TRACK FOR A TRACK BOUND VEHICLE
The invention relates to an arrangement for and a method of building a track for track
bound vehicles, in particular for light rail vehicles, such as trams. Examples of track bound
vehicles are conventional rail vehicles, mono-rail vehicles, metros and busses (which may
be guided on the track by optical means or mechanical means other than rails).
Track bound vehicles, in particular vehicles for public passenger transport, usually
comprise a contactor for mechanically and electrically contacting a line conductor along
the track, such as an electric rail or an overhead line. Typically, at least one propulsion
motor on board the vehicles is fed with the electrical power from the external track or line
and produces mechanic propulsion energy. In addition or alternatively, the transferred
energy can be used for operating auxiliary systems of the vehicle. Such auxiliary systems,
which do not produce traction of the vehicle, are, for exampre, lighting systems, heating
and/or air conditioning system, the air ventilation and passenger information systems.
Trams and other local or regional trains are operated usually via overhead lines within
cities. However, especially in historic parts of cities, overhead lines are undesirable. On
the other hand, conductor rails in the ground or near the ground cause safety problems.
WO 95130556 A2 describes a road way-powered electric vehicle system. The all-electric
vehicle has one or more on-board energy storage elements or devices that can be rapidly
charged or energized with energy obtained from an electrical current, such as a network
of electromechanical batteries. The energy storage elements may be charged while the
vehicle is in operation. The charging occurs through a network of power coupling
elements, e.g. coils embedded in the road way. Inductive heating coils are located at ' ,
passenger loading 1 unloading zones in order to increase passenger safety.
Placing the coils at selected locations along the length of the roadway has the
disadvantage that the energy storage on board the vehicle needs a large storage
capacity. In addition, if the vehicle does not reach the next coil in time, the vehicle might
run out of energy for propulsion or other purposes. Therefore, at least for some
applications, it is preferred to transfer energy to the vehicle continuously along the path of
travel, i.e. along the track.
The present invention relates to inductively transferring energy from an arrangement of
electrical conductors, which is arranged along the track, to the vehicle while the vehicle is
travelling along the track. There is no electrical contact between the vehicle and the
conductor arrangement. The conductor arrangement carries an alternating current which
generates a corresponding alternating electromagnetic field and the electromagnetic field
is used to transfer the electrical energy to the vehicle.
Inductively transferring energy from the track to the vehicle, i.e. producing electromagnetic
fields is subject to restrictions regarding EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). On one
hand, electromagnetic fields may interfere with other technical devices. On the other
hand, people and animals should not be subjected to electromagnetic fields permanently.
At least, the respective limit values for field intensity must be observed.
In addition, time and effort for building the track should be kept as small as possible.
Especially within historic parts of cities, construction work should be finished within a few
weeks or even within days.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement and a method of building
a track of a track bound vehicle, which allows for continuous transfer of energy during
travel and which reduces construction work time on site. Furthermore, the respective limits
of EMC standards shall be met and corresponding means for meeting the limits shall
function reliably.
According to a basic idea of the present invention different elements are combined with
each other to perform a pre-fabricated track module. In principle, the pre-fabrication may
be performed at any location, including a location nearby the location where the track is to
be built. However, in any case, the pre-fabrication is performed before the track module is
positioned and oriented in a desired manner. With this position and orientation, the track
module forms part of a track.
Preferably, a plurality of track modules is pre-fabricated and is arranged one next to each
other so that the plurality of track modules forms the track. In the case of a railway having
two rails, sections of the rails may be part of the pre-fabricated track modules and, for
example, rail sections of neighbouring track modules may be welded or othenvise
connected to each other as soon as the track modules are placed in the desired position
and orientation. Optionally, other connections, such as electric connections, may be
performed in order to connect neighbouring track modules after positioning and orienting
them in the desired manner.
It is possible that the individual track modules have the same length or that the length in
the direction of travel differs. In addition, or alternatively, some of the track modules may
be designed to form a straight section of the track and others may be designed to form a
curved section of the track.
In any case, it is preferred that the pre-fabricated track modules are placed in the desired
manner and, aftenwards or while they are positioned, are fixed in the final position and
orientation. For example, the track module may be embedded in concrete or other suitable
material. This embedment concrete may be provided before or after positioning the track
module in the desired manner. In principle, this step of embedding the track module in
concrete may be performed as known in the art for track modules of different type
compared to the type of track module of the present invention.
For example, according to a specific embodiment which may be used for railways of
trams, the track module may have a length of 15 to 20 metres in the direction of travel, for
example 18 metres. Preferably, the length is chosen so that a conductor arrangement
which is part of the pre-fabricated track module or which is laid aftewards in spaces
confined by the track module, forms a section of a system for inductively transferring
energy to the vehicle on the track, wherein the section is operable separately of the other
conductor arrangements of the other track modules. This means that only this or these
conductor arrangements can produce electromagnetic fields which are needed to provide
vehicles with energy. Other track modules' conductor arrangements may be switched off,
because no vehicle is travelling on the track module.
