Branching device for rail vehicles

Abstract

A switch device (1) for a track vehicle has at least two switch sections (4) hinged to each other and movably supported relative to a base (16), at least one switch section (4) has a drive motor (6), and the at least two switch sections (4) are connected by a joint (5) having at least two rotational degrees of freedom and / or at least one translational degree of freedom (T), and at least one translational degree of freedom selectively has at least one other rotational degree of freedom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a branching device for a rail vehicle comprising at least two branch portions hinged to each other and movably supported with respect to a base, wherein at least one branch portion has a drive mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] Rail transportation, especially railway transportation, without using a switch is almost unthinkable. Over time, a number of different branching solutions with their respective advantages and disadvantages have emerged. Their common point is that the switch can selectively guide a rail vehicle from at least one track to one of at least two other tracks.

[0003] In the case of a maglev vehicle, generally the track has a special shape, and when passing through a switch, it is necessary to keep the maglev vehicle in a levitated state, so special problems are imposed on the switch. Even if a problem occurs in the levitation technology when passing through the switch, the safety of the vehicle must always be ensured.

[0004] In fact, it has become clear that as a branching device used for a maglev vehicle, one composed of a plurality of parts is advantageous. Therefore, for example, German Patent Application Publication No. 2247551 discloses a branching device having a plurality of branch portions hinged to each other and movably supported with respect to a base, where the position of the switch of the branching device may be affected by a drive mechanism provided in each branch portion.

[0005] The drawback of this method is that the flexibility of the branching device is restricted. For example, the branching device can only move in one direction, or a relatively large gap occurs between the branch portions at a curved position, which becomes a problem for the levitation technology or causes a collision during passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to further develop based on the prior art branch device, thereby overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The solution means used by the present invention to achieve the above object is a branch device having the features of the independent claims.

[0009] The branch device for a rail vehicle of the present invention has at least two branch parts that are hinged to each other and supported movably with respect to a base, and at least one branch part has a drive mechanism. It is proposed that for the branch device, at least two branch parts are connected by a joint having at least two rotational degrees of freedom and / or at least one translational degree of freedom, and at least one translational degree of freedom selectively has at least one other rotational degree of freedom.

[0010] Based on the possible combinations of the degrees of freedom of movement of the joint, the branch device can, for example, move in different directions. Thereby, as shown below, in addition to a Y-shaped divider, an X-shaped divider can also be realized. In addition, the torque that may act on the branch device can be at least partially avoided by a joint having corresponding degrees of freedom. The asymmetric weight load during vehicle passage can also be suppressed by the joint.

[0011] Based on the translational degree of freedom, the branch device can be extended or compressed. On the one hand, the gap width between the branch parts can be adjusted at each position. On the other hand, since the branch device does not need to follow a circular orbit during movement, the compactness of the branch device can thereby be enhanced.

[0012] In the prior art, in addition to the rotational degree of freedom in which the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the track plane or the base, it is also possible to use another rotational degree of freedom in which the axis of rotation is parallel to the track plane or the base.

[0013] The axis of rotation can, for example, be parallel to the track plane or the base and extend generally parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle. This degree of freedom can prevent the torque described above from being transmitted between the branch portions of the branching device.

[0014] Another axis of rotation can, for example, be parallel to the track plane or the base and extend generally perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle. This degree of freedom can suppress the asymmetric weight load when the vehicle passes as described above.

[0015] The branch portion is made of, for example, steel and / or concrete. It may have a shape similar to that of a fixed track located before and after the branching device. For example, the branch portion can be generally U-shaped, particularly having a floating section, and a reaction rail of the floating system may be provided below the floating section. All the branch portions may have the same length. However, the lengths of the branch portions may be different. In particular, the end portion of the branch arm may be made longer than other portions.

[0016] For example, a single long portion can be constituted by a plurality of fixedly connected portions. The joints are preferably arranged aligned at the center of at least each one end side of the branch portion.

