EP4245635A1 - Connecting link - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a connecting strap (1) for connecting two slide rod parts (2, 3) of a switch closure (10), wherein the connecting strap (1) has a first opening (11) for producing a positive connection of the connecting strap (1) to one of the slide rod parts (2, 3). According to the invention, a first insert (20) can be accommodated in the first opening (11) in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connecting distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted. This application further relates to a corresponding slide rod part (2, 3) of a switch lock (10) for connecting to a second slide rod part (3, 2) of the switch lock (10) by means of a connecting tab (1), an insert (20) for inserting into a connecting bracket (1) or a slide rod part and a switch lock (10) for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch with such a connecting tab or a slide rod part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connecting strap for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch closure, wherein the connecting strap has a first opening for producing a positive connection of the connecting strap to one of the slide rod parts.

The present invention further relates to an insert for insertion into a connecting strap, which has a hole.

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

BACKGROUND

Connecting straps for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch lock are basically known in the prior art.

A slide rod part of a switch lock is used to open and close the locking clip of a tongue block. At the same time, the tongue block and with it the tongue switch are moved towards or away from the stock rail by means of the slide rod part. A switch lock has two of these slide rod parts because opposite processes take place on the two opposite tongue rails of a tongue switch.

For example, while one slide rod part opens the locking clip of one tongue rail and causes this tongue rail to move away from its stock rail, the other slide rod part causes the other tongue switch to move towards its stock rail and close its locking clip. In order to be able to carry out these processes simultaneously and via a drive, it is desirable to connect the slide rod parts, which usually happens in the middle of the track via a connecting strap.

Connecting straps of the prior art have round holes through which a positive connection, usually by means of bolts, screws and nuts, can be produced with corresponding round holes in the slide rod parts. It is also known to insert inserts in the form of electrically insulating round sleeves into these round bores in order to electrically insulate the connecting tab from the slide rod parts. When connecting the two slide rod parts, it is important that a connection distance between them is precisely adapted to the geometry of the tongue switch and the track. For example, the slide rod parts must not be connected too far apart because the distance between the open tongue rail and its stock rail is then too small for the wheel flange of a wheel driving over it to be able to pass through. There is a risk of derailment. On the other hand, if the connection of the slide rod parts is too close, the tongue rails can no longer be closed or can only be closed unreliably.

The connection distance depends on various factors. For example, the track width of the track, the track radius, and the installation position of the switch lock, i.e. whether it is installed as a tip lock or as a middle lock, influence the appropriate connection distance.

In the prior art, the problem of different connection distances is solved by providing different variants of connecting straps which have bores at different distances. Another solution envisages initially producing connecting brackets without any drilling and then making the holes in the connecting bracket at the installation location. However, these solutions are costly and time-consuming.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

A connecting strap is then provided for connecting two slide rod parts of a switch lock. The connecting tab has a first opening for establishing a positive connection of the connecting tab with one of the slide rod parts. In this case, a first insert can be accommodated in the first opening in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted.

Because the first opening is designed in such a way that an insert can be accommodated in it in a rotationally fixed manner by positive locking, twisting of a corresponding insert when the connecting tab is loaded can be prevented.

In particular, this excludes the first opening from having a circular cylindrical shape. Because the first opening is further designed so that the insert can be accommodated in it in two different orientations, the prerequisite is created by means of a corresponding insert through which connecting means for connecting the switch closure with one of the slide rod parts are guided, the position of the To be able to adjust the connection point of the slide rod part relative to the connecting tab and thus the connection distance between the two slide rod parts. The claimed first opening enables at least two different connection distances. The connection distance can therefore be set in a grid to at least two different values. This means that the grid has at least two different grid values.

Preferably, the connecting tab further has a second opening for establishing a positive connection of the connecting tab with the other of the slide rod parts, wherein in the second opening a second insert can be received in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted is.

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

Preferably, the connecting tab further has a third opening for establishing a connection of the connecting tab with the one slide rod part, in the third Opening a third insert can be accommodated in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance between the two slide rod parts can be adjusted. In particular, a first maximum opening distance between the first opening and the third opening in an extension direction of the connecting strap is greater than 80 mm and a first web width between the first opening and the third opening in the extension direction of the connecting strap is smaller than 80 mm. In particular, the first opening and the third opening have the same shape with an opening width and the sum of the opening width and the first web width is not equal to 80 mm, particularly preferably smaller than 80 mm.

