Passive switch for rail-linked transportation system, bogie for rail-linked transportation system, rail-linked transportation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a passive switch (100) for a track system of a rail-linked transportation system, comprising: a first track defined by a first running wheel rail (1) and a second running wheel rail (2); a second track defined by a first running wheel rail (1) and a third running wheel rail (3); a third track defined by a second running wheel rail (2) and a fourth running wheel rail (4); a first intermediate track defined by a first running wheel rail (1), a first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), a second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and a first support wheel intermediate rail (7); and a second intermediate track defined by a third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), a fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and a second support wheel intermediate rail (8), wherein the first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) are each individually positioned so as not to intersect with the track center line (M) of the second intermediate track, and the third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) are each individually positioned so as not to intersect with the track center line (M) of the first intermediate track.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a passive switch for a track system of a rail-linked transportation system (hereinafter referred to as a rail-articulated transportation system) having at least three tracks, in which the switch allows a track change from a first track to a second track or a third track, and in the case of a reverse running direction, allows a track change from the second track and the third track, respectively, to the first track.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a bogie for a railway vehicle capable of operating on a rail-linked transport system equipped with a passive switch according to the invention, a railway vehicle equipped with a bogie according to the invention, a rail-linked transport system equipped with a passive switch according to the invention and a railway vehicle according to the invention, and a method for operating a rail-linked transport system.

[0003] Various rail-linked transport systems are used around the world for both passenger and freight transport. In most cases, conventional track systems with two parallel rails are used. However, suspended railways, in which the transport load is below the track plane, are often conceived as monorail railways, such as the Wuppertal Suspension Railway. This is because, with conventional track systems, the fixed arms for the transport load would have to be long and bulky or would need to cross the track plane, both of which are not possible with conventional railway switches with tongues and continuous intermediate rails. Furthermore, monorail railways are considered less susceptible to weather damage and require less snow removal, which is a major advantage, especially for inaccessible elevated tracks. On the other hand, a disadvantage compared to conventional track systems is the lack of available standardized or nominal components.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved passive turnout. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a passive turnout that allows transport loads to be mounted below the track plane. A further object is to provide a rail-coupled transportation system based on a conventional track system that allows transport loads to be mounted below the track plane. A further object is to provide a bogie for a turnout and a rail-coupled transportation system.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a passive switch according to the independent claims, a bogie for a rail vehicle suitable for interacting with such a switch, as well as a rail-linked transport system. Advantageous configurations are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a passive turnout for a track system, the turnout including a first track defined by a first running wheel rail and a second running wheel rail, a second track defined by the first running wheel rail and a third running wheel rail, and a third track defined by the second running wheel rail and a fourth running wheel rail.

[0007] Furthermore, the turnout preferably includes a first intermediate track defined by a first running wheel rail, a first running wheel intermediate rail, a second running wheel intermediate rail, and a first support wheel intermediate rail, and a second intermediate track defined by a second running wheel rail, a third running wheel intermediate rail, a fourth running wheel intermediate rail, and a second support wheel intermediate rail.

