EP2241673B1 - Points for transport device, in particular suspended transport device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a switch for a conveyor, according to the preamble of claim 1 and claim 11.

The conveyed goods of the conveyors considered here are preferably so-called. Hanging trolleys with a front roller drive, a rear roller drive and the roller assemblies at their lower ends interconnecting support rods for receiving the transported material to be transported. The roller drives each have two rollers, with which they are suspended on different sides of the guide rails. The rollers are rotatable on the free leg ends of a substantially V-shaped or U-shaped drive body arranged, which extends in the intended conveying position under the respective guide rail. Several conveyors can usually be coupled with each other in trains. The state of the art of such funding may, for. B. on the WO 2005/012143 A1 , the DE 10 2004 014 443 A1 and the US 35 41 965 A to get expelled.

A switch of the type mentioned and a conveyor, which is equipped with such a switch, the switch blade is moved out only by pressing a lever or slide mechanism from the respective switching position, is from the DE 203 00 816 U1 known.

The switch off DE 203 00 816 U1 comprises a switch tongue and a frame referred to as a base plate, in which a slotted guide is provided in the form of a curved elongated hole with lateral locking recesses. A point switching mechanism causes the switch blade to switch to the desired point position. The switch switching mechanism comprises a shift lever comprising a rocker and a sliding piece. The sliding piece is slidably mounted on the switch blade in the longitudinal direction and biased by a spring. In the prestressed state, the sliding piece presses a guide pin fitted into one of the locking recesses of the sliding guide, when the switch blade transitions into one of the defined switching positions, thereby locking the switch blade in the desired position. Due to the special construction of the known sliding gear with the bias of a spring by means of the sliding piece always biased against an edge of the guide slot guide pin it comes to frictional effects between the guide pin and slide guide, whereby the switch shows a stiff behavior when switching. To mitigate this effect may be provided on the link pin rollers or roller sleeves.

For example, the US 35 41 965 A a switch mechanism for a three-way switch, but not an absolute automatic Locking the switch tongue guaranteed. The switch blade can be pivoted by applying a force exerted directly on the switch blade lateral force even without regular operation of the switch switching mechanism from the respective switch position, since the switch is positively locked in any of the three points settings.
An article according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 3 712 237 A known.

The object of the present invention is to provide a switch of the type mentioned in the introduction, which has a simple and robust structure which can be easily switched over between its defined switch positions and can be secured in the defined switch positions by simple means.

To achieve this object, a switch according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and of claim 11 is formed.
The switch according to the invention can be realized with relatively few, uncomplicated components to be manufactured as a very reliable, smooth and robust functional component of a conveyor.
The gate element of such a switch with two defined switch positions of the switch tongue is preferably a flat rod, that is to say an elongate, plate-like structure which has the required slide guide tracks as slots or the like. Accordingly, it is preferred that the link element has the slide guide track of the first slide guide track-guide pin pair, whereas the switch blade wearing the guide pin of the first slide guide track-backdrop pin pair. The gate guide track-link pin pair serves to implement the movement of the link element directly into a movement of the switch tongue. However, measures to guide the link element are still provided relative to the frame. This could be on the outer sides of the link element engaging cam or the like .. Preferably, however, the link element is movably guided on the frame by a second link guide track link pin pair, the link pin and the link guide track of this second link guide track link pin pair cooperating with each other. A very simple structure is obtained when the link element has the gate guide track of the second link guide track-link pin pair and the frame carries the guide pin of the second link guide track link pin pair. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formed as a flat rod link element thus has two slots formed therein, which form slotted guide tracks, one of these slots receives the fixed to the switch blade cam pin of the first link guide track-link pin pair, whereas the other sliding guide slot the frame fixed to the guide pin of the second sliding guideway link pin pair receives. The link element is preferably pivotally connected to the switching actuator, in which it is z. B. may be a multi-arm lever element.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switch blade is pivotally mounted on the frame - and pivotable by means of the switching device between the defined switching positions.

As particularly robust, a structure according to claim 11 has been found, wherein the frame has a box-like structure with an upper cover plate and with it downwardly angled side wall parts, which are connected together to form void areas by lower connecting plates. The said frame is preferably made entirely of metal, for. B.

