Rail fixing device

A rail fixing device including a tensioning clamp extending from a holding element and removably arranged on a ribbed plate on which the rail base is mounted. The ribbed plate is placed on an elastic intermediate layer which is maintained in a required prestressed state by the holding element.

This application is a filing under 35 USC 371 of PCT/EP2005/006578, filed Jun. 17, 2005.

The invention relates to an arrangement for mounting a rail having a rail foot on a support, such as a concrete tie using a load-distributing plate, such as a ribbed plate, arranged between the rail foot and the support, a resilient first intermediate layer supporting the plate relative to the support, and, if required, a second intermediate layer, extending between the first intermediate layer and the support, of essentially inflexible material such as hard plastic, a holding element being connected to the support, from which holding element extends at least one resilient clip which comprises several legs, and which supports itself directly or indirectly on the rail foot.

A corresponding arrangement is found in EP-B-0 619 852. Here, the clip exhibits approximately an M-shape in plan view and comprises two outer legs and two inner legs, which are connected to each other by arch sections. The outer legs are fixed in receptacles of a holding element, whereas the inner legs, or rather the arch connecting them, rest on a rail foot. The holding element comprises two spaced-apart shoulders with U-shaped channel-like openings that serve as receptacles, into which the ends of the outer legs can be driven, so that the inner legs hold down, with the necessary prestress, the rail which is to be secured. The holding element can either be embedded in a concrete tie through a stud or can be joined, e.g. by welding, to a ribbed plate.

A clip, which in plan view exhibits an E-shape, for fastening a rail is known from AT-C-350 608. For the purpose of fixing the clip, a leg is driven into a channel of an anchor element, which in turn is cast into a concrete tie.

A clip with W-shaped geometry is described in DE-C-30 18 091. Sections of the clip are fixed in a channel-like depression of an angular-guide plate. Opposing sections of the clip rest on a rail foot. The clip itself is connected to a concrete tie through a through-bolt.

Rail fastening systems with clips known in the art have the disadvantage that not enough space is available, in particular in the area of rail switches and rail intersections where the rails are positioned in close proximity to each other, for positioning and securing the clips. For this reason, these areas in principle require customized designs for fastening the rails.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to further develop a rail fastening arrangement of the above-mentioned type in such a way that uncomplicated construction measures can be used to secure the rail or rails in the region of a switch, in particular, whereby an resilient bearing of the rail should be possible to a degree as is known according to the state of technology and is required in the area of switches. In particular, the goal is to provide the capability of carrying a rail with simple design measures in such a way that the spring system, formed by the resilient clip and the resilient first intermediate layer, exhibits a characteristic curve with a bend, so that good damping is provided when passing, but that otherwise a quasi rigid unit results. Independently of this, it should be ensured that the stresses on the clips do not lead to a loss in fatigue strength.

According to the invention, this problem is solved mainly by the fact that the holding element is formed as a first insert that is removably insertable into the load-distributing plate and/or forms a unit with the plate, and that the load-distributing plate can be directly or indirectly preloaded relative to the support through the holding element.

Direct preloading through the holding element means that the holding element establishes the prestressing of the load-distributing plate, i.e. the degree to which the resilient first intermediate layer is compressed in the absence of an additional load on the rail. The load-distributing plate is then adjustable relative to the holding element in the direction of the support, so that the required prestressing of the clip can be effected. A construction of this type is intended in particular for firm rail bearings.

In contrast, indirect preloading means that the load-distributing plate and the holding element form a unit—be that by means of a positive connection, or by an integral formation—and that the preloading is established by a spacer element, which preferably is insertable as a removable insert into the holding element, which consequently is adjustable relative to the insert.

By employing measures of this type, the bearing of the rail on the support point can be developed as firm or soft as is required, whereby a high resilience can be achieved through an indirect preloading of the load-distributing plate through the holding element, since a relative movement between the load-distributing plate and the holding element will not take place and as a result the clip itself does not have to follow large excursions of the spring system. This ensures the required fatigue strength.

As a further development of the invention it is provided that the holding element has a base section with a shaped projection extending along the bottom, and that from the area of the base section facing away from the shaped projection, i.e. its upper side, extends at least one receptacle, such as a shoulder or channel, in which extends one leg of the clip or a section of a leg.