[0008] Here, the first running wheel intermediate rail, the second running wheel intermediate rail, and the first support wheel intermediate rail are each individually positioned so as not to intersect with the track center line of the second intermediate track, and similarly, the third running wheel intermediate rail, the fourth running wheel intermediate rail, and the second support wheel intermediate rail are each individually positioned so as not to intersect with the track center line of the first intermediate track.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bogie for a railway vehicle, comprising: two wheel sets each having two running wheels with wheel flanges located in particular on the inside and two support wheels without wheel flanges, wherein the running wheels and the support wheels are rigidly connected in particular via a common axle or configured as loose wheels, and the support wheels are positioned on the axle outside the running wheels, respectively, and wherein the running wheels and the support wheels are configured to support a force on the rail in a first direction; a first lateral guide device having at least one first guide wheel configured to support a force in a second direction relative to the first guide rail, wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented at least substantially perpendicular to each other; and a bogie including at least one second guide wheel, the axis of which is perpendicular to the at least one axle and which is configured to support a force in a third direction relative to the second guide rail, wherein the third direction and the second direction are oriented at least substantially oppositely, and wherein the at least one first guide wheel and the at least one second guide wheel are each movably arranged to be engageable with a respective guide rail. Preferably, when the guide wheel is engaged with the guide rail, the axis of the guide wheel is at least substantially perpendicular to the at least one axle.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a rail-linked transportation system having at least three tracks, the system comprising at least one passive switch and at least one rail vehicle having a bogie; wherein the bogie has at least two wheel sets configured to absorb forces substantially perpendicular to the track plane and at least two guide wheels configured to absorb forces substantially parallel to the track plane, wherein the wheels of each wheel set are fixedly connected or configured as loose wheels, have an outwardly tapered wheel profile and interact with the running wheel rail in such a way that the wheel set is self-stabilizing with a sinusoidal progression; wherein the switch has at least two guide rails, which interact with at least one first guide wheel and at least one second guide wheel such that a rail vehicle can be guided from the first track to the second track and vice versa, and from the first track to the third track and vice versa; wherein the turnout has at least two intermediate tracks each defined by two intermediate rails and one running wheel rail, the intermediate rails and the running wheel rail being arranged so as to provide continuous wheel-rail contact for at least one wheel on each side of the wheelset when passing through the turnout, and interacting with the bogie; wherein each intermediate rail is spaced from the track centerline of the respective intermediate track by a distance of at least about one-twentieth of the gauge of the first track, at most about one-fourth, particularly about one-sixth of the gauge of the first track; Here, rail vehicles relate to transport systems which have devices, in particular booths, for transporting goods or passengers arranged below the track plane.

[0011] A switch within the meaning of the present invention is a track-changing device that allows vehicles to change tracks from a first track to a second or third track and vice versa, where the second or third track can also continue in the direction of the first track instead of turning relative to it.

[0012] A passive switch within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a switch which allows the vehicle to determine whether and to which track a change of track is to be made by operating it on the vehicle side, without the need for a switch at the switch itself for this purpose.

[0013] A wheelset within the meaning of the present invention preferably consists of an axle and at least one wheel at each end of the axle, which may be rigidly connected to the axle or may be configured as loose wheels, i.e. rotatable relative to the axle.

[0014] A track in the sense of the present invention preferably refers to a pair of substantially parallel rails.

[0015] Gauge within the meaning of the present invention is preferably the distance between two substantially parallel rails of a track.

[0016] "Does not intersect" within the meaning of the present invention preferably means that one rail does not intersect the track centre line, in particular in projection onto a plane parallel to the track plane formed by the rail.

[0017] The present invention is based on the realization that rail-linked transit systems can be designed to be less susceptible to failure by providing switches that are free of moving parts, which form weak points in rail-linked transit systems, especially when the switches are exposed to weather.

[0018] According to the present invention, this is achieved by a so-called passive turnout with two intermediate tracks, each defined by a running wheel rail, two running wheel intermediate rails, and a support wheel intermediate rail, which interact with the wheelset consisting of the running and support wheels. The running wheel rail is continuous and absorbs the support forces of the outer running wheels of the wheelset (with respect to the turnout). The two running wheel intermediate rails and the support wheel intermediate rail absorb the support forces of the inner running and support wheels.

[0019] The two intermediate running wheel rails and intermediate support wheel rails of the two intermediate tracks are arranged so that the track centerlines of both intermediate tracks are not crossed by the intermediate running wheel rails and intermediate support wheel rails of the other intermediate track, respectively, and are spaced apart from the intermediate running wheel rails and intermediate support wheel rails so that a device for suspending a booth, which passes vertically through the track plane, can pass through the switch without contacting it.

[0020] When passing through a switch, the running wheels of the bogie located on the inside of the switch are initially supported on the running wheel intermediate rail. The support wheel intermediate rail on which the support wheels are supported starts offset perpendicularly to the direction of travel from the end of the running wheel intermediate rail.

[0021] Before the support wheel intermediate rail ends, a further running wheel intermediate rail on which the running wheels are supported begins, also offset perpendicularly to the direction of travel, thus ensuring uninterrupted wheel-rail contact on both sides of the wheelset when passing through a switch.

[0022] The switch according to the invention also has outer guide rails, which, in interaction with the bogie-side lateral guides that can be individually engaged with the respective guide rails, allow safe, and in particular derailment-free, passing maneuvers at both obtuse and acute angles, with the option of turning left or right in the case of passing maneuvers at acute angles.