Steel formed. The said connecting plates have a stiffening effect on the frame structure. They can also serve as a mounting base for rail connectors of the switch and for other components. Furthermore, the connecting plates can serve with their the cover plate of the frame facing surfaces as slideways and supports for the switch blade in their switching movements. The remaining between the connecting plates and the cover plate of the frame gap can be used for protected recording of components of the switching device, ie in the present case for receiving the sliding gear. The aspect of the box-like structure of the switch frame with an upper cover plate, protruding side walls and connecting plates, which connect the side walls to form a gap, comes independently inventive importance, including in connection with such switch structures in which the switching device described differently than here is constructed.

The frame should be designed so that the switch itself can certainly take over significant carrier function within the rail system of the relevant conveyor, in particular by the connection to subsequent carrier rail connections on the frame, preferably on the upper cover plate can be produced. It has been shown that such a switch can be integrated reliably and functionally in conveyors, which are suitable for loads of z. B. up to 250 kg per running meter conveyor line are designed, so about in overhead conveyors with trolley trains that transport relatively heavy goods.

In further preferred embodiments of the switch according to the invention, a rail connection piece associated with the first conveyor section is provided at a first end of the frame, whereas a rail connector associated with the second conveyor section and further a rail connector associated with the third conveyor section is disposed at a first opposite second end of the frame are. The switching actuator has a pivotally mounted at the second end of the frame between defined switching positions toggle lever which is pivotally connected to the link element and Vorschaltanschlaghebelarme, which are alternately acted upon along the second conveyor section and the third conveyor section to the switch Fördergutträgern to apply to the Switch switch blade in the respective switching position, which granted passage to the first conveyor line section of the respective conveyed material carrier concerned. With such a switch, the conveyable goods conveyors alternately along the second conveying path section and along the third conveying path section can thus clear their way to the first conveying path section themselves. Also in relation to such operation, the switch according to the invention has proven to be very reliable and robust.

In particular, in points according to the invention, which are manually switchable by means of a switching lever of the aforementioned type, it is expedient to provide on the frame a spring arrangement which biases the switching lever to remain in its respective switching position resiliently and when switching the switching lever an over- Executes dead center pivoting movement. As a spring arrangement z. As a compression spring in question, which experiences its maximum compression at the dead center and pushes the reversing lever in overcoming the dead center in the stable position, which corresponds to the desired new switching position of the switch tongue. This measure brings additional security in the locking of the switch tongue in their respective defined switching position. Incidentally, provide the slide guide track-link pin pairs of the sliding gear for a secure locking of the switch blade in each set defined switching position of the switch tongue.

Further embodiments of the invention may include a pneumatic, electromotive, magnetic or hydraulic drive means for controlled actuation of the switching actuator. The drive device is suitably controlled by an electronic control device which emits switching commands to the drive device as a function of the conveyable in each case conveyable (trolley). As is known per se, sensors may be provided which individual characteristics of the conveyed goods, z. As barcodes, transponder signals or the like. Can capture. Such sensors are used to detect each of the points supplied Fördergutträger and thus to send the electronic control corresponding information.

According to one embodiment of the invention, embodiments of switches are proposed in which the switch tongue can take more than two defined switching positions, such as so-called. Three-way switches. In such a switch, the switch blade between at least three defined switching positions can be switched to selectively connect the first conveyor line section with the second conveyor section or with the third conveyor section or with a fourth conveyor section, wherein the slide mechanism is another relative to the frame movably guided link element and the further switching element associated further switching actuator for switching the switch blade between the second switching position and a first conveyor line section with the fourth conveyor section connecting third switching position has. The further link element has a arranged with the switch located on the switch blade cam of the first link guide track-link pin pair cooperating link guide track and arranged on the frame arranged on the guide link pin of the second link guide track-link pin pair engaging link track.

The link elements are preferably two identically designed flat bars with relevant slots as gate guide tracks, wherein the link elements are arranged in different mounting positions one above the other lying on the frame. Preferably the switching device each has its own switching actuation element for each link element, wherein the link gear is designed so that the switch blade each reliable in the respectively desired defined switching position switchable - and is secured in the respective switching position.