A track module may comprise more than one section formed by a conductor arrangement .
which is operable separately of other conductor arrangements. For example, the track
module may have a length of 18 metres and may comprise two conductor arrangements
behind one another in the direction of travel which can be operated separately. 'Operating
a conductor arrangement" means that the conductor arrangement produces an
electromagnetic field having enough power to transfer the desired energy to the vehicle
within the desired time interval.
One essential component of the pre-fabricated track module is at least one support
element for supporting wires and/or lines of the conductor arrangement. As mentioned
earlier, the wires and/or lines may be laid onto or in the support element while the track
module is pre-fabricated or afterwards.
Other possible components and features of the pre-fabricated track module are the
following: This means that the support element can be any combination of the
components and/or features in the following list:
- An electrically conductive shield for shielding the alternating electromagnetic
field which is produced by the conductor arrangement during operation,
wherein the shield extends along a plane below the spaces which are confined
by the support element for receiving the lines andlor wires of the conductor
arrangement. The shield may be electrically connected to at least one of the
rails, preferably to both rails of a two-rail railway.
- A housing for receiving a power supply device for supplying electric power to
the conductor arrangement. The housing may be formed by a cavity of the prefabricated
track module, for example by a cavity in concrete material or by a
metal housing.
- A vehicle guiding element, in particular a rail, for guiding the vehicles on the
track. In case of a railway having two rails on which wheels of a rail vehicle roll
while the vehicle is travelling on the track, the two rails are extending in the
direction of travel at the desired distance to each other. As principally known in
the art, the rails can be fixed by additional fixing elements, for example
elements made of plastic material, in the desired position and distance to each
other.
- The pre-fabricated track module comprises at least one through-hole extending
from the cavity or housing to at least one of the spaces, wherein the throughb
hole is adapted to receive wires andlar cables for electrically connecting the
power supply device within the housing with the conductor arrangement.
- The spaces which are confined by the support element for receiving lines
and/or wires of the conductor arrangement extend transversely to the travel
direction of the vehicle which is defined by the track, so that the lines and/or
wires can be laid in a serpentine-like manner on the support element.
Corresponding transversely extending lines or wires have the advantage that
the electromagnetic fields produced by these sections compensate each other
sideways of the track, since the electric current alternatingly flows through
these sections in opposite direction (at each point in time). In case of a multiphase
alternating current, the same applies to the wires or lines of each phase,
i.8. each phase is formed by lines or wires extending in serpentine-like manner
along the track.
- An inverter for inverting a direct current of a supply line to an alternating current
in the conductor arrangement is placed within the housing. The track module
may comprise not just a single housing, but more than one housing or cavity. In
this case, the second housing or cavity may also house an inverter or another
device which is used to operate the conductor arrangement. Such another
device may be a detection device as explained below. However, the track
module may also comprise a single housing or cavity which houses the inverter
and the detection device. This version is preferred, since it is also preferred
that the inverter is operated or not operated depending on a signal which is
produced by the detection device.
- A detector arrangement for detecting the presence of a vehicle upon the track
module is integrated in the pre-fabricated track module, wherein a detection
device of the detector arrangement is placed in the housing. For example, the
detector arrangement may comprise a loop of an electric line which extends in
a nearly horizontal plane through the track module. The loop produces an
electric voltage depending on the presence of a vehicle on the track module.
The detection device may detect the inductively produced voltage or a change
of the voltage for detection of the vehicle. If the vehicle is detected, the
detection device controls the inverter to produce the alternating current through
the conductor arrangement of the track module which in turn produces the
electromagnetic field for transferring energy to the vehicle on the track module.
- A cover, such as a cover made of rubber elements, may be provided to cover
the wires andlor lines of the conductor arrangement so that the wires or lines
are protected from damage and so that people or devices are protected against
direct electric contact.
In particular, the following arrangement is proposed: An arrangement for building a
track for track bound vehicles, in particular for light rail vehicles, wherein the
arrangement comprises:
- a support element for supporting an electric conductor arrangement, which
is adapted to produce an alternating electromagnetic field and - thereby -to
transfer electromagnetic energy to vehicles on the track, wherein the
support element confines spaces for receiving lines andlor wires of the
conductor arrangement,
- an electrically conductive shield for shielding the alternating
electromagnetic field, wherein the shield extends along a plane below the
spaces, and
- a housing or cavity for receiving a power supply device for supplying
electric power .to the conductor arrangement,
wherein the support element, the electrically conductive shield and the housing
form a pre-fabricated track module.