[0023] The bogie according to the invention is adapted to travel through a passive switch according to the invention. The lateral guidance devices of the bogie interact with the guide rails of the switch in such a way that a change of track from the first track to the second or third track can be determined by the vehicle. When passing through the switch, the running and / or support wheels of the bogie take on the support of gravity and possibly the centrifugal force or components thereof of the railway vehicle equipped with the bogie.

[0024] The advantage of the transport system according to the invention is that it can be configured as a suspended railway system, i.e. the passenger booths can be positioned below the track plane, and at the same time bogies with rigidly connected wheels having an outwardly tapered wheel profile can be used, which results in advantageous self-centering of the wheel sets when driving in a straight line.

[0025] In an advantageous configuration of the turnout, the first intermediate running wheel rail, the second intermediate running wheel rail, and the first intermediate support wheel rail are each individually spaced from the track centerline of the second intermediate track by a distance of at least about one-twentieth of the gauge of the first track, and at most about one-fourth, in particular about one-sixth of the gauge of the first track, and the third intermediate running wheel rail, the fourth intermediate running wheel rail, and the second intermediate support wheel rail are each individually spaced from the track centerline of the first intermediate track by the same distance as defined above, which allows the booth of the railcar to be fixed below the track plane, with the bogie of the railcar substantially above the track plane and the booth suspension intersecting the track plane.

[0026] In a further advantageous configuration of the switch, the first and second intermediate tracks are each configured in such a way that a continuous absorption of forces is ensured perpendicular to the track plane of both wheels of a wheelset in the direction of the track centre line, which provides the advantage of a safe and collision-free running of railway vehicles through the switch.

[0027] In a further advantageous configuration of the turnout, the first running wheel intermediate rail and the second running wheel intermediate rail are each arranged so that they overlap or are adjacent to the first support wheel intermediate rail in a direction parallel to the second running wheel rail, and the third running wheel intermediate rail and the fourth running wheel intermediate rail are each arranged so that they overlap or are adjacent to the second support wheel intermediate rail in a direction parallel to the first running wheel rail.

[0028] Preferably, the gauge of the first track between the switch start and the first and third running wheel intermediate rails is wider than the nominal gauge of the track system, which allows the running wheel intermediate rails to be positioned so that the running wheels of the wheel sets can engage with the intermediate track formed by the running wheel rails and the intermediate rails.

[0029] In a further advantageous configuration, the switch has a first guide rail extending parallel to the first running wheel rail and a second guide rail extending parallel to the second running wheel rail, which, in interaction with the lateral guide device, allows a change of track from the first track to the second or third track.

[0030] In a further advantageous configuration, the switches each have guide rails that extend to the start and end of the switch, thereby allowing safe, guided passage through the switch.

[0031] In a further advantageous configuration, the guide rails are arranged outside the track, which simplifies the construction of the switches and bogies.

[0032] Preferably, all components of the turnout, in particular the running wheel rail, the support wheel rail and the guide rail, are implemented in a fixed position, which offers the advantage of being less susceptible to interference.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the bogie for a rail vehicle has two wheel sets, each of which has two running wheels with inwardly positioned wheel flanges and two supporting wheels without wheel flanges, which allows an advantageous combination of lateral guidance by the wheel flanges and support by the supporting wheels in the area of ​​the turnout.

[0034] The two running wheels and the two supporting wheels are rigidly connected, particularly via a common axle, or are configured as loose wheels. A rigid connection offers the advantage that, in interaction with the outwardly tapered wheel profile, the wheel set self-stabilizes in a sinusoidal course. In contrast, a loose wheel configuration allows different wheel speeds to be set when negotiating a curve, which offers the advantage of making cornering easier and reducing wear.

[0035] Preferably, both support wheels are positioned on the axle outside the running wheels, which is advantageous in combination with running wheels with inner wheel flanges, since when a turnout splits one track into two tracks, it is necessary to provide a recess inside the wheel flange.

