manufacture must be simple and inexpensive. On the other hand, it must have great rigidity to axial tensile and compression stresses in the direction of the axis of

10 la traviesa, a fin de poder conservar el ancho de vía bajo las acciones horizontales de las unidades ferroviarias, y una cierta capacidad de giro en el plano vertical que pasa por el eje longitudinal de la traviesa, a fin de poder absorber los asentamientos diferenciales 10 the crossbar, in order to be able to preserve the track gauge under the horizontal actions of the railway units, and a certain turning capacity in the vertical plane that passes through the longitudinal axis of the crossbar, in order to be able to absorb differential settlements

15 entre la vía directa y la vía desviada debido a las cargas verticales de las unidades ferroviarias cuando pasan o bien por una vía o bien por la otra, así como permitir la nivelación de ambas vías entre sí a la hora de la instalación o el mantenimiento del aparato, 15 between the direct track and the deviated track due to the vertical loads of the railway units when they pass either one way or the other, as well as allow the leveling of both tracks with each other at the time of installation or maintenance of the device,

20 corrigiendo de esta manera la desnivelación que se podría originar en ambas vías al utilizar traviesas largas unitarias. 20 correcting in this way the unevenness that could originate in both ways when using long unit sleepers.

25 El elemento de unión de traviesas de aparatos de vía consta de una pieza de conexión y medios de unión de la misma a ambas partes de la traviesa partida. Dichos medios de unión son uniones atornilladas que pueden tener diferente configuración, pero que básicamente constan de The cross member of track device sleepers consists of a connecting piece and means for connecting it to both parts of the broken track. Said joining means are bolted joints that can have different configuration, but basically consist of

30 sendos tornillos que unen de manera rígida la pieza de conexión a ambas partes de la traviesa. 30 screws that rigidly connect the connecting piece to both parts of the crossbar.

La pieza de conexión está formada por dos elementos rígidos principales, preferentemente en acero o fundición de hierro de calidades y dimensiones adecuadas para resistir las acciones verticales y horizontales a que están sometidas las traviesas al paso de las unidades ferroviarias. Dichos elementos rígidos están unidos entre sí mediante un elastómero, preferentemente vulcanizado, a los mismos de tal manera que forman una única pieza. The connection piece is formed by two main rigid elements, preferably in steel or cast iron of suitable qualities and dimensions to resist the vertical and horizontal actions to which the sleepers are subjected to the passage of the railway units. Said rigid elements are joined together by an elastomer, preferably vulcanized, to them in such a way that they form a single piece.

La novedad de esta invención reside en la naturaleza de la unión de ambos elementos rígidos, que permite, por un lado, una gran resistencia a los esfuerzos longitudinales en sentido del eje de la traviesa, y por otro, una cierta flexibilidad en sentido vertical, y permitiendo así mismo, una fabricación sencilla y poco costosa mediante procesos conocidos, como son el corte, mecanizado, la inyección y el vulcanizado. The novelty of this invention lies in the nature of the union of both rigid elements, which allows, on the one hand, a great resistance to longitudinal stresses in the direction of the axis of the crossbar, and on the other, a certain flexibility in the vertical direction, and also allowing a simple and inexpensive manufacturing through known processes, such as cutting, machining, injection and vulcanizing.