Integrating the electrically conductive shield in the pre-fabricated track module has the
advantage that the region below the track module is shielded from the electromagnetic
field produced by the conductor arrangement. Especially within cities, this may be a precondition
in order to meet the EMC limits. In addition, the shield is protected against
damage. If the shield would be placed on site, where the track is to be built, placing the
support element on top of the shield may damage the shield. For example, the shield may
be a copper mesh. The shield may be integrated in concrete or other material of the track
module.
In case of a railway having two rails, the housing or cavity may be located sideways of the
rails, i.e. not in between the rails. It is preferred that the housing has a cover or lid which
forms part of the surface of the track module or of an area of the ground which is formed
by an additional arrangement, such as bricks or other pavement material. If the housing
extends from the surface of the track downwardly, the housing is accessible for
installation, maintenance and repair. Furthermore, any heat which is produced within the
housing can be transferred to the ambient air above the track.
The shield, in particular the mesh, may be bolted or otherwise electrically connected to the
bottom part of the metallic rail or rails while the track module is pre-fabricated.
Alternatively to embedding the shield in concrete, the shield may be placed between
horizontally extending layers of other material, such as between a bottom part of the track
module made of concrete and the support element. However, the sandwich arrangement
comprising the also horizontally extending shield may comprise additional elements, such
as a layer of elastic and electrically insulating material.
In case of the through-hole mentioned above, the through-hole may extend through the
shield from the housing or cavity to the space or spaces confined by the support element
for receiving the wires andlor lines of the conductor arrangement.
From the above description, several possible embodiments of a method of producing a
pre-fabricated track module follow. In particular, a method of building a track for track
bound vehicles is proposed, in particular for light rail vehicles, wherein the method
comprises the steps:
- providing a support element for supporting an electric conductor
arrangement, which is adapted to produce an alternating electromagnetic
field and - thereby - to transfer electromagnetic energy to vehicles on the
track, wherein the support element confines spaces for receiving lines
and/or wires of the conductor arrangement,
- providing an electrically conductive shield for shielding the alternating
electromagnetic field, wherein the shield extends along a plane below the
spaces,
- providing a housing for receiving a power supply device for supplying
electric power to the conductor arrangement and
- forming a pre-fabricated track module comprising the support element, the
electrically conductive shield and the housing.
Further embodiments are defined by the attached dependent claims.
Furthermore, besides the arrangement defined above which comprises a single track
module, the invention also covers an arrangement comprising more than one track
module, in particular, a plurality of track modules, for building a complete track, such as a
track having a length in the direction of travel of some hundred metres or a few kilometres.
Preferably, the conductor arrangement for producing the electromagnetic field is located
or is to be located within the pre-fabricated track module. The frequency of the alternating
current which flows through the conductor arrangement may be in the range of 5-100 kHz,
in particular in the range of 10-30 kHz, preferably about 20 kHz.
The principle of transferring the energy by electromagnetic fields has the advantage that
the conductor arrangement can be electrically insulated against contact. Since the wires
or lines of the conductor arrangement are integrated in the track module, no pedestrian or
automobile may unintentionally contact the buried lines. Furthermore, the problem of wear
and tear of wntactors, which are used to contact standard overhead lines or live rails, is
solved.
An arrangement of electrical conductors along the track can be realised in a variety of
ways. In principle, the conductor or lines can be cables laid in the ground as usual in road
construction or underground engineering. The opening in the ground is then filled and
provided with a suitable covering over which the vehicle can travel. For example, in the
case of railways, the conductor arrangement can first be laid and then the track bedding
for the rails can be made thereupon.
However, too large distance between the conductor arrangement and the vehicle has the
disadvantage that the energy is transferred at a low level of efficiency. The closer the
conductor arrangement is arranged to a corresponding receiver on or in the vehicle, the
better is the inductive coupling. A shaped block as support element is therefore proposed
with the help of which one or more electric lines can be positioned and/or held along the
track of the vehicle.
The shaped block may have a plurality of recesses andlor projections, wherein edges of
the recesses and/or the projections each delimit a space for the line sections tnto which
one of the line sections can be introduced, so that the line section extends through the
space in a longitudinal direction of the space. In other words, a plurality of spaces is
defined by the form of the shaped block, said spaces having a longitudinal direction,
wherein a line section extending in the longitudinal direction can be introduced into each
of the spaces.
The form of the shaped block therefore defines at least how line sections will be laid. A
plurality of the shaped blocks can therefore be made in serial production and arranged
along the track. Subsequently, the electric line or lines can be laid in the manner defined
by the shaped blocks. Errors in the positioning of the line sections can therefore easily be
avoided.
However, depending on the material from which it is made, the shaped block has other
possible functions. In particular, the shaped block can be made from a material which is
able to support any load which is expected for the track. For example, road vehicles may
cross the railway track. Concrete, especially fibre reinforced concrete, can be considered
as a suitable material for this purpose.
