EP4245635B1 - Connecting link - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connecting plate for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch lock, wherein the connecting plate has a first opening for establishing a positive connection of the connecting plate with one of the slide rod parts.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of an insert for insertion into a connecting plate, which insert has a bore.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a switch closure for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch, which comprises a connecting plate, an insert, two slide rod parts connected to one another via the connecting plate, and connecting means with which the slide rod parts are connected to the connecting plate.

BACKGROUND

Connecting plates for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch lock are generally known in the state of the art.

A slide rod part of a switch lock serves to open and close the locking clamp of a tongue block. At the same time, the tongue block and with it the tongue switch are moved towards or away from the stock rail by means of the slide rod part. A switch lock has two of these slide rod parts because on the two opposite tongue rails of a In a switch, opposing processes take place. For example, while one slide rod part opens the locking clamp of one switch rail and causes this switch rail to move away from its stock rail, the other slide rod part causes the other switch to move toward its stock rail and close its locking clamp. To perform these processes simultaneously and via a drive, it is desirable to connect the slide rod parts, which is usually done in the middle of the track via a connecting plate.

State-of-the-art connecting straps, such as CH 586 787 A5 , have round holes through which a positive connection is made, usually by means of bolts, screws and nuts, with corresponding round holes in the slide rod parts. It is also known to insert inserts in the form of electrically insulating round sleeves into these round holes in order to electrically insulate the connecting plate from the slide rod parts. When connecting the two slide rod parts, it is important that the connecting distance between them is precisely adapted to the geometry of the switch and the track. For example, the slide rod parts must not be connected too far apart because the distance between the open switch rail and its stock rail is then too small for the wheel flange of a wheel traveling over it to pass through. This threatens derailment. On the other hand, if the switch rod parts are connected too closely, the switch rails may no longer close at all or only close unreliably.

The connection distance depends on various factors, such as the track gauge, the track radius, the installation position of the switch lock, ie whether it is a point lock or a Center lock is installed, influences the appropriate connection distance.

The current technology solves the problem of varying connection spacing by providing different versions of connecting plates with differently spaced holes. Another solution involves initially manufacturing connecting plates without any holes at all, and then inserting the holes into the connecting plate at the installation site. However, these solutions are costly and time-consuming.

Out of DE 10 2012 021102 A1 , which forms general background knowledge, a strut with a through-opening, in particular for stiffening a motor vehicle, is known, comprising a screw holder having a bore for insertion into the opening, wherein the through-opening is designed as a round hole into which the screw holder engages, wherein the bore of the screw holder is arranged eccentrically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, one object of the present invention is to connect the slide rod parts of a switch lock for different switch locks efficiently and safely.

This object is achieved by a connecting plate according to claim 1, a slide rod part according to claim 4, a use of an insert according to claim 6, and a switch closure according to claim 12 or 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

Thereafter, a connecting plate is provided for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch lock. The connecting plate has a first and a third opening for establishing a positive connection between the connecting plate and one of the slide rod parts, and a second opening for establishing a positive connection between the connecting plate and the other of the slide rod parts. A first insert can be received in the first opening in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive fit in at least two different orientations, so that a connecting distance between the two slide rod parts is adjustable.

Because the first opening is designed such that an insert can be received therein in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive fit, twisting of a corresponding insert when the connecting plate is loaded can be prevented. In particular, this rules out the first opening having a circular cylindrical shape. Because the first opening is further designed such that the insert can be received therein in two different orientations, the prerequisite is created for being able to adjust the position of the connection point of the slide rod part relative to the connecting plate and thus the connection distance between the two slide rod parts by means of a corresponding insert, through which connecting means for connecting the switch lock to one of the slide rod parts are guided. The first opening according to the claims enables at least two different connection distances. The connection distance can therefore be set to at least two different values in a grid. This means that the grid has at least two different grid values.

The connecting plate further comprises the second opening for establishing a positive connection of the connecting plate with the other of the slide rod parts, wherein in the second opening a second insert is rotatably fixed by positive locking in at least two different alignments so that a connecting distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted.

By providing the claimed second opening for connecting to the other of the slide rod parts, the connection distance can be additionally adjusted to at least one further value, since the position of the other of the slide rod parts relative to the connecting tab is also adjustable. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the grid has at least three different grid values.