[0017] As described above, the vehicle is, for example, a maglev train, particularly a maglev train operating based on the principle of a short stator. In this case, the active elements of the levitation system and the active elements of the drive of the vehicle are arranged, for example, only inside the vehicle. Here, the track and particularly the branching device have an energized track for transmitting energy to the vehicle.

[0018] The base of the branching device can be composed of one or more concrete slabs. Under the concrete slab, for example, a concrete layer or one or more steel girders may be provided. When the branching device is a component of an elevated railway, the base is arranged, for example, on a column or a support.

[0019] The drive machine is preferably configured as an electric motor equipped with a corresponding power transmission unit. The branching device has one drive machine for each movable brancher. Here, the drive machine is particularly connected to the end of the branch arm. However, there may be multiple drive machines. The power transmission unit may be, for example, a threaded rod. By being rotatably supported, the drive machine can realize the movement along the curved track of the driven part. It is advantageous if the drive machine can also be manually adjusted in case of emergencies such as power outages.

[0020] The branching device may particularly have a movable branch arm. Thereby, a Y-shaped brancher that selectively guides a vehicle from one fixed line to one of the other two fixed lines can be realized. Further, the branching device may have four movable branch arms. Thereby, an X-shaped brancher that enables the change of the lines on both sides by two parallel fixed lines with a very short center distance between the tracks can be realized. In this case, it is not necessary to widen the center distance between the tracks in the brancher area. Furthermore, this movement achieves a high passing speed within a narrow parallel line. More preferably, the joint is configured as a ball joint or a ball slip joint. With a ball joint, it can move around three independent axes. With a ball joint, the advantages of the possible rotational degrees of freedom described above can be realized simultaneously. The ball slip joint supports translational movement in addition to rotation around three independent axes. That is, the ball slip joint has rotational and translational degrees of freedom. That is, the branching device can be extended or compressed.

[0021] Also, preferably, at least one branch portion, particularly the starting portion, is supported on a pivot bearing. The starting portion is the first portion as seen from the angle of the incoming vehicle. To adjust the branching device of the present invention, it is only necessary for the starting portion to move slightly. Here, rotation about one axis of the pivot bearing is sufficient.

[0022] Preferably, at least one branch portion, particularly the end portion, is connected to the previous branch portion by a connecting rod. The end portion is the last portion as seen from the angle of the incoming vehicle, or the last portion corresponding to one of the plurality of branch arms. In the latter case, the end portion is the portion that connects one branch arm to another branch arm. The end portion may have a different length from other branch portions as described above. There may be different preconditions for supporting and guiding the end portion compared to other segments. The connecting rod is particularly used to transmit the driving force from the end portion to other branch portions.

[0023] Also, preferably, at least one elastic element connects the two branch portions respectively. By the pressure or tension of the elastic element, reliable guiding of the branch portion can be ensured. For this purpose, the elastic element is configured to continuously apply pressure, for example, from a guiding member to a guiding element (see below).

[0024] The elastic element may include, for example, a spring, a pneumatic cylinder, or an elastomer pad. The elastic element can be configured as a tensile spring element or a compression spring element. The elastic element can be particularly arranged laterally to the branch portion. In addition, two consecutive elastic elements can be arranged on opposite sides of the branch portion respectively. A scheme of connecting two branch portions by two elastic elements can also be used.

[0025] Particularly preferably, each branch portion is supported at at least three support points. With three support points, stable support of a planar object can be realized. Preferably, at least two of the support points are arranged on the bottom side of the branch portion. The end portion is particularly supported by four support points.

[0026] Particularly preferably, one of the support points consists of a joint located between the branch portions. Thereby, it is not necessary to add additional support points, and further, the material cost and the workload of the branching device are reduced. Therefore, the joint is configured not only to transmit the control force of the branching device but also to transmit gravity between the two branch portions.

[0027] Preferably, the support point is movable substantially parallel to the base. Thereby, in particular, the adjustment operation of the branching device is realized.