In a sectional view, the shaped projection preferably exhibits a circular or oval geometry of its circumference, whereby the planar extent preferably is smaller than the planar extent of the base section. In a structure of this type, the holding element is inserted into the load-distributing plate from the side further from the support. If the planar extent of the base section is smaller than that of the shaped projection, the holding element will have to be inserted from the bottom of the load-distributing plate.

Differing from sleeper mountings known in the art, the invention proposes a holding element with a clip, in which the holding element is removably insertable into a load-distributing plate, which in turn can be formed as a ribbed plate or as an elevated region in the vicinity of a heel of a switch tongue. The holding element is then secured by a screw element passing through it, such as a through-bolt, the load-distributing plate being, at the same time, fixed by the holding element.

In particular, it is foreseen that the shaped projection of the holding element not only engages by a positive connection into the load-distributing plate, but rather also has a shape- and friction-locked connection with the latter, if prestressing of the load-distributing plate is to be achieved directly through the holding element.

When securing the holding element and with it the load-distributing plate, a first support surface of the holding element rests on a section of the load-distributing plate forming a second support surface. In addition, the holding element should have an axial opening, in which is located a second insert, which is movable relative to the holding element and through which passes the screw element, e.g. a through-bolt, which connects the holding element to the support and which can be screwed directly or indirectly into the support. If the holding element is then fixed and therefore the load-distributing plate is fixed as well, the screw element, or a disk-shaped element that the screw element passes through, rests with a frictional connection either on a third support surface of the holding element, at the side facing away from the support, or on the second insert, depending on whether the load-bearing plate is to be prestressed directly or indirectly through the holding element.

For prestressing to be applied indirectly through the holding element, i.e. when the second insert is tightened positively between the screw element and the support, or an essentially rigid plate arranged thereon, a special embodiment of the invention provides that at least two projections protrude peripherally from the shaped projection, with the respective clearances of the projections to the support surface extending from the holding element being equal to or slightly greater than the clearance between the second support surface, extending from the load-distributing plate and the bottom surface of the load-dissipating plate, along which extends or from which extends the resilient first intermediate layer. Thus, the peripherally protruding projections can embrace the load-distributing plate, making it possible to achieve the desired positive connection.

To achieve this technically, an independently inventive proposal provides that the holding element be connected to the load-distributing plate in a bayonet-joint-like manner. For this purpose, the through-opening which accepts the insert, of the load distributing-plate has a geometry that is matched to the outer geometry of the shaped projection. However, the cut-outs associated with the projections extend in such a manner that the holding element must be inserted into the load-distributing plate in a position that is offset relative to the position that is oriented towards the rail foot, so that it can subsequently be rotated and be oriented towards the rail to be secured.

If, as mentioned, the holding element is preferably removably connected to the load-distributing plate, then it is of course also possible that the two are formed as an integral unit. For example, the load-distributing plate and the holding element can be formed as one piece, for example by casting.

To achieve the desired prestressing, the following constructional options, in particular, are available. If the load-distributing plate is prestressed directly through the holding element, then, with the screw element or the disk-shaped element through which it passes supported by fictional engagement, the holding element rests through a fourth support surface on the support, such as the concrete tie or the second intermediate plate, which is made substantially inflexible and for example consists of hard plastic. A clearance then exists, between the first and the fourth support surfaces of the holding element, which is smaller than the thickness of the resilient first intermediate layer, when the screw element is loosened, and the clearance between the second support surface and the undersurface of the load-distributing plate. Consequently, when the screw element is tightened, and thus the holding element and therefore the load-distributing plate are secured, the resilient first intermediate layer is compressed to the required degree and the desired prestressing is achieved.

For indirect prestressing, i.e. the screw element or the disk-shaped rests in a frictionally engaged manner upon the second insert, the second insert has an axial extent which, upon tightening of the screw element, results in a displacement of the holding element with the load-distributing plate in the direction of the support and consequently a compression of the resilient first intermediate layer. The screw element, i.e. its head or the disc-shaped element, then obviously rests upon a region of the holding element. Since in this case the holding element and the load-distributing plate form a unit, the clip only has to compensate for tilting forces introduced by the rail, so that no loss of fatigue strength occurs.