Los dos elementos rígidos están conectados entre sí mediante una partición dentada doble y paralela al eje del elemento, coincidente, en general, con el eje de la traviesa a dividir, de tal manera que uno de los elementos conforma la parte macho y el otro conforma la parte hembra. El número de dientes y su dimensionamiento depende de la rigidez vertical a flexión y horizontal a esfuerzos axiales que se deba obtener en función de su aplicación en la vía, siendo la rigidez horizontal en el plano de la pieza de unión mucho mayor que la rigidez vertical en el plano que pasa por el eje de la misma. Al estar ambas piezas unidas permanentemente mediante el elastómero, la ranura de partición entre las dos piezas rígidas queda rellena de elastómero, y gracias a la configuración de dicha ranura, el elemento de unión presenta una gran rigidez a los esfuerzos axiales en su propio plano y una cierta flexibilidad a flexión en el plano vertical que pasa por el eje de la pieza. Se estima que la pieza de unión, a fin de cumplir su cometido, debe permitir giros en el plano vertical del orden de un máximo 10 grados sexagesimales tanto positivos como negativos respecto a su posición neutra, que es la representada en las figuras de esta patente de invención. The two rigid elements are connected to each other by a double toothed partition parallel to the axis of the element, coinciding, in general, with the axis of the sleeper to be divided, such that one of the elements forms the male part and the other forms The female part. The number of teeth and their dimensioning depends on the vertical stiffness to bending and horizontal to axial stresses that must be obtained depending on their application on the track, the horizontal stiffness in the plane of the connecting piece being much greater than the vertical stiffness in the plane that passes through the axis of it. Since both pieces are permanently joined by the elastomer, the partition groove between the two rigid pieces is filled with elastomer, and thanks to the configuration of said groove, the connecting element has a great rigidity to the axial forces in its own plane and a certain flexural flexibility in the vertical plane that passes through the axis of the piece. It is estimated that the joint piece, in order to fulfill its mission, must allow turns in the vertical plane of the order of a maximum of 10 positive and negative sexagesimal degrees with respect to its neutral position, which is represented in the figures of this patent of invention

Dado que los esfuerzas axiales de tracción o compresión en el plano de la pieza de conexión tenderían a abrir lateralmente la pieza hembra, provocando elevadas tensiones de flexión en su propio plano, se ha diseñado la partición dentada con planos inclinados respecto al eje de la pieza de unión. La inclinación del dentado está realizada en el sentido favorable de producir esfuerzos de reacción que tienden a cerrar el elemento hembra al experimentar la pieza de unión esfuerzos de tracción o compresión en su propio eje. De este modo, los elementos rígidos tienen así un diseño sencillo y liviano, pudiendo realizarse mediante oxicorte, mecanizado o moldeo. Since the axial tensile or compression forces in the plane of the connecting piece would tend to open the female part laterally, causing high bending stresses in its own plane, the serrated partition has been designed with inclined planes relative to the axis of the piece of Union. The inclination of the teeth is made in the favorable sense of producing reaction stresses that tend to close the female element when the joint piece experiences tensile or compression stresses on its own axis. In this way, the rigid elements thus have a simple and light design, and can be done by cutting, machining or cutting.

Ambos elementos rígidos tienen sendas protuberancias cilíndricas en su parte inferior con agujeros pasantes que se insertan en cajeados realizados en las partes de las traviesas divididas, y por los cuales pasan los elementos de unión atornilladas a las mismas. Dichas protuberancias entran de manera ajustada a los mencionados cajeados, de manera que al apretar los elementos de unión atornilladas no hay posibilidad de holguras entre los elementos rígidos y sus respectivas partes de traviesa divididas. Both rigid elements have cylindrical protrusions in their lower part with through holes that are inserted in recesses made in the parts of the divided sleepers, and through which the connecting elements bolted to them pass. Said protrusions fit tightly to the aforementioned recesses, so that when tightening the bolted connection elements there is no possibility of gaps between the rigid elements and their respective divided sleeper parts.

Las protuberancias de los elementos rígidos pueden ser partes integrales de los mismos, o bien, se pueden realizar mediante casquillos insertados de manera a justada a los elementos rígidos, de tal manera que estén unidos de manera permanente a los mismos. De este modo, se simplifica la fabricación de ambos elementos rígidos y por tanto, se abarata su coste. The protuberances of the rigid elements can be integral parts thereof, or they can be made by means of ferrules inserted justly to the rigid elements, such that they are permanently attached to them. In this way, the manufacture of both rigid elements is simplified and therefore, their cost is reduced.