In this context, the term “extension direction” of the connecting tab essentially means the direction along which the two slide rod parts are to be connected. This means that it is also the direction along which the slide rod parts extend.

The term “maximum opening distance” in this context means the distance from the first to the third opening measured between the points of the openings that are furthest apart from one another in the direction of extension.

The term “web width,” on the other hand, means the distance between the closest points of the first and third openings that point to one another. In other words, this is the minimum opening distance. The web width therefore corresponds to the width of the material that is between the openings.

Through the third opening, one of the slide rod parts can also be attached to another connection point on the connecting bracket. With a connecting tab that has two openings Having a slide rod part fastened at two connection points, the slide rod part can be secured against twisting relative to the connecting tab.

The slide rod parts most widely used in Europe, especially in Germany, usually have two connection points 80 mm apart. It is therefore preferred to design the distances between the openings, i.e. the maximum opening distance and the web width, so that the preferred connecting tab can be connected to such slide rod parts at the two connection points. In order to connect less common slide rod parts with the preferred connecting tab, it may be necessary to provide a web width and maximum opening width that are smaller or larger than a dimension other than 80 mm.

The fact that an insert in two different orientations can also be inserted into the third opening creates the possibility of being able to adjust the connection distance between two different grid values using the third opening. If, in addition, the first opening and the third opening preferably have the same shape, i.e. the same insert can be inserted either into the first or third opening, and the sum of the opening width and the web width is not equal to 80 mm, with this preferred connecting strap at least four different positions of one slide rod part can be set relative to the connecting tab, i.e. the connection distance can be set in at least four different grid values.

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

Analogous to the third opening, the fourth opening in a further preferred connecting strap enables the other of the slide rod parts to be secured against rotation with the connecting strap. If all four openings preferably have the same shape, and the first and second web widths are the same, and the first and second opening distances are the same, and the sum of the opening width and web width is not equal to 80 mm, the connection distance can be widened using such a connecting tab Common slide rod parts, whose connection points are at a distance of 80 mm, can be set in at least six different grid values.

Preferably, the connecting tab further has a hole for establishing a connection with a switch actuator, the hole being arranged in particular in a center of the connecting tab.

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

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

The term “length” in this context means the length in the extension direction along which the slide rod parts are to be connected via the connecting tab. The preferred lengths are based on the track widths common in Europe and the slide rod parts commonly used. For example, it is particularly possible to use these preferred connecting straps to produce switch closures for the Deutsche Bahn network.

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

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

The insert is shaped so that it can be inserted into the first opening in various orientations. The outer contour can also not be designed to fill the shape of the opening, although this configuration is not preferred. To change the orientation, the insert simply needs to be rotated about an imaginary axis of rotation with respect to the first opening before insertion. Unlike what is known in the prior art, the insert is not a round sleeve, so that it is secured against twisting in the opening by positive locking. In addition, the hole must not be on the imaginary axis of rotation, but must be in an eccentric position in this regard. It is therefore possible for the bore of the insert to be in different orientations at different locations within the opening when it is inserted into the opening.

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

An insert made of plastic can be manufactured particularly easily and inexpensively. However, not all plastics are equally suitable for use in switch closures exposed to environmental influences and high loads. Track operators usually ensure the necessary requirements for materials used in track construction through standards and requirements that must be met. In particular for Deutsche Bahn track systems, the requirements of the Deutsche Bahn Standard 918 280 must be met for plastic parts used in the superstructure. Accordingly, polyamide 6 or polyamide 6.6 is preferably selected as the material for use. In order to provide sufficient electrical insulation capacity, a specific volume resistance of the plastic of at least 10^8 ohm cm, measured according to DIN IEC 60093, is preferred. A specific volume resistance of 10^10 ohm cm is particularly preferred.

The insert preferably also has a clamping rib.

The term “clamping rib” in this context means a projection along the outer contour of the insert or part thereof, which forms additional frictional resistance to a wall of the opening when the insert is inserted into the opening. This means that the insert cannot slip out of the opening on its own. The clamping rib is preferably dimensioned so that the frictional resistance can be overcome by manually pressing in the insert by hand.

Preferably, a connecting tab is provided according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, wherein an insert according to the above-described Aspect of the present invention is incorporated into the first opening.

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

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

With such a system consisting of a connecting tab or slide rod part and insert, the connection distance can easily be adjusted to at least two different grid values.

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

With such a system consisting of connecting tabs and inserts, the connection distance can be set in at least three different grid values.

