EP3399103B1 - Tongue device and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tongue device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method of manufacturing a tongue device according to the preamble of claim 14.

Such tongue devices are used in particular, but not exclusively, in grooved rail switches. They have a stock rail, an auxiliary rail and a tongue, with a tongue bed for the tongue, on which the tongue can also slide without separate lubricants.

Switch devices are known which are welded together from individual profiles, the stock rail and the steel profile used as auxiliary rail being connected by means of a high-strength steel plate, the switch being movable transversely on this steel plate as a sliding plate. The stock rail and the auxiliary rail are welded onto a base plate. The heater is located in the cavity between the skid plate and the base plate. Individual areas can be hardened by build-up welding at the wear points, but this is very time-consuming. Overall, this construction is therefore very complex.

In order to reduce the manufacturing tolerances and to make the production less complicated overall, is from the DE 40 11 523 A1 already known the production of the entire switch device in a monoblock design from a single block of steel (blank), by the upper side is processed by milling so that the required contour for the support and system of the tongues is produced. Since the blanks for the monoblock cannot be manufactured with the desired strength over the entire height, either restrictions in this regard are necessary or additional thin, high-strength support plates in the form of sliding plates are applied at least to the tongue bed. This production is therefore very expensive and therefore uneconomical.

In addition, in an effort to be able to use the industrially manufactured high-strength steel plates and steel billets for switch construction, constructions made of partial blocks and the use of the high-strength material only for the upper part of the ZV, while simple structural steel or the well-known, welded from individual profiles, sub-components are used for the sub-component.

For example, the DE 10 2010 037 110 A1 a raised structure. Due to this structure, however, the construction is very complex.

the DE 101 24 624 C2 shows, on the other hand, a so-called bi-block construction, in which a lower part is made of structural steel as a unitary block. However, due to the integral construction of the upper part, this structure is associated with high replacement costs in the event of maintenance.

Furthermore, in DE 690 01 072 T2 and DE 199 20 858 A1 proposed a solution in which the side rail and a part of the substructure of the switch device are made in a block construction and the stock rail is attached to it laterally. The need for a stable non-positive connection of the partially machined rail profiles with the substructure blocks proves to be a problem.

the DE 1 048 938 A shows a switch assembly having a stock rail, an auxiliary rail and a switch, there being a switch bed for the switch, there being a base block integrally uniting the switch bed and a base plate, the stock rail not being integrally connected to the base block, the separate stock rail is at least partially positively and/or materially connected to the base block, corresponding to the preamble of claim 1.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a switch device which has a high level of durability, the production effort and the production costs being as low as possible. In particular, the maintenance costs should be low.

This object is achieved with the switch device according to claim 1 according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing a switch device according to claim 14. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims and in the following description together with the figures.

The inventor has recognized that the task can be solved surprisingly easily and inexpensively by constructing the lower part of the tongue device together with the tongue bed as an integral part in the form of a base block, in particular made of high-strength steel. Then usual blanks can be used for this basic block.

Due to the high-strength design of the base block, no additional sliding plate is required for the latch, since the latch bed is already designed to be high-strength as part of the base block. However, low-lubrication lubricants can also be used on this tongue bed, such as sliding surfaces or rollers on the tongue or an additional coating of the tongue bed with a sliding material. However, no additional steel sliding plate is required.

A high-strength design is advantageously understood as meaning the use of high-strength steel with a Brinell hardness in the range from 300 to 460 HB.

On the other hand, conventional construction or rail steels can also be used for the base block, in which case the tongue should then be designed with a correspondingly reduced hardness. This reduction in hardness is preferably at least 10%, in particular at least 20%. However, such a reduction in hardness is also useful in the case of a high-strength design of the base block.

Rail steel usually has a Brinell hardness in the range of 200 to 260 HB, but a special post-treatment can also be used to achieve greater hardnesses from 290 HB, in which case one no longer speaks of naturally hard steel qualities.