Conservando la forma exterior de los elementos rígidos, y por tanto, de la forma de unión, se puede variar el numero de dientes de la unión dentada y la disposición de los mismos, de tal modo que se pueden obtener diferentes valores de rigidez a flexión en el plano vertical de la pieza de unión que pasa por su eje, en función del diseño de la junta. Ello es posible conservando los mismos utillajes de inyección de elastómero y vulcanizado del mismo, con lo cual, se aúnan de esta manera flexibilidad de diseño en función de la aplicación y coste contenido de fabricación. Preserving the outer shape of the rigid elements, and therefore, of the joint shape, the number of teeth of the toothed joint and their arrangement can be varied, so that different flexural stiffness values can be obtained in the vertical plane of the connecting piece that passes through its axis, depending on the design of the joint. This is possible while retaining the same elastomer and vulcanized injection tools thereof, thereby combining design flexibility in accordance with the application and manufacturing cost.

El proceso de adherencia del elastómero, realizado preferentemente por vulcanizado, se puede llevar a cabo de tal modo que ambas partes rígidas queden rodeadas de elastómero, a fin de protegerles contra la corrosión ocasionada por la intemperie. Sin embargo, el contacto entre las partes metálicas y superficie superior de las traviesas deben ser lo suficientemente rígido para evitar el desplazamiento y el giro relativo entre el elemento rígido y la traviesa, el cual conduciría al aflojamiento The process of adhesion of the elastomer, preferably carried out by vulcanizing, can be carried out in such a way that both rigid parts are surrounded by elastomer, in order to protect them against corrosion caused by the weather. However, the contact between the metal parts and upper surface of the sleepers must be rigid enough to avoid displacement and relative rotation between the rigid element and the sleeper, which would lead to loosening.

o el daño de la unión atornillada entre ambos. Por tanto, or the damage of the bolted joint between them. So,

dicha superficie de contacto entre el elemento rígido y la traviesa no puede estar recubierta por elastómero. Sin embargo, un contacto directo entre el elemento rígido y el hormigón de la traviesa puede ocasionar un 5 agrietamiento o descascarillado en la superficie de éste último al apretar la unión artornillada entre ambos. Por ello, es necesario interponer placas de reparto de cargas entre ambos suficientemente rígido para evitar el movimiento y giro relativo entre la parte de la traviesa said contact surface between the rigid element and the cross member cannot be covered by elastomer. However, a direct contact between the rigid element and the concrete of the sleeper can cause cracking or peeling on the surface of the latter by tightening the bolted joint between them. Therefore, it is necessary to interpose load distribution plates between them rigid enough to avoid relative movement and rotation between the part of the crossbar

10 y el elemento rígido pero suficientemente flexible para evitar el daño sobre la traviesa de hormigón que podría ocasionar el contacto directo del elemento rígido. 10 and the rigid element but sufficiently flexible to avoid damage to the concrete crossbar that could cause direct contact of the rigid element.

Las placas de reparto en forma de lámina de reducido The distribution plates in the form of reduced foil

15 espesor cubrirá toda la superficie de contacto entre los elementos rígidos de la pieza de unión y las partes de la traviesa. Los materiales que pueden cumplir el cometido del elemento de reparto son los plásticos, en especial, los de las familia de la poliamida reforzados o no 15 thickness will cover the entire contact surface between the rigid elements of the connecting piece and the parts of the crossbar. The materials that can fulfill the task of the distribution element are plastics, especially those of the family of polyamide reinforced or not

20 mediante fibras de vidrio, siendo el tipo de material no limitativo. 20 using glass fibers, the type of non-limiting material being.

A fin de simplificar el proceso de fabricación y el montaje final del elemento de unión objeto de la presente 25 patente de invención, las placas de reparto pueden ser parte integral de la pieza de unión, quedando adheridos a ésta durante el proceso de adherencia del elastómero o después de éste. De este modo, se disminuye el número de piezas sueltas que conforman el elemento de unión de In order to simplify the manufacturing process and the final assembly of the joint element object of the present invention patent, the distribution plates can be an integral part of the joint piece, being adhered thereto during the elastomer adhesion process or after this one. In this way, the number of loose parts that make up the connecting element of the

30 traviesas y por tanto, se facilita su montaje en el aparato de vía. 30 sleepers and therefore, its assembly in the track apparatus is facilitated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Para una mejor descripción de la invención se aportan una serie de figuras ilustrativas de un modo preferido de realización de la misma, así For a better description of the invention, a series of illustrative figures of a preferred embodiment thereof are provided, thus

La figura 1 representa una vista en planta de un aparato de vía típico como es el desvío, en el cual se pueden apreciar las diferentes longitudes de traviesas y la existencia de traviesas largas en la zona del corazón. Figure 1 represents a plan view of a typical track apparatus such as the deviation, in which the different lengths of sleepers and the existence of long sleepers in the area of the heart can be appreciated.