[0028] For example, at least one sliding surface is provided between the base and the branch portion, and the support point can move on this sliding surface.

[0029] Also preferably, at least one of the support points has at least one degree of rotational freedom. On the one hand, this is advantageous for the pivot bearing at the start portion as described above. On the other hand, a guide member (see below) may be incorporated into the support point. When the guide member acts together with a guide element that curves and extends, rotation of the support point may be required.

[0030] Also preferably, at least one of the support points has at least one roller and / or a sliding bearing and / or a fluid bearing.

[0031] The roller causes little friction during the movement of the branching device, but at the same time must be configured to withstand high loads and be correspondingly strong. Depending on the situation, the roller may have one or more guide edges similar to the wheels of a rail vehicle, which provides additional guidance to the branch portion during movement when the branch portion acts with the corresponding track.

[0032] The sliding bearing can be a cheaper alternative with reduced friction characteristics. The sliding bearing may be made of, for example, metal, particularly bronze containing graphite. In the case of a sliding bearing, the risk of wear is significantly increased, so it is preferably replaceable.

[0033] A fluid bearing is a bearing in which a branch part slides on a continuously supplied fluid film. Here, the fluid film may be, for example, an air cushion. Although fluid bearings have relatively excellent friction characteristics, they are technically the most difficult to realize, and moreover, continuous energy supply is required during operation. Another advantage of fluid bearings is that when the energy supply is cut off, the branch device locks due to a significant increase in friction.

[0034] Also preferably, the support points have at least one redundant support. When damage or other obstacles occur to the support points, the redundant support prevents the sinking of the branch part. Here, the redundant support can adopt substantially the same configuration as the support points. However, in order to reduce friction, the redundant support may preferably be made slightly shorter and can be further arranged not to contact the sliding surface during normal operation.

[0035] Also preferably, each branch part respectively corresponds to at least one guiding unit, and the guiding unit includes at least one guiding member of the object to be guided, particularly a guide roller or a guide pin, and a guiding element that performs a guiding function, particularly a guard or a groove or a slide. The guiding unit ensures an accurate movement process during the adjustment operation of the branch device. Based on several degrees of freedom of movement realized by joints, it is preferable to guide each branch part independently. The guiding unit is preferably arranged between the base and the branch part. Here, the guiding member is at least indirectly connected to the branch part, and the guiding element is at least indirectly connected to the base.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the guiding member is configured as a guide roller, and the guiding element is configured as a guard. The guide roller abuts against the guard laterally, for example.

[0037] On the upper side of the guiding element (particularly the guard), for example, the sliding surface described above is provided, and the support points, particularly the sliding bearings, are movably supported on this sliding surface.

[0038] The support points and the guiding members can be configured as structural members as described above.

[0039] Also preferably, for at least one guide member, the guide unit has at least one redundant guiding means. Similar to the redundant support, the redundant guiding means prevents the uncontrolled movement of the branching device when the guide member fails. For this purpose, the redundant guiding means can simply use a structure similar to that of the guide member and can interact with the guiding element. In this case, it is also preferably to adopt a layout in which the redundant guiding means does not contact the guiding element during normal operation.

[0040] The redundant guiding means can further prevent the movement of the branching device from a predetermined area, for example, in case of malfunction. Thereby, the redundant guiding means can define the end position of the branching device.

[0041] Also preferably, the guide unit has at least one spring configured to press the guide member against the guiding element. Particularly when a vehicle passes and under the associated load, it is preferable not to interrupt the contact between the guide member and the guiding element. The spring is useful for this purpose, but particularly the aforementioned elastic element is also similarly useful. The certain redundancy based on this contributes to the safety of the branching device.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the guiding element is linear or curved, and the curvature preferably describes at least one arc. The guiding element mainly controls the movement of the branching part and further controls the movement of the branching device. According to the desired movement process, the guiding element needs to have different shapes.

[0043] The curvature of the guiding element particularly describes a plurality of arcs with different radii.