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

With such a system of connecting tab and inserts, with one insert being inserted in the first opening, the connection distance can be adjusted to at least three notch values. With the same connecting tab, in which the insert is located in the third opening instead of the first opening, the connection distance can also be set to at least three grid values. The grid values in the first configuration can preferably be completely different from the grid values in the second configuration, so that the connection distance can be changed overall in at least six different grid values.

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

With this preferred system of connecting tab and inserts, it is particularly easy to set the connection distance in at least six different grid values and at the same time ensure a rotation-proof connection of both slide rod parts with the connecting tab.

In the case of a connecting tab which has four openings, two of which accommodate an insert according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, it is preferred to have a displaceable insert in those of the first opening, second opening, third opening and fourth Opening included that do not have an insert according to the aspect of the present invention described above.

The displaceable inserts are preferably round sleeves, in particular electrically insulating round sleeves.

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

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

Such a preferred connecting strap has connecting distances that are usually used in the field with connecting straps of the prior art. All openings of such a connecting tab are preferably shaped the same, so that two identically shaped inserts can be used to equip the connecting tab. With the various configurations of this preferred embodiment of the connecting tab it is This makes it easy and cost-effective to cover the vast majority of connecting straps or hole spacings that are usually required. The grid values mentioned above represent a particularly good selection because, taking possible tolerances into account, they only cover very few special applications of such connecting straps. Connecting tabs with opening widths and/or maximum opening distances and/or web widths adapted to achieve other grid values are, of course, fundamentally included in the invention.

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

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

The pitch of the at least two fastening holes is preferably 80 mm.

This preferred division of the fastening holes makes it possible to use the slide rod parts previously used and predominantly used in the prior art for the switch closure. In order to ensure the greatest possible flexibility in terms of the connecting distances that can be achieved with such a switch closure, a preferred connecting strap must then be used in which the sum of the web width and opening width is not equal to 80 mm, preferably smaller than 80 mm.

In the case of a switch closure in which the insert is electrically insulating, the connecting means preferably further comprise electrical insulating means, so that the slide rod parts are connected in an electrically insulated manner from one another, the insulating means in particular comprising insulating plates made of plastic, with which a contact surface between the connecting tab and the slide rod parts and / or a support surface between the connecting means and the connecting tab is electrically insulated. The material properties of the plastic preferably partially, particularly preferably completely, meet the standards prescribed by the track operators, in particular the Deutsche Bahn Standard 918 280 in the Deutsche Bahn network.

With such a switch closure, switches can be implemented whose right stock/tongue rail is electrically insulated from the left stock/tongue rail.

Further advantages and developments of the invention result from the following description of the figures and the entirety of the claims.

The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically sensible way and can be explained by explanatory facts the description can be supplemented, with further embodiments of the invention being shown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of the switch closure 10 Fig. 1 in the cutout. Here and also in the figures described further below, the same and similar elements of the switch closure 10 are identified with the same reference numbers without explaining them again. The connecting tab 1 connects the first slide rod part 2 at a connection distance c with the second slide rod part 3. The connection distance c means the distance between the two inner fastening holes of the two slide rod parts 2, 3, each measured from the center of the fastening holes. How this distance can be adjusted will be discussed in detail with reference to Fig. 8 described further below. The distance b between the two fastening holes of a slide rod part 2, 3, which is also referred to below as the pitch b of the fastening holes, is 80 mm in the embodiment shown. Most slide rod parts commonly available on the market have this pitch b of 80 mm. Other embodiments of the switch closure 10 with other slide rod parts 2, 3 and a correspondingly adapted connecting strap 1 are also conceivable.

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

Fig. 4 shows an isometric individual view of the connecting tab of the switch closure Fig. 1 . The connecting tab 1 has a first leg 8 and a second leg 9, each of which is intended for connecting to one of the slide rod parts 2, 3. In the middle of the connecting tab 1, it has a hole 15 which is intended to establish a connection with a switch actuator. However, embodiments of the connecting tab 1 that do not have such a hole 15 are also readily conceivable. Embodiments of the connecting tab 1 are also conceivable in which the legs 8 and 9 are angled towards one another, i.e not like in Fig. 4 shown extending in the same direction.

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

As in the description of Fig. 3 already mentioned, an insert 20 according to the is inserted into the openings 11, 12, 13, 14 further aspect of the present invention which will now be described.

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

The in Figures 5 to 7 Insert 20 shown is made from a polyamide 6.6 using a plastic injection molding process. This ensures cost-effective production in large quantities.