The connecting link further comprises the third opening for establishing a connection between the connecting link and the one slide rod part, wherein a third insert can be received in the third opening in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive fit in at least two different orientations, such that a connecting distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted. In particular, a first maximum opening distance between the first opening and the third opening in an extension direction of the connecting link is greater than 80 mm and a first web width between the first opening and the third opening in the extension direction of the connecting link is less than 80 mm. In particular, the first opening and the third opening have the same shape with an opening width, and the sum of the opening width and the first web width is not equal to 80 mm, particularly preferably less than 80 mm.

In this context, the term "extension direction" of the connecting link essentially refers to the direction along which the two slide rod parts are to be connected. That is, it is also the direction along which the slide rod parts extend.

The term "maximum opening distance" in this context means the distance from the first to the third opening measured between the points of the openings furthest apart in the direction of extension.

The term "web width," on the other hand, refers to the distance between the closest points of the first and third openings. In other words, this is the minimum opening distance. The web width corresponds to the width of the material between the openings.

The third opening allows one of the slide rod sections to be additionally attached to another connection point on the connecting plate. A connecting plate with two openings for attaching a slide rod section to two connection points can secure the slide rod section against twisting relative to the connecting plate.

The most common slide rod components in Europe, particularly in Germany, typically have two connection points spaced 80 mm apart. Therefore, it is preferable to design the opening spacing, i.e., the maximum opening spacing and the web width, such that the preferred connecting link can be connected to such slide rod components at the two connection points. To connect less common slide rod components to the preferred connecting link, it may be necessary to provide a web width and maximum opening width that are smaller or larger than a dimension other than 80 mm.

The fact that an insert can also be inserted into the third opening in two different orientations makes it possible to adjust the connection distance between two different grid values using the third opening. to be able to adjust. If, in addition, the first opening and the third opening preferably have the same shape, ie the same insert can be inserted optionally into the first or third opening, and in addition the sum of the opening width and the web width is not equal to 80 mm, at least four different positions of the one slide rod part relative to the connecting plate can be adjusted with this preferred connecting plate, ie the connecting distance can be adjusted in at least four different grid values.

Preferably, the connecting link, which has the second and third openings, has a fourth opening for establishing a positive-locking connection between the connecting link and the other slide rod part, wherein a fourth insert can be received in the fourth opening in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, such that a connecting distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted. In particular, a second maximum opening distance between the second opening and the fourth opening in the extension direction is greater than 80 mm and a second web width between the second opening and the fourth opening in the extension direction of the connecting link is less than 80 mm, wherein in particular the first opening, the second opening, the third opening and the fourth opening have the same shape with an opening width, and the first maximum opening distance and the second maximum opening distance are a maximum opening distance, and the first web width and the second web width are a web width, and the sum of the opening width and web width is not equal to 80 mm.

Analogous to the third opening, the fourth opening in a further preferred connecting plate enables the rotationally secure fastening of the other of the slide rod parts to the connecting plate. Preferably, all four openings have the the same shape, and in addition the first and second web widths are the same, and the first and second opening distances are the same, and the sum of the opening width and web width is not equal to 80 mm, the connecting distance of the widely used slide rod parts, the connecting points of which have a distance of 80 mm, can be set in at least six different grid values by means of such a connecting plate.

Preferably, the connecting plate further comprises a bore for establishing a connection with a switch actuator, wherein the bore is arranged in particular in a center of the connecting plate.

This makes it possible to operate the switch lock via the connecting tab.

The connecting strap preferably has a length of at least 400 mm, preferably 600 mm, particularly preferably 620 mm.

In this context, the term "length" refers to the length in the direction of extension along which the slide rod components are to be connected via the connecting plate. The preferred lengths are based on the track gauges common in Europe and the slide rod components commonly used. For example, these preferred connecting plates are particularly suitable for producing switch locks for the Deutsche Bahn network.

Alternatively or in addition to the connecting plate, the slide rod part can also be designed accordingly. A slide rod part of a switch lock for connection to a second slide rod part of the switch lock by means of a connecting plate has a first opening for establishing a positive connection of the Slide rod part with the connecting plate, wherein a first insert can be received in the first opening in a rotationally fixed manner by form-fitting in at least two different orientations, so that a connecting distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted. In other words, it is possible, instead of or in addition to the opening or openings of the connecting plate, to design the opening or openings of the slide rod part in such a way that the insert can be received therein in its various orientations, in order to thereby adjust the connecting distance. This design of the slide rod part is based on the same idea as the design of the connecting plate according to the previous explanations. Corresponding adjustments to the connecting plate are possible, but not absolutely necessary.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the use of an insert for insertion into a connecting plate or into a slide rod part of the embodiments described above is claimed, wherein the insert has a bore. Furthermore, the insert has a non-circular cylindrical outer contour, so that it can be inserted into the first opening in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive fit, wherein the bore is arranged such that its position with respect to the first opening differs in the at least two orientations. The insert can in particular also be inserted into one, preferably all further, of the second, third, and fourth openings of the connecting plate, and the first and second openings of the slide rod part in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive fit.

