EP0446255B1 - Track with support for model railways - Google Patents

Abstract

Track (46) for model railways with a support simulating, for example, a superstructure provided with ballast. The support comprises a support (11) of elastic and/or plastic, preferably elastoplastic, material. The upper side has recesses (15) essentially complementary to the track grate (1) so that the latter can be inserted at least over a part of the height of the sleepers (2). The underside of the support bar (11) is provided with stiffeners or struts (17, 18).

Description

The invention relates to a track for model railways as described in the preamble of claim 1.

A known track for model railways - according to FR-A 2 015 406 has a track bed simulating an upper structure provided with a ballast bed. The upper side of the track bed is provided with recesses which are essentially complementary to the track grate, so that it can be let into the sleepers at least over part of the height thereof. The track bed is designed as a full, block-shaped structure. This formation of the track bed made of a rigid plastic, which has no elastic or plastic properties, is underlined by the fact that it is proposed in the reserve to arrange a sound insulation layer for sound insulation from the underside of the track bed facing away from the track grate. The noise development due to the high vibrating mass, which consists of track grating and track bedding, would otherwise be disruptive for model railroad operation. The disadvantage of this known track bedding is that the track piece produced with it by rigid training local conditions can not be adapted practically and also requires additional measures for sound insulation.

Track elements for model railroads usually consist of a one-piece grate made of injection-molded plastic, the shape of which corresponds to a track grate, the rails being connected to the sleepers by means of these one-piece end pieces, which have the form of holding plates with nails, and the rails which are the sleepers of the grate cover the connecting web parts. To connect the individual track elements to one another, the rails are provided at their ends with coupling pieces which enable the tracks to be connected by plugging them together. With the track elements, which consist of straight and curved track sections as well as switches and crossings, the desired track systems can be set up, which are usually attached to a plate to avoid undesired displacements.

In order to meet the model railroaders' wish for the most natural possible track structures, the manufacturers have developed tracks of the type specified at the beginning. In the known tracks, however, the track gratings are usually firmly and permanently connected to the track bed simulating the superstructure, so that the tracks with track bedding are joined and laid like tracks without track bedding. The known tracks with track bedding only allow the intended installation in a track system, so that modifications in the construction and deviations from a given track plan are only possible to a limited extent. Since the individual track elements with track bedding can only be used as intended, without these changes being permitted, appropriate prefabricated track elements must be used when the track layout is varied or when the track is retrofitted are available, which restricts the model railroader in the creation of individual and modified track diagrams if he does not have a large number of different track elements available with and without track bedding.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a modular track bed system that allows the usual track elements, i.e. those without special bedding parts, to be laid in the usual way and these track elements can optionally also be connected to bedding parts, the bedding parts being the usual tracks and track elements are adapted or adaptable to these and repeated use of the bedding parts is possible, even in track systems with other track diagrams.

According to the invention, this object is achieved in a track of the generic type by the features specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. The model railroader has the option of laying conventional track elements with or without the bedding part according to the invention. A correspondingly shaped bedding profile can be assigned to each track element, which is either already preformed by the manufacturer or can be adapted to the respective track element by simply being cut by the model railroader. By interposing the bedding part between the track grate and the stiffening elements, noise insulation of the driving noise is also achieved directly in the area of the track grate by the formation and use of a strip-shaped bedding part made of elastic or plastic material. In addition, the use of webs or stiffeners or stiffening elements made of stiffer plastic achieves exact assembly of the elastically deformed bedding parts, which can be adapted very well to the various surface courses of a model railroad system which, moreover, enables the easy design of radii and fillets. In addition, the strip-shaped bedding part made of elastic or plastic material also creates an exact finish on uneven mounting surfaces for the model railroad track and ensures vibration decoupling between the frame parts of the model railroad system and the track area also in the area of the fasteners.

The development according to claim 2 ensures that a torsionally rigid support and a simple height and side alignment of the track is possible.

The development according to claim 3 ensures that at least one bar of the bars arranged in pairs is so high that its lower edges are aligned with the side edges of the bedding part in the side view.

The measure according to claim 4 ensures that a desired track alignment in the vertical and lateral directions can nevertheless be achieved with a limp, elastically deformable part.

The measure according to claim 5 makes it possible to compensate for production-related tolerance deviations between the bedding parts and the ladder-shaped parts. In addition, the bedding parts can also be curved, so that curved track pieces can also be easily produced with these bedding parts.

A further embodiment is expedient, as a result of which centering and alignment of the bedding parts to a desired bedding course predetermined by the strips is possible without additional measures.

However, an embodiment according to claim 7 is also advantageous, since an adaptation to a curved track in a plane running parallel to the mounting surface is thereby possible.

Similarly, a further development according to claim 8 is possible, whereby a central alignment of the support device on a predetermined longitudinal axis axis facilitates during assembly and still allows flexibility for deformations to produce any track radius.

The configuration according to claim 9 ensures that the side parts can only be snapped into place after the assembly of the track grating has been built up and that the laying of lines below the bedding parts is additionally favored.

The embodiment according to claim 10 enables an inexpensive embodiment with compact individual parts that can be easily assembled by the user himself.

Another embodiment variant according to claim 11 is also advantageous, so that despite massive supports in the area of the fastening points of the track grating, such a high degree of flexibility is achieved that the support device is not only for prefabricated straight rail sections, but also for a so-called flexible track for manufacture of track profiles with any radius can be used. Nevertheless, it can be ensured that there is a correspondingly stable support for fastening the track in the area of fastening openings in the track grate.

Another solution is described in claim 12. In spite of the omission of a continuous track grate, an exact positioning of the sleeper band or track grate in the bedding part can be achieved.

An embodiment according to claim 13 is expedient. Pins or nails can be passed through these aligned bores in order to connect the tracks embedded in the bedding parts to a mounting plate.

The arrangement of bowl-shaped holding parts according to claim 14 enables rapid connection and disconnection of the bedding and holding parts from each other.

In the embodiment according to claim 15, the tracks can be detachably connected to their bedding bodies by the cover connections.

The adaptation of the bedding body to different track diagrams is achieved in a simple manner by the measures according to claim 16.

An embodiment variant according to claim 17 is also advantageous. Corresponding cutouts enable an acute-angled connection of bedding parts, as is required, for example, following switches.

Through the further development according to claim 18, the side parts, for example the side parts simulating the slopes, can then be separated from the central part of the bedding body, which can then be connected to the central part again by means of special side part profiles. In this way, cut bedding parts can be reused without sacrificing appearance.

An embodiment according to claim 19 is advantageous since the weakening lines guide the scissors to separate side parts of the bedding body.

In the same way, a further development according to claim 20 is also possible. By means of these coupling pieces, the bedding parts can then be connected to one another in a simple manner.

A further development according to claim 21 is also advantageous. This embodiment enables a snap connection of the bedding parts stiffened by the ladder-shaped profiles.

In order to further improve the modularity and variability, an embodiment according to claim 22 is also possible. These adapters can be inserted in turnouts or curve sections or when required to continuously connect the bed sections.

However, an embodiment according to claim 23 is also advantageous, since in this way a connection of the stiffeners can be easily established with any length of the individual tracks.

But it is also a development according to claim 24, whereby a coupling with the adapter pieces is possible even after the support device has been deflected.

An embodiment according to claim 25 is advantageous. As a result, the connection between individual support devices or track gratings or bedding parts can take place at any desired point and the formation of coupling parts and thus the production of track parts with different coupling parts is avoided.

Another solution variant describes claim 26, which in addition to a good protection against unwanted loosening in the longitudinal direction of the track also an exact height and side guidance in the transition area between the individual rails of the track is possible in the case of abutting bedding parts or track gratings.

Another embodiment is described in claim 27, whereby a precise alignment of the ends of the rails of adjacent track gratings can be achieved without any problems even when connecting center webs or longitudinal spars through sleeve parts.

However, an embodiment according to claim 28 is also possible, as a result of which the model trainer no longer needs to subsequently edit the bedding in the area of switches or overhead line masts.

In the training according to claim 29, a track structure that is exact in reality is also possible with multi-track track systems.

The further development according to claim 30 is advantageous, since the track grating can also be used to achieve a track geometry that is almost identical to reality, and thus a better driving behavior of the model vehicles, in particular in track arches.

The further embodiment according to claim 31 has the result that the entire track structure can be easily simulated with the laying of the bedding parts.

The measure according to claim 32 ensures that the previously mentioned pairs of bars of the central part can be formed by the already mentioned stiffening profiles.

A variable use of the bedding parts is possible in an embodiment according to claim 33.

The advantageous further embodiment is described in claim 34. The bedding parts can e.g. but can also be supplied in the form of longer profiles, which the model railroader cuts accordingly. It is also possible to deliver only middle parts and side parts that can be connected to them, which then have to be cut to length.

An advantageous accommodation in a design corresponding to the original is achieved by the configuration according to claim 35.

Through the further embodiment according to claim 36, an orderly inclusion of the cables required for model railroad operation is possible in a concealed arrangement.

A further development according to claim 37 is also advantageous, since the power supply for the individual track sections and thus a drop in performance in the case of longer track sections can thereby be prevented in a simple manner.

Another embodiment describes claim 38. By using cast-in granulate parts that are embedded in the elastic or elastoplastic plastics, i.e. do not melt, a design that corresponds to the real conditions on the superstructure and thus the ballast bed can be applied on a relatively small scale of almost 1 : 100 can be achieved. In addition, with the appropriate coloring of the granules, it is possible to take into account the natural conditions and different colors that also occur with gravel.

An embodiment according to claim 39 is also advantageous, since in this way the granular character is retained in any case even when the plastic material receiving the granulate is melted.

However, a further development according to claim 40 is also possible, as a result of which the granulate parts are held securely in the surface of the bedding parts and, on the other hand, a true-to-life reproduction of the actual conditions can be achieved.

An embodiment according to claim 41 is advantageous, since electrical connections or additional fastening elements in the bedding part or the central part can subsequently be introduced in a simple manner at predefined locations.

But it is also possible to design according to claim 42, whereby pin contacts can be passed through these openings, with which, for example, a current conductor can be built up between the two rails of the track grate.

Due to the configuration according to claim 43, the components required for stiffening can be used simultaneously for the traction power supply or for signaling.

However, a further development according to claim 44 is also possible, whereby the track system according to the invention can be retrofitted to a so-called 3-wire track system at any time without great effort and thus with the same parts for the normal two-wire track system and a 3-wire track System that can be found.