[0044] Also preferably, the guiding element extends parallel to the base. Then, the branching part is also guided parallel to the base during its movement in the same way.

[0045] The guiding element is particularly arranged on the base in the form of a guard. Also, the guiding element may extend within the base.

[0046] Preferably, the elements of the guiding unit are replaceable and / or adjustable. When performing a substantial adjustment operation on the branching device, wear of the guiding unit is inevitable. Therefore, adjustment or replacement of the elements of the guiding unit is beneficial for reducing failures during the operation of the branching device. The elements of the guiding unit are, in particular, guiding members and their wearing parts.

[0047] Also, the base preferably consists of at least one concrete slab, particularly a precast concrete slab. This makes the branching device stable and reduces costs. By eliminating height differences, particularly in the case of precast concrete slabs, the branching device can be configured in a short time. In particular, a plurality of concrete slabs with different shapes can be used. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of small concrete slabs on one large concrete slab.

[0048] Also preferably, the base has a plurality of pedestals for accommodating the guiding elements. The pedestals can be used to correct height differences and possible non-uniformities during the pouring process of the concrete slab. The pedestals can also be used to provide a free space between the base and the branching part, for example, for mounting a driving machine, a locking mechanism, and / or other infrastructure.

[0049] The pedestals may already be installed, for example, during the pouring of the base. In particular, in order to ensure a uniform height, they may be polished to a flat surface after pouring. The pedestals may have accommodation members such as drill holes, and preferably include additional pins for fixing the guiding elements. A fixture can also be used as the accommodation member, and such a method is adopted particularly when fixing the track to the sleeper.

[0050] One pedestal may be provided for each guiding element. However, it is also possible to arrange a plurality of guiding elements on the same pedestal or to provide a plurality of pedestals for one guiding element. In the latter case, for example, a T-shaped pedestal for pulling out a lateral force can be installed at the end side of the guiding element.

[0051] In the case of a base structure consisting of a large concrete slab and a plurality of smaller concrete slabs provided thereon, the pedestals are preferably arranged on the smaller concrete slabs. In particular, these pedestals are already installed during the pouring process of the smaller slabs.

[0052] Also preferably, each of the branch portions has at least one track section, where the track sections are arranged in a tapered manner to the track sections of adjacent branch portions. By tapering, when the branch portions are driven against each other, a relatively small gap is formed only between the track sections. In particular, the track sections form a stationary track on which the vehicle stops in the event of an emergency, especially when a failure occurs in the levitation system. The track sections may be conductive tracks or reaction rails for the vehicle's levitation system.

[0053] Preferably, the track sections are each cut obliquely, particularly chamfered, at their ends. This can avoid abutment between the track sections. When the vehicle slides on the track sections during an emergency, the sliding material is protected.

[0054] Preferably, at least one of the branch portions has a locking mechanism for locking the branch arm to a fixed line or another branch portion arm. The locking mechanism may have, for example, bolts, and the bolts can be extended particularly by a motor. Preferably, the bolts are configured to penetrate the sleeve of the branch portion on the opposite side of the other branch arm or the fixed line section. The bolts and the motor may be arranged on the fixed line section, and the branch portion has a sleeve. As an alternative or supplement, a self-locking drive for the branch device, which similarly performs a locking function, may also be used. To release the travel on the branch device, it is determined whether the lock is correct, for example, by a proximity sensor that detects the correct position of the bolt.

[0055] Preferably, in the event of an emergency, for example, the corresponding maintenance personnel may manually operate the motor of the locking mechanism using a crank.