A further proposal of the invention provides that two shoulders, each of which accommodates one leg section of the clip, extend from the base section of the holding element, the screw element, such as a through-bolt, extending between the shoulders. Also extending between the shoulders is the leg or legs of the clip, which rests or rest upon the rail foot or upon an element, and by which rails running next to each other can be secured

An independently inventive proposal of the invention, it is provided that the base section of the holding element is arranged between two rail feet, that two pairs of shoulders extend from the base section, that one clip extends from each pair of shoulders, and that between two pairs of shoulders there extends a plate element which is adjustable relative to the base element and which rests upon the rail feet, and upon which rests at least one leg of each clip. Instead of two pairs of shoulders, two spaced-apart channel-like receptacles can extend from the base section in order to be able to accept a leg of a clip exhibiting an E-shape in plan view, as described in AT-C-350 608.

By the construction of the clips which are supported on a plate element mounted on the rail feet, reliable holding down of rails that run immediately next to each other, as is the case in the region of rail switches and rail intersections, is possible in a simple manner.

The base section, which comprises the two pairs of shoulders or the two channels, preferably exhibits a quadratic geometry, whereby from the base section projects a quadratically shaped protrusion, having a cross-section of rectangular geometry with rounded corners and engaging the load-dissipating plate and having a positive connection with the latter.

The intermediate plate, or its support surfaces for the clips, should then have a slope that corresponds to the slope of the rail foot that is usually to be secured.

The holding element or the first insert comprises metal, whereas the second insert comprises plastic, in particular polyamide with a fibre glass content between 50% and 70%, preferably approximately 60%.

The Figures, which always use the same reference numbers for identical elements, illustrate fastenings for a rail extending in a rail switch. To fasten the rails, one employs resilient tensioning clamps,—also referred to as clips—and holding elements accepting the clips, as they have been described on principle in EP-B-0 619 852, in particular in its FIGS. 1-5. In this respect, reference is made to the relevant disclosure. However, the invention is not limited to the corresponding shape of the clips. Furthermore, the teaching of the invention is also realizable with clips of different geometry and with clips of a type that are accepted by holding elements, which for the purpose of securing clips have a channel, for example, instead of shoulders, as is known from the fastening system according to AT-C-350 608. In this respect, reference is particularly made to the relevant disclosure therein.

FIG. 1shows, purely schematically, a layout of a simple rail switch towards the right. In this, the rails are supported on concrete ties and are secured, again purely as an example, by so-called Pandrol® clips, as described in EP-B-0 619 852.

FIGS. 2-7illustrate the standard fastening of a rail on the track, i.e. a stock rail10immediately before the tip of the switch. The stock rail10rests in the usual manner upon an intermediate layer12(pad), which in turn is arranged on a load-distributing plate14, which hereinafter will be referred as the ribbed plate. The rail10as well as its foot16, i.e. the foot's side edges18,20, are secured by clips22,24resting upon them, which extend from holding elements26,28.

The ribbed plate14is supported by a resilient intermediate layer30, which in turn rests on an essentially inflexible plate32, made for example of hard plastic. In this exemplary embodiment, the plate32in turn extends directly from a concrete tie34.

Below the rail foot16, the resilient intermediate layer30can have, for example according to WO-A-200227099, recessed areas36, which under normal loading of the rail10extend at a spacing from the intermediate plate32. Under excessively high loads, the recessed regions will come to rest on the intermediate plate32, so that the intermediate layer30will become stiffer.

The clips22,24have in plan view an approximate M-shape and comprise the outer legs38,40, which merge through arch sections42,44into the inner legs46,48, which in turn are connected by an arch section50.

When fastening the clips22,24, the outer legs38,40are driven into the holding elements26,28, in particular into so-called shoulders52,54, or rather into hollow spaces surrounded by the shoulders. Owing to the shape of the legs38,40,46,48and the shape of the arch sections42,44, the arch section50subsequently rests with prestress upon the rail foot16or rather the respective longitudinal edge18,20and thus holds down the stock rail10. In this, the arch section50is surrounded by a sleeve56consisting of electrically insulating material.

The basic design of the clips22,24was described on the basis of clip22alone, but this applies analogously to clip24. In the following, the design of the holding elements26,28will also be described by using holding element26as an example.