La figura 2 representa una vista en planta del mismo aparato de vía con traviesas largas divididas, en la cual se implementan los elementos de unión de traviesas partidas objeto de esta patente de invención, preferentemente en el lado de la vía desviada. La longitud de las particiones de la traviesa dividida viene determinada por los medios mecánicos disponibles para la instalación del aparato de vía en la traza ferroviaria. Figure 2 represents a plan view of the same track apparatus with long divided sleepers, in which the connecting elements of split sleepers object of this invention patent are implemented, preferably on the side of the diverted track. The length of the partitions of the divided sleeper is determined by the mechanical means available for the installation of the track apparatus on the railway track.

La figura 3 representa una vista en planta del mismo aparato de vía preparado para ser instalado en la traza ferroviaria, estando dividido en dos paneles diferentes de menor anchura, al haber soltado los elementos de unión de traviesas. Se observa la reducción de ancho de los paneles, lo cual facilita su transporte y manipulación al lugar definitivo que van a ocupar en la traza. Figure 3 represents a plan view of the same track apparatus prepared to be installed on the railway track, being divided into two different panels of smaller width, having released the elements of cross ties. The reduction in width of the panels is observed, which facilitates their transport and handling to the final place they will occupy in the trace.

La figura 4 es una sección por AA de la figura 2 de una de las traviesas partidas observándose la colocación del elemento de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente patente de invención. Figure 4 is an AA section of Figure 2 of one of the broken sleepers, showing the placement of the cross member joining object of the present invention patent.

La figura 5 representa una vista en planta de una de las maneras preferentes de realización del elemento de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente patente. Figure 5 represents a plan view of one of the preferred embodiments of the cross member connecting element of the present patent.

5 La figura 6 representa una vista en planta de una de las maneras alternativas de realización del elemento de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente patente, alterando la manera de realización de la partición entre elementos rígidos. 5 Figure 6 represents a plan view of one of the alternative ways of realization of the cross member joining object of the present patent, altering the embodiment of the partition between rigid elements.

La figura 7 representa una vista en planta de una de las maneras alternativas de realización del elemento de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente patente, alterando la Figure 7 represents a plan view of one of the alternative ways of realization of the cross member joining object of the present patent, altering the

15 manera de realización de la partición entre elementos rígidos. 15 embodiment of the partition between rigid elements.

La figura 8 representa una sección en alzado del elemento de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente Figure 8 represents an elevation section of the cross member of the sleepers object of the present

20 patente. 20 patent.

La figura 9 representa una sección en alzado del elemento de unión de traviesas en realización alternativa, donde las protuberancias de los elementos Figure 9 represents an elevation section of the cross member in alternative embodiment, where the protuberances of the elements

25 rígidos se realizan mediante casquillos insertados con ajuste en dichos elementos rígidos, simplificando el diseño y el proceso de fabricación. Rigid 25 are made by means of inserts inserted with adjustment in said rigid elements, simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