[0036] Preferably, the running wheels and the support wheels are configured to support a force in a first direction on the rail, and more preferably, the bogie comprises a first lateral guide device having at least one first guide wheel whose axis is substantially perpendicular to the at least one axle and configured to support a force in a second direction relative to the first guide rail, the first direction and the second direction here being oriented at least substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0037] More preferably, the bogie comprises a second lateral guide device having at least one second guide wheel whose axis is perpendicular to the at least one axle and configured to support a force in a third direction against the second guide rail, wherein the third direction and the second direction are oriented at least substantially opposite to each other.

[0038] This provides the advantage that the support of the gravity of the railway vehicle and the introduction of track changes, as well as the support of lateral guidance forces, are functionally separated.

[0039] The at least one first guide wheel and the at least one second guide wheel are here preferably each movably arranged so as to be engageable with the respective guide rail.

[0040] In a further advantageous configuration of the bogie, the running wheels and the support wheels are integrally configured on each side of the wheel set and in particular form a common running surface, which offers the advantage of less complex components and simplified manufacturing.

[0041] In a further advantageous configuration of the bogie, the at least one first guide wheel and the at least one second guide wheel are each movable independently in and / or out of the plane formed by the guide rail, which provides the advantage that the guide rail can be fixed in position and that track changes can be performed by operating the vehicle.

[0042] In a further advantageous configuration of the bogie, the first and second lateral guide devices are arranged so that all guide wheels are further away from the longitudinal center axis of the bogie than the running wheels. This is advantageous in combination with running wheels with inboard wheel flanges, since splitting one track into two at a switch requires the provision of recesses in the wheel flanges.

[0043] In an advantageous configuration, a rail vehicle equipped with a bogie according to the invention has a booth arranged below the bogie, which provides the advantage that the rails and bogies of a rail-linked transport system can be positioned above a ground-linked transport network in a space-saving manner in narrow urban areas.

[0044] In an advantageous configuration, the rail-linked transportation system comprises at least three tracks each having parallel rails, at least one switch, and at least one rail car.

[0045] Here, the bogie has at least two wheel sets oriented to absorb forces substantially perpendicular to the track plane and at least two guide wheels oriented to absorb forces substantially parallel to the track plane, where the running wheels of each wheel set are rigidly connected or configured as loose wheels, have an outwardly tapered wheel profile and interact with the rails in such a way that the wheel set is self-stabilizing in a sinusoidal progression.

[0046] Here, the switch has at least two guide rails which interact with at least two guide wheels in such a way that a rail vehicle can be guided from a first track to a second track and vice versa, and from the first track to a third track and vice versa.

[0047] Furthermore, the turnout has at least two intermediate tracks each including two intermediate rails, which are arranged to provide continuous wheel-rail contact at each running wheel when passing through the turnout and interact with the bogie, and wherein the intermediate rails are each spaced from the track centerline of the respective intermediate track by a distance of at least about one-twentieth of the gauge of the first track, at most about one-fourth, in particular about one-sixth of the gauge of the first track.

[0048] Here, the rail vehicle has equipment, in particular booths, for transporting goods or passengers, arranged below the track plane.

[0049] In a further advantageous configuration of the rail-linked transportation system, the first running wheel intermediate rail and the first support wheel intermediate rail are spaced apart from the first running wheel rail, the second running wheel intermediate rail is spaced apart from the third running wheel rail, the third running wheel intermediate rail and the second support wheel intermediate rail are spaced apart from the second running wheel rail, and the fourth running wheel intermediate rail is spaced apart from the fourth running wheel rail, so that running wheels with wheel flanges can pass without contact within an acceptable tolerance range.

[0050] In a further advantageous configuration of the rail-linked transport system, the wheel-rail contact points between the running wheels and the running wheel rails have an equivalent tread gradient of less than 0.6 and the running wheels have an outwardly tapered wheel profile, so that the wheel set is advantageously self-stabilizing in a sinusoidal course.

[0051] In a further advantageous configuration of the rail-linked transportation system, the first intermediate running wheel rail, the second intermediate running wheel rail, and the first support intermediate wheel rail, as well as the third intermediate running wheel rail, the fourth intermediate running wheel rail, and the second support intermediate wheel rail, are spaced from their respective track centerlines by a distance large enough to allow a booth suspension penetrating the track plane to pass through them without contact within a tolerance range. This allows the railcar freight or passenger transport device to be positioned below the track plane using a simple fixture, with the bogie of the railcar substantially above the track plane.