The holding element26and the shoulders52,54, which accept the outer legs38,40and each of which has a laterally open U-shaped channel58,60for accepting the legs38,40, originate in a plate-shaped base section62, which in turn on its bottom has a shaped projection64, which preferably exhibits a cup-shaped geometry with a circumferential wall66and a bottom wall68. The bottom wall68is provided with a through-opening70, to accept an insert72, which can also be regarded as an adjusting cone. The insert has a through-opening74, through which passes a shaft76of a through-bolt for securing the holding element26and thus the ribbed plate14. For this purpose, the base section62rests with a first support surface80upon a section of the ribbed plate14forming a second support surface82. The ribbed plate14has a through-opening84to be able to positively accept the shaped projection64. To fasten the holding element26,28and thus the ribbed plate14, the respective holding element26,28, i.e. the shaped projection64, is inserted into the corresponding opening84of the ribbed plate14. Subsequently, the insert72is inserted into the through-opening70of the holding element26. The through-bolt is then screwed into a nut88, which is accommodated by a sleeve86arranged in the concrete tie34. The sleeve86is accommodated by a widening90, which extends from a socket92, which is embedded in the concrete tie34and which surrounds the shaft76of the through-bolt78in its assembled state, as illustrated in the sectional view ofFIG. 2.

The through-bolt78, i.e. its head94, is supported on a washer96, which in turn rests on the interior surface of the bottom of the shaped projection64. When the through-bolt78is tightened, the holding element26,28is drawn onto the essentially rigid plate32and rests in frictional engagement with the latter. During this, the washer96rests upon the edge region of the interior surface of the bottom wall68surrounding the through-opening70, which consequently is referred to as third support surface98. Simultaneously, the ribbed plate14is pulled along, which resiliently prestresses the ribbed plate14, since the distance between the first support surface80of the holding element26and its fourth support surface100resting on the plate32is smaller than the thickness of the ribbed plate14and the resilient intermediate layer30in the relaxed state, i.e. with loosened through-bolt78. Tightening the through-bolt78consequently compresses the resilient intermediate layer32, which allows the desired prestressing of the ribbed plate14to be achieved.

Under load, the stock rail10is able to deflect to the necessary degree. The resilient intermediate layer30, together with the washer96, thereby forms a spring system, which allows realization of a characteristic curve with a knee-point, which is shown in DE-C-42 43 990. Of course, an equivalent characteristic curve could also be achieved if the head94rested directly on the bottom wall68.

Since the prestressing of the ribbed plate14is provided by the holding element26,28, a relative movement is possible between the ribbed plate14and the holding element26,28and therefore the stock rail10. As a result of this, the clip22,24must if necessary execute spring excursions, in dependence on the subsidence of the stock rail10, which can lead to loss of fatigue strength. To eliminate this possibility, the prestressing of the ribbed plate14can be realized, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 5-7, by an insert102,104passing through the holding element26,28. In this case, one employs a holding element106,108, which is positively connected to the ribbed plate in a bayonet-joint-like manner.

As illustrated particularly clearly inFIG. 7, the holding element106,108has a shaped projection110, which exhibits a circular cross-section with two peripherally protruding projections112, which in turn have a semi-circular cross-sectional geometry. Irrespective of this, the shaped projection110, corresponding to the shaped projection64of holding element26,28, has a circumferential wall114as well as a bottom wall116with an opening118. Consequently, the circumferential wall114corresponds to a hollow cylinder. In contrast, the geometry of the circumferential wall66of the shaped projection64of the holding element26,28has an oval cross-section, in order to secure, by interlocking insertion into the ribbed plate14, a proper alignment of the clips22,24relative to the rail foot18or its side edges18,20.

The circumferential wall114of the shaped projection110is surrounded, in a form-fitting manner, by inner surfaces120,122of openings124,126in the ribbed plate14, the peripherally protruding projections112extending along the bottom128of the ribbed plate14. Further, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 2-4, the holding element106,108rests with its base section130, i.e. with the lower surface of the base section, forming the first support surface80, upon the top of the ribbed plate14, the clearance between the first support surface80and the peripherally protruding projection112corresponding to the thickness of the ribbed plate14in the region of the opening124,126.