The insert is shaped so that it can be inserted into the first opening in various orientations. The outer contour can also be formed so as not to fill the shape of the opening, although this design is not preferred. To change the orientation, the insert simply needs to be rotated around an imaginary axis of rotation with respect to the first opening. However, unlike prior art, the insert is not a round sleeve, so it is secured against rotation in the opening by a positive fit. Furthermore, the bore must not be on the imaginary axis of rotation, but must be located at an eccentric position. This means that the bore of the insert may be in different positions within the opening when inserted into the opening, depending on the orientation.

The insert is preferably made of a plastic, in particular a polyamide 6 or a polyamide 6.6 or another electrically insulating plastic. The volume resistivity of the plastic is at least 10^8 ohm cm, particularly preferably 10^10 ohm cm.

A plastic insert can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively. However, not all plastics are equally well suited for use in switch locks, which are exposed to environmental influences and high loads. Track operators usually ensure that the materials used in track construction meet the necessary requirements by adhering to standards and requirements. For Deutsche Bahn track systems in particular, the requirements of Deutsche Bahn Standard 918 280 must be met for plastic parts used in the superstructure. Accordingly, polyamide 6 or polyamide 6.6 is the preferred material for the insert. To provide sufficient electrical insulation, a specific volume resistance of the plastic of at least 10^8 Ohm cm, measured according to DIN IEC 60093, is preferred. A specific volume resistance of 10^10 Ohm cm is particularly preferred.

Preferably, the insert further comprises a clamping rib.

In this context, the term "clamping rib" refers to a protrusion along the outer contour of the insert or a portion thereof that creates additional frictional resistance against a wall of the opening when the insert is inserted into the opening. This prevents the insert from slipping out of the opening on its own. The clamping rib is preferably dimensioned so that the frictional resistance can be overcome by manually pressing the insert in.

Preferably, a slide rod part according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein an insert according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is received in the first opening.

Preferably, a slide rod member according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein a slidable insert is received in that one of the first opening and the second opening which does not have an insert according to the above-described aspect of the present invention.

With such a system comprising a connecting plate or slide rod part and insert, the connecting distance can be easily adjusted to at least two different grid values. Preferably, a connecting plate according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is provided, wherein an insert according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is accommodated in the first opening or the third opening, and in the second opening.

With such a system of connecting strap and inserts, with one insert inserted in the first opening, the connection distance can be adjusted in at least three notch values Using the same connecting tab, but with the insert in the third opening instead of the first, the connection spacing can also be adjusted in at least three grid values. The grid values in the first configuration can preferably be completely different from the grid values in the second configuration, so that the connection spacing can be adjusted in at least six different grid values.

Preferably, a connecting tab according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is provided, which has a fourth opening, wherein an insert according to the above-described aspect of the present invention is received in each of the first opening or the third opening, and in the second opening or the fourth opening.

With this preferred system of connecting plate and inserts, it is particularly easy to adjust the connection distance in at least six different grid values and at the same time ensure a rotationally fixed connection of both slide rod parts with the connecting plate.

Preferably, in a connecting plate which has four openings, two of which each accommodate an insert according to the aspect of the present invention described above, a displaceable insert is arranged in those of the first opening, second opening, third opening and fourth opening which do not have an insert according to the aspect of the present invention described above.

The movable inserts are preferably round sleeves, especially electrically insulating round sleeves.

With this preferred system of connecting plate and inserts, the slide rod parts can be connected to the connecting plate in an electrically insulated manner, whereby the displaceability of the displaceable inserts ensures that the connection distance can still be adjusted in at least six grid values.