[0052] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is an at least partially schematic plan view of an embodiment of a turnout; [Figure 2] 1 is an at least partially schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a bogie and an embodiment of a switch; [Figure 3] 1 is an at least partially schematic plan view of an embodiment of a rail-linked transportation system. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an at least partially schematic front view of an embodiment of a rail-articulated transportation system. FIG.

[0054] 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a turnout 100. This turnout 100 has four running wheel rails 1, 2, 3, and 4, where running wheel rails 1 and 2 form a first track in the area of ​​the turnout start WA, running wheel rails 1 and 3 form a second track in the area of ​​the turnout end WE, and running wheel rails 2 and 4 form a third track.

[0055] When changing tracks from the first track to the second track, or vice versa, the railway vehicle 300 runs on a first intermediate track formed by the first running wheel rail 1, the first running wheel intermediate rail 5a, the second running wheel intermediate rail 5b, and the first support wheel intermediate rail 7.

[0056] When changing tracks from the first track to the third track, or vice versa, the railway vehicle 300 runs on a second intermediate track formed by the second running wheel rail 2, the third running wheel intermediate rail 6a, the fourth running wheel intermediate rail 6b, and the second support wheel intermediate rail 8.

[0057] Preferably, the gauge of the first track, i.e., the distance between the first running wheel rail 1 and the second running wheel rail 2, is wider than the nominal gauge of the track system in the area between the start of the turnout (WA) and the first and third running wheel intermediate rails 5a and 6a, respectively, so that the first running wheel intermediate rail 5a is spaced apart from the first running wheel rail 1 and the third running wheel intermediate rail 6a is spaced apart from the second running wheel rail 2, thereby allowing the running wheels 11 of the wheel set to engage in the intermediate track formed by these rails.

[0058] The running wheel intermediate rails 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and the support wheel intermediate rails 7, 8 are preferably arranged so that when passing through a junction, wheel-rail contact occurs continuously on both sides of the wheelset.

[0059] Preferably, the intermediate running wheel rails 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b and the intermediate support wheel rails 7, 8 are each spaced apart from the track center line M of the respective intermediate track by a distance d that is at least about one-twentieth of the track width of the first track, and at most about one-fourth, particularly about one-sixth of the track width of the first track, so that the booth can be fixed below the track plane that intersects with the fixing device.

[0060] Preferably, the running wheel intermediate rails 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b each have a curved course, which has the advantage that an additional resting surface for the running wheels is provided while the distance d to the track centerline M is maintained. In the case of the running wheel intermediate rails 6a, 6b, the curved course also makes it possible for the distance between the running wheel intermediate rails 6a, 6b and, respectively, to the running wheel rails 3, 4 to remain maintained.

[0061] More preferably, the first guide rail 9 extends parallel to the first running wheel rail 1, and the second guide rail 10 extends parallel to the second running wheel rail 2. This allows a change of track from the first track to the second or third track in interaction with lateral guide devices 15a, 16a (not shown).

[0062] More preferably, the guide rails 9, 10 extend to the start end WA of the turnout and to the end end WE of the turnout, respectively, thereby enabling safe guided passage through the turnout.

[0063] Preferably, the guide rails 9, 10 are arranged outside the area defined by the first running wheel rail and the second running wheel rail, which simplifies the construction of the switch 100 and the bogie 200.

[0064] Figure 2 shows in cross section an embodiment of a bogie 200 and an embodiment of a switch 100. This depiction of the switch 100 corresponds to section AA in Figure 1. One can see the wheel set with the axle 13 at each end of which are running wheels 11a, 11b and support wheels 12a, 12b.

[0065] Also shown are a first running wheel rail 1, a second running wheel rail 2, a first guide rail 9, a second guide rail 10, a first lateral guide device 15a with a first guide wheel 16a, and a second lateral guide device 15b with a second guide wheel 16b.

[0066] Preferably, the running wheels 11a, 11b have wheel flanges located on the inside, which ensures lateral guidance when passing through the turnout and also on the rest of the track system outside the turnout.