El elemento de unión de traviesas de aparatos de vía ferroviarios (1) consta de una pieza de unión (2) y dos uniones atornilladas (3) a cada una de las partes (4 A) y (4 B) de la traviesa dividida. La pieza de unión (2) forma es monolítica y está formada por dos elementos rígidos (5) unidos solidariamente entre sí mediante un elastómero (6) preferentemente por inyección y posterior vulcanizado. La partición (7) entre ambos elementos rígidos tiene forma de dentado, formando un sistema de machihembrado doble y paralelo al eje de la pieza de unión (2), en el que uno de los elementos rígidos (5 A) es el macho y el otro elemento rígido (5 B) es la hembra. Ambos elementos rígidos tienen dos protuberancias circulares (8) que se insertan en sendos cajeados (9) de las traviesas de hormigón. A través de las protuberancias The connecting element of sleepers of railway track apparatuses (1) consists of a connecting piece (2) and two bolted joints (3) to each of the parts (4 A) and (4 B) of the divided sleeper. The connecting piece (2) shape is monolithic and is formed by two rigid elements (5) jointly joined together by an elastomer (6) preferably by injection and vulcanized subsequent. The partition (7) between the two rigid elements is shaped toothed, forming a double tongue and groove system parallel to the axis of the connecting piece (2), in which one of the rigid elements (5 A) is the male and the Another rigid element (5 B) is the female. Both rigid elements have two circular protuberances (8) that are inserted into individual holes (9) of the concrete sleepers. Through the bumps

(8) (8): existen agujeros pasantes (10) a través de los cuales se insertan las uniones atornilladas a las partes (4 A) y (4 B) de las traviesas de hormigón. there are through holes (10) through which the screwed connections to the parts (4 A) and (4 B) of the concrete sleepers are inserted.

La partición (7) entre los elementos rígidos está rellena de material elastomérico (6) que une dichos elementos de manera solidaria. Dicho material elastomérico puede rodear también ambos elementos rígidos protegiéndoles contra la corrosión de la intemperie. La superficie de contacto entre los elementos rígidos (5 A) y (5 B) con cada una de las partes (4 A) y (4 B) de las traviesas de hormigón no está recubierta por el material elastomérico The partition (7) between the rigid elements is filled with elastomeric material (6) that joins said elements in a solidary manner. Said elastomeric material can also surround both rigid elements protecting them from weathering. The contact surface between the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) with each of the parts (4 A) and (4 B) of the concrete sleepers is not covered by the elastomeric material

(6)(6): sino que en su lugar, están sendas placas o elementos de reparto (11) realizados en materiales plásticos. Dichas placas de reparto pueden estar adheridas de manera but instead, there are two plates or distribution elements (11) made of plastic materials. Said delivery plates may be adhered so

permanente a los elementos rígidos (5 A) y (5 B) formando parte solidaria de la pieza de unión (2). De este modo se reduce el número de componentes sueltos integrantes del elemento de unión de traviesas de hormigón simplificándose su montaje. permanent to the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) forming part of the joint piece (2). In this way the number of loose components integrating the connecting element of concrete sleepers is reduced, simplifying its assembly.

La partición (7) entre los elementos rígidos consta de caras oblicuas con respecto al eje longitudinal de la pieza (7 A) y (7 B), de tal modo que un esfuerzo axial de tracción o de compresión en el eje de la pieza provocaría una fuerza de reacción que tendería a cerrar el elemento hembra (5 B). De este modo, el nivel de tensiones de flexión en el plano de la pieza se reduce. Este menor nivel de tensiones en los elementos rígidos (5 A) y (5 B) se traduce en un diseño más simplificado y liviano de los mismos, no siendo necesario la utilización de piezas con forma y con refuerzos o nervaduras. De este modo, aparte de la simplificación de diseño, se produce una notable economía de costes en la fabricación de dichas piezas por el ahorro de material y porque pueden ser obtenidas por procesos sencillos de fabricación como es el corte de chapa por plasma, agua u oxicorte, entre otros, no siendo este factor limitativo y pudiéndose utilizar otros procesos de fabricación como son la fundición o la forja. The partition (7) between the rigid elements consists of oblique faces with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piece (7 A) and (7 B), such that an axial tensile or compression stress on the axis of the piece would cause a reaction force that would tend to close the female element (5 B). In this way, the level of bending stresses in the part plane is reduced. This lower level of tensions in the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) translates into a more simplified and lighter design of the same, not being necessary to use shaped pieces with reinforcements or ribs. In this way, apart from the simplification of the design, there is a remarkable cost savings in the manufacturing of these parts due to the saving of material and because they can be obtained by simple manufacturing processes such as the cutting of sheet metal by plasma, water or oxycutting, among others, not being this limiting factor and being able to use other manufacturing processes such as smelting or forging.