[0056] Further advantages of the present invention will be described in the following examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0058] In the following brief description of the drawings, the same and / or at least similar features in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals. For each feature, its technical solution and / or operating principle will usually be described in detail only when first mentioned. If no further detailed description is given for these features, its technical solution and / or operating principle is equivalent to the same effect or the technical solution and operating principle of the same name described in the foregoing part.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows the branching device 1 of the present invention, which is configured as a Y-shaped splitter with a movable branching arm 2. A vehicle (not shown) can be selectively guided from one fixed line 3 to one of the other two fixed lines 3. The branching device 1 has a plurality of branching portions 4 connected via a joint 5. For example, the joint 5 is arranged at the center of the end side of the branching portion 4. The joint 5 has a plurality of rotational degrees of freedom (see FIG. 3) and particularly one translational degree of freedom T (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the branching device 1 is very flexible. The gap between the branching portions 4 (here shown enlarged for clarity) can be kept at a low level, and a space-saving design can be used.

[0060] The translational degree of freedom T realizes the extension or compression of the branching arm 2. Here, for example, during the adjustment operation, the branching arm 2 can be compressed within the region between two adjacent lines 3, and these lines can be arranged closer to the branching device 1 without the risk of collision.

[0061] During the adjustment operation, the branching device 1 has a drive 6 connected to one of the branching portions 4 by a force transmission unit 7. In this embodiment, the drive 6 is connected to the end portion 8 of the branching device 1. The end portion 8 is, for example, longer than the other branching portions 4 because the requirement for stability may increase at this location. For the same reason, in this embodiment, the end portion 8 is connected to the previous branching portion 4 by a connecting rod 9. The end portion 8 is particularly supported by four support points 10 (FIG. 5), and the other branching portions 4 are each supported by three support points 10.

[0062] Regarding the support, particularity may also exist at the starting portion 11. For example, in addition to as many support points 10 as possible, the starting portion 11 is supported by a pivot bearing 12. The branching device 1 is mechanically disconnected from the fixed incoming line 3.

[0063] The branching portions 4 are further connected by an elastic element 13. On the other hand, the elastic element 13 can also apply pressure or tension to the branching portions 4 in a certain way, whereby the guide member 14 (FIG. 5) is pressed against the guide element 15.

[0064] The branch portion 4 is movably supported with respect to the base 16. In this embodiment, the base 16 is composed of a plurality of concrete slabs 17. The concrete slabs 17 are configured as precast concrete slabs in particular and have, for example, different dimensions. A pedestal 18 is provided on the base 16 or the concrete slab 17, and a guide member 15 is provided on the pedestal. The pedestal 18 is preferably also made of concrete and is in particular a component of the concrete slab 17. For example, a sliding surface 19 is provided on the upper side of the guide element 15, and the support point 10 of the branch portion 4 slides on the sliding surface.

[0065] The movement of the branch arm 2 or the branch device 1 is generally controlled by the guide element 15. In this embodiment, the guide element 15 is linear. However, the guide element 15 may be curved. The guide element 15 is configured as a track, in particular as a rail. For example, at least two guide elements 15 are provided on each concrete slab 17.

[0066] In order to realize locking particularly when a vehicle passes through, for example, the branch arm 2 or the branch device 1 can be locked by a locking mechanism 20. In this case, the branch arm 2 and in particular the end portion 8 are bolted to one of two adjacent fixed tracks 3, for example.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a joint 5 used in the branch device 1 of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view showing the joint 5 and a part of the connected branch portion 4. The joint 5 is configured as a ball slip joint having three independent rotational degrees of freedom (see FIG. 3) and one translational degree of freedom T. In this figure, the translational degree of freedom T of the joint 5 is particularly described in detail. Thereby, the branch arm 2 of the branch device 1 can be extended and / or compressed.

[0068] In FIG. 2a, the branch arm 2 including the joint 5 is, for example, linear (see FIG. 8a). FIG. 2b shows, as an example, the state of the curved branch arm 2, where the branch arm 2 is further extended (see FIGS. 1 and 8b).