[0067] More preferably, the support wheels 12a, 12b are implemented without wheel flanges, which provides the advantage that the support wheels 12a, 12b can run on or off the support wheel intermediate rails 7, 8, which are arranged offset in the rotational direction relative to the running direction of the bogie.

[0068] Preferably, the two support wheels 12a, 12b are positioned on the outer axles 13 of the running wheels 11a, 11b, respectively. This is advantageous in combination with running wheels 11 having inner wheel flanges, because when one track is split into two tracks at a turnout, it is necessary to provide a recess inside the wheel flange.

[0069] Preferably, the guide wheels 16a, 16b are configured to support forces in a direction substantially perpendicular to the track plane on the guide rails 9, 10.

[0070] In the case of a change of track to the right, the second lateral guide device 15b with the guide wheel 16b engages with the guide rail 10. In the case of a change of track to the left, the first lateral guide device 15a with the guide wheel 16a engages with the guide rail 9.

[0071] In an alternative variant embodiment, the lateral guide devices 15a, 15b are forced to be controlled so that only one lateral guide device 15a, 15b may be engaged with the guide rails 9, 10 at any one time and / or may be in the plane formed by the guide rails 9, 10. This offers the advantage of improved operational reliability.

[0072] The following describes an exemplary track change from the first track to the second track when a bogie passes through a sharp turnout, where the bogie would move from bottom to top in Figure 1.

[0073] 1, the first guide wheel 16a of the first lateral guide device 15a engages with the first guide rail 9 in the area of ​​the start of the turnout WA and remains engaged until the end of the turnout WE. Furthermore, the second running wheel 11b switches from the second running wheel rail 2 to the first intermediate running wheel rail 5a.

[0074] More preferably, the first support wheel intermediate rail 7 on which the second support wheel 12b is supported starts offset vertically in the direction of travel from the end of the running wheel intermediate rail 5a. Before the end of the first support wheel intermediate rail 7, the second running wheel intermediate rail 5b on which the second running wheel 11b is supported starts, also offset vertically in the direction of travel. The second running wheel 11b and / or the second support wheel 12b are supported on the second running wheel intermediate rail 5b up to its end. Before the end of the second running wheel intermediate rail 5b, the third running wheel rail 3 on which the second running wheel 11b is supported starts.

[0075] 1, the second guide wheel 16b of the second lateral guide device 15b engages with the second guide rail 10 in the area of ​​the switch start end WA and remains engaged until the switch end end WE. Furthermore, the first running wheel 11a switches from the first running wheel rail 11 to the third running wheel intermediate rail 6a.

[0076] More preferably, the second support wheel intermediate rail 8, on which the first support wheel 12a is supported, starts offset vertically in the running direction from the end of the third running wheel intermediate rail 6a. Before the end of the second support wheel intermediate rail 8, the fourth running wheel intermediate rail 6b, on which the first running wheel 11a is supported, also starts offset vertically in the running direction.

[0077] The first running wheel 11a and / or the first support wheel 12a are supported on the fourth running wheel intermediate rail 6b up to the end of the fourth running wheel intermediate rail 6b. The fourth running wheel rail 4 on which the first running wheel 11a is supported begins before the end of the second running wheel intermediate rail 6b.

[0078] Thus, when passing through a turnout, uninterrupted wheel-rail contact is guaranteed on both sides of the wheelset. Passing through a turnout at an obtuse angle is performed in the opposite way to that described in the previous two paragraphs.

[0079] 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a rail-articulated transportation system 300 and an embodiment of a bogie 200. Referring to FIG. 1, the outer position of a turnout 100 before the start of the turnout WA is shown.

[0080] Two wheel sets can be seen, each with one axle 13 having running wheels 11a, 11b and support wheels 12a, 12b. Running wheels 11a, 11b are in engagement with a first running wheel rail 1 and a second running wheel rail 2. Also visible are two first lateral guide devices 15a and two second lateral guide devices 15b, each with a first guide wheel 16a and a second guide wheel 16b.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a rail-linked transport system 300 with a bogie 200 and a switch 100 in a cross-sectional view, where the depiction of the switch 100 corresponds to the cross section AA according to FIG.