Variando la longitud de la partición (7) y su distribución dentro de la pieza se puede variar la rigidez a flexión en el plano vertical perpendicular al elemento (1) de unión de traviesas que pasa por su eje, dependiendo de su aplicación final. Dicha variación no implica, en la mayoría de los casos, una variación en los utillajes de inyección y/o vulcanizado del elastómero, lo cual le da al elemento de unión de unión de traviesas objeto de la presente patente de invención una gran flexibilidad de producción. By varying the length of the partition (7) and its distribution within the piece, the flexural stiffness in the vertical plane perpendicular to the cross member (1) of the crossbeam that passes through its axis can be varied, depending on its final application. Said variation does not imply, in the majority of cases, a variation in the injection and / or vulcanized tools of the elastomer, which gives the cross-member joint member object of the present invention patent great production flexibility .

5 En las figuras 6 y 7 se representan dos maneras alternativas a la preferente de la figura 5 de realización de la partición. En la figura 6, el elemento rígido hembra (5 B) envuelve completamente al elemento rígido macho (5 A). 5 Figures 6 and 7 show two alternative ways to the preferred one of figure 5 of realization of the partition. In Figure 6, the female rigid element (5 B) completely envelops the male rigid element (5 A).

10 En la figura 7 se ha prolongado la partición (7) hasta el extremo izquierdo de la pieza a fin de aumentar la rigidez vertical a flexión del elemento (1) de unión de traviesas. 10 In Figure 7 the partition (7) has been extended to the left end of the piece in order to increase the vertical flexural stiffness of the cross member (1).

15 La extensión de la partición (7) no es un factor limitativo de esta invención siempre que se respete el principio de diseño expresado en esta patente. The extension of the partition (7) is not a limiting factor of this invention as long as the design principle expressed in this patent is respected.

20 En la figura 4 de la patente de invención se ha representado los elementos roscados de unión (3) del elemento de unión de traviesas a las partes de la mismas en una versión apta para traviesas de hormigón, que son las que presentan una mayor problemática de fabricación e In Figure 4 of the patent of invention, the threaded connecting elements (3) of the connecting element of sleepers has been shown to the parts thereof in a version suitable for concrete sleepers, which are the ones that present the greatest problems manufacturing e

25 instalación en vía. Sin embargo, esta invención no es privativa para traviesas de hormigón y se puede aplicar a otros tipos de traviesas, como son las de madera y las de tipo rígido variando convenientemente el diseño de los elementos roscados de unión (3) y la rigidez vertical a 25 installation on track. However, this invention is not exclusive for concrete sleepers and can be applied to other types of sleepers, such as those of wood and rigid type, conveniently varying the design of the threaded connecting elements (3) and the vertical stiffness to

30 flexión del elemento de unión de traviesas (1) diseñando la partición (7) de manera conveniente. 30 bending of the connecting element of sleepers (1) by designing the partition (7) conveniently.

Asimismo, esta invención es aplicable a todo tipo de aparatos de vía que presenten la problemática anteriormente descrita. Also, this invention is applicable to all types of track apparatus that present the problem described above.

5 Una vez descrita suficientemente la naturaleza de la presente invención, así como la forma de llevarla a la práctica, sólo nos queda por añadir que en su conjunto y partes que lo componen es posible introducir cambios de forma, materiales y disposición, siempre y cuando dichas 5 Once the nature of the present invention has been sufficiently described, as well as the way of putting it into practice, we only have to add that as a whole and its component parts it is possible to introduce changes in form, materials and arrangement, as long as sayings

10 alteraciones no varíen sustancialmente las características de la invención que se reivindican a continuación. 10 alterations do not substantially vary the characteristics of the invention claimed below.