Structural steel, on the other hand, can be supplied with a Brinell hardness of less than 200 HB. Structural steels can easily be used for the auxiliary rail because the auxiliary rail is not driven on.

For example, the base block could have a hardness of 400 HB, the tongue a hardness of 320-360 HB (but also less) and the stock rail also a hardness of 400 HB exhibit. This then involves a high-strength design of the base block and, overall, of the entire switch mechanism.

If the base block is not high-strength, but instead the wearing components are made of (structural or) rail steel, an embodiment could look as follows: base block 260 HB, tongue 210-240 HB, stock rail 260 HB. This configuration is also useful if the hardness of the rail before and after a switch is not greater and the wear resistance requirements are not as high.

In general, the following hardness ratios should preferably exist: base block with a hardness of at least 10-20% more than tongue, the hardness of the stock rail is less than or equal to the hardness of the base block, the possibly non-replaceable stock rail is harder than the tongue because the tongue is the only one Component can be made easily interchangeable, and the auxiliary rail has a hardness that is less than or equal to the hardness of the base block, less than or equal to the hardness of the tongue and / or less than or equal to the hardness of the stock rail.

The switch device according to the invention, in particular for grooved rail switches, thus has a stock rail, an auxiliary rail and a switch, with a switch bed for the switch, and is characterized in that there is a base block which integrally combines the switch bed and a base plate, with the Base block is preferably formed from a high-strength steel grade. This base block is therefore designed in one piece, i.e. it can have cutouts and the like, but it does not include any welded or otherwise attached parts, for example. These further parts are not part of the basic block. According to the invention, the stock rail is not integrally connected to the base block.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the side rails are not integrally connected to the base block. The switch device can then be produced in a particularly simple manner, and conventional steel billets can be used for the stock rail or the auxiliary rail, for example.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the stock rail and/or the auxiliary rail are formed from a material that differs from the base block, whereby they are preferably formed from structural steel or rail steel and the base block is formed in particular from high-strength steel, which is preferably produced by casting is made. Advantageously, however, high-strength steel is also used, at least for the parts that are heavily stressed during operation, such as the stock rail. It can be provided that the stock rail is an integral part of the base block.

According to the invention, it is provided that the stock rail, as a separate part, is at least partially connected to the base block with a form fit and/or material connection, with the material connection preferably being in the form of a weld. Then this connection is particularly secure and at the same time easy to assemble.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the stock rail rests on the base block. This results in a particularly secure connection, because the stock rail does not have to be supported against a base of the switch device that cannot be specified in more detail, as a result of which considerable leverage forces would possibly act on the base block.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the separate stock rail has a projection which engages in an undercut of the base block in such a way that the stock rail is prevented from tilting away from the auxiliary rail. Then there is a special ability to absorb horizontal forces, such as can always arise during operation when rail vehicles drive over them. The projection runs horizontally and in particular has a length that is less than or equal to a length of a threading aid on the base block. As a result, the form-fitting connection is structurally particularly simple and at the same time effective.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that in addition to the form-fitting connection of projection and undercut, there is at least one form-fitting and/or material-locking connection between stock rail and substructure, with preferably two form-fitting and/or material-locking connections between stock rail and substructure exist, which are designed in particular as a weld. As a result, the anchoring of the stock rail on the base block is particularly secure. At least two connections should preferably be opposite one another in relation to the stock rail, as a result of which forces can be absorbed not only with regard to tilting in the direction of the auxiliary rail, but also counter to the direction of the auxiliary rail.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that the base block has a recess on the rear side of the stock rail in relation to the tongue, in which a securing means for fastening the stock rail is arranged. This securing means can be welded or screwed to the base block.

An advantageous development provides that there is a heater which is arranged between stock rail and base block or between auxiliary rail and base block, with the heater preferably being arranged in a recess in the base block, the auxiliary rail and/or the stock rail. The heating is then advantageously encapsulated and largely shielded from environmental influences, with the heating nevertheless remaining relatively easily accessible for maintenance.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that this recess and/or a separate casing, preferably a casing tube for the heater, has a drainage connection. As a result, the heater has a longer service life.