In Fig. 8 is illustrated how a connection distance c of a connecting plate known from the prior art can be reproduced with the connecting plate 1. The connecting strap from the prior art is in Fig. 8a shown. It has essentially the same dimensions as the connecting tab 1, in particular the same length 1. The connecting tabs known from the prior art also have four openings that serve to connect to the slide rod parts, but these openings are provided as round bores. In the Fig. 8a The known connecting tab shown is only shown as a blank, ie no round holes are made. However, outlines of the round holes are drawn as a drilling template for each of the four necessary openings. Each hole has a corresponding hole at a distance b, which corresponds to the pitch b of the fastening holes on the slide rod parts 2, 3. Six different configurations of a single connecting strap 1 are explained below, with which six different drilled connecting straps from the prior art can be replaced.

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

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

In Fig. 8d is the insert 20 in the fourth opening 14 compared to Fig. 8c turned. Analogous to what was described above, in this configuration the connection distance c has become larger again by the grid dimension 2*o.

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

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

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

With the in Fig. 8 Using the connecting tab 1 described with two inserts 20 and two displaceable inserts 30, a total of 16 different configurations could theoretically be realized by permutation of the inserts 20, 30 in the four openings 11, 12, 13, 14. However, not all of these permutations result in new grid values for the connection distance c. In addition, some of the permutations result in too large Asymmetry of the switch closure. For illustrative purposes, all permutations were not shown.

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

In principle, the openings in the connecting tab 1 are as shown in Fig. 1 and 2 shown embodiment on the one hand and the openings in the first and second slide rod parts 2, 3 on the other hand swapped. While in the in Fig. 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown, an adjustable insert 20 is accommodated in openings in the connecting tab 1, this applies in the embodiment according to Fig. 9 and 10 for the openings of the slide rod parts.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

1

Connecting tab

2

first slide rod part

3

second slide rod part

4

lanyard

5

screw

6

Mother

7

insulation plate

8th

first leg

9

second leg

10

Switch closure

11

first opening

12

second opening

13

third opening

14

fourth opening

15

drilling

20

Mission

21

drilling

22

clamping rib

23

chamfer

30

movable insert

b

division

c

connection distance

d

Diameter of the hole

w

Opening width

s1

first web width

s2

second web width

s

Bridge width

m1

first maximum opening distance

m2

second maximum opening distance

m

maximum opening distance

l

length

O

offset

Claims (15)