Apart from the frame and some auxiliary fastening parts, the other elements of the switch, in particular the switch blade, the rail connectors and the respective link element are made of a suitable plastic. Here, plastics with good sliding properties are preferred in particular for the gate element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the switch blade comprises at least one bridge element which divides a division of the branch angle at not switched in the straight-ahead position switch blade into at least two smaller angle. This ensures that transported goods carriers can drive through the switch with a smoother run. A switch with such a bridge element is z. B. also from the EP 1 049 833 B1 so far as to the description of the EP 1 049 833 B1 can be referenced.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

des erste Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

das erste Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Draufsicht und Schaltstellung entsprechend Fig. 2, jedoch mit teilweise aufgeschnittenem Rahmen und weggelassen Elementen zur besseren Sichtbarmachung des Kulissengetriebes, und

Fig. 4

eine der Fig. 3 entsprechende Darstellung des ersten Aufsführungsbeispiels, wobei jedoch die Weichenzunge in Fig. 4 in eine andere Schaltstellung umgeschaltet worden ist.

In the Fig. 1 - 4th a switch with two defined switch blade switch positions is shown as the first embodiment of the invention. Showing:

Fig. 1

of the first embodiment in a side view,

Fig. 2

the first embodiment in a plan view,

Fig. 3

the first embodiment in a plan view and Switch position accordingly Fig. 2 , but with partially cut frame and omitted elements to better visualize the sliding gear, and

Fig. 4

one of the Fig. 3 corresponding representation of the first Aufsführungsbeispiels, but wherein the switch blade in Fig. 4 has been switched to another switch position.

Fig. 5

das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6

das zweite Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Vorderansicht mit der in Fig. 5 durch den Pfeil VI gekennzeichneten Blickrichtung,

Fig. 7

eine Unteransicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels mit in Geradeausfahrtrichtung geschalteter Weichenzunge,

Fig. 8

eine Unteransicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels mit in einer ersten Abzweigstellung geschalteter Weichenzunge,

Fig. 9

eine Unteransicht des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels mit in einer zweiten Abzweigstellung geschalteter Weichenzunge, wobei in den

Fig. 10 - 12

ferner Draufsichten auf das Kulissengetriebe und die Weichenzunge in den drei verschiedenen Schaltstellungen der Weiche gezeigt sind.

In the Fig. 5-12 is a second embodiment of the invention, namely a three-way switch shown. Showing:

Fig. 5

the second embodiment in a side view,

Fig. 6

the second embodiment in a front view with the in Fig. 5 by the direction of arrow VI,

Fig. 7

a bottom view of the second embodiment with switched in the straight-ahead direction switch blade,

Fig. 8

a bottom view of the second embodiment with switched in a first branch position switch blade,

Fig. 9

a bottom view of the second embodiment with switched in a second branch position switch blade, wherein in the

Fig. 10 - 12

also shown top views of the sliding gear and the switch blade in the three different switching positions of the switch.

In the Fig. 13 - 15 shows a third embodiment of the invention is shown, which is a switch with two defined switching positions the switch blade is, but the switching angle of the switch blade is almost twice as large as in the first embodiment.

Fig. 13

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel in der Draufsicht,

Fig. 14

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel in einer Unteransicht in der ersten Schaltstellung und

Fig. 15

das dritte Ausführungsbeispiel einer Unteransicht in der zweiten Schaltstellung der Weichenzunge.

Showing:

Fig. 13

the third embodiment in plan view,

Fig. 14

the third embodiment in a bottom view in the first switching position and

Fig. 15

the third embodiment of a bottom view in the second switching position of the switch tongue.

The in the Fig. 1 - 4th shown two-way switch has a frame 2 of an upper steel plate 4 as a cover plate, the side edges 6 are angled vertically downwards. The thus formed side walls 6 of the frame 2 are connected at the longitudinal ends by there welded inner connecting plates 8.10, which are also made of steel. Between the connecting plates 8,10 and the upper frame plate 4, a gap 12 is formed, are received in the components of the switching device of the switch explained in more detail below.