In an advantageous further development, it is provided that there is drainage which is designed as an opening, preferably as a bore, and/or which is arranged in the area in front of the tongue tip in the base block. As a result, the drainage of the tongue bed is very effective and yet does not adversely affect the operation of the tongue since the tongue does not sweep over the drainage aperture. However, the tongue pushes the water itself into the drainage when it is in operation, if it does not already flow there by itself. Included this drainage is connected in particular to the drainage connection of the heater.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the tongue bed is designed to be inclined in the direction of the opening relative to the horizontal if the given longitudinal inclination of the track system is too small for natural drainage. This inclination is preferably at least 0.5° and in particular at least 1° .

If the opening is located less than 3 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, from the tip of the tongue, the drainage is particularly effective and the tongue device is nevertheless compact.

In an advantageous further development, it is provided that the heating consists of a heating rod in a cladding tube, with the cladding tube not crossing the drainage but ending at most in the drainage. As a result, the drainage does not interfere with the heating device and, moreover, the cladding tube can be drained into the drainage.

In an advantageous development, it is provided that when the tongue is in the applied state on the stock rail, there is a cavity between the tongue and the stock rail, at least in certain areas. Any dirt that may have entered can then accumulate there, so that the proper functioning of the switch device is not impaired over a long period of time, which lengthens maintenance cycles.

In an advantageous further development, it is provided that in the area of the connecting means between the tongue and an adjusting device, preferably in the area where the connecting means passes through the side rail, there is a barrier between the tongue bed and the adjusting box against water overflow, with the barrier in particular being raised relative to the tongue bed Edge is formed. This is preferably a raised edge of the auxiliary rail. Then a transfer of moisture from the tongue area into the control box is made more difficult or completely avoided.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that on the base block there is at least one layer which increases the wear resistance as a tongue support Layer preferably at least one material from the group: ceramic material, metallic material, metallic alloys, mixture of ceramic materials and mixtures thereof. This layer, which can be designed as a coating or as a prefabricated plate, for example, can cover the entire tongue support or only be present in sections. As a result, the tongue device can be adapted very flexibly to specific needs.

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the tongue has an actuating rod which extends through the auxiliary rail in order to be able to be connected preferably outside of the auxiliary rail with a coupling to the slide rod of an actuating device. As a result, the switch device can be made very narrow, since the coupling between the switch and the slide rod is not installed in the switch device itself, but in a control box arranged behind the auxiliary rail. This further promotes the dewatering of the tongue bed, since no indentations and the like are required in the base block for accommodating this coupling. In addition, the durability of the tongue device is improved since the tongue does not have to slide over corresponding edges of such a recess.

Further details on the structure of the connection between switch and slide rod can be found in the European patent application and the German patent application filed on the same day under the title: "Switch device with actuating device and method for producing a switch device with actuating device, in particular for grooved rail switches". DE 10 2017 109 634.5 from the same applicant, the content of which is fully referred to in this regard.

Protection is also claimed for the method according to the invention, defined in claim 14, for producing a switch device, in particular for grooved rail points, with a stock rail, an auxiliary rail and a switch, a switch bed being provided for the switch, which is characterized in that a base block, integrally uniting the tongue bed and a base plate is used, wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) is not integrally connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804). , wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) as a separate part is connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704; 804) at least in regions in a form-fitting and/or material-locking manner whereby the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) has a projection (36a; 36b; 638) which fits into an undercut (38a; 38b; 640) of the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704 ; 804) so as to prevent the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) from tipping away from the side rail (16a, 16c, 16d; 612) with the projection (36a; 36b; 638) running horizontally .

In an advantageous further development it is provided that the tongue device according to the invention is manufactured in accordance with one of claims 2 to 13 .