Alternatively or additionally, the shaped block can be made of electrically insulating
material, so that it serves a protective function against short-circuit and unintentional
contacting by objects and persons. Again, concrete is a suitable material, as well as
plastics with electrically insulating properties. For example, it is known from railway track
construction to arrange components between the rails and above the anchoring of the
rails for the purpose of sound damping. These components can be produced by
appropriate shaping as shaped blocks according to the invention.
The spaces formed in the shaped block for accommodating the line sections serve to
position and/or hold the line sections. In particular, if the dimensions of the spaces are
matched with little play to the dimensions of the electric line to be laid, the line section is
precisely positioned by the form of the shaped block. The edges of the recess and/or the
projections formed on the shaped block serve to hold the line sections if and to the extent
that the laid electric line lies against the edges or the projections. At least a movement of
the electric line and thus a change in the predetermined placement of the electric line is
hindered or prevented with this type of mechanical contact.
According to a further feature of the shaped block, the longitudinal directions of the
spaces bordered by the edges of the recesses andlor by the projections extend
essentially parallel to one another in a common plane. It is preferred that this common
plane essentially extends in horizontal direction under the drive way of the vehicle. In
particular, the recesses may extend with their longitudinal directions essentially mutually
parallel at the upper surface of the shaped block.
Deviations from an arrangement of the spaces oriented exactly parallel to one another are
possible particularly if the shaped block is to be laid at a curve of the track of the vehicle.
In this case, the longitudinal directions of mutually adjacent spaces can be oriented other
than parallel, depending on their separation and the radius of curvature of the track.
However, given a typically small mutual separation of the spaces (preferably at least 0.1
m and not more than 1 m) and the normally much larger radius of curvature of the tracks
for vehicles, the longitudinal directions are approximately parallel.
As previously mentioned, the at least one electric line of the conductor arrangement
preferably extends along the track or route in a meandering manner, i.e. sections of the
electric line which extend in the direction of travel are followed in the course of the
conductor by sections which extend transversely to the direction of travel, etc. In the case
of a multi-phase system with at least two electric lines, this preferably applies to all the
electric lines.
The expression "meandering" used above covers both the laying of an electric line with
smoothly curved transitions (having large radii of curvature) between straight electric line
sections as well as configurations with sharp, angular transition regions between adjacent
straight sections. The longest possible straight sections are preferable, since they
generate homogeneous fields. In case of a standard railway for trams having a narrow
gauge of 1000 mm, the radius of curvature of the curved transitions between straight
electric line sections is preferably above or equal to 18 m. However, this is only an
example. The basic principle of the shaped blocks according to the present invention can
be applied to different types of railways and other vehicle paths.
The length of the shaped block in the direction of travel may be in the range of 80 - 100
cm, although other lengths are also possible. Usually, the shaped block is significantly
shorter than the complete track module, which preferably comprises a series of shaped
blocks abutting to each other. The width of the block is preferably slightly smaller than the
distance between the rails, in case of a railway. In case of other types of vehicle tracks,
the width is preferably at least half the width of the vehicles travelling on the track. The
height of the shaped block depends on the size of the electric line or lines and on the type
of material of the block. The height should be sufficient to ensure mechanical stability
during construction and operation of the vehicles track.
In particular, the at least one shaped block may comprise an end surface for facing in a
direction of travel of the vehicle, wherein the end surface comprises a central region and
wherein the end surface - if viewed from above - retreatingly extends on both sides of the
central region, so that a further shaped block having a plane or retreatingly extending end
surface may abut on the end surface oriented in different directions. As mentioned above,
the so called "end surface' may extend in vertical and horizontal direction. "Retreatingly
extending" means that there are relative orientations of the shaped block and the adjacent
shaped block wherein only the central region of the end surface abuts on the adjacent
block. If viewed from above, the outline of the end surface may be straight or curved on
both sides of the central region. Preferably, the end surfaces of both adjacent shaped
blocks are shaped having retreatingly extending sides.
Such retreatingly extending end surfaces have the advantage that the adjacent blocks can
be oriented relative to each other at different angels, while they abut on each other in the
central region of the end surfaces. This means that shaped blocks can be used for curved
track modules with varying radii. For example, the blocks may have a length in the
direction of travel of the vehicle in the range of 80 - 100 cm. In this case, the retreatingly
extending sides of the end surfaces (if viewed from above) may have a straight outline
which extends at an angle of 2.5' - 3' relative to a straight line which extends
perpendicularly to the direction of travel. Of course, blocks having such a retreating shape
of the end surface can also be arranged adjacent to each other so that they follow a
straight path of travel of the vehicle.