Due to the design according to claim 45, the choice of different bedding parts or central parts makes it possible to adapt the track system that can be produced according to the invention to the two-wire or three-wire system at any time.

Furthermore, an embodiment according to claim 46 is also possible, since the arrangement of additional power supply lines can be dispensed with and the risk of line interruptions is additionally reduced.

The measure according to claim 47 ensures that when the track system is assembled, the electrical line connection for an additionally arranged center conductor or the contact pins are simultaneously produced.

Another embodiment variant describes claim 48, whereby contacts provided with snap elements can be used for power supply, in particular in broken track sections or in the area of reversing loops, and for individual power supply along the track grating. In addition, the arrangement of monitoring organs, for example, can be used to control, for example, track-occupied signaling systems or barrier systems or the like via such monitoring organs arranged in the region of the rails of the track grate.

A further development according to claim 49 is also advantageous, since it enables the necessary drives, monitoring and control devices to be integrated directly into the track system according to the invention for the monitoring, control and actuation of equipment parts of such track systems, for example of point drives and the like, and thus saves complex underfloor arrangements and still an "invisible" and thus real-world assembly is easily possible.

Any coupling of the switches with mechanical or motor drives enables the configuration according to claim 50.

An embodiment according to claim 51 is also advantageous. Due to the mechanics partially integrated into the stiffening elements, rigid mounting of the mechanical parts and thus exact adjustment of the adjustment paths can be carried out easily. The cut lines expediently consist of grooves, so that these guides form scissors by means of corresponding lines of weakness.

A further embodiment according to claim 52 is also advantageous. The deformation of the spring device perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when the actuating lever is in the end position in the direction of the end position results in a "dead center lock" of the actuating lever. Therefore, the switch tongue snaps back into its end position on the same rail, even if the switch is cut open. The resulting deformation of the spring can advantageously be used simultaneously to perform a switching function. This makes it possible to find an end with an even smaller and more compact construction of the mechanical drive, whereby polarization is already possible by the switching element even when the switch is operated purely mechanically, if one of the two contacts arranged on both sides of the spring device, each with one of the two rails in front of the switch. If the switching flag is contacted with the centerpiece via a line or a conductor track, the centerpiece is applied to positive or negative polarity depending on the position of the switch tongue. This enables a seamless power supply over the entire turnout area, as it is very important especially for small gauges of model railways, also in connection with the advantages according to the invention.

A further embodiment variant is described in patent claim 53, whereby the arrangement of a large number of soldering points or of wires, which are clamped during transport or assembly and can therefore lead to errors, is avoided.

An embodiment according to claim 54 enables the mechanical connection between the electromagnetic drive, namely the control module, and the mechanical module to be established when the control module is inserted or snapped into place.

Furthermore, an embodiment according to claim 55 is also possible, as a result of which a coupling between the actuating module and the mechanical module can be achieved without removing the mechanical module only by removing the connection cover.

A very thin coil design, even for powerful magnets, which allow a sufficiently high tensile force even in the case of an extremely flat design, is made possible by the configuration according to claim 56.

Similarly, a further development according to claim 57 is possible, whereby a good transmission of movement between the electromagnets and the actuating module is ensured over a small width despite the low overall height, an end stop being carried out simultaneously by the transmission lever and thus overheating of the electromagnets can be prevented.

Finally, thermal destruction can be prevented by the features of claim 58 even if the actuating module is actuated frequently.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig.1

eine Unteransicht des Gleisrostes;

Fig.2

eine Unteransicht des Bettungsteils;

Fig.3

einen Schnitt durch das Bettungsteil nach Fig.2 längs der Linie A-A;

Fig.4

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite des Gleisrostes;

Fig.5

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Oberseite des Bettungsteils nach Fig.2 mit diesem verbindbaren leiterförmigen aussteifendem Stützteil;

Fig.6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Unterseite des Bettungsteils;

Fig.7

ein aus dem Bettungsteil und dem in diesen gebetteten Gleisrost bestehendes Gleis;

Fig.8

ein leiterförmiges aussteifendes Stützteil für ein Bettungsteil für eine Weiche mit einem Fach für einen elektrischen Weichenantrieb und mit einem ein endseitiges Kupplungsstück enthaltenden Adapterstück;

Fig.9

einen Querschnitt durch einen in ein Bettungsteil gebetteten Gleisrost;

Fig.10a bis f

die die leiterförmigen Aussteifungselemente miteinander kuppelnden Kupplungsstücke und

Fig.11

einen Querschnitt durch ein mit dem Zentralteil des Bettungsteils verbindbares Randprofil;

Fig.12

einen Querschnitt durch ein auf einer Platte aufgebautes Gleis mit einem erfindungsgemäßen ausgebildeten Bettungsteil und Gleisrost;

Fig.13

das Gleis nach Fig.12 in Draufsicht;

Fig.14

einen Querschnitt durch eine Ausführungsvariante zu dem in Fig.12 dargestellten Gleis;

Fig.15

eine andere Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bettungsteils sowie der Stützvorrichtung in Stirnansicht geschnitten in vereinfachter schaubildlicher Darstellung;

Fig.16

die Stützvorrichtung für das Gleis nach Fig.15 in Draufsicht;

Fig.17

eine andere Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Stützvorrichtung in Draufsicht;

Fig.18

ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Gleis unter Verwendung der in Fig.17 gezeigten Stützvorrichtung im Querschnitt;

Fig.19

einen Querschnitt durch eine Weiche mit einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Stützvorrichtung sowie dem dieser Weiche zugeordneten Antrieb;

Fig.20

eine andere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Gleises im Querschnitt und stark vergrößerter Darstellung;

Fig.21

einen Kupplungsteil einer erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsvorrichtung zum Verbinden zweier Stützvorrichtungen in Draufsicht;

Fig.22

einen Gegenkupplungsteil einer erfindungsgemäßen Kupplungsvorrichtung zum Verbinden zweier Stützvorrichtungen in Draufsicht;

Fig.23

den Kupplungsteil nach Fig.22 im Schnitt gemäß den Linien XXIII-XXIII;

Fig.24

eine erfindungsgemäße Kupplungsvorrichtung unter Verwendung eines Muffenteils in Seitenansicht teilweise geschnitten, gemäß den Linien XXIV-XXIV in Fig.25;

Fig.25

die Kupplungsvorrichtung in Stirnansicht geschnitten gemäß den Linien XXV-XXV in Fig.24;

Fig.26

ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Modellgleis für eine zweigleisige Strecke in Stirnansicht geschnitten;

Fig.27

eine andere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Modellgleises für eine mehrgleisige Strecke in Stirnansicht geschnitten.

Fig.28

eine Unteransicht des Gleisrostes;

Fig.29

eine Unteransicht des Bettungsteils;

Fig.30

einen Schnitt durch das Bettungsteil nach Fig.29 längs der Linie A-A;

Fig.31

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Oberseite des Bettungsteils nach Fig.29 mit diesem verbindbaren leiterförmigen aussteifendem Stützteil;

Fig.32

ein erfindungsgemäßes Aussteifungselement mit Kontaktstiften;

Fig.33

eine andere Ausführungsvariante eines Bettungsteils in Stirnansicht geschnitten für ein 3-Leiter-Gleis-System;

Fig.34

eine andere Ausführungsform eines Bettungsteils in Stirnansicht geschnitten mit in den Bettungsteil integrierten Kontaktstiften;

Fig.35

eine mit Kontaktstiften versehene Trägerleiste in Draufsicht;

Fig.36

eine Variante eines Bettungsteiles in Stirnansicht geschnitten;

Fig.37

den Bettungsteil in Seitenansicht geschnitten gemäß Linien X-X in Fig.36;

Fig.38

ein leiterförmiges aussteifendes Stützteil für ein Bettungsteil für eine Weiche mit einem Fach für einen elektrischen Weichenantrieb und mit einem ein endseitiges Kupplungsstück enthaltenden Adapterstück;

Fig.39

ein Mechanik-Modul und ein Stell-Modul des Weichenantriebes bei abgehobenen Deckel im Schnitt und vereinfachter schematischer Darstellung;

Fig.40

ein Teil des Stell-Moduls in Seitenansicht geschnitten;

Fig.41

den Spulenkörper des Stell-Moduls in Stirnansicht.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a bottom view of the track grate;

Fig. 2

a bottom view of the bedding part;

Fig. 3

a section through the bedding part of Figure 2 along the line AA;

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the underside of the track grate;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the top of the bedding part of Figure 2 with this connectable ladder-shaped stiffening support part;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of the underside of the bedding part;

Fig. 7

a track consisting of the bedding part and the track grid embedded in it;

Fig. 8

a ladder-shaped stiffening support part for a bedding part for a switch with a compartment for an electrical switch drive and with an adapter piece containing an end coupling piece;

Fig. 9

a cross section through a bedding embedded in a bedding part;

Fig.10a to f

the coupling pieces coupling the ladder-shaped stiffening elements to one another

Fig. 11

a cross section through an edge profile connectable to the central part of the bedding part;

Fig. 12

a cross section through a track built on a plate with an inventive bedding part and track grate;

Fig. 13

the track of Figure 12 in plan view;

Fig. 14

a cross section through an embodiment of the track shown in Figure 12;

Fig. 15

another embodiment of the bedding part according to the invention and the support device cut in front view in a simplified diagrammatic representation;

Fig. 16

the support device for the track according to Figure 15 in plan view;

Fig. 17

another embodiment of a support device according to the invention in plan view;

Fig. 18

a track designed according to the invention using the support device shown in Figure 17 in cross section;

Fig. 19

a cross section through a switch with a support device designed according to the invention and the drive associated with this switch;

Fig. 20

another embodiment of a track designed according to the invention in cross section and greatly enlarged representation;

Fig. 21

a coupling part of a coupling device according to the invention for connecting two support devices in plan view;

Fig. 22

a mating coupling part of a coupling device according to the invention for connecting two support devices in plan view;

Fig. 23

the coupling part of Figure 22 in section along the lines XXIII-XXIII;

Fig. 24

a coupling device according to the invention using a sleeve part partially cut in side view, according to lines XXIV-XXIV in Fig.25;

Fig. 25

the coupling device in front view cut along the lines XXV-XXV in Figure 24;

Fig. 26

a model track designed according to the invention cut for a double track in front view;

Fig. 27

cut another embodiment of a model track designed according to the invention for a multi-track route in front view.