[0082] The depiction of the bogie 200 and the switch 100 corresponds to Figure 2. Additionally, Figure 4 shows a booth 18 capable of transporting passengers or freight. This booth 18 is fixed to the bogie 200 by means of a booth suspension 19 and is located below the bogie 200. The booth suspension 19 intersects the track plane.

[0083] Preferably, rail articulated transportation system 300 is secured to legs (not shown) that correspond to an elevated or suspended railway.

[0084] It should be noted that these exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applications, and structures in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one embodiment, where various modifications can be made with respect to the function and arrangement of the elements specifically described without departing from the scope of protection as arising from the claims and / or their equivalent combinations of features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100 Turnout 200 carts 300 Rail-linked Transportation System 1 First running wheel rail 2 Second running wheel rail 3 Third running wheel rail 4 Fourth running wheel rail 5a First running wheel intermediate rail 5b Second running wheel intermediate rail 6a Third running wheel intermediate rail 6b 4th running wheel intermediate rail 7 First support wheel intermediate rail 8 Second support wheel intermediate rail 9 First guide rail 10 Second guide rail 11 Running wheels 12 Support wheel 13 axles 15a First lateral guide device 15b Second lateral guide device 16a First guide wheel 16b Second guide wheel Booth 18 19 Booth suspension section M Track center line WA Turnout start WE turnout end

Claims

1. A passive switch (100) for a track system of a rail-linked transportation system, comprising: a first track defined by a first running wheel rail (1) and a second running wheel rail (2); a second track defined by the first running wheel rail (1) and the third running wheel rail (3); a third track defined by the second running wheel rail (2) and the fourth running wheel rail (4); a first intermediate track defined by the first running wheel rail (1), the first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7); a second intermediate track defined by the second running wheel rail (2), a third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), a fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and a second support wheel intermediate rail (8); the first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) are each individually arranged so as not to intersect with the track center line (M) of the second intermediate track; A passive switch (100), wherein the third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) are each individually positioned so as not to intersect with the track center line (M) of the first intermediate track.

2. the first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) are each individually positioned at least one defined distance (d) from the track centerline (M) of the second intermediate track, preferably at least about one-twentieth of the track width of the first track, at most about one-fourth of the track width of the first track, and more preferably about one-sixth of the track width of the first track; 2. The turnout (100) according to claim 1, wherein the third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) are each individually positioned at least the defined distance (d) from a track centerline (M) of the first intermediate track.

3. 3. The turnout (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second intermediate tracks are each configured in such a way that a continuous absorption of forces is ensured perpendicular to the track plane of both wheels of a wheelset in the direction of the track centerline.

4. The first running wheel intermediate rail (5a) and the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b) are respectively arranged so that they overlap or are adjacent to the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) in a direction parallel to the second running wheel rail (2); the third running wheel intermediate rail (6a) and the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (5b) are respectively arranged so that they overlap or are adjacent to the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) in a direction parallel to the first running wheel rail (1); 4. The turnout (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gauge of the first track between the turnout start (WA) and the first running wheel intermediate rail (5 a) and the third running wheel intermediate rail (6 a) is wider than the nominal gauge of the track system.

5. 5. The switch (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a first guide rail (9) extending parallel to the first running wheel rail (1) and a second guide rail (10) extending parallel to the second running wheel rail (2).

6. 6. The turnout (100) according to claim 5, wherein the guide rails (9, 10) extend to the turnout start end (WA) and the turnout end (WE), respectively, and / or the guide rails (9, 10) are arranged outside the track.

7. A bogie (200) for a railway vehicle, The vehicle comprises two wheel sets each having a first running wheel (11a) and a second running wheel (11b) with a wheel flange located in particular on the inside, and a first support wheel (12a) and a second support wheel (12b) configured without a wheel flange, The two running wheels (11a, 11b) and the two support wheels (12a, 12b) are rigidly connected via a common axle (13) or are configured as loose wheels, and the two support wheels (12a, 12b) are positioned on the axle (13) outside the running wheels (11a, 11b), respectively; the running wheels (11a, 11b) and the support wheels (12a, 12b) are configured to support a force in a first direction on the rails (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, 8); a first lateral guide device (15a) having at least one first guide wheel (16a) configured to support a force in a second direction against the first guide rail (9); the first direction and the second direction are oriented at least substantially perpendicular to each other; a second lateral guide device (15b) having at least one second guide wheel (16b) whose axis is perpendicular to the at least one axle (13) and configured to support a force in a third direction against the second guide rail (10); the third direction and the second direction are oriented at least substantially opposite to each other; The at least one first guide wheel (16a) and the at least one second guide wheel (16b) are movably arranged so as to be engageable with the respective guide rails (9, 10).

