Method to connect the faces of rail bars.

Abstract: Rail bars (1,2) are mutually connected with the end faces by connecting to the rail bar (1,2) a connecting plate (4,5) extending over the lengthwise direction of both rail bars (1,2) for connecting by means of suitable means, for instance nut-bolt connections (10). The space between the rail bars and the connecting plates is filled with a curing adhesive (11,12). In this way a high-quality connection is obtained in a short time, for instance in the limited hours that a rail network is not in use. According to the invention the quality of the connection is less dependent on the quality of the personnel carrying out the work than in methods according to the prior art.

Description: The invention relates to a method for mutually connecting rail bars with the end faces, comprising the following steps: placing on either side against the rail bars a connecting plate extending in lengthwise direction over both rail bars for connecting, whilst a sealing member is interposed between said connecting plate and rail bar, and clampingly connecting the connecting plates to the rail bar by transversely directed nut-bolt connecting members. It is desirable in practice to have available a rapidly performed method for mutually connecting rail bars with the end faces. Due to the more intensive use of the rail network increasingly less time is available for connecting rail bars. The opportunity herefor is often only available for a few hours during which the rail network is not in use, for instance at night. There is moreover a need for a qualitatively high-grade connection wherein the quality of the obtained connection depends as little as possible on the manner in which the method is performed by the personnel involved. A method as such is disclosed in US-A-3.381.892. In order to satisfy these requirements a method according to the invention is provided which is characterized in that a curable adhesive is injected via an injection opening in at least one of the connecting plates, so gradually filling the space between said end faces and said rail bars and said connecting plates. By injecting said adhesive it is thereby ensured that all spaces between for instance bolt and bolt holes, between the end faces mutually and in the interspaces between the connecting plates and the rail are filled. The arranging of adhesive prior to placing of the connecting plates and coupling of the connecting plates by means of nut-bolt connections is greatly dependent on the quality and care of the personnel carrying out the work. Injection of the adhesive reduces this dependence on the quality of work of personnel. The invention will be elucidated with reference to the drawings of an embodiment. In the drawings: figure 1 shows a perspective view with exploded parts of a connection of two rail bars according to the invention, figure 2 shows a section of the connecting construction according to figure 1, figure 3 shows a perspective view of the auxiliary implement for use in performing the method according to the invention, and figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention. According to the invention two rail bars 1, 2 are placed with the end faces against each other with interposing of a profile piece 3 of for instance plastic. Connecting plates 4, 5 are placed in overlapping manner on the side of the rail bars 1, 2 for connecting. Sealing rods 6, 7 and 8, 9 of flexible plastic are received clampingly between connecting plates 4, 5 and both rail bars 1, 2 at the top and bottom respectively in figure 1. The connecting plates 4, 5 for instance, and therein the flexible sealing rods 6, 7 and 8, 9, are then clamped fixedly by nut-bolt connections 10. The remaining interspace between connecting plates 4, 5 and rail bars 1, 2 is filled by injecting an adhesive 11, 12 (figure 2). The adhesive 11, 12 then cures. The sealing members may also take a form other than a rod form. Flexible strip-like elements of plastic can likewise be applied. During performing of the method use can be made of the auxiliary implement according to figure 3. The auxiliary implement has two parts 20, 21 connected hingedly to each other. A covering of flexible material, for instance plastic, is arranged on the inside of the parts 20, 21. The auxiliary implement is placed round the end faces of the rail bars for connecting and subsequently closed and locked by means of locking means 22. The auxiliary implement serves as mould in order to prevent leakage of the injected adhesive between the end faces. After curing, the auxiliary implement is removed. According to figure 4 the sealing members are formed by a flexible profile part 23.

Claims: A method for mutually connecting rail bars having their end faces placed apart, comprising the following steps: placing on either side against the rail bars a connecting plate extending in lengthwise direction over both rail bars for connecting, whilst a sealing member is interposed between said connecting plate and rail bar, and clampingly connecting the connecting plates to the rail bar by transversely directed nut-bolt connecting members, characterized in that a curable adhesive is injected via an injection opening in at least one of the connecting plates, so gradually filling the space between said end faces and said rail bars and connecting plates. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that prior to mutual connection of the rail bars a profiled filler plate is arranged between the end faces of the rail bars for connecting. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that prior to said injection step, the space between the end faces of said abutting rail bars is fittingly closed off by an auxiliary implement. A rail bar connection comprising connecting plates (4,5) placed on either side against rail bars (1,2), nut-bolt connecting means (10) clampingly connecting the connecting plates located on either side of the rail bars, interposed sealing members (6,7,8,9,23) between the connecting plate and rail bars and curing adhesive (11,12) between the respective connecting plates and the rail bars, characterized by an injection opening in at least one of the connecting plates.

Inventors: VOGELAAR ROBBERT, VOGELAAR, ROBBERT
Applicants: EDILON BV, EDILON B.V.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: E01B11
IPC codes: E01B11