To allow insertion of the holding elements106,108into the openings124,126, the openings124,126have cut-outs132,134matching the projections112, the projections112passing through these in a position of the holding element106in which the latter is not aligned properly relative to the rail foot16. When the holding element106has been inserted into the opening and the peripheral projections112extend along the bottom128of the ribbed plate14, the holding element106is rotated to the proper alignment relative to the rail foot, the holding element106being connected to the ribbed plate14in a bayonet-joint-like manner. Now, the insert102is inserted into the opening118of the bottom wall116. The insert102then exhibits a height such that during tightening of the through-bolt78, the required prestressing of the ribbed plate14can be achieved by compressing an intermediate layer136arranged below the ribbed plate14. The resilient intermediate layer136is then attached—otherwise than the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.2-5—at the bottom128of the ribbed plate114. This can be effected by vulcanizing.

Insertion of the holding element106,108into the ribbed plate14and thus the interlocking and friction-locking joining of these is also illustrated byFIGS. 20 and 21, so that extensive explanations are not required. InFIGS. 20 and 21, the rail to be secured extends above the holding elements106,108, which is shown in various positions. Accordingly, the holding element106,108initially is inserted into the ribbed plate14, a part of which is shown, offset by 90° from its proper positioning and is subsequently rotated through 90°. In this position, shown in the illustrations on the right, the shoulders52,54are oriented towards to the rail foot16or the side edge18,20in such a manner that upon after driving the clip22or24into the space bordered by the shoulders52,54, the clip22,24rests via its arch section50, or the sleeve56surrounding the latter, on the edge section18or20, respectively, and therefore holds down the rail10to the necessary degree.

Furthermore, the other reference numerals used inFIGS. 20,21correspond to those used in other figures for the corresponding illustrated elements.

Prior to driving the clip22,24into the holding element104,106, the latter and therefore the ribbed plate are secured via the through-bolt78, which is screwed into the nut88and is tightened. During this, the washer96rests upon the insert102and, when the through-bolt78has been tightened, the insert102rests upon the intermediate plate32, which consists of a hard material. Therefore, the insert102is friction-locked between the intermediate plate32and the washer96. Disks138,140acting as disc springs can be arranged between the bolt head94and the washer96, as illustrated inFIGS. 5-7. The disks138,140act in a screw-locking manner. Alternative constructions, such as for example NORD-LOCK washers, are also possible.

As described in connection withFIGS. 2 to 4, the resilient intermediate layer136and the washer96form a compound spring system with a characteristic curve with a bend.

In the exemplary embodiment, the height of the insert102,104is smaller than the thickness of the bottom wall116of the holding element106,108and the thickness of the resilient intermediate layer136in the relaxed state.

Because the holding element106,108is connected to the ribbed plate14by interlocking and friction-locking, these two are moved as a unit relative to the insert102,104, so that as a result no additional spring loads arise for the clips22,24from a subsidence of the stock rail10. Consequently, fatigue strength is ensured.

The design of a removable holding element, which can be used to indirectly or directly preload a load-distributing plate for a rail, in particular in the region of rail switches, and further can be used to preferably removably arrange the load-distributing plate, is not limited to application in the region of normal rails or in the region of a stock rail immediately before a switch blade, but can also find use in the region of a tongue blade142, which for reasons of simplicity was omitted inFIGS. 8 and 9, but is included in the exploded view ofFIG. 10.

In this region of the rail switch, corresponding to the section B-B ofFIG. 1, the stock rail10is arranged on a ribbed plate144, from which removably extends a slide plate146, on which the tongue blade142is slidingly adjustable.

The slide plate146can be removably fastened to the ribbed plate44via bar spring elements148,150, which extend along the longitudinal side edges of the ribbed plate144and which can be loaded via thrust blocks152,154, which originate from the ribbed plate144and have a U-shaped cross-section. The thrust blocks152,154extend between supports156,158,160,162of the slide plate146, upon which the bar spring elements148,150rest when the slide plate146is fixed.

In its end region on the slide plate side, the ribbed plate144is secured by a through-bolt164, which can be tightened by means of a nut168, which is accommodated in a positive connection by a collar166, extending within a concrete tie170, from which extends the ribbed plate144. Analogous to the explanations for the through-bolt78, the shank172of the through-bolt164is surrounded by sleeve174, which is cast into the concrete tie170and consists of an electrically insulating material.