Connecting strap (1) for connecting two slide rod parts (2, 3) of a switch lock (10), wherein the connecting tab (1) has a first opening (11) for establishing a positive connection of the connecting tab (1) with one of the slide rod parts (2, 3), characterized in that in the first opening (11) a first insert (20) can be received in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted. Connecting tab (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a second opening (12) for establishing a positive connection of the connecting tab (1) with the other of the slide rod parts (2, 3), wherein in the second opening (12) a second insert ( 20) can be accommodated in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted, wherein the connecting tab (1) preferably further has a third opening (13) for producing a positive connection of the connecting tab (1) to the one slide rod part (2, 3), with a third insert (20) in the third opening (13). can be accommodated in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted, in particular a first maximum opening distance (m1) between the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) in an extension direction of the connecting strap (1) greater than 80 mm and a first web width (s1) between the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) in the extension direction of the connecting strap (1) smaller than 80 mm, whereby in particular the first opening (11) and the third opening (13) have the same shape with an opening width (w) and the sum of the opening width (w) and the first web width (s1) is not equal to 80 mm, wherein the connecting tab (1) further preferably has a fourth opening (14) for producing a positive connection of the connecting tab (1) to the other slide rod part (2, 3), a fourth insert (20) being in the fourth opening (14). so that it can be accommodated in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted, in particular a second maximum opening distance (m2) between the second opening (12) and the fourth Opening (14) in the extension direction is greater than 80 mm and a second web width (s) between the second opening (12) and the fourth opening (14) in the extension direction of the connecting tab (1) is smaller than 80 mm, in particular the first Opening (11), the second opening (12), the third opening (13) and the fourth opening (14) have the same shape with an opening width (w) and the first maximum opening distance (m1) and the second maximum opening distance ( m2) is a maximum opening distance (m) and the first web width (s1) and the second web width (s2) are a web width (s) and the sum of the opening width (w) and web width (s) is not equal to 80 mm. Connecting bracket (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bore (15) for establishing a connection with a switch actuator, the bore (15) being arranged in particular in a center of the connecting bracket (1). Slide rod part (2, 3) of a switch lock (10) for connecting to a second slide rod part (3, 2) of the switch lock (10) by means of a connecting strap (1), wherein the slide rod part (2, 3) has a fifth opening for establishing a positive connection of the slide rod part (2, 3) with the connecting tab (1), characterized in that in the fifth opening a first insert (20) can be received in a rotationally fixed manner in at least two different orientations by positive locking, so that a connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) can be adjusted. Slide rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4, which further has a sixth opening for establishing a positive connection of the slide rod part (2, 3) with the connecting tab (1), wherein in the sixth opening a second insert (20) is rotationally fixed by positive locking can be accommodated in at least two different orientations, thereby allowing a connecting distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) to be adjusted, in particular a first maximum opening distance between the first opening and the second opening in an extension direction of the slide rod part (2, 3 ) greater than 80 mm and a first web width between the first opening and the second opening in the extension direction of the slide rod part (2, 3) is less than 80 mm, in particular the first opening and the second opening having the same shape with an opening width and where the sum of the opening width and the first web width is not equal to 80 mm. Insert (20) for insertion into a connecting tab (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3 or into a slide rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insert (20) has a bore (21), characterized in that the insert (20) has a non-circular cylindrical outer contour such that it can be inserted into the first opening (11) in a rotationally fixed manner by positive locking and the bore (21) is arranged in such a way that that their position relative to the first opening (11) differs in the at least two orientations, wherein the insert (20) can be inserted, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner, into one, preferably all other, of the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth openings (12, 13, 14). Insert (20) according to claim 6, which is made of a plastic, which is in particular a polyamide 6 or a polyamide 6.6 or another electrically insulating plastic, in particular the specific volume resistance of the plastic is at least 10^8 ohm cm, particularly preferably 10^ 10 ohm cm. The insert (20) of claim 6 or 7, further comprising a clamping rib (22). Connecting tab (1) according to claim 1, wherein an insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 is received in the first opening (11), or according to claim 2, wherein in each case an insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 is accommodated in the first opening (11) and the second opening (12), preferably in each case an insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 is accommodated in the first opening (11) or the third opening (13), and in the second opening (12), wherein further preferably one insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 is received in the first opening (11) or the third opening (13), and in the second opening (12) or the fourth opening (14). A connecting tab (1) according to claim 9, wherein a displaceable insert (30) is received in those of the first opening (11), second opening (12), third opening (13) and fourth opening (14) which do not have an insert (20). according to one of claims 6 to 8,
wherein preferably the connection distance (c) between the two slide rod parts (2, 3) is a distance between a first connection point of the connecting tab (1) with one of the slide rod parts and a second connection point of the connecting tab (1) with the other of the slide rod parts, whereby the Connection distance (c) can be set in, in particular at least six, different grid values, which are between 300 mm and 500 mm, more preferably between 360 mm and 400 mm, with a grid dimension in particular between 5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 7 mm, whereby the adjustable grid values are particularly preferably 364 mm, 370 mm, 376 mm, 383 mm, 389 mm and 395 mm, preferably each +/- 2 mm. Slide rod part (2, 3) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8 is received in the fifth opening,
wherein preferably a displaceable insert (30) is received in that of the fifth opening and sixth opening (14) which does not have an insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8. Switch closure (10) for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch, which has the following: a connecting strap (1); an insert (20); two slide rod parts (2, 3) connected to one another via the connecting tab (1), each of which has at least two fastening holes with a pitch (b) for connecting to the connecting tab (1); and Connecting means (4) with which the slide rod parts (2, 3) are connected to the connecting bracket (1), characterized in that the connecting tab (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 3 and the insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8. Switch closure (10) for closing two tongue rails of a tongue switch, which has the following: two slide rod parts (2, 3); a connecting tab (1) having at least two fastening holes with a pitch (b) for connecting to one of the slide rod parts (2, 3); an insert (20); and Connecting means (4) with which the slide rod parts (2, 3) are connected to the connecting bracket (1), characterized in that at least one of the slide rod parts (2, 3) is designed according to one of claims 4 and 5 and the insert (20) according to one of claims 6 to 8. Switch closure (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the pitch (b) of the at least two fastening holes is 80 mm. Switch closure (10) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the insert (20) is electrically insulating and the connecting means (4) further comprise electrical insulating means, so that the slide rod parts (2, 3) are connected in an electrically insulated manner from one another, the insulating means in particular insulating plates (7) made of plastic, with which a contact surface between the connecting tab (1) and the slide rod parts (2, 3) and/or a contact surface between the connecting means and the connecting tab (1) is electrically insulated.

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