Fig. 28

a bottom view of the track grate;

Fig. 29

a bottom view of the bedding part;

Fig. 30

a section through the bedding part of Figure 29 along the line AA;

Fig. 31

a perspective view of the top of the bedding part according to Figure 29 with this connectable ladder-shaped stiffening support part;

Fig. 32

an inventive stiffening element with contact pins;

Fig. 33

another embodiment of a bedding part cut in front view for a 3-conductor track system;

Fig. 34

another embodiment of a bedding part cut in front view with contact pins integrated in the bedding part;

Fig. 35

a carrier strip provided with contact pins in plan view;

Fig. 36

a variant of a bedding part cut in front view;

Fig. 37

the bedding section in side view cut along lines XX in Figure 36;

Fig. 38

a ladder-shaped stiffening support part for a bedding part for a switch with a compartment for an electrical switch drive and with an adapter piece containing an end coupling piece;

Fig. 39

a mechanical module and a control module of the point machine with the cover removed in section and a simplified schematic representation;

Fig. 40

part of the actuator module cut in side view;

Fig. 41

the coil body of the actuator module in front view.

The tracks which can be embedded in the bedding parts are of conventional construction and, as can be seen from FIG. 1, consist of a one-piece track grating 1. A threshold band of the track grating 1 formed from plastic or plastic injection molding consists of the mutually parallel sleepers 2, which are at least below one of the are connected to these rails to be connected with connecting webs 3 parallel to the rails. The sleeper band or the track grate 1 is provided in a uniform grid at the intersections of the connecting webs 3 with the sleepers 2 with blind holes 4 which enable the non-positive connection of a support device 5, such as e.g. serve a ladder-shaped stiffening element 6 by means of pins 7 which are pressed into it and held in a force-fitting manner therein. Furthermore, individual sleepers 2 are provided in their central region with through holes 8 which, in a manner explained below, serve to connect the tracks embedded in the bedding parts to the mounting plate by means of pins or nails or screws.

The track grate 1 can be seen in a perspective view from FIG. The rails 9, 10 are attached to form the track grate 1 in such a way from the sleeper band that they cover the connecting webs 3, so that they do not appear from the top. The track grille 1 formed by the possibly individual sleepers 2, which are not integrated into a sleeper band, and the rails 9, 10 fastened on this, is a known type and can be used on its own alone in the usual way, for example by shortening or the like. To create track systems with any track diagrams. With the so-called flexible track gratings, which can be curved in different radii, a revealing radius-variable track design is also possible.

The bedding part 11 is provided for the bedding of the track grate. This consists of an injection molded part made of elastoplastic material and, in its basic shape, has the profile of an isosceles trapezoid without the lower, larger side or base in the case of non-track sticking. The bedding part 11 has a central part or central part 12, with which the beveled side parts 13, 14 are connected in one piece. According to a first embodiment, side parts 13, 14 are formed directly on the longitudinal side edges of the central part 12, which preferably also consist of an elastically deformable, pliable material, such as rubber or plastic, like the central part 12. The central part 12 is in its surface provided with a relief or a recess 15, the shape of which is complementary to the track grate 1, so that the track grate 1 can be inserted into the recesses 15 of the relief in such a way that the sleepers 2 of the track grate 1 the recesses in the direction of the rails only slightly transfer.

On its underside, the bedding part 11 is provided with two mutually parallel webs 17, 18 at the edge of the central or central part 12, which delimit a groove between them. The respective inner webs 18 of the webs 17, 18 provided in pairs are higher than the respective outer webs 17. The outer webs 17 are provided on the inner edges of their edges with beads 19 pointing inwards. The webs 17, 18 arranged in pairs on the edges of the central or central part 12 serve to stiffen the profile and, moreover, also as coupling parts for coupling side parts 20, if the side parts 13, 14 are not formed in one piece with the central part 12. The side parts 20 can thus be provided with coupling parts of a connecting device, for example a groove with different cross-sectional areas, which are opposite to the central part 12.

The coupling part can be formed on the central part 12 by a web 17, 18 projecting over the underside, which preferably has a different thickness over its height.

The webs 17, 18 can be integrally formed on the central part 12 as a support device.

The bedding part is provided on its underside with oblique cutting lines 21, 22 which are formed by grooves and therefore form lines of weakness. The cutting lines run from the outer edge of the side parts 13, 14 to the ends of the bedding parts 11, specifically in the direction of the outside of the webs 17. Further cutting lines 23 are provided immediately adjacent to the outside of the webs 17. Due to their groove-shaped design, the cutting lines 21, 22, 23 offer good guidance when cutting out with scissors. The side parts 13, 14 can then be cut away obliquely if the bedding parts 11 are to be used for the bedding of tracks connected to a switch. If the side parts 13, 14 have been separated from the central part 12 by cuts along the cutting lines 23, the side parts 20 can be connected to the central part 12 on the webs 17, 18 by their complementary connecting profiles 24. In order to ensure the desired variability, the side parts 13, 14 are provided on their undersides with markings and / or lines of weakness.

To stiffen the bedding parts 11, ladder-shaped stiffening elements 6 can be connected to them. These consist of plastic injection molded parts made of a harder plastic. The Longitudinal bars 25, 26 of these ladder-shaped stiffening elements 6, which are connected to one another by rung-forming webs 27, are interrupted between one or more rungs or webs 27 alternately on opposite sides by a column 28. This column allows the ladder-shaped stiffening profile or stiffening element 6 to bend in its plane and also to compress and pull apart to compensate for tolerances.

With individual rungs or webs 27, bush-shaped parts 30 are connected either directly or via attached webs 29, the bores 31 of which are aligned with the bedding part 11 and the bores 8 of the track grate 1. Through the aligned bores 8, 31, 32, nails or pins can be passed through on a mounting plate for mounting the track gratings 1 embedded in the bedding parts 11.

It is advantageous here if the parts 30 are made of a pressure-resistant material, for example a hard plastic or a soft plastic, embedded sleeves made of pressure-resistant rollers supporting parts that run approximately perpendicular to the track grating. As a result, an exact spacing is achieved during the assembly of the track grate 1 with the bedding parts 11 from the mounting plate essentially independently of the respective clamping force that is applied with the nail or the pin or the screw. Differences can then only result in a different deformation of the very thin layer of the bedding part 11 between the support body and the sleepers 2 of the track grate 1. However, this elastic intermediate layer between the support body and the track grate leads to considerable sound insulation and is therefore very advantageous for the intended use, so that due to the design of the support body these advantages can be achieved simultaneously with an exact attachment of the track grate 1.

The distance between the longitudinal bars 25, 26 of the ladder-shaped stiffening elements 6 corresponds to the distance between the inner strip-shaped webs 18 of the bedding part 11, so that the ladder-shaped stiffening element can be inserted between these inner webs 18. For centering and holding 12 bowl-shaped receptacles 33 are connected to the underside of the upper wall and the central part. These cup-shaped receptacles 33 are provided with a recess in the cylindrical jacket for the parts 30 formed by bushes with these holding webs 29 and consist of two shells 34 formed receptacles for the parts 30 which are arranged centrally in the webs 27.

As can be seen in particular from the illustration in FIG. 9, a height 35 of the webs 18 or the receptacles 33 is slightly greater, for example, between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm than the corresponding height of the support device or the stiffening elements 6 or the longitudinal spars 25, 26 or webs 27 forming the same.

This makes it possible to pretension the elastically deformable or pliable plastic from which the bedding part 11 is made when fastening the track grate 1, so that this pretensioning can secure the fastening means against loosening and unscrewing in the event of vibrations in a surprisingly advantageous manner.

To fix the rail grating 1 inserted into the relief-like recesses 15, the longitudinal spars 25, 26 are provided with the pins 7, which penetrate the upper wall of the central part 12 of the bedding part 11 in bores 36 and engage in the blind holes 4 of the rail grating 1 in a force-fitting manner.

The supporting devices or stiffening elements 6 stiffening the bedding parts 11 are expediently designed like a ladder and have 1 rungs at least in the area of the attachment points of the track grate. The longitudinal spars 25, 26 of these ladder-like support devices or stiffening elements 6 are expediently interrupted.

The longitudinal bars 25, 26 of the ladder-shaped support devices or stiffening elements 6 have at their front ends opposite coupling parts 37, 38, each of which forms one part of a coupling device, for example a snap coupling device. The one coupling parts 38 are V-shaped or fork-shaped and have thickenings 39 at their mutually facing ends. The coupling part 37 is approximately arrowhead-shaped and, as can best be seen from FIG. 10 a, has a shape that is complementary to the inner part of the coupling part 38.

The coupling device can thus be provided with locking pins extending in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal bars. Furthermore, the coupling devices can have side and / or height guide members. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, for the V-shaped or fork-shaped coupling parts 38 to be half-shell-shaped and for the coupling part 37 to be, for example, conical or pyramid-shaped in its end facing the coupling parts 38. As a result, the coupling device can simultaneously achieve a vertical and lateral alignment of the bedding parts or track grating 1 arranged one behind the other.

In order to ensure the desired modularity of the system and to be able to create different track patterns, the adapter parts 40 containing the coupling parts 37, 38 can be provided, which are shown in FIGS. 8 and 10.

8 shows a stiffening ladder-shaped support element or stiffening element 6 for a switch bed part. The adapter piece 40 can be connected to one end of the support profile by complementary coupling parts 41, 42. The ladder-shaped support profile is provided with a chamber-shaped recess 43, into which an electric switch drive 44 can be inserted.

It can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 19 that the connecting profile 24 of the separate side part 20 can be pushed or pressed into the groove formed between the longitudinal webs 17, 18 provided in pairs.

A continuous power supply line can be arranged in the central part 12 and / or the support device. The electrical coupling device for the power supply line can be formed by connecting devices arranged in the region of the front ends of the longitudinal bars.

FIG. 12 shows a track 46 in which a bedding part 11 is used which essentially corresponds to that shown in FIG. 9. A track grating 1 is arranged in this bedding part 11. The bedding part 11 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 in that a support bracket 47 is formed or attached to the side part 13 outside the web 17. This support bracket 47 forms a cable duct for receiving cables 48 for controlling or powering the track grate 1 or the built-in parts interacting with the track. The advantage of this arrangement is that due to the slack or elastically deformable design of the side parts 13, as indicated by dashed lines, this can also be lifted at any time when the track grating 1 is installed, in order to insert new cables 48 or damaged or removed cables can be removed or replaced. Of course it is also how shown in the right part of FIG. 12 possible to use the free space extending between the leg or web 17 and the side part 13 without arranging a carrying strap 47 for arranging cables 48.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 differs from that shown in FIG. 9 in that the support device 5 is formed by disk-shaped stiffening elements 49. As can be seen better from FIG. 13, these disk-shaped stiffening elements 49 can also be designed in the manner of an oval, so that the bedding part 11 can be fixed on the support device 5 by the nose 50 of the webs 18 projecting over the mutually facing sides. However, it is also possible to produce these support devices 5, which are made of a hard, incompressible material, for example by a coextrusion or two-component injection molding process, in which case the bedding part 11 can be formed from a pliable, elastically deformable plastic and the stiffening element 49 can be formed from a resistant plastic material.