If covers are placed over the shaped blocks arranged along the track, this serves, in
particular, to protect the shaped blocks and the electric line(s) laid therein or thereon
against influences such as unintended trampling by persons, damage during building
works or during the laying of the lines, and against the weather. It should, in particular, be
avoided that water can enter from above into the spaces for accommodating the line
sections and freeze therein. Preferably, the covers can therefore be configured to be
broader than the spaces to accommodate the line sections extending transversely to the
direction of travel. The covers can therefore extend laterally over the edges of the shaped
blocks, providing particularly effective protection.
Alternatively or additionally, the covers can comprise downwardly projecting edges. These
edges can extend at least to the height level of the lower edge of the spaces for
accommodating the line sections and thus also protect the electrical lines or line sections
laid in the spaces against influences from the side.
As described above, covers arranged behind one another in the direction of travel can be
mutually connected. Apart from enhancing the mechanical stability and protecting against
displacement, this also serves to protect against theft of the electric lines.
As previously stated, the electric conductor arrangement comprises at least one of the
lines mentioned above. Preferably, it comprises at least two of these lines, wherein each
line is configured or operated to carry one phase of a multi-phase alternating current. In
practice, it is preferred that the electric conductor arrangement comprises three lines and
that each line is configured to carry one of the three-phases of a three-phase alternating
current. However, it is also possible, that the alternating current has more than three
phases, so that a corresponding number of electric lines is present as part of the
conductor arrangement. The magnetic poles produced by the lines andlor the sections of
the different lines form - at each point in time - a repeating sequence extending in the
direction of travel, wherein the repeating sequence corresponds to the sequence of the
phases. For example, in the case of a three-phase alternating current, having the phases
U, V, W, a section carrying phase U is followed by a section carrying phase V which in
turn is followed by a section carrying phase W. This sequence of phases U, V, W is
repeated several times in the direction of travel. An example is described below in the
description of the drawings.
Examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached
Figures. The Figures show:
Fig. 1 shows a top view of a shaped block, which is a preferred embodiment of a
support element,
Fig. 2 shows a vertical cross-section through half of the block of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 shows a top view of a first arrangement of two blocks according to Fig. 1 and 2,
Fig. 4 shows a top view of a second arrangement of two blocks according to Fig. 1 and
2,
Fig. 5 shows a vertical cross-section through a railway track construction, including a
pre-fabricated track module, according to a first embodiment of a railway track,
Fig. 6 an explosive view of a cross-section of a second first embodiment of a railway
track,
Fig. 7 a non-explosive cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 6,
Fig. 8 an explosive view of a cross-section of a third embodiment of a railway track,
Fig. 9 a non-explosive cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 8,
Fig. 10 a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 6 and 7, wherein parts of the
pre-fabricated track module are broken away,
Fig. 11 a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 8 and 9,
Fig. 12 a further cross-sectional view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 7 at a different
position in the travel direction, wherein the cross-section comprises a housing for
electronic components and a through-hole extending from the housing to the
support element.
Fig. 1 shows a top view of a shaped block. The block 304 comprises six recesses 315a -
31 5f which extend perpendicularly to a centre line 31 0 which divides the block 304 in two
halves. The centre line 310 extends in the direction of travel of a vehicle, if the block 304
forms parts of a track for the vehicle.
The recesses 315 are parallel to each other and are arranged within the same horizontal
plane which is parallel to the plane of Fig. 1. The recesses 31 5 extend in width direction
(the vertical direction in Fig. 1) over about three quarters of the total width of block 304.
They are arranged symmetrically to the centre line 310.
Each recess has a U-shaped cross-section to receive a cable. The dashed lines shown in
Fig. 1 which extend along the recesses 315 are centre lines of the recesses 315. At each
of the two opposite ends of the straight recesses 315, there a bifurcated curved recess
region 31 6 which forms a transition to a peripheral straight recess 31 7 extending along the
lateral edge of the block 304. Cables can be laid in a manner consecutively extending
from the straight recesses 315 through the curved recess region 316 into the peripheral
straight recess 31 7, thereby changing the direction of extension from perpendicular to the
direction of travel to parallel to the direction of travel.
The curved recess regions 316 allow for placing a cable, which extends through the
recess 31 5, in such a manner that it continues to either the left or the right, if viewed in the
straight direction of the recess 315. For example, a cable (not shown in Fig. 1) may
extend through recess 315b, may turn to the right - while extending through recess region
31 6 - and may then extend through the straight recess 31 7 which extends perpendicularly
to the recesses 31 5 on the opposite side of curved recess region 316. There are two
peripheral straight recess regions 31 7 on opposite sides of block 304. The cable may then
turn to the right through the recess region 316 at the end of recess 31 58 and may then
extend through recess 31 58. At the end of recess 31 5e, which is shown in the lower part
of Fig. 1, the cable may again turn left through recess region 316 into the other straight
recess 31 7. The other recesses 31 5 may be used for two other cables.