As in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2 to 7, the ribbed plate144is supported on a resilient intermediate layer176, which can be arranged as separate element below the ribbed plate144, or can be joined to the latter, which is preferably effected by vulcanizing. For prestressing the ribbed plate144, i.e. to compress the resilient intermediate layer176to the desired extent in order to provide the required degree of resilient support for the support point formed by the ribbed plate144and the slide plate146, a design is chosen that is equivalent to that ofFIGS. 5 to 7. Therefore, the ribbed plate144is indirectly prestressed on the rail side by a holding element108, which in principle corresponds to that inFIGS. 5 to 7, so that the clip resting on the rail foot16, or rather on the side edge20, or the left one in the illustration, is indicated by reference numeral24.

Accordingly, the holding element108consists of a plate-like base section178, which in a plan view is rectangular, from which extends a shaped projection180having a circular cross-section, which consists of a circumferential wall182equivalent to a section of a hollow cylinder as well as a bottom wall184, which has a through-opening186, into which an insert188can be inserted with positive connection. The insert188accepts a through-bolt190, which can be screwed into a nut192, which in turn is accepted in a positive connection by a collar194in the concrete tie170.

The insert188has a height, which, when the through-bolt190is tightened and there is thus a friction-locked contact of the insert188, on the one hand, on the plate196, which is arranged on the concrete tie170and consists of inflexible material such as hard plastic, and on the other hand at the washer198, through which extends the through-bolt190, ensures that the resilient intermediate layer176is compressed by the holding element108and the ribbed plate144connected to the latter to a degree that is sufficient to achieve the desired prestressing. Discs202,204acting as disc springs can in that case be arranged between the head200of the bolt290and the washer198, in accordance with the illustration ofFIGS. 5 to 7.

The washer198, which rests frictionally on the top of the insert188, is also supported on the inner surface of the bottom wall184of the holding element108, which in turn is connected by interlocking and friction-locking to the ribbed plate144, as was described in connection withFIGS. 5 to 7. In other words, projections206protrude peripherally from the outer surface of the circumferential wall182, which, given a proper orientation of the holding element108relative to the rail foot106, will extend along the bottom surface of the ribbed plate144.

To allow insertion of the holding element108, the ribbed plate144, which positively accepts the holding element108, i.e. its shaped projection180, has a corresponding through-opening208with an inner geometry that corresponds to the outer geometry of the shaped projection180, whereby the cut-outs210,212corresponding to the projections206extend in such a manner that the holding element108is to be inserted into the ribbed plate144in a position in which the clip24would not be supported properly, or would not at all be supported, on the rail foot16, so that consequently the holding element108must be rotated to reach its operating position. As a result of this, the projections206extend below the ribbed plate144without a possibility of detaching the holding element108.

In other words, a design of this type realizes a bayonet-joint-like connection between the holding element108and the ribbed plate144.

For completeness sake, it must be pointed out, with regard to the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 to 10, that a further intermediate layer (pad)214can be located between the foot16of the stock rail10and the ribbed plate144, and likewise between the slide plate146and the ribbed plate144. The corresponding pad is indicated by reference numeral216.

The clip24, in the exemplary embodiment, rests on the left side edge20of the stock rail10. The opposing side edge18is hold downed by the slide plate146. In this respect we refer to the customary designs.

The prestressing of the ribbed plate144, i.e. the compression of the resilient intermediate layer176, is achieved in the end region of the ribbed plate144, on the slide plate side, via the through-bolt164, which, via a washer218, rests on an insert220, having a height that is smaller than the thickness of the ribbed plate144and the thickness of the resilient intermediate layer176in the relaxed state, i.e. when the through-bolt164is loosened. Therefore, if the insert220is tightened between the washer218and the plate196, the resilient intermediate layer176is compressed accordingly. Naturally, the height of the insert220is greater than the thickness of the ribbed plate144.

To ensure that the holding element108and likewise the holding element106ofFIGS. 5 to 7is not only properly oriented towards the rail foot16to hold down the latter, but also will remain in that position, a lock pin222,224is provided, which can be inserted into a recess formed by sections of the ribbed plate14,144and the corresponding holding element106,108. The lock pin222,224can only be inserted into the recess formed in this manner if the component sections are properly aligned relative to each other, i.e. form the opening for inserting the lock pin222,224, as schematically shown in the drawings.