If the disk-shaped stiffening elements 49 are subsequently inserted into the bedding parts 11, it is also possible to connect the individual stiffening elements 49 via thin, flexible connecting webs 51. As a result, the stiffening elements 49 can also be perfectly centered and aligned in the circular arc or it is ensured that the bores or the through holes 8 and bores 52 in the stiffening element 49 are each in an overlapping position. As can be seen, these stiffening elements 49 can be provided with bores 52 for receiving fastening means 53 formed, for example, by screws.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, it is shown that the blind holes 4 arranged under the rails 9, 10 can also accommodate pins 7 which are subsequently inserted into the support device 5, for example in the disk-shaped stiffening element 49. Of course, they can also be produced in the manufacture of the disk-shaped stiffening element. It is advantageous here if the pins 7 are provided in their area penetrating into the blind hole 4 with a roughening, for example knurling or with transverse ribs or screw threads, so that there is a deliberate positive connection even with corresponding tolerances in the diameter of the pin 7 and the blind hole 4 is coming.

Furthermore, it is shown in Fig. 14 that it is also possible to fasten the support device or the disc-shaped stiffening elements 49 via a fastening means 53 on a mounting plate 54 for receiving such a track, while the fastening means 53 for fastening the track grate 1 with the interposition of the Bedding part 11 after placing the bedding part 11 on the support device. This can also be done, for example, with a threaded screw if a retaining washer 55 with an internal thread is arranged in the bore 52 of the support device 5 in the disk-shaped support device or the stiffening element 49. The tension between the support device 5 and the track grate 1 can thus be regulated very sensitively.

It is also shown in this embodiment that a side part 56 which engages in the groove 45 formed between the webs 17 and 18 forms a bedding part 57 running parallel to the track planes. This can be arranged overlapping with another bedding part 58, as shown, so that a track spacing between two track gratings 1 running parallel to one another can be changed easily. To be a continuous To achieve true-to-life bedding surface even if the bedding parts 57, 58, as shown, cannot be made to abut seamlessly due to a slightly larger track spacing, it is also possible to insert insert strips 59, which have the desired width from panels made of any dimensions can be cut out.

Based on this embodiment, it is also shown that the bedding parts 57, 58 can be removed after the separation of the side parts 13 along the section line 23 and instead between the webs 17 and 18 or in the groove 45 formed between them with the bedding parts 57 and 58 molded connection profile 24 can be snapped into place.

Another embodiment variant of a track 60 is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In this embodiment variant, a continuous central web 61 is provided, on which transverse webs 62 are formed or snapped on in the longitudinal direction of the track. These transverse webs 62 form supports 63, 64 for the central part 12 of the bedding part 11 in the area of the rails 9, 10. Pins 7 projecting in the direction of the track grating 1 are arranged on the supports 63, 64, which, as already explained, for example, with reference to FIG. 14 was, can be inserted or locked into the sleepers 2 of the track grate 1 in order to position the track grate 1 in the central part 12 or in a fixed position relative to the support device 5 and its supports 63 and 64. To attach the support device 5, through holes 65 are provided in the central webs 61, through which fastening means 53 pass, with which the support devices 5 are attached to the mounting plate 54. If a screw connection of the track grate 1 to the support device 5 is also desired, through holes 65 can also be provided in the area of the crossbars 62, for which purpose then for support or to keep the spacing between the mounting plate 54 and the track grate 1 supports 66 can also be arranged. By choosing the wall thicknesses or the width and the height of the central web 61, sufficient flexibility of the central web 61 and thus the support device 5 for deformations in the track plane or perpendicular to a mounting surface 67 on the mounting plate 54 can be achieved.

For lateral and vertical fixing of the central part 12, the support device 5 can further be provided with coupling parts 68, which can be formed by support webs with a mushroom-shaped cross section that run approximately parallel to the supports 63, 64. These coupling parts 68 are comprised of opposing coupling parts 69 which are formed, for example, by longitudinal grooves with a dovetail cross section. Characterized in that the projections of the coupling parts designed with a dovetail-shaped cross section encompass the opposite projections of the coupling parts 68 provided with a mushroom-shaped cross section, the central part 12 is also fixed in terms of height. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the side parts 70 adjoining the central part 12 are connected to a coupling device 72, similar to the coupling parts 68, 69, formed between the central part and the side parts 70.

As further indicated schematically in FIG. 16 by dash-dotted lines, it is also possible to provide 61 side webs 73 instead of the central web 61, which can be arranged alternately left or right at a distance from a longitudinal central axis 74. This also enables a flexible deformation of the support device 5 in the area of the mounting surface 67. In order to simplify a central structure of the support device along a predetermined track axis in this case, when using side bars 73 in the area of the cross bars 62, central markings 75 can be provided with which the support device 5 is aligned along a planned track axis and can be attached. If center webs 61 are used in the support device 5, it is also possible to provide instead of the center markings 75 by means of arrows or grooves, bores or elongated holes, which simply allow the support device 5 to be centered on a track axis, in particular of track arches.

Another embodiment of a support device 5 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, which also has a central web 61. In this case too, transverse webs 62 are fastened to the central web 61, or are integrally formed thereon. The central web 61 has a width 76 which makes it possible to deform the central web 61 on the mounting surface 67 of the mounting plate 54, so that it can also assume an arc-shaped, for example circular or basket-shaped, curve shown in FIG. 17 by a dash-dotted line 77. For the vertical, lateral and longitudinal guidance of the central parts 12 of the bedding parts 11 or of the track grating 1 consisting of sleepers 2 and rails 9, 10, supports 79 are provided at a longitudinal distance 78 approximately centrally to through holes 65, in which also the through holes 65 are integrated. The longitudinal distance 78 preferably corresponds to a longitudinal distance 78 - FIG. 1 - between two through holes 8 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the sleeper band in the sleepers 2. The central part 12 is on its side facing the support device 5 with an approximately C-shaped cross-section guide strip Forming coupling part 80, which is provided with a guide bar 82 acting as coupling part 81 and supporting the width 76 of the means 79. Because the guide strips 82 are provided with oblique end faces 83 in the longitudinal direction of the support device 5, it is also possible to push the central part 12 onto the guide strips 82 after mounting the support device 5 on the mounting plate 54. A central, central mounting of the track grate 1 on the support device 5 is thus possible.

In addition, the central part 12 is supported against twisting or tilting via side parts 84, 85, wherein for example the side part 84 can form an oblique downward ballast bed flank and the side part 85 can form a flat connecting part to an adjacent track. These side parts 84, 85 differ from the previously described side parts in that, as indicated by hatching of the side parts 84 and 85 in the sectional area with different densities, the side parts in the area between the support device 5 and the central part 12 are made of a deformation-resistant plastic 86 and the area of the side parts 84, 85 which form the bedding parts consist of an elastically deformable, in particular additionally also pliable plastic 87. The side parts 84 and 85 are either injection-molded or extruded in one operation, by mixing the two different plastic materials together in the mold, or first the parts of the side parts 84, 85 consisting of the plastic 87 or 86 are produced and the further parts are made onto the prefabricated parts Parts are sprayed or extruded by inserting the prefabricated parts into the mold.

In this embodiment too, it is therefore possible to either fasten the track grating 1 to the mounting plate 54 via fastening means through the through holes 65 or to glue it into the central part 12. In order not to hinder sufficient flexibility when the track grating 1 is deformed along a line 77, it is also possible for the parts of the side parts 84 and 85 which consist of the rigid plastic 86, as indicated by dashed lines, to support 79 facing the means To provide recesses 88 which should allow an accordion-like bending of these parts of the side parts 84, 85.

In the case of side parts 84 and 85, which allow for the arrangement in connection with a so-called flexible track grating, which is therefore deformable on any radii in the mounting surface 67, the wall thickness of the side parts 84 and 85 can also be kept very low for such applications or with notches or accordion-like in order to be able to accommodate the longitudinal changes - on the outside of the track arch the extensions and on the inside the shortenings - without wrinkling.

To connect the individual abutting support devices 5, these can be provided with opposing coupling parts 41, 42. The coupling parts 42 consist of toothings 89 which are arranged in the region of the two side edges of the center webs 61 facing away from one another and into which a toothing of the same type engages in the fork-like coupling parts 41.

If, as is indicated schematically in connection with the coupling part 41, the entire outside of the central web 61 is equipped or provided with continuous toothing 89, the central parts 12 can be cut to any length and can be coupled again at any time. It is also possible, among other things, not to provide fork-shaped coupling parts 41, but sleeve-like coupling pieces, and to provide the middle webs exclusively with teeth 89 so that a sleeve-like coupling part 41 can be used in the connection area for coupling the teeth 89 of the two abutting support devices 5 .

Of course, it is also possible, in all the other exemplary embodiments shown, to provide corresponding toothing or coupling parts on the longitudinal webs or the central webs, either over the entire length or in the region of their ends, so that a standard track can also be cut to any length to a shorter length, an additional coupling is made possible by means of the connection of the individual track pieces separated from the tabs between the individual rails.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment variant of a support device 5 in the area of a switch, for example similar to that shown in the support device in FIG. 8. A central part 12 for receiving the track grate 1 is made from a coextrusion or multi-component injection molding. In the area of the fastening means or the end face 83, the central part 12 is made of deformation-resistant and hard plastic 86, while the support for the track grating 1 is formed by a soft, elastically deformable plastic 87, which may be pliable. The connection of side parts 90 takes place, as already explained with reference to FIG. 15, via coupling devices 71. In this exemplary embodiment, it is further shown that the side parts 90 can also be designed in a stepped manner and, for example, between the central part 12 of the support device 5 and the side parts 90 Point machine 44 can be located. This can be connected via a linkage 91 and a driver 92 with adjustable switch tongues 93. This makes it possible, for example, to couple the turnout drive 44 to a turnout lantern 95 arranged in the area of a step 94.

Such side parts 90 can also serve instead of carrying out and arranging switch lanterns 95 for receiving signal masts or overhead line masts 96, these overhead line masts being fastened via fastening means 53 directly in the mounting plate 54 or, if appropriate, also arranged in the lower side parts 90 support strips.