In one embodiment, it is provided that there is a base block on which a thin, high-strength sliding plate that is not itself mechanically load-bearing is applied to form a tongue bed. The base block is preferably formed from a non-high-strength steel, for example structural steel or rail steel.

Fig. 1

eine erste bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine zweite bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung,

Fig. 3

eine dritte bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine vierte bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung,

Fig. 5

eine Zungeneinrichtung in Block-Bauweise nach dem Stand der Technik des Zungenangriffs und integraler Ausführung von Grundblock mit Backenschiene,

Fig. 6

eine fünfte bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung in Block-Bauweise mit integraler Ausführung des Grundblockes mit der Backenschiene und erfindungsgemäßem Zungenangriff

Fig. 7

eine sechste bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung,

Fig. 8

eine siebente bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung und

Fig. 9

eine achte bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zungeneinrichtung.

The features and further advantages of the present invention will become clear below on the basis of the description of preferred exemplary embodiments in connection with the figures. The following are shown purely schematically:

1

a first preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention,

2

a second preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention,

3

a third preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention,

4

a fourth preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention,

figure 5

a switch device in block construction according to the state of the art of switch attachment and integral design of base block with stock rail,

6

a fifth preferred embodiment of the switch device according to the invention in block construction with an integral design of the base block with the stock rail and switch attack according to the invention

Figure 7

a sixth preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention,

8

a seventh preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention and

9

an eighth preferred embodiment of the tongue device according to the invention.

In the Figures 1 to 9 similar and identical elements are denoted by similar and identical reference numerals. In all Figures 1 to 9 cross-sectional views are shown, respectively.

It's in the Figures 1 to 3 It can be seen that the switch device 10a, 10b, 10c according to the invention has a base block 12a, 12b, 12c on which a stock rail 14a, 14b is arranged and an auxiliary rail 16a, 16c. The base block 12a, 12b, 12c integrally comprises the lower part 17a, 17b, 17c of the tongue device 10a, 10b, 10c and the tongue bed 18, which serves as a support for the tongue 20.

A heater 22a, 22b, 22c is provided for heating the tongue device 10a, 10b, 10c.

There is also an opening 24 in the base block 12a, 12b, 12c for drainage of the tongue bed 18. This opening 24 is designed as a bore that is located max. 3 cm in front of the tip 25 of the tongue 20 and extends essentially over the entire width of the tongue bed extends.

The tongue 20 has a tongue foot 26 on which an adjusting rod 28 is arranged. This control rod 28 is guided through an opening 29 in the side rail 16a, 16b and is connected in a control box, not shown in detail, in the usual way by means of a coupling to the slide rod of a control device (not shown).

The connection 30 , 31 between the tongue base 26 and the adjusting rod 28 is connected to a toothing 30 in the horizontal direction and secured by means of a screw connection 31 . As a result, this connection 30, 31 can absorb very high, horizontally acting forces without wearing out.

In addition, no space has to be provided within the switch device 10a, 10b, 10c, i.e. in the base block 12a, 12b, 12c, for the coupling 50 between the switch 20 and the slide rod 48, so that the switch device 10a, 10b, 10c can be made narrower overall.

Further details on the construction of the connection between tongue 20 and slide rod can be found in the European patent application and the German patent application filed on the same day under the title: "Tongue device with actuating device and method for producing a tongue device with actuating device, in particular for grooved rail switches". DE 10 2017 109 634.5 from the same applicant, the content of which is fully referred to in this regard.

In 1 The special feature is that the heater 22a is arranged in a recess 32a of the base block 12a, specifically between the stock rail 14a and the base block 12a. This effectively seals off and protects the heater 22a from the environment.

The stock rail 14a is welded to the base block 12a on both sides 34, as a result of which there is a material bond. On the other hand, there is a positive connection in that the stock rail 14a has a projection 36a on a shoulder 37a, which engages in a corresponding undercut 38a in the base block 12a, this undercut 38a being arranged in the recess 32a.