A connecting plate as described above with two inserts and two displaceable inserts is preferred, in which the connecting distance between the two slide rod parts is a distance between a first connection point of the connecting plate with one of the slide rod parts and a second connection point of the connecting plate with the other of the slide rod parts, wherein the connecting distance is adjustable in grid values, in particular at least six different grid values, which lie between 300 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 360 mm and 400 mm, wherein a grid dimension is in particular between 5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm, wherein the adjustable grid values are particularly preferably 364 mm, 370 mm, 376 mm, 383 mm, 389 mm and 395 mm, preferably each +/- 2 mm.

Such a preferred connecting plate has connection distances that are commonly used in the field for prior art connecting plates. Preferably, all openings of such a connecting plate are of the same shape, so that two similarly shaped inserts can be used to equip the connecting plate. With the various configurations of this preferred embodiment of the connecting plate, it is This makes it easy and cost-effective to cover the vast majority of commonly required connecting plates and hole spacings. The grid values mentioned above represent a particularly good selection because, taking possible tolerances into account, they do not directly cover very few special applications of such connecting plates. Connecting plates with opening widths and/or maximum opening spacings and/or web widths adapted to achieve other grid values are, of course, also fundamentally encompassed by the invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a switch closure for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch is provided, comprising a connecting plate, an insert, two slide rod parts connected to one another via the connecting plate, each of which has at least two fastening holes with a pitch for connecting to the connecting plate, and connecting means by which the slide rod parts are connected to the connecting plate. The connecting plate and the insert are configured according to the above embodiments.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a switch closure for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch is provided, comprising two slide rod parts, a connecting plate having at least two fastening holes with a pitch for connecting to one of the slide rod parts, an insert, and connecting means with which the slide rod parts are connected to the connecting plate. At least one of the slide rod parts and the insert are configured according to the above embodiments.

Preferably, the pitch of the at least two fastening holes is 80 mm.

This preferred spacing of the mounting holes allows the slide rod components previously used and predominantly used in the prior art to also be used for the switch lock. To ensure the greatest possible flexibility in terms of the achievable connection spacing with such a switch lock, a preferred connecting plate must be used in which the sum of the web width and the opening width is not equal to 80 mm, preferably less than 80 mm.

In a switch lock in which the insert is electrically insulating, the connecting means preferably further comprise electrical insulation means so that the slide rod parts are connected in an electrically insulated manner. The insulation means particularly comprise plastic insulating plates with which a support surface between the connecting plate and the slide rod parts and/or a support surface between the connecting means and the connecting plate is electrically insulated. The material properties of the plastic preferably partially, particularly preferably entirely, satisfy the standards prescribed by the track operators, in particular, in the Deutsche Bahn network, the Deutsche Bahn Standard 918 280.

With such a switch lock, switches can be realized whose right-hand cheek/tongue rail is electrically insulated from the left-hand cheek/tongue rail.

Further advantages and developments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the entirety of the claims.

The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with each other in any technologically meaningful way and can be explained by explanatory facts from the description will be supplemented, whereby further embodiments of the invention will be shown.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a switch lock.
• Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the switch lock from Fig. 1 in the neckline.
• Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the connection area between the connecting plate and a slide rod part of the switch lock from Fig. 2 .
• Fig. 4 shows an isometric single view of the connecting plate of the switch lock from Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 5 shows an isometric view of an insert for a connecting plate.
• Fig. 6 shows a front view of the insert from Fig. 5 .
• Fig. 7 shows a top view of the insert from Fig. 5 .
• Fig. 8a shows a connecting strap from the state of the art.
• Fig. 8b to 8g show an embodiment of the connecting strap in different configurations compared to the prior art.
• Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of another switch lock.
• Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the switch lock from Fig. 9 in the neckline.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a switch lock 10 according to one aspect of the present invention. The switch lock 10 comprises the connecting plate 1, slide rod parts 2, 3, and connecting means 4. The connecting plate 1 extends between the slide rod part 2 and the slide rod part 3 and is connected to both via the connecting means 4. Each of the slide rod parts 2, 3 has two fastening holes for connection, which are arranged in the extension direction of the slide rod parts 2, 3. This allows the slide rod parts 2, 3 to be connected to the connecting plate 1 in a rotationally fixed manner.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the switch lock 10 from Fig. 1 in the detail. Here and in the figures described below, identical and similar elements of the switch lock 10 are identified with the same reference numerals without further explanation. The connecting plate 1 connects the first slide rod part 2 with the second slide rod part 3 at a connecting distance c. The connecting distance c refers to the distance between the two inner fastening holes of the two slide rod parts 2, 3, measured from the center of the fastening holes. How this distance can be adjusted is explained in detail with reference to Fig. 8 described below. The distance b between the two mounting holes of a slide rod part 2, 3, which is also referred to below as the pitch b of the mounting holes, is 80 mm in the embodiment shown. Most commercially available slide rod parts have this pitch b of 80 mm. Other embodiments of the switch lock 10 with other slide rod parts 2, 3 and correspondingly adapted connecting plate 1 are also conceivable.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the connection area between the connecting plate 1 and the slide rod part 2 of the switch lock 10 from Fig. 2 . The connecting means 4 essentially comprise a screw 5 for each fastening hole of the slide rod part 2, which extends through the fastening hole and one of the openings 11, 13 in the connecting plate 1 and is held on the other side by a nut 6. Furthermore, the connecting means 4 also comprise insulating plates 7, which delimit the slide rod part 2 and the connecting plate 1 as well as the nuts 6 and the connecting plate 1 from one another. In the cross-section shown, it can also be seen that the connecting plate 1 has a first opening 11, in which a form-fitting insert 20 is inserted, and a third opening 13, in which an insert 30 in the form of a round sleeve is received, which can be displaced in the direction of the first opening 11. The interaction of the arrangement of the inserts 20 and displaceable inserts 30 in the connecting plate 1 for adjusting the connection distance c is described further below with reference to Fig. 8 explained in more detail.