At the connecting plates 8,10 rail connectors 14, 16, 18 are fixed, preferably screwed. The switch is to be integrated in a respective overhead conveyor, that the rail connector 14 is connected to a further running rail of a first conveyor section, whereas the rail connectors 16 and 18 are connected to rails of a second conveyor section and a third conveyor section. A switch tongue 20 is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 22 between two defined switch positions, wherein in the first switch position according to FIG FIG. 3 the rail connection piece 14 of the first conveyor section with the rail connection piece 16 of the second conveyor section combines. In the second switching position according to FIG. 4 connects the switch blade 20, the rail connector 14 with the rail connector 18 of the third conveyor section. In this context, it should be noted that a bridge element 24 between the rail connector 14 and the adjacent thereto end of the switch blade 20 is interposed, which serves the kink between the switch blade longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the rail connector 14 in the switch position according to FIG. 4 mitigate by angular division, so that the Fördergutträgertrolleys, the switch can pass with uniform speed. Such a bridge element 24 is z. B. also in the EP 1049833 B1 described. It is articulated at its opposite ends to the rail connector 14 and to the switch blade 20 so that it can follow the switching movements of the switch blade 20.

On the switch elements 14, 16, 18, 20, 24 oblique running surfaces 26 are provided on both sides, on which V-shaped drives the conveyable can roll with their corresponding obliquely employed rollers hanging. As already mentioned at the beginning, suspension conveyors with such inclined running surfaces and the conveyed goods carriers suspended therefrom are known in various variants, such as eg. B. from the DE 102004014443 A1 and from the DE 3819009 A1 , so that a detailed description of such overhead conveyors and transported conveyed therein can be omitted here.

Not recognizable in the Figures 1 - 4 it is that the switch blade 20 has at its upper end at the front and rear horizontal cuts, which receive opposite ends of the connecting plates 8, 10, so that the switch blade 20 is supported on the connecting plates 8, 10 and can slide on their switching movements. In these switching movements about the pivot axis 22, the switch blade 20 therefore remains to perform on a (normally horizontal) pivot plane without lifting movements and is during the entire pivoting movement stably supported. This also ensures that the entire weight of the switch blade 20 is introduced into the box-shaped frame 2.

When installing the switch in a relevant suspension conveyor, the connection to the subsequent support rails can be made via the frame 2, wherein the frame 2 is then integrated as a stable carrier in the overhead conveyor.

The FIGS. 3 and 4 let details of switch switch device recognize. This includes a slide mechanism 30 between the switch blade 20 and a switch actuator 32. The slide mechanism 30 has a link element 34 a flat bar with two slots 36, 38 incorporated therein, which form slide guide tracks. In the slide guide track 36 engages a vertically upwardly projecting from the switch blade 20 guide pin 40 which, together with the slot 36, a first gate guide track-link pin pair 36, 40 which converts a movement of the link element 34 in a movement of the switch blade 20. To guide the gate element 34 in its movements relative to the frame 2 is formed from the slot 38 and a vertically projecting from the frame top plate 4 downwardly extending cam pin 42 second link guide track-link pin pair 38, 42. With its remote from the switch blade 20 end the link element 34 hinged to a switching lever 44 of the Umschaltbetätigungselements 32 with vertical hinge axis 46. The switching lever 44 may, for. B. manually between the switching position according to FIG. 3 and the switching position according to FIG. 4 be pivoted. For this purpose, the switching lever 44 is pivotably mounted about the vertical pivot axis 49 at a retaining lug 48 projecting approximately centrally and horizontally at the connection end for the second conveying path section and the third conveying path section (see FIG. The link element 34 is thus forcibly guided by the joint action of the second link guide track-link pin pair 38, 42 and the switching lever 44 during the switching movement relative to the frame 2, wherein it is in the transition from the switching position according to FIG. 3 in the switching position according to FIG. 4 the switch blade 20 transferred from the first defined switching position in the second defined switching position. In each of the two defined switching positions of the switch blade 20 are the guide pins 40 and 42 in end portions of the guide tracks 36, 38, these end portions are shaped so that a self-locking or self-locking of the sliding gear is given in the relevant defined switching positions, so that the switch tongue can not be moved out of their respective assumed defined switching position by accidentally acting side forces. This is achieved, in particular, in that the slide guide tracks 36, 38 extend in the areas occupied by the slide pins 40, 42 in the respective defined switch positions at the slot ends substantially transversely to the pivoting movement direction of the switch tongue 20. A pivoting of the switch blade 20 is therefore only possible if the slide pins 40, 42 come out of these end portions of the slide guide tracks 36, 38. However, this can only be done by operating the sliding gear 30, ie by a switching operation on the Umschaltbetätigungselement 32.