When assembling the stock rail 14a, the projection 36a with the projection 37a is inserted from above into the recess 32a and pushed in the direction of the side rail 16a until the projection 36a is fully inserted into the undercut 38a, after which the welds 34 are made. The heater 22a is subsequently inserted into the remaining part of the recess 32a from the end face.

As a result of this form fit 26a, 38a, there is evidently a high resistance to tilting of the stock rail 14a outwards, ie away from the auxiliary rail 16a.

As a result, the connection between the base block 12a and the stock rail 14a can also absorb very high horizontal forces.

In 1 the side rail 16a is fastened to the base block 12a laterally by means of screw connections 40a.

In 2 the special feature is that the heater 22b is arranged in a recess 32b of the base block 12b, specifically between the side rail 16b and the base block 12b. As a result, here too the heater 22b is effectively closed off and protected from the environment.

The stock rail 14b is in turn welded to the base block 12b on both sides 34, as a result of which there is a material connection. On the other hand, there is a positive connection in that the stock rail 14b has a projection 36b on a shoulder 37b, which engages in a corresponding undercut 38b in the base block 12b, this undercut 38b also being as in FIG 1 is located in the recess 32b. Here, however, the shoulder 37b with the projection 36b essentially completely fills the recess 32 with the undercut 38b. Exceptions to this are roundings and the like of projection 37b, projection 36b, recess 32b and/or undercut 38b, in order to be able to introduce projection 37b and projection 36b into recess 32b and undercut 38b by tilting them.

As a result of this form fit, there is evidently again a high resistance to tilting of the stock rail 14b outwards, ie away from the auxiliary rail 16b. As a result, the connection between the base block 12b and the stock rail 14b can also absorb very high horizontal forces.

In 2 the side rail 16a is also attached laterally to the base block 12b by means of screw connections 40b. This attachment 40b is particularly maintenance-friendly with regard to the heater 22b, since the heater 22b is quickly accessible as a result.

In 3 the special feature is that the heater 22c is arranged in a recess 32c of the base block 12c, specifically between the side rail 16c and the base block 12c. As a result, the heater 22c is also effectively closed off and protected from the environment here. However, the auxiliary rail 16c is not arranged laterally, but is inserted and welded 44 into an antechamber 42 of the recess 32c in the base block 12c.

the 4 and 5 finally serve for the purely schematic comparison of the switch device 10d according to the invention with a conventional switch device 100, which is embodied in a monoblock design, for example.

It can be seen that the switch device 10d according to the invention has a base block 12d on which a stock rail 14d and an auxiliary rail 16d are arranged. The base block 12d in turn integrally combines the lower part 17d of the tongue device 10d and the tongue bed 18d for the tongue 20d.

The tongue foot 26d is toothed 30d connected to an adjusting rod 28d and secured with a screw connection 31, which extends through an opening 29d in the side rail 16d into an adjusting box 46. In the control box 46 there is a control device 47 (not shown) with a slide rod 48 which is connected via a coupling 50 to the control rod 28d. The screw connection 31 can be released in the control box 46 when the tongue 20d is as far as possible. For this purpose, the control box 46 has a control box cover 46' which is not connected to the end wall 46'' of the control box 46.

It can be seen that the adjusting rod 28d and the special type of connection between the adjusting rod 28d and the tongue foot 26d do not require any recesses to be provided in the base block 12d. In addition, this connection is only slightly high, so that it can be inserted into the opening 29d in the side rail 16d, so that the tongue device 10d is designed to be very narrow overall.

There is also the advantage that the drainage hole 24d arranged in front of the tongue tip 25d can drain all the water directly through the base block 12d, if necessary under the feeding effect of the tongue 20d.

At the in figure 5 The monobloc switch device 100 shown are stock rail 102, the lower part 104 of the switch device 100 with the switch bed 106 and the side rail 108 integrally, ie made in one piece from a block 109.