As shown in Fig. 2, the depth of the recesses 315, 316, 317 is different. The depth of
recess 31 5 is sufficient to receive one cable. The depth of the curved recess region 316
increases from the end of recess 315 to recess 317 as indicated by a dashed line in Fig.
2. The bottom profile of the curved recess region 316 is not fully shown in Fig. 2, since the
sectional view includes a region 31 9 of block 304 which is not recessed. Each of the
curved recess regions 316 comprises such an island region 319 which is located between
the two curved branches of the curved recess region 31 6. One of the branches extends
above the plane of Fig. 2 and the other branch extends below the plane of Fig. 2. In
addition, the island region 319 is located between the straight recess 317 and the two
branches of the curved recess region 316.
Since the depth of the curved recess region 316 increases towards the straight recess
317, different cables can be laid upon one another. The depth of the straight recess 31 7 is
sufficient to arrange two cables upon one another extending in the same straight direction.
For example, a first cable .may extend trough the lower recess 317 in Fig. 1 and may turn
left into recess 31 5b through the recess region 316 shown in the bottom left part of Fig. 1.
In addition, a second cable may extend trough recess 315a, may turn into the recess 317,
thereby crossing (if viewed from above) the first cable.
The example concerning the extension of cables or electric lines given above refers to
one specific application for laying three meandering cables. However, the use of the
shaped block 304 shown in Fig. 1 and 2 is not restricted to this application. Rather, for
example, less or more than three cables can be laid using the block 304 shown in Fig.
and 2.
Fig. 3 shows two blocks of the type shown in Fig. 1 and 2. The blocks 304a, 304b are
adjacent to each other, forming a continuous or nearly continuous path of recesses for
receiving electric lines. The two blocks 304 may extend in the direction of travel together
with further consecutive blocks not shown in Fig. 3 and 4. The direction of travel is parallel
to the dashed line extending from left to right in Fig. 3 and 4.
Each of the blocks 304a, 304b comprises end surfaces facing in the direction of travel.
The end surfaces facing to the right in Fig. 3 and 4 are denoted by 325. The end surfaces
which are facing to the opposite side are denoted by 324. All end surfaces 324, 325
extend from their central region to the opposite side of the block 304 in a retreating
manner. 'Retreatingn means that the end surface as a whole does not extend within a
single plane. Rather, the parts on opposite side of the centre line of the block 304 are
either curved or extend along planes which are aligned at an angle relative to each other.
According to the arrangement shown in Fig. 3, the two blocks 304a, 304b are aligned so
that their centre lines are forming a common straight line. This arrangement corresponds
to a straight track of a vehicle. According to the arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the centre
lines are angled relative to each other which correspond to a curved track. Because of the
retreating extension of the end surfaces 324, 325 which abut on each other at the
interface of the blocks 304a, 304b the abutting surfaces 324, 325 include an angle which
is denoted by a. In contrast, according to the arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the end
surfaces 324, 325 are in full contact with each other on one side of the centre line (the top
side in Fig. 4) and include an angle of two times the angle of Fig. 3 on the opposite side of
the centre line. Other angles between 2 times a and -2 times a can also be achieved by
using the blocks 304a, 304b.
Within their central region, the end surfaces 325 comprise a protrusion 320 which is semicircularly
shaped. The end surfaces 324 comprise a correspondingly shaped semi-circular
recess 321. As shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the protrusion 320 fully engages the recess 321.
Because of the curved outline of the protrusion 320 and of the recess 321, the relative
orientation of the adjacent blocks 304a, 304b can be adapted within the limits given by the
retreating configuration of the end surfaces 324,325.
Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through the construction of a track for a rail vehicle. The two
rails extending in parallel to each other are denoted by 303a, 303b. In between the rails
303, a block 304 is placed for receiving cables.
The explosive view shown in Fig. 6 comprises parts which belong to the pre-fabricated
track module and also comprises additional parts of the track construction. The
embodiments shown in Fig. 5 and 6 differ with respect to a base layer 10 only which is
rectangular in Fig. 6 and is U-shaped in Fig. 5. In addition, Fig. 5 shows the underground
35. All other parts and elements are identical.
For preparing the placement of the pre-fabricated track module, the underground
comprises a base layer 10 of concrete. In addition, on both opposite sides of the base
layer 10, conduits 361 are laid (only in Fig. 6). In particular, these conduits 361 are used
to place electric connection cables for connecting electric and electronic devices of the
track module. These cables are parts of a power supply line to the inverter in the cavity of
the track module.
All other parts shown in Fig. 6, are parts of the pre-fabricated track module, except for a
brick layer 340 which is laid on the top surface of the pre-fabricated track module. The
brick layer 340 extends on both sides of the central region of the pre-fabricated track
module where the rails 303 and other parts are located. The brick layer 340 serves to form
a nearly horizontally extending surface of the track construction (see Fig. 7). Instead of a
brick layer, the gap between the ground 12 and the central part of the track module can be
filled by another material, such as concrete.