The switching lever 44 has a central lever arm 50 to which a compression spring assembly 52 is pivotally connected at one end. The other end of the compression spring assembly 52 is preferably articulated to the frame 2 on the connecting plate 10, the hinge axes being vertical. The compression spring assembly 52 biases the switching lever 44 to remain in its respective switching position resiliently. Upon pivoting of the shift lever 44, the compression spring assembly 52 performs an over-dead-pivoting movement, wherein it experiences the state of maximum compression during the movement at this dead center. If the dead center is exceeded, then the spring assembly 52 presses the changeover lever 44 in the next switching position, wherein the switch blade 30 then also the switch blade 20 comes into the desired defined switching position.

With 54, 56 are in the Figures 1 - 4 Ballast of the switching actuator 32 denotes. These also called Vorschaltanschlaghebelarme elements 54, 56 are aligned so that they each form an interference contour on the second conveying path section or on the third conveying path section depending on the respective switching position of the switch. In the switch point position according to FIG. 3 could along the second conveyor section in the direction of the rail connection piece 16 of the switch supplied Fördergutträger pass the switch easily. Conveyor carriers, which are moved along the third conveying path section to the rail connecting piece 18, initially have no free passage. They meet the Vorschaltanschlaghebelarm 56 and push it from the position according to FIG. 3 out, whereby the entire Umschaltbetätigungselement 32 in the position according to FIG. 4 is transferred. This has the consequence that the switch blade 20 in the switching position according to FIG. 4 is pivoted, so that the along the third conveyor section supplied Fördergutträger now has free passage to the switch.

It should also be pointed out that, alternatively or in addition to the spring arrangement 52, a motor drive for pivoting the switch-over actuating element 32 can also be provided. The z. As a controlled pneumatic cylinder, an electric motor with spindle drive or the like., A solenoid switch u. s. w. be.

In the second embodiment according to the FIGS. 5 to 12 is a three-way switch, in which the switch blade 20 can take three switching positions, which in the FIGS. 7 to 9 or 10 - 12 are shown in different representations.

Elements of the second embodiment correspond to the elements of the first embodiment representationally or functionally, are marked with correspondingly identical reference numerals, so that reference may be made to the description of the first embodiment.

For controlled switching of the switch blade 20 between the three defined switching positions, the slide mechanism 30 has two superimposed link elements 34a, 34b, which link guide tracks 36a, 36b and 38a, 38b having a respective special course as slots. The slotted guide tracks 36a and 36b jointly receive the guide pin 40 projecting from the switch blade 20, whereas the slotted guide tracks 38a and 38b jointly receive the slide pin 42 projecting from the frame 2 in a rigid manner. The slide tracks are formed in accordance with the principle of the first embodiment also in the second embodiment so that the slide gear locking the switch blade locking in each of the three regular switch positions against moving out by unintentional lateral forces. Switching the switch tongue is in turn only possible by pressing the sliding gear 30. Depending on the desired point switch position, this can be done by actuating the one switching actuation element 32a or the other changeover actuation element 32b.

The switching operation members 32a, 32b are constructed in the same manner as the switching operation member 32 of the first embodiment.

The gate elements 34a and 34b may have identical shapes, but the gate element 34b is positioned in an installed position rotated by 180 ° about its flat longitudinal axis. The rail connectors 14, 16, 18, 19 are the same parts, which also correspond to the rail connectors from the other embodiments.

In the third embodiment of the invention according to the FIGS. 13-15 Again, it is a two-way switch, but this has a larger switching angle for the switch blade 20. Elements of the third embodiment, which correspond to elements of the preceding embodiments are in the FIGS. 13-15 again with the corresponding same reference numerals. FIG. 13 shows the third embodiment in a plan view, whereas the figures 14 and 15 shows the switch in a bottom view in the two possible switching positions. The Vorschaltanschlaghebel arms 54, 56 are extended by a bracket 60. The box-like frame 2 of the third embodiment corresponds to the frame 2 of the second embodiment. The switch blades 20, the bridge elements 24 and rail connectors 14, 16, 18, 19 would be interchangeable between the embodiments, so that a high degree of modularity for the realization of an assortment of different points is achieved. The basic shape of the link elements of the embodiments is uniform, but the slide guide tracks vary depending on the type of switch. Also, the switching actuators 32 and the spring assemblies 52 are constructed in the various embodiments of largely identical elements.