The tongue 110 is connected here with its tongue foot 112 directly to the slide rod 48 via the coupling 50 . Since this conventional coupling 50 is relatively deep, a corresponding recess 114 must be provided in the lower part 104 and the tongue bed 106 of the tongue device, and the opening 116 in the side rail 108 must be higher than in 4 be trained. Overall, the tongue device 100 must also be wider than in 4 be executed because the coupling 50 must be releasable from above and the tongue with an integral foot must be able to be removed upwards from the tongue device 100.

In addition, there is the disadvantage that due to the wide design of the tongue bed 106, a great deal of water can accumulate, which would have to be drained off through a correspondingly wide drainage 118 that has to be installed first. However, the tongue 110 cannot sweep over this region 114 due to the recess 114 . In addition, more water can flow into the control box 46 there, which is disadvantageous.

In 6 the special feature of the tongue device 10e is that in comparison to the tongue device 10d 4 the base block 12e also includes the stock rail 14e integrally.

In 7 a sixth preferred embodiment of the tongue device 600 according to the invention is shown, this solution being different from the tongue device 10a 1 inter alia by the connection of the actuating rod 602 to the tongue 604 differs.

To put it more precisely, the second coupling 606 between the adjusting rod 602 and the tongue 604 consists in the fact that the adjusting rod 602 has a head 608 which overhangs the outer diameter of the rest of the adjusting rod 602 . A stepped bore 610 is made in the tongue 604, through which the actuating rod 602 and its head 608 can be threaded, so that there is a form fit in the direction of the side rail 612.

The head 608 has a circular basic shape, with two opposite sides being flattened in parallel. Correspondingly, the bore 610 is provided with a cover 614 which points towards the stock rail 616 and has a contour that fits the outer contour of the head 608 . The cavity 618 behind the cover 614 again has a circular outer contour so that the head 608 can be freely rotated in the cavity 618 .

There could be a detent between the head 608 and the cover 614, but this is not necessary because the coupling (not shown) between the actuating rod 602 and the slide rod automatically prevents the actuating rod 602 and thus the head 608 from rotating in the bore 610.

This configuration thus creates a bayonet lock 606 between the actuating rod 602 and the tongue 604, which is designed to be particularly low-maintenance and safe. The head 608 of the actuating rod 602 is arranged countersunk in the tongue 604, so that mutual damage between the stock rail 616 and the head 608 is ruled out.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the tongue device 600 has a base block 620 on a tongue bed 622 for the tongue 602 . The side rail 612 is connected directly to the base block 620 by means of two weld seams 624, the contours of the side rail 612 and base block 620 being formed in this connection area in such a way that a heating chamber 626 is formed for the heating element 630 arranged in a casing tube 628. There are thus recesses in the base block 620 and the auxiliary rail 612, the contours of which are specially adapted for the formation of an angular heating chamber 626.

The heating chamber 626 terminates in a drain (not shown) located in front of the tongue tip (not shown). As a result, both the heating chamber 626 and the jacket tube 628 can be drained directly into the drainage and the heating rod 630 does not cross through the drainage, which improves the function. Because the drainage is arranged in front of the tip of the tongue, the tongue 602 with its lower edge 632 does not have to have edges and recesses of the drainage in the tongue bed 622 move, which significantly reduces the wear of tongue 602 and tongue bed 622.

In addition, the tongue bed 622 is arranged in one piece and uninterruptedly under the movable sections of the tongue 602, since all connecting means 602 between the tongue 602 and the actuating device (not shown) in the actuating box 636 in the area of the tongue bed 622 do not extend above the vertical level of the lower edge 632 of the tongue 602 extend downwards. The axis A of the actuating rod 602 is also arranged in such a way that the actuating rod 602 does not touch the side rail 612 and, in particular, its edge 634 when the tongue device 600 is in operation.

The edge 634 of the side rail 612 is raised above the vertical level of the tongue bed 622 . As a result, no water can penetrate from the area of the tongue bed 622 into the control box 636, which is not shown in detail.