8. 8. The bogie (200) according to claim 7, wherein the running wheels (11a, 11b) and the support wheels (12a, 12b) are integrally constructed on each side of a wheel set, in particular forming a common running surface.

9. 9. The bogie (200) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one first guide wheel (16a) and the at least one second guide wheel (16b) are movable in and / or out of a plane formed by the guide rails (9, 10) independently of each other.

10. 10. The bogie (200) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first lateral guide device (15a) and the second lateral guide device (15b) are arranged so that all of the guide wheels (16a, 16b) are further away from the longitudinal center axis of the bogie than the running wheels (11a, 11b).

11. A railway vehicle (300) comprising the bogie (200) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, A railcar (300) in which a booth (18) of the railcar (300) is disposed below the bogie (200).

12. A rail-linked transportation system (400) having at least three tracks, at least one passive turnout (100), in particular a turnout (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; at least one railway vehicle (300), in particular a railway vehicle (300) according to claim 11, The bogie (200) has at least two wheel sets configured to absorb forces substantially perpendicular to the track plane and at least two guide wheels (16a, 16b) configured to absorb forces substantially parallel to the track plane; the wheels of each wheel set are rigidly coupled or configured as loose wheels, have an outwardly tapered wheel profile and interact with the running wheel rail (1, 2, 3, 4) in such a way that the wheel set is self-stabilizing in a sinusoidal progression; The turnout (100) has at least one first guide rail (9) and a second guide rail (10), which interact with at least one first guide wheel (16a) and at least one second guide wheel (16b) so that the railway vehicle (300) can be guided from a first track to a second track and vice versa, and from the first track to a third track and vice versa; The turnout (100) has at least two intermediate tracks defined by two intermediate rails (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, 8) and one running wheel rail (1, 2), the intermediate rails and the running wheel rail being arranged so that a continuous wheel-rail contact is created for at least one wheel on each side of a wheelset when the bogie (200) passes through the turnout, and interacts with the bogie (200); each intermediate rail is spaced from a track centerline (M) of a respective intermediate track by a distance (d) of at least about one-twentieth of the gauge of the first track, and at most about one-fourth, particularly about one-sixth of the gauge of the first track; The railway vehicle (300) has a device, in particular a booth (18), for transporting goods or passengers, arranged below the track plane.

13. A railway vehicle (300) comprising at least one turnout (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a railway vehicle (300) according to claim 11, To allow running wheels (11a, 11b) with wheel flanges to pass through without contact within a tolerance range, The first running wheel intermediate rail (5a) and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) are spaced apart from the first running wheel rail (1); The second running wheel intermediate rail (5b) is spaced apart from the third running wheel rail (3); The third running wheel intermediate rail (6a) and the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) are spaced apart from the second running wheel rail (2); 13. The transportation system according to claim 12, wherein the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b) is spaced apart from the fourth running wheel rail (4).

14. 14. The transportation system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the wheel-rail contact portions of the running wheels (11a, 11b) and the running wheel rails (1, 2, 3, 4) have an equivalent tread gradient of less than 0.6, and in particular the running wheels (11a, 11b) are configured to have a wheel profile that tapers outward.

15. the first running wheel intermediate rail (5a), the second running wheel intermediate rail (5b), and the first support wheel intermediate rail (7) are spaced apart from the track centerline (M) by a distance (d) large enough to allow a booth suspension (19) penetrating the track plane to pass through without contact within a tolerance range; 15. The transportation system according to claim 12, wherein the third running wheel intermediate rail (6a), the fourth running wheel intermediate rail (6b), and the second support wheel intermediate rail (8) are spaced apart from the track centerline (M) by a distance (d) large enough to allow a booth suspension (19) penetrating the track plane to pass through without contact within a tolerance range.

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