Dual switch system for common use by track guided rail vehicles and magnetic vehicles

Dual switch system for common use by track-guided rail vehicles and magnetic vehicles, comprising:

• (a) a combined track (3a) on which the rail and magnetic vehicles can commonly run, and branch tracks (1a,2a) on which both the rail vehicles and magnetic vehicles or only rail vehicles or only magnetic vehicles can run, wherein the tracks on which the magnetic vehicles can run have first functional components, said components and the magnetic vehicles at least partially embracing each other for avoiding derailments of the latter, and wherein the tracks on which the rail vehicles can run are provided with first rails for the rail vehicles;
• (b) a flexible track section (21) on which rail vehicles and magnetic vehicles can run and which is disposed between said combined track and said branch tracks, wherein said track section has a beginning for fixed connection to the combined track and an end for selective alignment with one of said branch tracks, wherein said track section has second functional components for the magnetic vehicle, said second functional components substantially corresponding to said first functional components and said second functional components and said magnetic vehicles at least partially embracing each other for avoiding derailments of the latter, wherein said track section is further provided with second rails for the rail vehicles, said second rails substantially corresponding to said first rails, and wherein gaps (30.55) are provided both between said second rails and said first rails of said branch tracks and said second functional components and said first functional components of said branch tracks for permitting the flexing of said track section;
• (c) a flexible beam carrying said second functional components and said second rails of said track section;
• (d) at least one actuating means (12-20) for commonly flexing said beam (6a) and said second functional components and said second rails of said track section;
• (e) means for opening and closing said gaps (30) between said second rails and the first rails of each of said branch tracks on which said rail vehicles can run;
• (f) and means for opening and closing said gaps (55) between said second functional components and the first functional components of each of said branch tracks on which said magnetic vehicles can run.