The stock rail 616 has a horizontal projection 638 located under a horizontal undercut 640 of the base block 620 . To place the projection 638 under the undercut 640, there is a threading aid in the form of a beveled recess 642, the geometry of which is dimensioned in such a way that it can be placed without any problems. More precisely, the length of the projection 636 is the same for this purpose, but preferably somewhat smaller than the horizontal distance of the lower edge 616a of the stock rail 616 from the edge 642a of the recess 642. The stock rail 616 is in turn fastened to the base block 620 with weld seams 644. These three connection points 644, 638, 640 create a very permanent connection that can also carry high loads that can also act horizontally.

Finally, the contour of the tongue 602 pointing towards the stock rail 616 is designed in such a way that in 7 a cavity 646 is formed between the tongue 602 and the stock rail 616 when the tongue 602 is in the abutting state shown on the stock rail 616 . Moisture and dirt located between tongue 602 and stock rail 616 can escape through this cavity 646, so that the function of tongue device 600 is not impaired.

Overall, this tongue device 600 thus offers optimal drainage. It is easy to install and maintain and, overall, requires very little maintenance, while having a very simple design and being able to be produced inexpensively.

In 8 a seventh preferred embodiment of the tongue device 700 according to the invention is shown, this solution being different from the tongue device 600 7 by the connection of the stock rail 702 to the base block 704.

More precisely, there is a securing element 706 here, which is inserted into a gap 708 between the base block 704 and the stock rail 702 .

This securing member 706 may have any shape as long as it can be fixed in the gap. Here it has steps 710, 712 for attachment to stock rail 702 and base block 704 by welds 714, 716.

Together with the form fit of horizontal undercut 640 and horizontal projection 638 and the additional weld seam 644 between stock rail 702 and base block 704, an extraordinarily secure connection between stock rail 702 and base block 704 is formed.

In 9 Finally, an eighth preferred embodiment of the tongue device 800 according to the invention is shown, this solution also being derived from the tongue device 600 7 by the connection of the stock rail 802 to the base block 804.

To be more precise, there is a direct welded connection 806 between the stock rail 802 and the base block 804 opposite the positive connection made up of horizontal undercut 640 and horizontal projection 638, as a result of which the connection requires particularly little installation space and the threading of the stock rail 802 into the base block 804 can also be carried out particularly easily.

It has become clear from the above description that the switch device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 600, 700, 800 according to the invention has a high level of durability, the manufacturing effort and the manufacturing costs are very low. In addition, the maintenance costs are very low. Overall, the switch device 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 600, 700, 800 according to the invention can be made much more compact than the usual switch device 100 and it can be drained much better.

Claims (15)

1. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e; 600; 700; 800), in particular for grooved rail switches, comprising a stock rail (14a, 14b, 14d, 14e; 616; 702; 802), a secondary rail (16a, 16c, 16d; 612) and a tongue (20, 20d; 604), wherein there is a tongue bed (18, 18d; 622) for the tongue (20, 20d; 604), wherein there is a base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804) which integrally unites the tongue bed (18, 18d; 622) and a base plate (17a, 17b, 17d), wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) is not integrally connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804), wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) is connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704; 804) in a form-fit or cohesive manner, at least in regions, as a separate part, characterised in that the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) comprises a projection (36a; 36b; 638) which engages in an undercut (38a; 38b; 640) of the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704; 804) such that tilting of the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) away from the secondary rail (16a, 16c, 16d; 612) is prevented, wherein the projection (36a; 36b; 638) extends horizontally.
2. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e; 600; 700; 800) according to claim 1, characterised in that the secondary rail (16a; 16c; 16d) is not integrally connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804), and/or wherein it is preferably provided for the stock rail and/or the secondary rail to be formed of a material that is different from that of the base block, wherein they are preferably formed of a structural steel or a rail steel, and the base block is formed in particular of a steel of high-strength grade, which is preferably produced by casting.
3. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e; 600; 700; 800) according to claim 2, characterised in that the cohesive connection is preferably provided as a welded connection, and/or in that the stock rail (14a, 14b, 14d, 14e; 616; 702; 802) stands on the base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804).
4. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c; 600; 700; 800) according to claim 3, characterised in that the projection (36a; 36b; 638) is of such a length that is smaller than or equal to a length of an insertion aid (32a; 642; 708) on the base block (12a; 620; 704).
5. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c; 600; 700; 800) according to claim 4, characterised in that, in addition to the form-fit connection of the projection (36a; 36b; 638) and undercut (38a; 38b; 640), there is at least one form-fit (710) and/or cohesive connection (34; 644; 714; 716) between the stock rail and the base block, wherein there are preferably two form-fit or cohesive connections between the stock rail and the base block, which are formed in particular as welded connections.
6. Tongue device (700) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base block (704) comprises a recess (708) on the rear face of the stock rail (702) with respect to the tongue, in which recess a securing means (706) for fastening the stock rail (702) is arranged.
7. Tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c; 600; 700; 800) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a heating means (22a; 22b; 22c; 628) which is arranged between the stock rail (14a) and the base block (12a), or between the secondary rail (16a; 16c; 612) and the base block (12b; 12c; 620), wherein the heating means (22a; 22b; 22c; 628) is preferably arranged in a recess (32a; 32b; 32c; 626) in the base block (12a; 12b; 12c; 620), the secondary rail and/or the stock rail.
8. Tongue device according to claim 7, characterised in that said recess and/or a separate sheathing, preferably a cladding tube for the heating means, comprises a drainage connection.
9. Tongue device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a drainage means (24; 24d), which is formed as an aperture, preferably as a drilled hole, and/or which is arranged in the region in front of the tongue tip, in the base block, wherein the drainage means is in particular connected to the drainage connection according to claim 8.
10. Tongue device according to claim 9, characterised in that the aperture is arranged at less than 3 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, from the tongue tip.
11. Tongue device according to either claim 9 or claim 10, in each case in conjunction with either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the heating means consists of a heating element in a cladding tube, wherein the cladding tube does not cross the drainage means, but rather at most ends in the drainage means.
12. Tongue device (600) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the state where the tongue (604) is laid on the stock rail (616), there is a cavity (646), at least in regions, between the tongue (604) and the stock rail (616), and/or in that, in the region of connection means (602) between the tongue (604) and a control device, preferably in the region in which the connection means (620) passes through the secondary rail (612), there is a barrier (634), between the tongue bed (622) and the control box (636), against the transfer of water, wherein the barrier is formed in particular as an edge (634) which is raised relative to the tongue bed (622).
13. Tongue device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is at least one layer, which increases the wear resistance, as a tongue rest, on the base block, wherein the layer preferably comprises at least one material from the group of: ceramic material, metal material, metal alloys, mixtures of ceramic materials, and the mixtures thereof.
14. Method for producing a tongue device (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e; 600; 700; 800), in particular for grooved rail switches, comprising a stock rail (14a, 14b, 14d, 14e; 616; 702; 802), a secondary rail (16a, 16c, 16d; 612) and a tongue (20, 20d; 604), wherein a tongue bed (18, 18d; 622) is provided for the tongue (20, 20d; 604), wherein a base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804), which integrally unites the tongue bed (18, 18d; 622) and a base plate (17a, 17b, 17d), is used, wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) is not integrally connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e; 620; 704; 804), wherein the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) is connected to the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704; 804), in a form-fit or cohesive manner at least in regions, as a separate part, characterised in that the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) comprises a projection (36a; 36b; 638) which engages in an undercut (38a; 38b; 640) of the base block (12a, 12b, 12c; 620; 704; 804) such that tilting of the stock rail (14a; 14b; 616; 702; 802) away from the secondary rail (16a, 16c, 16d; 612) is prevented, wherein the projection (36a; 36b; 638) extends horizontally.
15. Method according to claim 14, characterised in that the tongue device according to any of claims 2 to 13 is produced.

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