Claims

1.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus comprising a connecting piece (2), two bolted joints (3) to each of the parts (4 A) and (4 B) of a divided sleeper and two load sharing plates (11),

characterized in that:

the connecting piece (2) is monolithic and is composed of two rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B), joined together by an elastomeric material (6),

and because the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) have circular protuberances (8) that are inserted into individual holes (9) of the sleepers, in which there are through holes (10) through which the screwed connections (3) of the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) to the parts (4 A) and (4 B) into which the cross member is divided,

and because

a partition (7) between both rigid elements (5 A, 5 B) is in the form of a double serrated parallel and on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the piece, forming a tongue and groove system in which the rigid element (5 A) is the piece male and the rigid element (5 B) is the female part,

and because the toothing of the partition (7) has oblique faces (7 A) and (7 B) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piece, inclined with respect to said axis in such a way that the axial tensile and compression forces in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting piece (2) produce reactions that tend to create bending stresses in the plane of the piece that tend to close the female rigid element (5 B),

and because

the connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus is very rigid against axial stresses with respect to the longitudinal axis in its own plane and has some flexural flexibility in the plane perpendicular to it passing through its longitudinal axis,

and because

between the contact surface of the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) with the sleeper parts (4 A) and (4 B) there are distribution plates (11) made of plastic material in order to avoid direct contact between the rigid element and the crossbar.

2.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the elastomeric element (6) wraps all surfaces of the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) except on the surfaces of support of the same on the sleepers and except in the circular protuberances (8) and the through holes (10).

3.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the circular protuberances (8) are constituted by bushings

5 rigid circular embedded with adjustment respectively to the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B), being jointly attached to them.

4.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for devices

10 track according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the distribution plates (11) are directly adhered to the rigid elements (5 A) and (5 B) and form an integral part of the connecting piece (2).

15 5.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the teeth of the partition (7) can take different lengths and

20 configurations, in order to vary the flexural stiffness in the plane perpendicular to the piece that passes through its axis.

6.-Connecting element (1) of sleepers for track apparatus according to any of the above

25 claims characterized in that it is applicable to concrete, wood and metal sleepers.

SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND

Application no .: 201131558

SPAIN

Date of submission of the application: 27.09.2011

Priority Date:

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Categoría Category: 56 Documentos citados Reivindicaciones afectadas 56 Documents cited Claims Affected

X X: DE 20207108 U1 (DW SCHWELLEN GMBH) 18.09.2003, descripción; figuras. 1-6 DE 20207108 U1 (DW SCHWELLEN GMBH) 18.09.2003, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: ES 2165544 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.03.2002, descripción; figuras. 1-6 ES 2165544 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.03.2002, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: DE 29906351 U1 (PFLEIDERER INFRASTRUKTURT GMBH) 08.07.1999, descripción; figuras. 1-6 DE 29906351 U1 (PFLEIDERER INFRASTRUKTURT GMBH) 08.07.1999, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: ES 2182185 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH et al.) 01.03.2003, descripción; figuras. 1-6 ES 2182185 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH et al.) 01.03.2003, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: ES 2095503 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.02.1997, descripción; figuras. 1-6 ES 2095503 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.02.1997, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: GB 2421264 A (BALFOUR BEATTY PLC) 21.06.2006, descripción; figuras. 1-6 GB 2421264 A (BALFOUR BEATTY PLC) 21.06.2006, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: US 1346651 A (CHRIST HERMINGHUYSEN) 13.07.1920, descripción; figuras. 1-6 US 1346651 A (CHRIST HERMINGHUYSEN) 13.07.1920, description; figures. 1-6

A TO: ES 2110750 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.02.1998, descripción; figuras. 1-6 ES 2110750 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.02.1998, description; figures. 1-6

Categoría de los documentos citados X: de particular relevancia Y: de particular relevancia combinado con otro/s de la misma categoría A: refleja el estado de la técnica O: referido a divulgación no escrita P: publicado entre la fecha de prioridad y la de presentación de la solicitud E: documento anterior, pero publicado después de la fecha de presentación de la solicitud Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

El presente informe ha sido realizado • para todas las reivindicaciones • para las reivindicaciones nº: This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Fecha de realización del informe 28.06.2013 Date of realization of the report 28.06.2013: Examinador I. Rodríguez Goñi Página 1/4 Examiner I. Rodríguez Goñi Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Application number: 201131558

CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION E01B7 / 22 (2006.01)

E01B3 / 00 (2006.01) E01B3 / 48 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols)

E01B

Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENTIONS, EPODOC, WPI

State of the Art Report Page 2/4

WRITTEN OPINION

Application number: 201131558

Date of Completion of Written Opinion: 06.28.2013

Statement

Novedad (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986): Reivindicaciones Reivindicaciones 1-6 SI NO Claims Claims 1-6 IF NOT

Actividad inventiva (Art. 8.1 LP11/1986) Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986): Reivindicaciones Reivindicaciones 1-6 SI NO Claims Claims 1-6 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).

Opinion Base.-

This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published.

State of the Art Report Page 3/4

WRITTEN OPINION

Application number: 201131558

1. Documents considered.-

The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Documento Document: Número Publicación o Identificación Fecha Publicación Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01 D01: DE 20207108 U1 (DW SCHWELLEN GMBH) 18.09.2003 DE 20207108 U1 (DW SCHWELLEN GMBH) 18.09.2003

D02 D02: ES 2165544 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 16.03.2002 ES 2165544 T3 (BUTZBACHER WEICHENBAU GMBH) 03/16/2002

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement

The object of the invention is a connecting element of sleepers, specifically for railway track apparatus. He The technical problem to be solved is to overcome the problems observed in the state of the art such as: -the difficulties of transfer and manipulation of the sleepers corresponding to the areas of track equipment, among others reasons for its great length -problems for manufacturing such sleepers, as well as weight problems, especially for their length -difficulties in its replacement, also because of its length The proposed technical solution is a connecting element that allows the use of shorter sleepers joining them with said element, which consists, among others, of a connecting piece formed by two main rigid elements, joined together by an elastomer.

For claim 1, document D01 is considered as the closest state of the art. D01 discloses an item of connection of sleepers for track devices (Figures 1, 2 and 3) comprising: -a union piece (5) -two bolted joints (4) to each of the parts (1) and (2) of a divided crossbar

-the union piece is monolithic and is composed of two rigid elements (16) and (17), preferably rigid, joined jointly and severally for a damping element (18)

-the rigid elements have circular protuberances (19, 21) that are inserted into individual sleeves of the sleepers, in the which there are through holes through which the bolted joints of the rigid elements are inserted into the parts in which the naughty is divided

-the partition (18) between the two rigid elements is in the form of a double parallel teeth and on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the piece, forming a tongue and groove system in which the rigid element (16) is the male part and the element rigid (17) is the female part

- the teeth of the partition have oblique faces with respect to the longitudinal axis of the piece, inclined with respect to said axis

The differences between claim 1 and document D01 are: - in claim 1 one speaks of load sharing plates while in D01 no plates are seen as such but yes elements (13, 14) that would perform this function. The mere fact of using a plate to better distribute a load is something widely known and no unexpected technical effect is appreciated. It is also said that such plates are They would be made of plastic material, but it is an obvious choice of materials. - in claim 1 it is said that the rigid elements of the connecting piece are joined in solidarity by a material elastomer, while in D01 there is talk of a damping element, but for the person skilled in the art one of the Obvious options for said element is that it be an elastomeric material It should also be noted that the claims are evaluated by the specific technical characteristics that are defined, not for the intentionality or desire to achieve certain purposes, technical effects or benefits.

For all the foregoing, it should be noted that document D01 does not anticipate all the features of claim 1 and, therefore, said claim is considered new (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986). However, it is appreciated that the concept inventive is the same and that for the person skilled in the art, claim 1 of document D01 would be deduced. Therefore, it considers that said claim lacks inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986).

Claims 2 to 6 are dependent and are considered to be mere design variations, apparent to the expert. in the matter, so they lack inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP 11/1986).

Likewise, document D02 is known, which also discloses a connecting element for sleepers for track apparatus that It comprises a connecting piece, as well as two joints screwed to each of the parts, but which differs, between others, in the claimed tongue and groove system.

State of the Art Report Page 4/4