[0069] FIG. 3 schematically shows the possible independent rotational degrees of freedom of the joint 5 used in the branching device 1 of the present invention. In all three figures shown, the rotation axes are all perpendicular to the drawing plane. FIG. 3a is a schematic top view similar to FIG. 1. Here, the drawing plane is the aforementioned line plane. The rotation axis is perpendicular to the line plane. FIG. 3b is a schematic side view similar to FIG. 5. The line plane is perpendicular to the drawing plane here. In this case, the rotation axis is parallel to the line plane but perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle passing through the branching device 1. FIG. 3c is a schematic front view similar to FIG. 7. In this case, the line plane is also perpendicular to the drawing plane. The rotation axis is also parallel to the line plane, but the difference from the previous situation is that the rotation axis is also parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle passing through the branching device 1. In all situations shown in these figures, for clarity, the displacement between the branch portions 4 is shown highly exaggerated. According to the branching device 1 of the present invention, the joint 5 has, in particular, at least two of these rotational degrees of freedom, or at least one of the shown rotational degrees of freedom, and at least one translational degree of freedom T.

[0070] FIG. 4 shows the lower structure of the branching device 1 in a top view similar to FIG. 1, but the branch portion 4 is not shown for clarity. In this embodiment, the base 16 consists of one large concrete slab 17 and a plurality of smaller concrete slabs 17. The concrete slab 17 where the starting portion 11 is located has the pivot bearing 12 described above. The pedestals 18 and the guide elements 15 have different lengths and configurations according to the degrees of freedom of movement required for the adjustment operation of the branching device 1 of the corresponding branch portion 4. The lengths of the guide elements 15 and the pedestals 18 are particularly long from the starting portion 11 towards the end portion 8.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of two consecutive branch portions 4 of the branching device 1. Each branch portion 4 has an orbital section 21. The orbital section 21 is cut obliquely at its end, for example, within the region of the joint 5, and is particularly chamfered (see FIG. 6). The orbital section 21 may be, for example, part of a stationary orbit where the vehicle stops in an emergency. Each branch portion 4 is supported at a support point 10. Here, for example, two of the support points 10 are arranged below the branch portion 4, and another support point 10 is formed by the joint 5.

[0072] Each branch portion 4 corresponds to two guide units 22, and the guide units are partially located in front of the drawing plane. Each guide unit 22 includes a guide member 14 and a guide element 15. Here, the support point 10 provided below the branch portion 4 has a sliding bearing 23 that is supported so as to slide on the upper side of the guide element 15. For example, the guide element 15 configured as a guard is arranged on the pedestal 18 as in the prior art. The base 16 consists of two concrete slabs 17.

[0073] The guide member 14 abuts against the guide element 15 laterally, and the guide element 15 is configured as a guide roller in this embodiment. The guide member 14 is connected to the corresponding branch portion 4. For example, by pressing the guide member 14 against the spring 24 on the guide element 15, continuous contact between the guide member 14 and the guide element 15 is ensured. For example, the guide members 14 of two consecutive branch portions 4 can be arranged on different sides of the guide element 15. Here, the guide members 14 can face each other or (as shown here) be away from each other.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view taking the branch portion 4 of FIG. 5 as an example. Similar to before, the branch portion 4 has a track section 21. Each branch portion 4 particularly has two track sections 21. One side of one of the track sections 21 of the brancher portion 4 is tapered and arranged adjacent to one of the track sections 21 of the adjacent branch portion 4. Thereby, even when the branch arm 2 of the branching device 1 is curved, the gap between the continuous track sections 21 can be kept at a low level.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a front view of the branching device 1 provided with a plurality of movable branch arms 2 (see FIG. 8). From this figure, the branch portion 4 which is generally U-shaped and has an extended section can be seen. The base 16 is composed of one large concrete slab 17 and at least one small concrete slab 17. The pedestal 18 for the guide element 15 is arranged on the concrete slab. For example, two guide elements 15 are arranged on a common pedestal 18.

[0076] In this embodiment, the support points 10 each have redundant supports 25. These supports can block the branch portion 4 in case the support points 10 fail, thereby avoiding a major accident. Similarly, the guide unit 22 has one redundant guiding means 26 for each guiding member 14. The redundant guiding means 26 can intervene in an emergency to prevent the uncontrolled movement of the branch portion 4.