The embodiment of the track module, whi'ch is shown in Fig. 6 and 7 comprises a Ushaped
bottom layer 1 5, preferably made of concrete. Any kind of concrete material may
be used, such as conventional concrete, concrete comprising plastic material and fibre
reinforced concrete. Especially, the concrete may be armed by conventional metal
meshes. However, it is preferred to use light weight concrete comprising fibre particles for
reinforcement and comprising plastic elements. Such a concrete material has the further
advantage that vibrations caused by any rail vehicle travelling on the track are attenuated.
The U-shaped bottom layer 15 defines the central region of the track module which is
located in the cut-out area in between the two arms of the U. This central cut-out area is
open to the top and comprises from bottom to top a layer 345 made of elastomeric
material for further damping of vibrations, a shielding element 355, a support element 304
for supporting the conductor arrangement (not shown in Fig. 6 and 7) and a cover 351
made of rubber.
The layer 345 extends in horizontal direction over the whole length of the central region of
the track module. In the regions of the side margins of the central regions, the two rails
303a, 303b are placed on top of the layer 345. As principally known in the art, the rails
303 are held in place using inner and outer fixing elements 335, 336, preferably made of
plastic material, such as polyurethane. The support element 304 comprises recesses 31 5,
31 7 and may be constructed as shown in Fig. Z to 5. The support element 304 is fitted
tightly in between the inner fixing elements 336.
Below the support element 304, the shield 355 for shielding electromagnetic fields
generated by the conductor arrangement extends between the shoes 299a, 299b, thereby
electrically contacting the shoes 336, In an alternative embodiment, the shield may be
connected to just one of the rails. This embodiment is used if the track is combined with a
vehicle detection system using the effect that the vehicle is electrically connecting the two
rails.
The cover 351 extends between the upper parts of the two rails 303 and is mechanical
fixed by protruding downwardly into the grooves between the support element 304 and the
rail 303. Other than shown in Fig. 6, the prefabricated track module, comprising the parts
15, 345, 355, 335,336, 304 and 351 (and optionally comprising further parts, such as the
conductor arrangement) is manufactured first and then positioned on top of the base layer
10. However, the different parts of the track module can be removed on site, for example
the cover 351 for placing the conductor arrangement into the recesses 31 5,317. After
laying the conductor arrangement, the cover can be put in place again. As mentioned
before, the conductor arrangement can alternatively be part of the pre-fabricated track
module so that there is no need to remove the cover 351, except for maintenance and
repair.
Preferably, the conductor arrangement is placed within the recesses of the support
element in such a manner that the lines or wires of the conductor arrangement do not
protrude above the height level of the edges of the recesses. Therefore, the cover having
a nearly planar surface pointing to the support element can rest on the maximum possible
upper surface of the support element.
In addition to Fig. 6, Fig. 7 shows two parts of the ground 12 on both sides of the track.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and 9 slightly differs from the embodiment shown in Fig.
6 and 7. Same and corresponding parts and elements are denoted by the same reference
numerals in Fig. 6 to 9. In the following, the differences between the embodiment of Fig. 8
and 9 and the embodiment of Fig. 6 and 7 are explained.
The base layer 100 made of concrete is U-shaped in contrast to the base layer 10 of Fig.
6 and 7. The base layer 100 is not part of the pre-fabricated track module. The U-shaped
configuration shown in Fig. 8 can be used if the ground on the opposite sides of the track
module is not suitable to fix the position and orientation of the track module sufficiently.
Instead of the layer 345 extending through the whole central region of the track module,
the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 and 9 comprises two separate layers 346a, 346b,
preferably made of elastomeric material, which are placed under the shoes of the rails
303. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the remaining central region between the base layers
346 is occupied by the shield 345 which is electrically connected to both rails 303.
In between the inner fixing elements 336, an additional intermediate element 349, for
example made of concrete, is placed under the support element 304, the height of which
is smaller than the height of the support element 304 of Fig. 6 and 7.
Similarly to the view shown in Fig. 7, Fig. 9 also shows the underground 35 on which the
base layer 10 respectively 100 is placed.
The perspective view of Fig. 10 which shows the track of Fig. 6 and 7 comprises cut-out
regions. Especially, the bottom layer 15 is cut-out in the middle part and in the bottom left
region of Fig. 10, As a result, the rails 303 and the fixing elements 335, 336 protrude from
the bottom layer 15 in the direction of travel (towards the left and front in Fig. 10).