Fig. 4 shows an isometric single view of the connecting plate of the switch lock from Fig. 1 . The connecting plate 1 has a first leg 8 and a second leg 9, each of which is provided for connection to one of the slide rod parts 2, 3. In the center of the connecting plate 1, this has a bore 15, which is provided for establishing a connection to a switch actuator. However, embodiments of the connecting plate 1 are also conceivable which do not have such a bore 15. Furthermore, embodiments of the connecting plate 1 are also conceivable in which the legs 8 and 9 are angled to one another, i.e. not like in Fig. 4 shown extend in the same direction.

The connecting plate 1 has the first opening 11 and the third opening 13 on the leg 8 for connecting to one of the slide rod parts 2, 3. Furthermore, it has the second opening 12 and the fourth opening 14 on the other leg 14 for connecting to the other of the slide rod parts 2, 3. The openings 11, 12, 13, 14 are formed as elongated holes in the embodiment shown. In the direction of extension of the connecting plate 1, the first opening 11, the second opening 12, the third opening 13 and the fourth opening 14 have an opening width w, for example 48 mm. Between the respectively adjacent openings 11, 13 and 12, 14 there is a web with a first web width s1 or second web width s2. The web widths s1 and s2 are equal in the embodiment shown and amount to s, for example 22.5 mm. The distance between the furthest points of two adjacent openings is referred to as the first maximum opening distance m1 and the second maximum opening distance m2, respectively. These distances m1 and m2 are also equal in the embodiment shown and amount to m. The maximum opening distance m, for example 118.5 mm, is greater than the pitch b of 80 mm between the fastening holes of the slide rod parts 2, 3, so that both fastening holes lie on top of each other at least with parts of the openings. At the same time, the web width s is also selected to be small enough to ensure this. As explained further below with regard to Fig. 8 As will be explained in more detail, the sum of the opening width w and the web width s is not equal to 80 mm in order to allow as many adjustment options for the connection distance c as possible.

As with the description of Fig. 3 As already mentioned, an insert 20 according to the another aspect of the present invention, which will now be described.