It should also be pointed out that the contours of the points elements are chosen so that a conveyable goods can not be pushed out of its desired position relative to the running surfaces 26 appreciably. This serves the trouble-free operation of the conveyor.

In the FIGS. 5 to 9 and 13 - 15 is the particularly advantageous box structure of the frame 2 with the connecting plates 8 and 10 clearly visible. The connecting plates 8, 10 serve as mounting surfaces for the rail connectors 14, 16, 18, 19, as stiffening elements for the frame 2, as lower boundary elements for the cavity 12, the components of the switching device, in particular the sliding gear 30 receives, and as support and Sliding surface elements for the switch blade 20. The box-shaped frame provides the switch with excellent stability, so that it can be integrated as a support element in a suspension conveyor. The described box structure of the frame thus offers particular advantages, independently of the special design of the switching device, so that in this respect an optionally independent invention aspect is present, which follows A switch of the type mentioned in the introduction is characterized in that the frame 2 has an upper cover plate 4 with side walls 6 projecting downwardly from the opposite lateral sides, forming a top of the cover plate 4 and laterally of the side walls 6 limited gap 12 by connecting plate elements 8, 10 are interconnected, which define a lower opening 13, that in the gap 12 movably mounted elements 30 of the switching device are received, and that arranged below the frame 2 Schienenanschlusstücke 14, 16, 18; 19, which are associated with the conveying path sections, are fastened to the connecting plate elements 8, 10, wherein the switch blade 20 a below the connecting plate elements 8, 10 lying rail area for the forwarded by the switch Fördergutträger and also in the gap 12 and received by a lower frame opening 13 passing through the connecting portion 15 has connected upper support portions 17, with which it is supported on the connecting plate elements 8, 10 above this movable over, so that they in their switching positions with the rail area a the first conveyor line section associated Schienenanschlusstück 14 alternately with the other Schienenanschlusstücken 16, 18th ; 19 below the connecting plate elements 8, 10 can connect.

Claims (12)