351a have been taken away. The support elements 304 are of the type shown in Fig. 1 to
5. It can be seen that the track module of Fig. 11 is curved.
Coming back to Fig. 12, the cavity 21 is extending from the bottom of the base layer 15 to
top height level of the track module, i.e. the cavity 21, which may be defined by a housing,
such a metal housing, protrudes upwardly from the surface of the bottom layer 15. The
gap between the upper part of the cavity 21 and the fixing element 335b is filled with
bricks 340 or alternatively with other material. A lid of the cavity 21 forms part of the upper
surface area of the track construction, including the bricks or other material. This means
that, for example, a road automobile may cross the track.

We claim:
1. An arrangement for building a track for track bound vehicles, in particular for light
rail vehicles, wherein the arrangement comprises:
- a support element (304) for supporting an electric conductor arrangement,
which is adapted to produce an alternating electromagnetic field and -
thereby - to transfer electromagnetic energy to vehicles on the track,
wherein the support element (304) confines spaces (315,317) for receiving
lines andlor wires of the conductor arrangement,
- an electrically conductive shield (355) for shielding the alternating
electromagnetic field, wherein the shield (355) extends along a plane below
the spaces, and
- a housing or cavity (21) for receiving a power supply device (31) for
supplying electric power to the conductor arrangement,
wherein the support element (304), the electrically conductive shield (355) and the
housing or cavity (21) form a pre-fabricated track module.
2. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the pre-fabricated track module
also comprises at least one vehicle guiding element (303), in particular a rail, for
guiding the vehicles on the track.
3. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the pre-fabricated track module
comprises two vehicle guiding elements (303a, 303b), namely two rails on which
wheels of a rail vehicle roll while the vehicle is travelling on the track.
4. The arrangement of the preceding claim, wherein the shield (355) is electrically
connected to at least one of the rails (303).
5. The arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-fabricated track
module also comprises at least one through-hole (29) extending from the housing
or cavity (21) to at least one of the spaces, the through-hole (29) being adapted to
receive wires andlor cables (28) for electrically contacting the power supply device
(31) within the housing or cavity (21) with the conductor arrangement.
6. The arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein the spaces (31 5, 31 7)
contain wires and/or cables (1 7) of the conductor arrangement.
7. The arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of the spaces
(31 5) for receiving lines and/or wires (1 7) of the conductor arrangement extend
transversely to the travel direction of the vehicle which is defined by the track, so
that the lines and/or 'wires (1 7) can be laid in a serpentine-like manner on the
support element.
8. The arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein an inverter (31) for
inverting a direct current of a supply line to an alternating current in the conductor
arrangement is located within the housing.
9. The arrangement of one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-fabricated track
module also comprises a detector arrangement for detecting the presence of a
vehicle upon the track module, wherein the detector arrangement comprises a
detection device which is located in the housing or cavity (21).
10. A method of building a track for track bound vehicles, in particular for light rail
vehicles, comprises the steps: - providing a support element (304) for supporling an electric conductor
arrangement, which is adapted to produce an alternating electromagnetic
field and - thereby - to transfer electromagnetic energy to vehicles on the
track, wherein the support element (304) confines spaces (31 5, 31 7) for
receiving lines andlor wires (17) of the conductor arrangement, - providing an electrically conductive shield (355) for shielding the alternating
electromagnetic field, wherein the shield (355) extends along a plane below .
the spaces (31 5,317),
- providing a housing for receiving a power supply device (31) for supplying
electric power to the conductor arrangement and
- forming a pre-fabricated track module from the support element (304), the
electrically conductive shield (355) and the housing.
11. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the pre-fabricated track module is
positioned and oriented in a desired manner to from a section of the track.
12. The method of claim 10 or 1 1, wherein the pre-fabricated track module is formed
also from two rails on which wheels of a rail vehicle can roll while the vehicle is
travelling on the track.
13. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the shield is electrically connected to
at least one of the rails.
14. The method of one of the preceding method claims, wherein at least one throughhole
is formed in the pre-fabricated track module, the hole extending from the
housing to at least one of the spaces, wherein the through-hole is adapted to
receive wires and/or cables for electrically contacting the power supply device
within the housing with the conductor arrangement.
15. The method of one of the preceding method claims, wherein the wires and/or
cables of the conductor arrangement are arranged in the spaces confined by the
support element in order to form the pre-fabricated track module.
16. The method of one of the preceding method claims, wherein a plurality of the
spaces for receiving lines and/or wires of the conductor arrangement are formed in
the support module in such a manner that the spaces extend transversely to the
travel direction of the vehicle which is defined by the track, so that the lines andlor
wires can be laid in a serpentine-like manner on the support element.
17. The method of one of the preceding method claims, wherein an inverter for
inverting a direct current of a supply line to an alternating current in the conductor
arrangement is placed within the housing,
18. The method of one of the preceding method claims, wherein a detector
arrangement for detecting the presence of a vehicle upon the track module is
integrated in the pre-fabricated track module, wherein a detection device is placed
.in the housing.