[0077] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the branching device 1 of the present invention configured as an X-shaped splitter. Vehicles can be selectively guided from two fixed lines 3 to the other two lines 3. For this purpose, the branching device 1 has a total of four movable branching arms 2. FIG. 8a shows the branching device 1 in its basic position. In this position, vehicles can pass through the branching device in a straight line. FIG. 8b illustrates the position of the branching device 1 that can guide a vehicle from the upper left line 3 to the lower right line 3. For this purpose, for example, it is necessary to bend all the branching arms 2 to a curved position. Here, for example, by the translational degree of freedom T of the joint 5, the branching arms 2 facing each other can be extended. From the perspective of the space-saving structure of the branching device, the spaced-apart branching arms 2 may be compressed, for example.

[0078] In particular, in this embodiment of the branching device 1, the guide element 15 is curved. The end portions 8 of the branching arms 2 may have a locking mechanism 20 that locks the two end portions 8 facing each other against each other. Preferably, each branching arm 2 corresponds to one drive mechanism 6.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments shown in the drawings. Modifications are possible within the scope described in the claims, for example, by combining features shown in different embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1 Branching device 2 Branching arm 3 Line 4 Branching part 5 Joint 6 Drive mechanism 7 Force transmission unit 8 End portion 9 Connecting rod 10 Support point 11 Starting part 12 Pivot bearing 13 Elastic element 14 Guide member 15 Guide element 16 Base 17 Concrete slab 18 pedestal 19 sliding surface 20 locking mechanism 21 track section 22 guiding unit 23 sliding bearing 24 spring 25 redundant support 26 redundant guiding means T translational degree of freedom

Claims

1. A branching device (1) for a rail vehicle, having at least two branching parts (4) which are hinged to each other and supported movably with respect to a base (16), and at least one branching part (4) having a drive machine (6), in the branching device (1), the at least two branching parts (4) are connected by a joint (5) having at least two rotational degrees of freedom or at least one translational degree of freedom (T) and at least one other rotational degree of freedom, the branching device (1), characterized in that the joint (5) is configured as a ball joint or a ball slip joint.

2. The branching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one branching part (4), in particular a starting part (11), is supported by a pivot bearing (12).

3. The branching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one branching part (4), in particular a terminal part (8), is connected to the previous branching part (4) by a connecting rod (9).

4. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one elastic element (13) connects the two branching parts (4) respectively.

5. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each branching part (4) is supported by at least three support points (10).

6. The branching device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the support points (10) consists of a joint (5) located between the branching parts (4).

7. The branching device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the support points (10) are movable substantially parallel to the base (16).

8. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the support points (10) has at least one rotational degree of freedom.

9. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the support points (10) has at least one roller and / or sliding bearing (23) and / or fluid bearing.

10. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the support points (10) have at least one redundant support (25).

11. Each branch part (4) corresponds to at least one guiding unit (22) respectively, and the guiding unit (22) includes at least one guiding member (14) to be guided, in particular a guide roller or a guide pin, and a guiding element (15) performing a guiding function, in particular a guard or a groove or a slide. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is characterized in that it has the above features.

12. The branching device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the guiding unit (22) has at least one redundant guiding means (26) for at least one guiding member (14).

13. The branching device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the guiding unit (22) has at least one spring (24) configured to press the guiding member (14) against the guiding element (15).

14. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the guiding element (15) is linear or curved and its curvature describes at least one arc.

15. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the elements of the guiding unit (22) are replaceable and / or adjustable.

16. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the base (16) consists of at least one concrete slab (17), in particular a precast concrete slab.

17. Each branch part (4) has at least one track section (21) respectively, and the track section (21) is arranged in a tapered manner on the track section (21) of the adjacent branch part (4), and the ends of the track section (21) are each cut obliquely, in particular chamfered. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16 is characterized by the above features.

18. The branching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least one branch part (4), in particular the end part (8), has a locking mechanism (20).

Images