Fig. 5 shows an isometric view of an insert 20 for a connecting plate 1. Figs. 6 and 7 show a front view and a top view of the insert 20. The outer contour of the insert 20 essentially has a shape that matches the elongated hole shape of the openings 11, 12, 13, 14. This means that the outer contour of the insert 20 is a cuboid with rounded short sides. A chamfer 23 is formed all the way around the top and bottom. This makes it easier to place the insert 20, which is precisely dimensioned to fit the openings 11, 12, 13, 14, onto them and to push it into them. The height h of the cuboid is dimensioned such that the insert 20 is flush with the top and bottom of the connecting plate 1. Due to the shape of the insert 20, it is not possible to rotate it within the openings 11, 12, 13, 14. Due to the symmetry of the outer contour of the insert 20 and the symmetry of the openings 11, 12, 13, 14 of the connecting plate 1, the insert 20 can be inserted into the openings 11, 12, 13, 14 in two different orientations, each rotated 180° transversely to the direction of extension of the connecting plate 1. The insert 20 also has a clamping rib 22 on the outer contour, which extends vertically as a projection. This clamping rib 22 generates frictional resistance when the insert 20 is inserted into the connecting plate 1, preventing the insert 20 from falling out again in an uncontrolled manner. The portion of the clamping rib 22 protruding from the outer contour is dimensioned such that the frictional resistance can be easily overcome by manual insertion. The width w of the insert 20 corresponds to the opening width w of the openings 11, 12, 13, 14 of the connecting plate 1. The insert 20 also has a bore 21 with a diameter d. As in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the hole 21 serves to precisely accommodate the screw 5. Therefore, the diameter d, for example 16 mm, adapted to the screw diameter used. As shown in the top view of the Fig. 7 As can also be clearly seen, the bore 21 is arranged off-center of the insert 20. More precisely, the bore 21 is offset by an offset o, for example 3 mm, from the center of the insert. This offset ensures that when the orientation of the insert with respect to one of the openings 11, 12, 13, 14 is changed, the bore is displaced by a total distance of twice the offset o. The offset therefore determines the pitch in which the connection distance c can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the insert in one of the openings 11, 12, 13, 14.

The Figures 5 to 7 The insert 20 shown is made of polyamide 6.6 using the plastic injection molding process. This ensures cost-effective production in high quantities.

In Fig. 8 It is illustrated how the connecting plate 1 can reproduce a connection distance c of a connecting plate known from the prior art. The connecting plate from the prior art is shown in Fig. 8a shown. It has essentially the same dimensions as the connecting plate 1, in particular the same length 1. The connecting plates known from the prior art also have four openings which serve for connecting to the slide rod parts, but these openings are provided as round holes. Fig. 8a The known connecting plate shown is only shown as a blank, i.e., no round holes are drilled. However, outlines of the round holes are drawn for each of the four required openings, essentially as a drilling template. Each hole has a corresponding hole at a distance b, which corresponds to the pitch b of the mounting holes on the slide rod parts 2, 3. Six different configurations of a single connecting plate 1 are explained below. which can replace six different drilled connecting plates from the state of the art.

In Fig. 8b a first configuration of a connecting plate 1 with two inserts 20 received in the openings 11 and 14 respectively, and two displaceable inserts 30 in the form of round sleeves received in the openings 13 and 12 respectively, is shown. The position of the bores 21 of the inserts 20 with respect to the connecting plate is predetermined by the alignment of the inserts shown. The position of the displaceable inserts 30 with respect to the connecting plate 1, i.e. the position within the openings 12 and 13, is set such that the distance to the bore 21 of the adjacent insert 20 corresponds to the pitch b of the fastening holes on the slide rod parts 2, 3. The bores 21 or round sleeves correspond to the connection points of the connecting plate 1 with the slide rod parts 2, 3. The distance between the internal connection points results in a first grid value for the connection distance c.

In Fig. 8c the insert 20 is in the first opening 11 compared to the Fig. 8b rotated, ie the position of the hole 21 has moved by 2*o to the left. In order to continue to correspond to the pitch b of the fastening holes, the movable insert 30 in the third opening 13 has been moved accordingly. The connecting distance c in this configuration has therefore increased by the grid dimension 2*o. In this configuration, moreover, the proportion of the connecting distance c in the left leg 8 of the connecting plate 1 is greater than in the right, ie there is an asymmetry which corresponds to the offset o with respect to the center of the connecting plate 1. This asymmetry is, however, so small that it can be compensated for in a switch in which the switch lock is used by suitable adjustment of the switch adjusting rod.

In Fig. 8d the insert 20 in the fourth opening 14 is compared to the Fig. 8c rotated. Analogous to the above description, in this configuration the connection distance c has been increased again by the grid dimension 2*o.

In Fig. 8e the inserts 20 are interchanged with the movable inserts 30, ie the inserts 20 are now located in the second opening 12 and third opening 13, the movable inserts 30 in the first opening 11 and fourth opening 14. Since, as described above, the sum of web width s and opening width w is not equal to the pitch b, it follows that the positions of the holes 21 with respect to the connecting plate 1 are now different from the corresponding positions of the movable inserts 30 in the Fig. 8b to 8d shown configurations. The connection distance c can be adjusted in a further grid value.

In Fig. 8f the insert 20 in the second opening 12 is rotated by 180° compared to the configuration of Fig. 8e rotated and the sliding insert 30 is moved in the fourth opening 14. Compared to the configuration from the Fig. 8e the connection distance is increased by the grid dimension 2*o.

In Fig. 8g the insert 20 in the third opening 13 is rotated by 180° compared to the configuration of Fig. 8f rotated and the sliding insert 30 is moved in the first opening 11. Compared to the configuration from the Fig. 8f the connection distance is increased by the grid dimension 2*o.

With the Fig. 8 For the connecting plate 1 described above with two inserts 20 and two movable inserts 30, a total of 16 different configurations could theoretically be realized by permuting the inserts 20, 30 in the four openings 11, 12, 13, 14. However, not all of these permutations result in new grid values for the connection distance c. In addition, some of the permutations result in too large Asymmetry of the switch lock. For the sake of clarity, all permutations have been omitted.

Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of another switch lock. Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the switch lock from Fig. 9 in the section. The representations correspond to the Fig. 9 and 10 those of the Fig. 1 and 2 and identical or corresponding features are provided with the same reference symbols.

In principle, the openings in the connecting plate 1 are in accordance with the Fig. 1 and 2 shown embodiment on the one hand and the openings in the first and second slide rod parts 2, 3 on the other hand are exchanged. While in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2 shown embodiment, a convertible insert 20 is accommodated in openings of the connecting plate 1, this applies in the embodiment according to Fig. 9 and 10 for the openings of the slide rod parts.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1

connecting strap

2

first slide rod part

3

second slide rod part

4

connecting devices

5

screw

6

Mother

7

Insulation plate

8

first leg

9

second leg

10

Switch lock

11

first opening

12

second opening

13

third opening

14

fourth opening

15

drilling

20

Mission

21

drilling

22

clamping rib

23

chamfer

30

movable insert

b

division

c

Connection distance

d

Diameter of the hole

w

Opening width

s1

first web width

s2

second web width

s

Bridge width

m1

first maximum opening distance

m2

second maximum opening distance

m

maximum opening distance

l

length

O

Offset

Claims (15)

1. Connecting link (1) for connecting two drive rod parts (2, 3) of a facing point lock (10),

   wherein the connecting link (1) has a first opening (11) and a third opening (12) for establishing a positive-locking connection of the connecting link (1) with one of the drive rod parts (2, 3) and also a second opening (12) for establishing a positive-locking connection of the connecting link (1) with the other drive rod part (2, 3),

   characterised in that a first insert (20) can be received in the first opening (11) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted,

   a second insert (20) can be received in the second opening (12) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted, and

   a third insert (20) can be received in the third opening (13) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted.
2. Connecting link (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first maximum opening distance (m1) between the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) in a direction of extension of the connecting link (1) is greater than 80 mm and a first web width (s1) between the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) in the direction of extension of the connecting link (1) is less than 80 mm, wherein in particular the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) have the same shape with an opening width (w) and the sum of opening width (w) and first web width (s1) is not equal to 80 mm,
   wherein, more preferably, the connecting link (1) also has a fourth opening (14) for establishing a positive-locking connection of the connecting link (1) with the other drive rod part (2, 3), wherein a fourth insert (20) can be received in the fourth opening (14) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted, wherein in particular a second maximum opening distance (m2) between the second opening (12) and the fourth opening (14) in the direction of extension is greater than 80 mm and a second web width (s) between the second opening (12) and the fourth opening (14) in the direction of extension of the connecting link (1) is less than 80 mm, wherein in particular the first opening (11), the second opening (12), the third opening (13) and the fourth opening (14) have an identical shape with an opening width (w) and the first maximum opening distance (m1) and the second maximum opening distance (m2) are a maximum opening distance (m), and the first web width (s1) and the second web width (s2) are a web width (s) and the sum of opening width (w) and web width (s) is not equal to 80 mm.
3. Connecting link (1) according to claim 1 or 2, which further comprises a bore (15) for establishing a connection with a points actuator, wherein the bore (15) is in particular arranged in a middle of the connecting link (1).
4. Drive rod part (2, 3) of a facing point lock (10) for connecting to a second drive rod part (3, 2) of the facing point lock (10) by means of a connecting link (1),

   wherein the drive rod part (2, 3) has a first opening for establishing a positive-locking connection of the drive rod part (2, 3) to the connecting link (1),

   characterised in that a first insert (20) can be received in the first opening (14) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted.
5. Drive rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4, which further comprises a second opening for establishing a positive-locking connection of the drive rod part (2, 3) to the connecting link (1), wherein a second insert (20) can be received in the second opening (14) in at least two different orientations, non-rotatably due to a positive fit, in such a way that this allows a connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted, wherein in particular a first maximum opening distance between the first opening and the second opening in a direction of extension of the drive rod part (2, 3) is greater than 80 mm and a first web width between the first opening and the second opening in the direction of extension of the drive rod part (2, 3) is less than 80 mm, wherein, in particular, the first opening and the second opening have the same shape with an opening width and the sum of opening width and first web width is not equal to 80 mm.
6. The use of an insert (20) for insertion into a connecting link (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3 or into a drive rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insert (20) has a bore (21),

   characterised in that the insert (20) has a non-circular-cylindrical outer contour such that it can be inserted into the first opening (11) non-rotatably, due to a positive fit, and wherein the bore (21) is arranged in such a way that its position in relation to the first opening (11) differs in the at least two orientations,

   wherein the insert (20) can in particular also be inserted, non-rotatably, due to a positive fit, into one, preferably all others of the second, third, fourth openings of the connecting link, first and second openings of the drive rod part (12, 13, 14).
7. Use according to claim 6, wherein the insert (20) is made of a plastic which is in particular a polyamide 6 or a polyamide 6.6 or another electrically insulating plastic, wherein in particular the specific volume resistivity of the plastic is at least 10^8 ohm-cm, particularly preferably 10^10 ohm-cm.
8. Use according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the insert (20) further comprises a grip rib (22).
9. Connecting link (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an insert (20) according to one of the claims 6 to 8 is in each case received in the first opening (11) or the third opening (13), and in the second opening (12),
   wherein, preferably, an insert (20) according to one of the claims 6 to 8 is in each case received in the first opening (11) or the third opening (13), and in the second opening (12) or the fourth opening (14).
10. Connecting link (1) according to claim 9, wherein a movable insert (30) is received in those of the first opening (11), second opening (12), third opening (13) and fourth opening (14) which do not have an insert (20) according to one of the claims 6 to 8,

    wherein, preferably, the connection distance (c) between the two drive rod parts (2, 3) is a distance between a first connection point of the connecting link (1) with the one of the drive rod parts and a second connection point of the connecting link (1) with the other drive rod part,

    wherein the connection distance (c) is adjustable in, in particular, at least six different grid values that lie between 300 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 360 mm and 400 mm, wherein a grid dimension is in particular between 5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm, wherein the adjustable grid values are particularly preferably 364 mm, 370 mm, 376 mm, 383 mm, 389 mm and 395 mm, in each case preferably +/- 2mm.
11. Drive rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an insert (20) according to one of the claims 6 to 8 is received in the first opening,
    wherein, preferably, a movable insert (30) is received in the one of the first opening and second opening (14) which does not have an insert (20) according to one of the claims 6 to 8.
12. Facing point lock (10) for locking two tongue rails of a set of tongue points comprising:

    a connecting link (1);

    an insert (20);

    two drive rod parts (2, 3) connected to each other via the connecting link (1), each of which has at least two mounting holes with a spacing (b) for connecting to the connecting link (1); and

    connecting means (4) with which the drive rod parts (2, 3) are connected to the connecting link (1),

    characterised in that the connecting link (1) is designed according to one of the claims 1 to 3 and the insert (20) is designed according to one of the claims 6 to 8.
13. Facing point lock (10) for locking two tongue rails of a set of tongue points comprising:

    two drive rod parts (2, 3);

    a connecting link (1) having at least two mounting holes with a spacing (b) for connecting to one of the drive rod parts (2, 3);

    an insert (20); and

    connecting means (4) with which the drive rod parts (2, 3) are connected to the connecting link (1),

    characterised in that at least one of the drive rod parts (2, 3) is designed according to one of the claims 4 and 5 and the insert (20) is designed according to one of the claims 6 to 8.
14. Facing point lock (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the spacing (b) of the at least two mounting holes is 80 mm.
15. Facing point lock (10) according to one of the claims 12 to 14, wherein the insert (20) is electrically insulating and the connecting means (4) further comprise electrical insulating means, so that the drive rod parts (2, 3) are electrically insulated from each other, wherein the insulating means comprise in particular plastics insulating plates (7) with which a contact surface between the connecting link (1) and the drive rod parts (2, 3) and/or a contact surface between the connecting means and the connecting link (1) is electrically insulated.

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