In order to allow a corresponding free mobility of the drivers 92 for adjusting the switch tongue 93, it is advantageous if an opening 126 is arranged in the bedding part 11. which can also be formed by an elongated hole, for example. Of course, in order to enable mechanical actuating elements or contact strips or the like to be connected to the rails, it is advantageous if appropriate openings in the bedding parts are provided or appropriately marked cutting lines are prepared at the necessary points, so that these passages can be made if necessary can be opened. This also applies to the recordings for carrying out signals or overhead line masts through the bedding parts or side parts thereof.

The bedding part 11 in FIG. 19 can be fastened in that individual C-profile-shaped fastening elements or also a continuous hat-profile-like strip are fastened on the mounting plate 54, onto which the bedding part consisting of a hard-soft profile is snapped on. The elasticity of the vertical legs of this bedding part 11 made of hard plastic is made possible by the areas made of elastic plastic in the transition to the contact surface for the sleepers 2.

For the sake of order, it should only be mentioned that in all of the exemplary embodiments in the present application, in order to better understand the invention and to simplify the illustration in the drawings, individual parts or all parts have been partially disproportionately enlarged.

20 shows an embodiment similar to the bedding part 11 according to FIG. However, this differs from the one described above in that in addition to the webs 17, 18, the longitudinal bars 26 and the parts 30 are integrally formed on the central part 12. As indicated schematically by hatching with different densities, the longitudinal spars 26 and the parts 30 consist of a deformation-resistant, rather hard plastic, while the remaining parts of the central bedding part 11 or the side parts 13 consist of an elastically deformable, preferably pliable plastic. The longitudinal bars 26 and the parts 30 as well as the pins 7, which are also integrally formed on the longitudinal bars 26, thus form the stable, dimensionally stable framework for the track. Furthermore, it can be seen from this illustration that a distance between an underside of the threshold 2 facing the central part 12 and the mounting surface 67 of the mounting plate 54 corresponds to the height of the webs 18 or receptacles 33. A height 97 between the underside of the sleepers facing the central part 12 and the underside of the longitudinal spars 26 or parts 30 facing the mounting plate 54 is slightly smaller, for example, between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm than the height of the webs 18 or the receptacles 33. If the track grating 1 is now fastened directly to the mounting plate 54 by means of a fastening means 53, then when the fastening means 53 is tightened, for example a screw, the plastic forming the webs 18 or receptacles 33 is compressed, as shown schematically with dashed lines, or compressed or elastic deformed. This deformation takes place until the end face of the longitudinal spars 26 or the parts 30 assigned to the mounting plate 54 fits snugly on the mounting surface 67. This elastic prestressing of the webs 18 or the receptacles 33 indirectly achieves screw locking, since the fastening means 53 cannot loosen even in the event of vibrations acting on the track.

Nevertheless, the interposed elastically deformable and thus vibration-damping layer of the central part 12 between the receptacles 33 and the underside of the sleepers 2 facing them achieves vibration and, above all, noise insulation.

Another embodiment of a coupling device 98 is shown in FIGS. 21 to 23. This consists of a coupling part 99 which either directly on a longitudinal beam 26 or is integrally formed on a central web 61 or is pluggably connected via coupling parts 41, 42. The opposite coupling part 100 opposite the coupling part 99 is fork-like equipped with two fork tines 102 resilient in the direction of the arrows 101. A centering opening 103 is arranged in the coupling part 100 between the two fork tines 102 and is formed, for example, from a bore running parallel to an axis of symmetry 104. If the coupling part 100 is now pushed onto the coupling part 99, the fork tines 102 are pressed apart and snap over a thickening 105, so that a separation of the coupling device 98 is only possible by overcoming the deformation energy of the fork tines 102. At the same time, the coupling part 99 is equipped with a guide pin 106 directed in the direction of the centering opening 103, which is conical at its end facing the coupling part 100. When the two coupling parts 99 and 100 are plugged together, the guide pin 106 is pushed into the centering opening 103 and the longitudinal spars of the abutting rail parts are thus fixed not only in their position parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sleeper but also perpendicular to the plane of the track.

24 and 25 a further coupling device 107 is shown, which enables a connection with longitudinal bars 26 or central webs 61 at any point along the longitudinal course of the support devices 5 and at the same time enables lateral and height guidance and alignment of the support devices 5 to be connected . This coupling device comprises a sleeve part 108 which is pushed onto ends 109, 110 which are immediately adjacent to one another from above. A continuous groove 111, which has a C-shaped cross section, is arranged on the longitudinal spar 26 or the central web 61 on the side facing away from the mounting plate 54. The sleeve part 108 is provided with a centering strip 112 and has the teeth 89 on the two side walls of the longitudinal bars 26 and Center arms 61 assigned snap arms 113, which are radially elastically deformable by a weakening point 114 relative to the housing part holding the centering strip 112.

If the socket part 108 is now plugged and snapped onto the two ends of the longitudinal spars 26 or central webs 61 to be connected from above, a rigid connection and axis-precise alignment is achieved both in the longitudinal direction of the track and in the vertical and lateral direction, at all times is detachable again. If the longitudinal spars 26 or central webs 61 are accordingly equipped with continuous toothing as a coupling part 69, they can be connected at any point by the sleeve parts 108. Of course, such sleeve parts can be used as adapter pieces 40 for support devices 5 designed in switch form. On the other hand, it is also possible at any time to mount the adapter pieces 40 even with normal support devices by subsequently snapping them on if they are to be connected via a coupling device.

26 and 27 show bedding parts 115, 116 for double tracks, which are to be arranged at a fixed distance from one another. The structure of the bedding parts in relation to each of the two tracks 117, 118 corresponds, for example, to the structure as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 or FIG. 9 or FIG. 20 or the other exemplary embodiments explained in the above description.

The two bed sections 115, 116 differ from one another only in that the bed section 115 is provided for a straight double track, in that the two tracks 117 and 118 run in a horizontal plane. The bedding part 116, on the other hand, is provided for a double track in the area of a track arch, bearing surfaces 119 for the sleepers 2 of the tracks 117, 118 by an elevation angle 120 run inclined to each other. This inclination can slowly increase at the beginning of the curve and then decrease again towards the end of a 90 ° curve, for example. However, corresponding bedding parts can also be provided for a semicircular circular arch, which have a corresponding transition arch to achieve a maximum elevation and then a transition arch back onto the horizontal track. If necessary, it is also possible to manufacture your own bedding parts, which have the corresponding transition arches, so that bedding parts 116 can be provided with a fixed cantilever, which can be assembled into an arbitrarily long arch and which are connected to the horizontally running track parts via transition pieces.

Of course, it is also possible that the differently designed support bodies can be combined in connection with the most varied coupling devices as described with the aid of the various exemplary embodiments, and individual combinations of features of the individual exemplary embodiments can form independent solutions according to the invention.

Connecting elements can be provided which penetrate the support device between the track grate and a support surface which receives the bedding body.

In the central part, recesses can be provided below the rails, into which contact devices between the rails and the power supply line can be inserted. Socket for signals or overhead line masts can be integrated in the side parts.

In order to enable a state of the model track bed that corresponds as exactly as possible to reality, it is also possible, as further shown schematically in FIG. 20, to produce the bore or the through hole 8 as a blind hole 121, so that an upper end face 122 of the sleeper 2 is continuous. If the bore or the through hole 8 is required, it is possible to pierce an end face 123 from the side of the blind hole 121. Likewise, the pin 7 can also be guided in a blind hole 121 below the rail, so that no opening in the end face 122 of the threshold 2 can be seen from the rail 9 or 10.

In order to obtain a reproduction of the structure of the track bed that is as exact as possible according to the actual circumstances, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if, particularly in the soft, elastically deformable, preferably pliable plastic 87, as also shown schematically in FIG Raw material is mixed before manufacturing the bedding part 11. These granules 124 are not melted with a corresponding choice of material during the injection molding process or extrusion process of the bedding parts 11 or the central part 12 or the side parts 13 and therefore embedded in the molten liquid plastic. If the shape in those areas in which a gravel representation and a rough gravel structure corresponding to the actual conditions is desired is provided with a surface roughness which corresponds approximately to a part of the grain size of the granulate 124, the surface of the bedding parts in FIG a part of the side parts 13 structure shown in Fig.20.

It is particularly advantageous if the granules 124 are formed by appropriately colored rubber particles or plastic particles with a higher melting temperature. But it is also possible to use mineral granules in the desired Mix grain size into the raw material. Nevertheless, it is ensured that in the area in which the mold has a smooth surface, the molded part also has a smooth surface and thus an exact position, for example of the sleepers of the track body, is achieved in the bedding part.

As further shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, it is also possible to design the centering opening 103 and the guide pin 106 as a carbon pin or metal pin in order to enable an electrical connection between the individual support devices. The guide pin 106 and the centering opening 103 can be contacted with cables 127 in order to enable a continuous power supply to the track. By inserting appropriate contact pieces from below, it is also possible to connect the rail network again and again to the continuous contact rail in several areas spaced apart from one another. It is also advantageous here if the entire longitudinal spars 26 or central webs 61 are formed from conductive plastic, for example with PVC mixed with graphite or the like. It is then advantageous if, in the case of a plurality of longitudinal spars running parallel to one another, the connection between them which is transverse to the rails 9,10 runs, is made insulating.

The tracks which can be embedded in the bedding parts are of conventional construction and, as can be seen from FIGS. 28 to 31, consist of a one-piece track grate 201. A sleeper band of the track grate 201 made of plastic or plastic injection molding consists of the mutually parallel sleepers 202, which are at least below one of the rails to be connected to these are connected to connecting webs 203 parallel to the rails. The sleeper band or the track grate 201 is provided in a uniform grid at the intersections of the connecting webs 203 with the sleepers 202 with blind holes 204, which provide the non-positive connection of a support device 205 such as, for example, a ladder-shaped stiffening element 206 by means of pins 207 which are pressed into it and held in a force-fitting manner therein. Furthermore, individual sleepers 202 are provided in their central region with through holes 208 which, in a manner explained below, serve to connect the tracks embedded in the bedding parts to the mounting plate by means of pins or nails or screws.

31 shows the track grating 201 in a perspective view. The rails 209, 210 are fastened to form the track grating 201 in such a way from the sleeper band that they cover the connecting webs 203 so that they do not appear from the top. The track 202 formed by the possibly individual sleepers 202, which are not integrated in a sleeper band and the rails 209, 210 fastened thereon, is of a known type and can be used in the usual way e.g. can be used by any shortening or the like to create track systems with any track diagrams. With the so-called flexible track gratings, which can be curved in different radii, a revealing radius-variable track design is also possible.

The bedding part 211 is provided for bedding the track grate. This consists of an injection molded part made of elastoplastic material and, in its basic form, has the profile of an isosceles trapezoid without the lower, larger side or base in the case of non-track sticking. The bedding part 211 has a central part or central part 212, with which the beveled side parts 213, 214 are integrally connected. According to a first embodiment, side parts 213, 214 are thus directly molded onto the longitudinal side edges of the central part 212, which preferably also consist of an elastically deformable, pliable material, for example made of rubber or plastic, like the central part 212 Central part 212 is provided in its surface with a recess 215, the shape of which is complementary to the track grate 201, so that the track grate 201 can be inserted into the recesses of the recess 215 in such a way that the sleepers 202 of the track grate 201 the recesses in the direction of Transfer rails only slightly.

On its underside, the bedding part 211 is provided at the edge of the central or central part 212 with two mutually parallel webs 217, 218, which delimit a groove between them. The respective inner webs 218 of the webs 217, 218 provided in pairs are higher than the respective outer webs 217. The outer webs 217 are provided on the inner edges of their edges with inwardly pointing beads 219. The webs 217, 218 arranged in pairs on the edges of the central or central part 212 serve to stiffen the profile and, moreover, also serve as coupling parts for coupling side parts 220 if the side parts 213, 214 are not formed in one piece with the central part 212. The side parts 220 can therefore be provided with coupling parts of a connecting device, for example a groove with different cross-sectional widths, which are opposite to the central part 212.

The coupling part can be formed on the central part 212 by a web 217, 218 projecting over the underside, which preferably has a different thickness over its height.

The webs 217, 218 can be integrally formed on the central part 212 as a supporting device.

The bedding part is provided on its underside with oblique cutting lines 221, 222 which are formed by grooves and therefore form lines of weakness. The cutting lines run from the outer edge of the side parts 213, 214 to the ends of the bedding parts 211, in the direction of the Outside of the webs 217. Further cutting lines 223 are provided immediately adjacent to the outside of the webs 217. Due to their groove-shaped design, the cutting lines 221, 222, 223 offer good guidance when cutting out with scissors. The side parts 213, 214 can then be cut away obliquely if the bedding part 211 is to be used for the bedding of tracks connected to a switch. If the side parts 213, 214 have been separated from the central part 212 by cuts along the section lines 223, the side parts 220 can be connected to the central part 212 on the webs 217, 218 by their complementary connecting profiles 224. In order to ensure the desired variability, the side parts 213, 214 are provided on their undersides with markings and / or lines of weakness.

To stiffen the bedding parts 211, ladder-shaped stiffening elements 206 can be connected to them or they can be produced by a multi-component injection molding. These consist of plastic injection molded parts made of a harder plastic. The longitudinal bars 225, 226 of these ladder-shaped stiffening elements 206, which are connected to one another by rung-forming rungs or crossbars 227, are interrupted by gaps 228 between one or more rungs alternately on opposite sides. This column allows the ladder-shaped stiffening profile or stiffening element 206 to bend in its plane and also to compress and pull apart to compensate for tolerances.

With individual rungs or transverse webs 227, bush-shaped parts 230 are connected either directly or via attached webs 229, the bores 231 of which, when inserted in the bedding part 211, are aligned with bores 232 of the bedding part 211 and the through holes 208 of the track grate 201. Through the aligned through hole 208 and the holes 231, 232 can be used to mount the track gratings 201 embedded in the bedding parts 211 on a mounting plate through nails or pins.

It is advantageous here if the parts 230 are made of a pressure-resistant material, for example a hard plastic or a soft plastic embedded sleeve made of pressure-resistant rollers supporting parts approximately in the direction perpendicular to the track grate. As a result, an exact spacing is achieved when installing the track grating 201 with the bedding parts 211 from the mounting plate, essentially independently of the respective clamping force that is applied with the nail or the pin or the screw. Differences can then only result in a different deformation of the very thin layer of the bedding part 211 between the support body and the sleepers 202 of the track grate 201. This elastic intermediate layer between the support body and the track grate, however, leads to considerable sound insulation and is therefore very advantageous for the intended use, so that due to the design of the support body these advantages can be achieved simultaneously with an exact attachment of the track grate 201.

The distance between the longitudinal bars 225, 226 of the ladder-shaped stiffening elements 206 corresponds to the distance between the inner strip-shaped webs 218 of the bedding part 211, so that the ladder-shaped stiffening element can be inserted between these inner webs 218. For centering and mounting, cup-shaped receptacles 233 are connected to the underside of the upper wall and the central part 212. These cup-shaped receptacles 233 are provided with a recess in the cylindrical casing for the parts 230 formed by bushings with these holding webs 229 and consist of two cups 234 formed receptacles for the parts 230, which are arranged centrally in the transverse webs 227.

As can be seen from the illustration, a height 235 of the webs 218 or the receptacles 233 is slightly greater, for example, between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm than the corresponding height of the stiffening elements 206 or the support device 205 or the longitudinal bars forming the same 225,226 or crossbars 227.

This makes it possible to pretension the elastically deformable or pliable plastic from which the bedding part 211 is made when the track grate 201 is fastened, so that this pretensioning can secure the fastening means against loosening and unscrewing in the event of shocks in a surprisingly advantageous manner.

In order to fix the rail grating 201 inserted into the relief-like recesses 215, the longitudinal spars 225, 226 are provided with the pins 207 which penetrate the upper wall of the central part 212 of the bedding part 211 in bores 236 and engage in the blind holes 204 of the rail grating 201 with a force fit.

The support devices 205 stiffening the bedding parts 211 are expediently designed like a ladder and have rungs at least in the region of the attachment points of the track grate 201. The longitudinal bars 225, 226 of these ladder-like support devices 205 are expediently interrupted.

The longitudinal bars 225, 226 of the ladder-shaped stiffening elements or support devices 205 have mutually identical coupling parts 237, 238 at their ends, each of which forms one part of a coupling device, for example a snap-type coupling device. The one coupling parts 238 are V-shaped or fork-shaped and have thickenings 239 at their mutually facing ends. The coupling part 237 is approximately Arrowhead-shaped and, as can best be seen from FIG. 37, has a shape that is complementary to the inner part of the coupling part 238.

The coupling device can thus be provided with locking pins extending in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal bars. Furthermore, the coupling devices can have side and / or height guide members. For this purpose it is possible, for example, for the V-shaped or fork-shaped coupling parts 238 to be half-shell-shaped and for the coupling part 237 to be conical or pyramid-shaped in its end facing the coupling parts 238, for example. As a result, a height and side alignment of the bedding parts or track grating 201 arranged one behind the other can be achieved at the same time by means of the coupling device.

As can also be seen from the illustrations in FIG. 29, weakened areas 240 or openings 241, which are in the area of the intermediate compartments, can be formed in the bedding part 211 or its central part 212 on the side facing away from the recesses 215 for the sleepers 202 of the track grate 201 can be arranged between the thresholds or independently thereof. It is advantageous if these breakthroughs 241 or the weakening areas 240 are preferably arranged centrally, preferably centrally to a central longitudinal axis 242 of the bedding part 211 or the central part 212, respectively between two recesses 215 which are immediately adjacent in the direction of the central longitudinal axis. Such an arrangement makes it possible, among other things, to pass contact pins 243 through these openings 241 or weakened areas 240, as best seen in FIG. 31, so that a row of contact pins 243 can be formed between the two rails 209, 210. These can be used to introduce supply voltages or control signals into model vehicles provided with appropriate customers. Using this It is therefore also possible for contact pins 243 to use the bedding system or bedding parts 211 described in connection with a so-called 3-wire system.

The bedding parts 211 or central parts 212 can be produced uniformly, for example, only with the weakening areas 240, so that the user who wants to manufacture a 3-wire system can make the openings 241 themselves in this weakening area 240 by pressing the contact pins 243. However, it is also possible to produce the bedding parts 211 or central parts 212 using the same tools and to make the openings 241 in the factory for those customer groups that use a 3-wire system in order to be able to supply them directly.

FIG. 31 shows another embodiment variant for a stiffening element 206, which is equipped with a continuous central web 247. 227 parts of longitudinal spars 225 and 226 are connected to the central web 247 via cross webs. Gaps 228 are arranged between the individual parts of the longitudinal spars 225, 226, so that the individual sections of the longitudinal spars 225, 226 do not hinder one another when the central web 247 is deformed to produce an arcuate track course.

On this continuous central web 247, the so-called intermediate compartments 248 arranged between the recesses 215 for the sleepers 202 of the track grille 201 are assigned weakening areas 240 on the side facing the stiffening elements 206. Contact pins 249 attached to the central web 247 are assigned to these weakening areas 240. When the bedding part 211 is placed on the stiffening element 206, the contact pins 249 can be designed accordingly Weakened areas 240 are pierced in the bedding part 211, so that the contact pins 249 project beyond the intermediate compartments 248 in the direction of a running surface of the rails 209, 210.

To supply power to the individual contact pins 249, these can be connected via a conductor 250, which can also consist, for example, of a conductor track applied to the central web 247 or a conductive plastic. The connection to the adjacent bedding parts 211 or central parts 212 or their central webs 247 takes place via a coupling tab 251 or via contact areas 252 arranged in the area of the coupling parts 237, 238. For this purpose, the conductor 250 can be connected to these contact areas 252, or a conductor track up to the area of the contact surfaces 252.

As further shown in FIG. 32, it is possible for the contact pins 243 to be made of a conductive material, for example a metallic material. For example, it is possible to use a continuous metal strip as the support strip 244, from which the contact pins 243 are released and bent upwards by 90 °. In the area between the individual contact pins 243, retaining bolts 245 can also be notched, with which the support strip 244 on transverse crosspieces 227 between the longitudinal spars 225,226 or via corresponding transverse arms or notches directly on the longitudinal spars 225,226 or, in the case of stiffening elements 206, with a central web 247 directly on Mittelsteg 247 are snapped open.

It is of course also advantageous here if the support strip 244 has a shape which, especially in the case of so-called flexible tracks, which are therefore deformable to different radii in the assembly plane, are also deformable in this direction, so that they seamlessly adapt to the changed radius ratios of a track can adjust.

To connect the individual contact pins 243 in the various bedding parts 211 or central parts 212, it is possible that the support strip 244 is provided, for example, with connecting plates 246 of the same type to the connecting plates 246 between the rails 209, 210 of the individual parts of the track grating 201, so that when the parts are plugged together individual parts of the track grate or the individual pieces of the rails 209, 210 with the coupling of the rails and to produce a continuous carriageway, the electrical contact between the support strips 244 takes place at the same time. However, the connection can also be made via cables connected to the individual support strips 244 or soldered to them and via corresponding plug connections.

In FIG. 33 it is shown that a bedding part 211 is fastened to a mounting plate 254 on a schematically indicated fastening means 253 and consists of a soft, elastically deformable, in particular limp plastic - as is indicated by the loose hatching. This is made of rigid plastic - indicated by tight hatching - longitudinal spars 225, by means of which the track grating 201 or the rails 209 and sleepers 202 can be appropriately spaced from the mounting plate 254.

To use such a bedding part 211 in a so-called 3-conductor track system, a weakening area 240 is provided in an intermediate compartment 248 in the bedding part 211, for example a corresponding recess, which is only covered with a very thin material layer 255. This can be pierced by a contact pin 243, which can be carried on an upright support profile 256 with a rectangular cross-section. The support profile can preferably have a length corresponding to the bedding part 211 and in the area of the through holes 208 passing through the thresholds 202 are provided with a lateral penetration 257 in order to avoid these through holes 208.

34 shows another embodiment variant of a bedding part 211 for a 3-conductor track system. On a flat profile, which forms a support profile 258, contact pins 243 are in turn arranged, for example by welding, soldering or by notching out of the support profile 258, the weakening areas 240 or openings 241 in the bedding part 211 in the area of an intermediate compartment 248, i.e. between two sleepers 202 and preferably pass centrally between rails 209 and 210. The contact pins 243 are preferably arranged on a longitudinal central axis 259 which also forms an axis of symmetry of the track. The support profile 258 is placed on the stiffening element, of which a longitudinal bar 225 is shown, or on the crossbars 227 connecting the longitudinal bars 225, 226. To contact the support profile 258 or the contact pins 243, it is now also possible to design the plastic of the bedding part 211 in this area as a conductor track 260, so that a continuous power supply to the contact pins 243 can take place. Of course, as indicated by dashed lines, it is also possible for the support profile 258 or the contact pins 243, with corresponding anchoring elements such as plates or the like, to be cast or injection molded directly into the plastic of the bedding part 211, preferably into the electrically conductive plastic designed as a conductor track 260 .

In Fig. 35, the support profile 258 is shown in plan view. The support profile 258 is provided between the individual contact pins 243 with notches 261, which allow deformation to any radii parallel to the mounting plate 254.

Another embodiment variant for a 3-conductor track system is shown in FIG. This again includes the already known bedding parts 211, which have a central part 212 and side parts 213. A stiffening element 206 is provided to support the bedding parts 211, which consist of an elastically deformable, preferably pliable plastic. This stiffening element 206 comprises longitudinal spars 225, 226, of which only the longitudinal spar 225 can be seen. The longitudinal spar 226 is arranged in mirror image to a longitudinal central axis 259. The contact pins 243 for the middle power supply line lying between the rails 209, 210 are fastened via support sleeves 262 to transverse struts 263 running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the bedding parts 211. These cross struts 263 are snapped onto a mushroom-shaped extension 265 of the longitudinal spars 225, 226 via snap elements 264 which enclose a groove between them. The individual cross struts 263 can be contacted via a line 266 running parallel to the longitudinal spars 225, 226, for example a copper wire, or else through the longitudinal spars 225, which can be provided with a corresponding coating or can be electrically conductive.

37 shows that the contact pins 243 penetrate the central part 212 in intermediate compartments 248 between the individual sleepers 202. It is further shown that the through holes 208 in the sleepers 202 are not obstructed by such an arrangement of the contact pins 243. The contact pins 243 therefore penetrate the central part 212 in openings 241, which are also produced during manufacture. The bedding parts 211 are in turn fastened to mounting plates 254. In order not to have to snap each individual contact pin 243 individually onto the longitudinal bars 225, 226, it is also possible to arrange them on a support profile 267, so that the distance between the individual contact pins 243 is predetermined. As shown in the right part of Fig. 37, the central part 212 can also only be provided with corresponding weakening areas 240 which are pierced when the contact pins 243 are inserted. Of course, the power supply can be carried out directly by the support profile 267 when using a support profile 267 instead of the line 266. However, it is also possible to maintain the power supply via line 266 and to produce support profile 267 from a flexible plastic.

38 shows a ladder-shaped stiffening element 206 for a bedding part of a switch. The ladder-shaped stiffening element 206 is provided with a chamber-shaped recess 268, into which a mechanical module 269 and an adjusting module 270 can be inserted on the side of the stiffening element 206 facing away from the bedding part 211.

39 shows the mechanical module 269 and the adjusting module 270. As can be seen, an adjusting lever 273 is pushed onto a pivot axis 272 arranged on a base plate 271 which is arranged in the stiffening element 206. The actuating lever is essentially T-shaped, the leg forming the crossbar being placed asymmetrically on the other leg. In the area of a shorter leg part 274, a coupling pin 275 is arranged, on which an adjusting lever 276 is pushed. The leg running perpendicular to the crossbeam is formed after the pivot axis 272 by a frame part 277, to which an actuating arm 279 which is elastically deformable in the direction of adjustment - double arrow 278 - is connected. In the interior of the frame part 277, a helical spring 281 is arranged in a motion-connected manner via a shoulder 280, which is pushed in its end region facing away from the shoulder 280 onto a bending rod 282, which is fastened to the base plate 271 on its end facing away from the helical spring 281. The bending rod 282 has a line 283 which leads to a plug 284 in the region of the longitudinal bar 225 leads, coupled. In addition, 282, contacts 285, 286 are provided on both sides of the bending rod, which are each contacted with a conductor track 287, 288. Each of the two conductor tracks 287, 288 is in contact with that rail 209 or 210 of the track grate 201 which is arranged on the side of the bending rod 282 opposite the contact 286 or 285. If a cable 289 connected to the centerpiece of the switch which is arranged isolated from the other rails is inserted into the connector 284, the centerpiece is polarized correctly depending on the position of the switch or switch tongue and thus of the frame part 277.

For manual adjustment of the actuating arm from the position shown in dashed lines to the full lines, in which the switch tongues alternately rest on one of the two rails 209 or 210, the frame part 277 can extend over the longer part of the beam-like leg 290 of the T-shaped actuating lever 273 be operated.

However, if the mechanical module 269 is coupled to an adjusting lever 276 of the adjusting module 270, the switch tongues can also be adjusted automatically. For this purpose, the setting lever 276 has a recess 291 in a setting plate 292 which is adjustably arranged in the interior of two opposing coils 293, 294.

The two coils 293, 294 each consist of crossheads 295, which are held at a distance from one another by means of two longitudinal bars 296 and which are wound with a coil wire 297. Depending on the loading of one of the two coils 293, 294, the setting plate 292 is shifted from the position shown in broken lines to the position shown in dash-dotted lines. Furthermore, extensions 298 of limit switches 299 are assigned to a recess located in a recess 291 of the setting plate 292, which limit switches 299 are reached when the respective one is reached End position of the extension 298 interrupt the power supply to the coils 293, 294 and thus ensure that there is no overheating of the coil body or the winding.

In FIG. 40 it can be seen that the longitudinal spars 296 which connect the crossheads 295 have a thickness 300 which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the setting plate 292 and are likewise arranged at a distance from one another which corresponds to a width 301 of the setting plate 292. The crossheads are also provided with openings 302, the cross section of which essentially corresponds to the cross section of the adjusting plate 292.

Furthermore, recesses 303 are arranged in the housing of the control module - FIG. 38 - in which magnetic surfaces 304, which surround the coils 293 and 294, are inserted. This ensures a very low overall height of the control module.

The bedding system described can of course be used for a wide variety of track widths on model railways, for example N, HO, HOe, I, IIm. Furthermore, the control modules or mechanical modules described are not only suitable for switches but also for crossing switches, curved switches but also for the actuation of decouplers.

Claims (58)