FIGS. 11 to 13correspond to the section C-C inFIG. 1extending in the region of the tongue heel. In this region, the tongue blade142is supported on and fixed to an intermediate plate228, which is arranged on a ribbed plate226and forms an elevated area. For this, clips and holding elements are used which were described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 10, so that on principle the same reference numerals are used for identical elements. Consequently, the clip24securing the stock rail10extends from the holding element108, which as mentioned earlier is connected to the ribbed plate226in a bayonet-joint-like manner.

In other words, the base section178extends along the top of the ribbed plate226and the projections206, given a properly inserted holding element108, extend along the bottom surface of the ribbed plate226. This is how the desired positive connection is ensured in bayonet-joint-like manner. The prestressing of the ribbed plate226is accomplished via the friction-locked fit of the insert188between the plate232, which is arranged on a concrete tie230and consists of a hard material, and the washer198, through which passes the through-bolt190, which can be tightened by means of the nut192secured in the concrete tie230.

When the clip24is properly aligned relative to the side edge20of the rail foot16, the holding element108can also be locked by means of the lock pin222.

The side edge233of the foot of the tongue blade, which faces away from the stock rail also serves as support for a clip234of the previously-described design, which extends from a holding element236, which has a plate-like base section238that rests upon the top240of the intermediate plate228. The holding element236is then connected by interlocking and friction-locking to the intermediate plate228and the ribbed plate226, which supports the intermediate plate228and in the exemplary embodiment is made in two pieces. This is realized in a manner described previously. For this purpose, a shaped projection242extending from the base section238has protruding projections244, which in the usual manner can be inserted positively into the intermediate plate228and the ribbed plate226and subsequently rotated relative thereto. In this respect, reference is made to the description relating toFIGS. 5-10.

The through-opening246of the holding element236accommodates an insert248, the height of which provides the prestressing of the ribbed plate226, i.e. the compression of the resilient intermediate layer250extending from the bottom of the ribbed plate226, which can be vulcanized to the bottom of the ribbed plate226or can be embodied as separate layer. The intermediate layer250can thereby have a fundamental design, as shown for example in EP-A-0 953 681, i.e. can have recessed sections that only come to rest on the plate232if, under excessively high loads acting upon the stock rail10or the tongue blade142, it is desired that the intermediate layer250become stiffer.

To hold down or load the stock rail10and the tongue blade142with appropriate above-described clips at their mutually opposed side edges18,25, a design was chosen that has independent inventive merit. Between the stock rail10and the tongue blade142extends a holding element254, which has a plate-like base section256, which is rectangular in plan view, with a shaped projection258of rectangular cross-section extending from the bottom of the base section. Analogous to the exemplary embodiment described above, the cross-section of the shaped projection258is smaller than that of the base section256. The shaped projection258has a through-opening, through which a through-bolt288can pass.

Viewed longitudinally of the rails10,142, two pairs of shoulders,262,264and266,268extend at some distance from each other, which in each, like the above-described holding elements, form channel-like receptacles with U-shaped cross-sections for the outer legs of clips270,272, which have a design and function corresponding to those of e.g. clips22,24. Extending between the shoulders262,264on one side and the shoulders266,268on the other side, there is an intermediate plate274, which can be viewed as a bridge element and which is adjustable relative to the holding element254, and rests by border sections280,282, bounded by steps276,278, upon the rail foot16,236of the stock rail10and the tongue blade142, respectively, or rather their side edges18,252, as is particularly well illustrated in the sectional view ofFIG. 11.

The centre legs of the clips270,272then rest upon the top286of the intermediate plate274, whereby the intermediate plate276is pressed onto the rail feet16,233. Therefore, narrowly spaced rails, i.e. the stock rail10and the tongue blade142in the exemplary embodiment, can be loaded in a space-saving manner via clips that are employed in the other parts of the rail switch.

To ensure identical geometric conditions with respect to holding down, such as when the clips are directly supported on a rail foot, the top surface of the intermediate plate274preferably has a roof-like geometry with slopes that correspond to those of the support surfaces of the rail feet16,236in those regions, which usually serve as support for the clips.