1. Track switch for a conveying device, in particular a suspended conveying device, where carriers for conveying goods which are provided with rollers are movably guided at running rails along conveying path sections, wherein the track switch comprises a frame (2) and a switching tongue (20) arranged at the frame (2) and adapted as movable running rail element, which can be switched between at least two defined switching positions, i.e. a first switching position and a second switching position, to connect a first conveying path section optionally with a second conveying path section or a third conveying path section, wherein the track switch furthermore comprises a switching mechanism (30, 32) with at least one switch actuator element (32) for switching the switching tongue (20) between two switching positions,
   wherein the switching mechanism (30, 32) comprises a gate-type gear (30) provided with at least one gate-type element (34) which can be actuated via said switch actuator element (32) to move the switching tongue (20) and which is adapted for locking the switching tongue (20) in each switching position so that it can only be moved out of the respective switching position by actuating the gate-type gear (30), and
   wherein the gate-type element (34) is guided to move in relation to the frame (2),
   wherein the switching tongue (20) and the gate-type element (34) are connected by a first pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (36, 40), wherein the gate-type pin (40) and the gate-type guiding path (36) are in cooperating engagement and
   characterized
   in that the gate-type guiding path (36) is formed so that the gate-type gear (30) converts a switch movement of the gate-type element (34) caused by an actuation of the switch actuator element (32) into a movement of the switching tongue (20) and
   wherein it locks the switching tongue (20) in its respective defined switching position.
2. Track switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the gate-type element (34) comprises the gate-type guiding path (36) of the first pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (36, 40), while the switching tongue (20) carries the gate-type pin of the first pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (36, 40).
3. Track switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gate-type element (34) is guided to move at the frame (2) by a second pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (38, 42), wherein the gate-type pin (42) and the gate-type guiding path (38) of the second pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (38, 42) are in cooperating engagement.
4. Track switch according to claim 3, characterized in that the gate-type element (34) comprises the gate-type guiding path (38) of the second pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (38, 42) and that the frame (2) carries the gate-type pin (42) of the second pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (38, 42).
5. Track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gate-type element (34) is adapted as an elongated plate element with gate-type guiding paths (36, 38) formed therein in the shape of slots.
6. Track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching tongue (20) is supported pivotally at the frame (2) - and can be pivoted between the defined switching positions by means of the switching mechanism (30, 32).
7. Track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rail connector element (14) associated to the first conveying path section is provided at a first end of the frame (2), while a rail connector element (16) associated to the second conveying path section - and furthermore a rail connector element (18) associated to the third conveying path section are provided at a second end of the frame (2) opposite the first end, in that the switch actuator element (32) comprises a switch lever (44) supported at the second end of the frame (2) to pivot between defined switching positions which is hingedly connected to the gate-type element (34) and comprises preceding stop lever arms (54, 56) which are alternately influenced by conveying good carriers guided to the track switch along the second conveying path section and the third conveying path section, to switch the switching tongue (20) to the respective switching position which allows the respective guided conveying goods carrier to reach the first conveying path section.
8. Track switch according to claim 7, characterized in that a spring arrangement (52) is arranged at the frame (2), biasing the switch lever (44) so that it remains in its respective switching position, and carrying out a pivoting movement beyond the dead center point when the switch lever (44) is switched.
9. Track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a pneumatic, electromotive, magnetic or hydraulic drive device for a controlled actuation of the switch actuator element.
10. Track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching tongue (20) can be switched between at least three defined switching positions to connect the first conveying path section selectively to the second conveying path section or the third conveying path section or a fourth conveying path section, in that the gate-type gear (30) comprises a further gate-type element (34a, 34b) which is guided to move in relation to the frame, and a further switch actuator element (32a, 32b) associated to the further gate-type element (34a, 34b) for switching the switching tongue (20) between the second switching position and a third switching position connecting the first conveying path section to the fourth conveying path section, wherein the further gate-type element (34a, 34b) comprises a gate-type guiding path (36b) in cooperating engagement with a gate-type pin (40) of the first pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (36a, 40) arranged at the switching tongue (20) as well as a gate-type guiding path (38b) in engagement with the gate-type pin (42) of the second pair of gate-type guiding path and gate-type pin (38a, 42) arranged at the frame (2).
11. Track switch for a conveying device, in particular a suspended conveying device, where carriers for conveying goods which are provided with rollers are movably guided at running rails along conveying path sections, wherein the track switch comprises a frame (2) and a switching tongue (20) arranged at the frame (2) and adapted as movable running rail element, which can be switched between at least two defined switching positions, i.e. a first switching position and a second switching position, to connect a first conveying path section optionally with a second conveying path section or a third conveying path section, wherein the track switch furthermore comprises a switching mechanism (30, 32) with at least one switch actuator element (32) for switching the switching tongue (20) between two switching positions, wherein the switching mechanism (30, 32) comprises a gate-type gear (30) provided with at least one gate-type element (34) which can be actuated via said switch actuator element (32) to move the switching tongue (20) and which is adapted for locking the switching tongue (20) in each switching position so that it can only be moved out of the respective switching position by actuating the gate-type gear (30), and
    wherein the gate-type element (34) is guided to move in relation to the frame (2),
    and in particular a track switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises an upper cover plate (4) with side walls (6) extending downwards from the opposite lateral sides, connected by connecting plate elements (8, 10), thus forming an interspace (12) defined at the top by the cover plate (4) and defined laterally by the side walls (6), the connecting plate elements defining a lower opening (13), in that the interspace (12) receives movably supported elements (30) of the switching device and in that rail connector elements (14, 16, 18; 19) arranged at the bottom of the frame (2), associated to the conveying path sections, are mounted at the connecting plate elements (8, 10), wherein the switching tongue (20) comprises a running rail area situated below the connecting plate elements (8, 10) for the conveying goods carrier to be guided forward by the track switch, and furthermore upper support sections (17) received in the interspace (12) and connected by a connector section (15) passing through the lower frame opening (13), whereby the switching tongue is movably supported at the connecting plate elements (8, 10), spanning them at the top, so that in its switching positions, with the running rail area it can connect a rail connector element (14) associated to the first conveying path section alternately with the other rail connector elements (16, 18; 19) below the connecting plate elements (8, 10).
12. Track switch according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame parts: cover plate (4), side walls (6) and connecting plate elements (8, 10) are in particular metal plate elements related in a material fit, preferably welded steel plate elements.

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