1. Track for model railways having a track bed which simulates for example a superstructure of the type provided with a ballast bed, which consists of a bar-shaped bed section (11), the top surface of which is provided with recesses (15), which are substantially complementary to the track grate (1) so that the latter can be inserted into them to a depth corresponding to at least part of the height of the ties (2), characterized in that the bed section consists of elastic and/or plastic, preferably elastoplastic material and that the bed section (11) is formed as a hollow body and that the stiffener means or webs (17, 18) are arranged inside the hollow body on the underside facing away from the upper surface which comprises the recesses (15).
2. Track according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffener means or webs (17, 18) consist of ribs moulded in one piece to the bed sections (11) or bar-shaped parts or webs (17, 18) and/or longitudinal side bars (26).
3. Track according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the stiffener means consists of two bars or webs (17, 18) running parallel to one another.
4. Track according to claim 3, characterized in that the elements to be stiffened consist of a ladder-like part or a stiffening element (6).
5. Track according to claim 4, characterized in that the bar-shaped longitudinal side bars (25, 26) of the ladder-like stiffening element (6) are shown alternately with interrupting gaps or openings (28) along mutually opposite sides between at least one connection rung or a web (27).
6. Track according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the distance between the longitudinal side bars (25, 26) of the ladder-like part or stiffening element (6) equals the distance between the longitudinally running bars or webs (18) of the bottom surfaces of the bed sections (11) and/or the rails (9, 10) in the longitudinal direction of the ties.
7. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stiffening element (6) or the support device (5) is formed by a central web (61) extending in the longitudinal direction of the rails (9, 10) on which horizontal webs (62) and/or central supports (79) are arranged in a longitudinal spacing (78) along the longitudinal direction of the rails, in which the bed section (11) in particular the central part (12) is embedded.
8. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the individual horizontal webs (62) and/or central supports (79) which are spaced longitudinally a small distance (78) apart from one another, are connected alternately by side webs (73) arranged on one of the two sides of the longitudinal central axis (74).
9. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the central part (12) in the region of its longitudinal side edges is supported vertically and/or laterally by parts of the side parts (84 or 85) which consist of elastically deformable material, in particular of plastic, and which, preferably, are guided in the horizontal webs (62) or connected to them by means of a coupling device (71).
10. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the stiffening elements (6, 49) are formed by disk-shaped or oval plates, which, in the longitudinal direction of the ties (2), have a width or a diameter that is greater than the distance between the sides of the rails (9, 10) facing away from one another.
11. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the stiffening elements (6, 49), in particular the disk-shaped or oval plates are coupled in the longitudinal direction of the rails (9, 10) by means of connecting webs (51) that are flexible in the plane of the mounting surface (67), whereby a longitudinal distance (78) between the stiffening elements (6, 49) preferably equals a longitudinal distance (78) between bores or perforations (8) in the ties (2) or the tie band, that are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction of the rails (9, 10).
12. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the horizontal webs (62) are connected with support members (63, 64) which in the direction of the track grate (1) are provided with protruding plugs or pins (7) and that, on the sides of the support members (63, 64) that face away from one another, coupling parts (68) of a coupling device (71) are arranged in order to connect a coupling part (69) of the central part (12).
13. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the individual rungs or webs (27) spaced apart from one another are provided with bush-shaped parts (30), the bores of which together with the bores of the upper surface of the bed section (11) are in alignment with the ties (2) of the track grate (1).
14. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the bush-shaped parts (30) are secured in shell-like or two shell-like retaining elements (33) or shells (34) that are integrally joined to the underside of the top wall of the bed section (11) and which are concentric to the bores.
15. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the ladderlike stiffening profiles, e.g. stiffening elements (6) on one side of their longitudinal side bars, in a predetermined snap-in locking device are provided with plugs, for example pins (7), which extend through the wall of the bed section (11) in bores, in particular into blind holes (4) and are non-positively retained in the bores (36) of the track grate (1).
16. Track according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the bed sections (11) are provided with trim lines (21, 22, 23) on their underside.
17. Track according to claim 10, characterized in that the trim lines (21, 22) extend obliquely from the bottom edge of the legs or side parts (13, 14) to the ends of the sections of the mutually parallel stiffener means or webs (17).
18. Track according to claim 10, characterized in that the trim lines (23) adjoining the outside surfaces of the stiffener means or webs (17) are parallel to the latter.
19. Track according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the trim lines consist of grooves.
20. Track according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the ends of the longitudinal side bars (25, 26) of the ladderlike profiled members, for example stiffening elements (6), are provided with mutually complementary coupling parts (37, 38), which can be coupled by being interfitted.
21. Track according to claim 14, characterized in that the coupling parts (37, 38) consist of forked elements with enlarged portions (39) on the inside of their legs and of corresponding complementary arrowhead-shaped plugs or coupling parts (37).
22. Track according to one of the above claims, characterized in that provision is made for coupling parts (37, 38) provided with adapters (40), which can be joined to the ends of the ladderlike profiles by profiled coupling parts.
23. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the adapters can be formed, in particular, as snap-action arms (113) and are provided on their mutually facing fork arms or snap-action arms (113) with a denticulation (89), and that the central web (61) and also, if required, the side webs (73) or the longitudinal side bars (26), are provided with a corresponding complementary denticulation (89).
24. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the denticulation (89) is arranged along the whole length of the longitudinal side bars (26) or the central webs (61) or the side webs (73).
25. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that provision is made for a coupling device (107) that is formed by a coupling sleeve (108) to connect two track grates (1) or bed sections (11) which are meeting in the longitudinal direction of the track, and which comprises the ends of the immediately adjacent longitudinal side bars (26) or central webs (61) or side webs (73).
26. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the coupling parts (99, 100) are provided with a center hole (103) or a guiding pin (106) to align laterally or perpendicularly track grates (1) which are immediately adjacent to one another.
27. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the coupling parts (99, 100) or the coupling sleeve (108) and the longitudinal side bars (26) or the central webs (61) and the side webs (73) are provided with a groove (111) or a centering bar (112).
28. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the bed sections (11) or the side parts (13, 14, 84, 85, 90) are provided with openings (126) or perforations for the linkage of bars (91) or carriers (92) of controlling units, in particular for switch tongues or for signal posts or overhead line masts (96).
29. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the bed sections (115, 116) are provided with recesses (15) for at least two track grates of tracks (117, 118) which are immediately adjacent to one another and in particular with integrally formed side parts.
30. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the support surfaces of the recesses (15) for the track grates of the tracks (117) or (118) are inclined around a banking angle (120) with respect to the mounting surface (67).
31. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the bed section (11) consists of a central part (12) receiving the track grate and of side parts (20) that can be connected thereto and which simulate the adjacent bed sections, in particular slopes.
32. Track according to one of the above-cited claims, characterized in that the central part (12) is provided with parallel pairs of stiffener means or webs (17, 18) and that side portions are provided with an approximately complementary bar-shaped profile (24), which can be inserted between the ribs of the central part (12) and/or snap into the latter.
33. Track according to one of the above-cited claims, characterized in that the length of the bed sections (11) equals the length of the tracks.
34. Track according to one of the above-cited claims, characterized in that matching bed sections are provided for the fork-shaped track grates of the switches.
35. Track according to one of the above-cited claims, characterized in that the stiffening ladderlike profiles or stiffening elements (6) are provided with compartments, e.g. compartment-forming recesses (43) for accommodating point actuators which can be controlled manually and/or electrically.
36. Track according to one or more of the above-cited claims, characterized in that in particular the side portions (13) or the central part (12) or the webs (17,18) or the central web (61) or the side webs (73) are provided with supporting fishplates (47) for cables (48).
37. Track according to one or more of the above-cited claims, characterized in that the longitudinal side bars (26) or the central webs (61) and the side webs (73) are provided with at least one integrated and moulded cable (127), or consist of a plastic which has been made electrically conductive or semi-conductive by additives, and that the coupling parts (99, 100) or the coupling sleeve (108) are joined by means of connecting elements.
38. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 37, characterized in that the raw material of the plastic for the bed sections (11), in particular for the central parts (12) and the side portions (13, 14, 20, 56, 70, 84, 85, 90) is mixed with granulates made from minerals or synthetic material and/or rubber.
39. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that the granulates have a higher melting or plasticizing point than the raw material of the plastic (86 or 87) in which they are embedded.
40. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 39, characterized in that the surface (125) of the central parts (12) or of the side portions (13, 14, 20, 56, 70, 84, 85, 90, 213) of the bed section (11, 211) has a rough surface structure, whereby this roughness is slightly less than half of the volume of the grain size of the granulates (124) and whereby the granulates (124) that did not melt during production, are embedded in a plastic that liquefied during production.
41. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 40, characterized in that the bed sections (211) or the central parts (212) are provided with weakened areas (240) or perforations (241).
42. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 41, characterized in that the weakened areas (240) and/or the perforations (241) are arranged between the recesses (215) for the ties (202) of the track grate (201), in particular along a longitudinal central axis of the recesses (215) and in the central portion between two recesses immediately adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction.
43. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that the stiffener means or stiffening elements (206) or the transverse webs (227) and/or central supports or central webs (247) are provided in the direction of the bed sections (211) or the track grate (201) with protruding contact pins (249), which, preferably are interconnected by cables or electrically conductive stiffener means or stiffening elements (206) or transverse webs (227).
44. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 42, characterized in that the contact pins (249) are arranged on a carrying strip (244) which, by means of a coupling device, is secured to the underside of the bed sections (211) or the stiffening elements (206) or the transverse webs (227) and/or the central supports.
45. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 44, characterized in that the ends of the contact pins (249) facing towards the bed section (211) or the central part (212), and if necessary, the electric supply line connecting these parts, are embedded or moulded or injection moulded in the bed section (211) or the central part (212).
46. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 45, characterized in that at least part of the bed section (211) or the central part (212) is made electrically conductive and that the contact pins (249) are arranged in this part or passed through the bed section (211) or the central part (212).
47. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 46, characterized in that the bed sections (211) or central parts (212) are interconnected in an electrically conductive manner by means of connecting elements and/or stiffening elements or coupling parts of the stiffening elements the same way as coupling straps (251).
48. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 47, characterized in that in the weakened areas (240) or the perforations (241), contact or control elements are arranged, which put the rails (209, 210) into contact or allow for a detachable connection and which are arranged independently from the latter on the stiffening elements (206) or carrying elements or can be coupled with them.
49. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 48, characterized in that the stiffening elements (206) are provided with compartments and/or coupling devices to receive or hold controlling and/or monitoring devices and/or drive mechanisms.
50. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 49, characterized in that on the side of the bed section (211) facing away from the track grate (201), in particular in the stiffening element, a drive mechanism for a switch tongue is arranged, which consists of a mechanical module and an adjusting module (270).
51. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 50, characterized in that the stiffening elements (206) form a portion of the housing of the mechanical module or the adjusting module (269, 270), which is associated with a snap-in cover.
52. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 51, characterized in that the switch tongue is connected with an adjusting lever, which is supported in the housing by means of a spring mechanism which is radially deformable in the longitudinal direction and also perpendicularly thereto, and that at opposite end positions of the adjusting lever, the latter sits close to either one of the switch contact arranged on each side of a neutral central position of the spring device
53. Track according to one or more claims 1 to 52, characterized in that the connection between the individual rails (209, 210) of the points, and the contacts arranged on both sides of the spring mechanism is made by means of strip conductors (287, 288) arranged in the housing or in the stiffening element (206).
54. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 53, characterized in that the adjusting module (270) is connected to the mechanical modul (269) by a coupling rod projecting from the housing of the adjusting module in the direction of the mechanical module.
55. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 54, characterized in that the mechanical module (269) and the adjusting module (270) in the coupling area is provided with a connecting cover.
56. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 55, characterized in that the adjusting module (270) comprises an electromagnet formed by two coils (293, 294) which are arranged in alignment one behind the other and regularly spaced apart, and of which each comprises two crossheads which are spaced apart by means of the longitudinal side bars (296), which in turn are provided with elongated holes, whereby, between the crossheads, the longitudinal side bars are wrapped round with coil wire (297) and in that between the sides of the longitudinal side bars facing towards each other inside the wire winding, an core plate is arranged which is longer than the distance between the mutually facing crossheads of the coil bodies immediately adjacent to one another.
57. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 56, characterized in that the core plate is in contact with a jib of a transfer lever, which, in the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coils and laterally next to them, preferably, is slidably positioned in the same plane as the core plate, and preferably, is motionally connected with adjusting arms for limit switches, and, with its end facing away from the coil bodies is connected to a coupling part of the coupling device between the adjusting module and the mechanical module.
58. Track according to one or more of claims 1 to 57, characterized in that in the housing or the housing covers, recesses (303) are arranged to accommodate the magnetic surface (304) of the coils (293, 294) and that the magnetic surface is inserted into these recesses (303).

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