Analogous to the holding elements108,236, the holding element254is fastened via the through-bolt288. Since the holding element254does not grip or have a positive connection to the ribbed plate256—as was described on the basis of FIGS.5to10—, but is only positively inserted into a matching through-opening290, a relative movement between it and the holding element256, and thus additional loading on the clips270,272, can occur in dependence on the subsidence of the ribbed plate226. However, since the holding element254is secured by the through-bolt288in the centre region of the intermediate plate274, which is considered a bridge element, the spring excursions which occur can be kept low enough to not affect the fatigue strength of the clips270,272. Also contributing to this is that the ribbed plate262is split in the region of the through-opening290, so that a relative movement occurs between the section292accepting the stock rail10and the section294supporting the tongue blade142. Correspondingly, the resilient intermediate layer250is also divided into sections296,298. The contact lines between the sections292,294and296,298, respectively, then pass through the through-opening290.

A so-called double-securement, as was described in connection with the holding element254and the directly adjacently extending stock rail10and tongue blade142, can also be found in the section D-D ofFIG. 1, the details of which are shown inFIGS. 14 to 16. Again, for elements that have already been described, in principle the same reference numerals have been employed. The rail sections300,302merging into the tongue blade and the wing rail are held down on the outside by clips, which extend from holding elements and correspond to those ofFIGS. 5 to 7. Consequently, holding elements106,108extend positively from a ribbed plate304, which is split in this exemplary embodiment. The clips22,24can be driven into the holding elements106,108, after the holding elements106,108have been properly aligned relative to the respective rail-foot side edges. In this position, the holding elements106,108are secured against rotation relative to the ribbed plate304by lock pins222,224. The prestressing of the ribbed plate304, or rather its sections306,308, upon each of which rests one of the rail sections300,302, is accomplished via the inserts102,104, which pass through the shaped projections114of the holding elements106,108and have a positive connection to a concrete tie310via the through-bolts78, i.e. are fixed between the washer96, through which the through-bolt passes, and the plate32. Accordingly, arranged between the plate32and the ribbed plate304there is an resilient intermediate layer312, which, analogously to the ribbed plate304, is embodied in two pieces (sections314,316).

On the other hand, the mutually opposed side edges318,320of the rail sections300,302are held down by means of clips and an intermediate plate or bridge element, as has been described in connection withFIGS. 11-13. In other words, between the rails300,302extends a holding element322, from which extend two pairs of shoulders321,323,327with unlabelled channel-like receptacles for outer legs of clips, which correspond to the clips of the previously described type, i.e. the clips270,272, so that the reference numerals relating thereto are used. The holding element322, corresponds in construction to the holding element254, also has a plate-like or quadratic base section256with a shaped projection258, which has a through-opening, through which passes a through-bolt324corresponding to the through-bolt260ofFIG. 13, to fasten the holding element322.

Across the holding element322extends an intermediate plate326, which can also be viewed as a bridge element and which performs the function of the intermediate plate274ofFIGS. 11-13.

Therefore, the intermediate plate326is a separate component part, which is placed upon the holding element322, i.e. the top of the base section256, whereby for the purpose of achieving proper alignment relative to the holding element322, the intermediate plate326has, on its side facing the holding element, a recess328having a width corresponding to that of the base section256. In the case of proper positioning, the intermediate plate326lies, at its side edges, which are bounded by steps334,336, on the longitudinal side edges338,340of the rail sections300,302, so that subsequently the clips270,272are driven into the holding element322, i.e. into the shoulders321,323,325,327.

The fact that the holding element322extends in the split region of the sections306,308of the ribbed plate304allows a relative movement between the rail sections300,302to take place, the spring loading of the clips270,272being simultaneously reduced.

A sectional view E-E ofFIGS. 17 to 19reflects the situation of the rail switch in the region of the guide rails. A rail section342, along which extend supports344for accepting guide rail inserts346, is fastened by holding elements and clips, which can correspond to the construction ofFIGS. 2 to 4, in particularFIGS. 5 to 7, i.e. a position outside of a rail switch. In this respect, the same reference numerals are used for identical elements, the construction ofFIGS. 17 and 19, in which the prestressing of the ribbed plate14is accomplished via the inserts102,104, being selected so that consequently the holding elements106,108have a positive connection to the ribbed plate14, so that no relative movement can take place between them.

The supports344are connected by through-bolts to the concrete tie348accommodating the rail section342. In this regard, reference is made to sufficiently well known designs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS