LIFTABLE CARRYING DEVICE

Abstract

A liftable carrying apparatus includes a carrying frame having at least two longitudinal beams extending relative to each other and connected with each other. The carrying frame has, a first support for the cargo, which first support can be driven on up to a maximum width transversely relative to the at least two longitudinal beams. A receiving location is provided for the lifting apparatus, and contact surfaces are provided for direct placement of the carrying apparatus on a terminal floor. A second support is arranged at or between arms of a first support device. A length of the arms is selected so that the first support in a first pivotal position of the arms is prolonged by the second in such a way that it can be driven on and that the second support is raised in a second pivotal position of the arms relative to the first support.

Claims

1. A liftable carrying apparatus for loading a rail vehicle with cargo by a lifting apparatus, comprising: a carrying frame having at least two longitudinal beams which extend relative to each other with mutually facing insides and which are connected with each other, wherein the carrying frame at least over a part of the length of the at least two longitudinal beamspreferably at an end of the longitudinal beams, that is the lower end in the vertical directionhas a first support means for the cargo, which can be driven on up to a maximum width transversely relative to the at least two longitudinal beams, at least one receiving location, in particular receiving pockets, for the lifting apparatus, contact surfaces for direct placement of the carrying apparatus on a terminal floor, wherein there is provided at least one second support means for cargo, which is arranged at or between arms of a first support device, the arms are arranged outside the drivable width of the first support means for cargo on pivot bearings, and a length of the arms is so selected that the first support means for the cargo in a first pivotal position of the arms is prolonged by the at least one second support means in such a way that it can be driven on and that the at least one second support means is raised in a second pivotal position of the arms relative to the first support means of the carrying frame.

2. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein when the carrying apparatus is lowered on to a rail vehicle, in particular upon being lowered into a pocket of a pocket wagon, the arms are pivotable by the lowering movement into the second pivotal position.

3. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the arms are arranged outside outsides of or within the longitudinal beams.

4. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pivot bearings of the arms are arranged on the longitudinal beams at an end region, remote from the first support means, of the longitudinal beamspreferably at an end region of the longitudinal beams, that is an upper end region in the vertical direction.

5. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second support means of the at least one first support device is in the form of a carrying surface or in the form of a plurality of struts.

6. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the carrying apparatus has a device for releasable arresting of the pivotability of the arms, wherein preferably the releasable arresting of the arms is effected with the longitudinal beams.

7. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the carrying apparatus has at least one first support device and a second support device with at least one third support means for the cargo, wherein the first support device and the second support device can be loaded with cargo independently of each other, wherein it is preferably provided that the third support means of the second support device is in the form of a carrying surface and/or in the form of a plurality of struts.

8. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the second support device is mounted pivotably relative to the carrying frame, preferably relative to the first support means of the carrying frame.

9. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the first support means in a first pivotal position of the second support device is prolonged substantially horizontally by the at least one third support means in such a way that it can be driven on and the at least one third support means in a second pivotal position of the second support device can be arranged at an angle of inclination relative to the first support means of the carrying frame.

10. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein the third support means is adapted to be variable in length.

11. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the arms are at least portion-wise of a bent or cranked configuration.

12. A carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein the third support means is variable in length by at least one extension portion which can preferably be arrested in at least one extension position.

13. A rail vehicle, in particular a pocket wagon, having at least one carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1.

14. A pocket wagon comprising a pocket and at least one carrying apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the carrying apparatus is at least partially arranged within the pocket.

Description

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are discussed with reference to the Figures in which:

[0032] FIGS. 1a-e show an isometric view, a plan view, a first and a second side view and a front view of a carrying apparatus according to the invention in a first configuration,

[0033] FIGS. 2a-e show an isometric view, a plan view, a first and a second side view and a rear view of the carrying apparatus according to the invention as shown in FIG. 1 in a second configuration,

[0034] FIGS. 3a-c, 3d show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle in the form of a pocket wagon with load in the form of two traction units and a side view after termination of the loading operation,

[0035] FIGS. 4a-c, 4d show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle in the form of a pocket wagon with load in the form of a semitrailer, and a side view after termination of the loading operation, and

[0036] FIGS. 5a-b show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle in the form of a pocket wagon with load in the form of transporters.

[0037] FIG. 1a shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a carrying apparatus 1 according to the invention for loading a rail vehicle 2 with cargo load 3 by a lifting apparatus (not shown) by means of the receiving pockets 5 in a first configuration. The illustrated configuration corresponds to the receiving position.

[0038] The carrying apparatus 1 has a carrying frame 8, with two longitudinal beams 4 which extend relative to each other with mutually facing insides and which are connected with each other.

[0039] The carrying frame 8, over a part of the length of the two longitudinal beams 4, at an end of the longitudinal beams that is the lower end in the vertical direction, has a first support means 16 for the load 3, which can be driven on up to a maximum width transversely to the two longitudinal beams 4.

[0040] There is further provided a first support device for load 3, which has arms 12 mounted pivotably to the carrying frame 8 and between which a second support means 17 for cargo 3 is arranged.

[0041] The arms 12 are arranged outside the width, which can be driven on, of the first support means 16 for the cargo 3 on pivot bearings 13. In the present embodiment the pivot bearings 13 are disposed partially within a profiled portion of the longitudinal beams 4 and partially at the outsides of the longitudinal beams 4.

[0042] A length of the arms 12 is so selected that the first support means 16 for cargo in the first pivotal position of the arms 12, illustrated in FIGS. 1a-e, is prolonged by the second support means 17 in such a way that it can be driven on. The second support means 17 adjoins a first end of the first support means 16 in substantially flat relationship. A second support device with the third support means 18 adjoins a second end of the first support means 16. The support means 18 is shown in a first pivotal position in which it adjoins the first support means 16 in substantially flat relationship.

[0043] As illustrated the second support means 17 can be prolonged by a prolongation 17 in the direction of the first support means 16. That permits a prolongation of the support surface of the second support means 17, in particular in a second pivotal position of the first support device, as illustrated in FIG. 2. That is helpful for transporting vehicles with more than two axles.

[0044] It is advantageous for the second support device if the third support means 18 is adapted to be variable in length as illustrated. In that way the length of the third support means 18 can be adapted to cargo 3. In that case the third support means 18 is variable in length between a state of reduced length (see FIG. 1d) and a state of increased length (see FIGS. 1a-c). In the illustrated embodiment the variability in length is achieved by two interlaced telescopically extendable extension portions 18, 18.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment the second and third support means 17, 18 are in the form of a carrying surface. Unlike the illustrated structure they can also be in the form of a plurality of struts.

[0046] It can be seen from the plan view in FIG. 1b that the carrying apparatus 1 has a continuous internal width W which is not restricted by the arms 12 (see FIG. 1e) so that this affords a driveway which can be continuously driven on throughout.

[0047] The first side view in FIG. 1c shows the first and second support devices respectively in the first pivotal position thereof. In that state for example the carrying apparatus 1 is disposed standing directly on a terminal floor 7 by way of contact support surfaces 6 and can be driven on from both sides.

[0048] The pivot bearings 13 of the arms 12 in this embodiment are disposed in an end region of the longitudinal beams 4, that is the upper end region in the vertical direction.

[0049] In the second side view in FIG. 1d the second support device is disposed in a reduced-length state which is afforded by the extension portions 18, 18 being substantially completely retracted. The third support means 18 of the second support device terminate substantially flush with the end of the longitudinal beams 4, except for ramp-like extensions.

[0050] Again from the front view of FIG. 1e that the carrying apparatus 1 has a continuous internal width W which is not restricted by the arms 12 so that this gives a driveway which can be continuously driven on. In the present embodiment the arms 12 are disposed partially within a profiled portion of the longitudinal beams 4 and partially completely at the outsides of the longitudinal beams 4.

[0051] FIG. 2a shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the carrying apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a second configuration in which the first and second support devices are respectively disposed in the second pivotal position. That configuration corresponds to that state of the carrying apparatus 1, which can be afforded of its own accord by insertion of the carrying apparatus 1 into a pocket 9 of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon, using a lifting apparatus. The illustrated configuration corresponds to a loading position.

[0052] The second support means 17 is raised relative to the first support means 16 of the carrying frame 8.

[0053] The third support means 18 of the second support device is arranged inclinedly relative to the first support means 16 and, by virtue of the prolongation by the extension portions 18, 18, projects beyond the end of the longitudinal beams 4.

[0054] It can be seen that the arms 12 in this configuration are in a raised position in comparison with the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration it is possible to see openings 14 for pins (not shown) and receiving means 15 for the arms 12 which serve for releasably arresting the arms 12 to the longitudinal beams 4.

[0055] The first side view of FIG. 2c shows the respective first and second support devices in the second pivotal position thereof. As here the second support device is in an increased-length state which is afforded by substantially complete extension of the extension portions 18, 18, insertion into a pocket 9 of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon results in pivotal movement of the third support means 18 from the first pivotal position into the second pivotal position of the second support device.

[0056] In the second side view in FIG. 2d the second support device is in a reduced-length state which is afforded by substantially complete retraction of the extension portions 18, 18. As here insertion into a pocket 9 of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon does not involve pivotal movement of the third support means 18 of the second support device it remains in the first pivotal position.

[0057] FIGS. 3a-c show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon with cargo in the form of two traction units. The cargo in the form of the two traction units is in that case placed with wheels on the first support means 16, the second support means 17 and the third support means 18 prolonged by the extension portions 18, 18.

[0058] FIG. 3a shows a state in which the carrying apparatus 1 is just lowered by way of a lifting apparatus (not shown) in the direction of the pocket wagon (or has been lifted out of same), in which case there is no contact (or no longer contact) between the carrying apparatus 1 and the pocket wagon. The second support device is in the increased-length state. The arms 12 of the first support device are disposed in their first pivotal position. The pocket wagon has projecting studs 20 with which the first contact surface 10 of the first support device and the contact surfaces 11, 11 of the second support device come into contact after further lowering movement of the carrying apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3b.

[0059] FIG. 3c shows the carrying apparatus 1 fitted into the pocket 9 of the pocket wagon as a sectional view (section plane within the pocket wagon along a longitudinal extent thereof). By virtue of the contact of the studs 20 with the contact surfaces 10, 11 of the first and second support devices and the lowering movement performed the second support means 17 of the first support device and the third support means 18 of the second support device have been pivoted into their second pivotal position. As illustrated the second support means 17 (apart from its prolongation 17 directed into the interior of the carrying apparatus 1) is disposed completely outside and above the pocket 9, whereby the illustrated cargo 3 can use the space outside the pocket 9 for support. The third support means 18 of the second support device is disposed partially outside and partially within the pocket 9 in an orientation extending inclinedly relative to the horizontal. The first support means 16 is disposed completely within the pocket 9. The illustrated configuration corresponds to a loading position.

[0060] FIG. 3d shows the state illustrated in FIG. 3c, but not in a sectional view, but as a side view. It can be seen that, of the carrying apparatus 1, only the second support means 17 (apart from its prolongation 17 directed into the interior of the carrying apparatus 1) and a part of the third support means 18 projects beyond a load edge defined by the height of a side wall of the pocket wagon. In the second pivotal position of the arms 12 with the carrying apparatus 1 lowered into the pocket 9 they are disposed substantially completely above the load edge of the pocket 9.

[0061] FIGS. 4a-c show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon with cargo 3 in the form of a semitrailer similarly to the view in FIG. 3a, with the difference that the third support means 18 of the second support device is in the reduced-length state. No contact of the contact surface 11 of the second support device with a stud 20 of the pocket wagon occurs. As a result the second support device remains in the first pivotal position (see FIGS. 4c and 4d) when the carrying apparatus 1 is lowered into the pocket 9. With this kind of cargo 3 the prolongation 17 of the second support means 17 does not have to be used. The illustrated configuration corresponds to a loading position.

[0062] FIG. 4c shows that, by virtue of the use of the arms 12, it is possible to select a spacing between the second support means 17 and the pivot bearings 13 which define the pivot axis of the pivotal movement of the second support means 17, in such a way that substantially the load space between the longitudinal beams 4 can be used over the overall internal width W and length for cargo 3 and more specifically both in the first and also in the second pivotal position of the first support device.

[0063] FIG. 4d shows the state illustrated in FIG. 4c, although not as a sectional view but a side view. It can be seen that, of the carrying apparatus 1, only the second support means 17 projects beyond a load edge defined by the height of a side wall of the pocket wagon. By virtue of the fact that there is no pivotal movement of the second support device the third support means 18 is arranged jointly with the first support means 16 completely in the pocket 9. In the second pivotal position of the arms 12 with the carrying apparatus 1 lowered into the pocket 9 they are disposed substantially completely above the load edge of the pocket 9.

[0064] FIGS. 5a and 5b show a sequence of a loading operation of a rail vehicle 2 in the form of a pocket wagon with a carrying apparatus 1, on which cargo 3 in the form of transporters is placed. Loading is effected in the manner of a flat wagon with a substantially flat load surface.

[0065] The carrying apparatus 1 can be lifted on to the rail vehicle 2 by a lifting apparatus (not shown) selectively as illustrated in a state of being loaded with cargo 3 or in an unloaded state. In that use situation the arms 12 are releasably fixed by way of bolts and openings 14 to receiving means 15 of the longitudinal beams 4 (see in that respect FIG. 2c).

[0066] Prior to the loading operation the carrying apparatus 1 can be placed directly on a terminal floor 7 and loaded with drivable cargo 3 in the form of transporters (by driving on the transporters).

[0067] In contrast to FIGS. 3a and 4a the carrying apparatus 1 is displaced by a displacement in the longitudinal direction with respect to the pocket 9 of the pocket wagon in such a way that upon continued lowering movement contact between the stud 20 of the pocket wagon and the contact surface 23 of the carrying frame occurs, being disposed at the end of the carrying frame 8 towards the second support means 17 (see FIG. 5b).

[0068] The fixed first support device has come into contact with a second contact surface 21 with the stud 20 of the pocket wagon. The second contact surface 21 is arranged in accordance with the displacement of the carrying apparatus 1 in the longitudinal direction relative to the pocket wagon at the first support device, wherein that can possibly be effected using a further prolongation.

[0069] In the state shown in FIG. 5b in which the lifting operation is concluded and the carrying apparatus 1 is supported on the pocket wagon the carrying frame 8 is additionally supported with contact surfaces 23, 23 at intermediate support means 22 of the pocket wagon above the pocket 9.

[0070] A pocket wagon loaded with the carrying apparatus 1 according to the invention, in the case of the flat wagon use shown in FIG. 5, can be continuously driven on over its entire length, in the sense that for example a plurality of transporters can be successively driven on to the pocket wagon. If a plurality of pocket wagons are combined together to form a train then transporters can drive from one pocket wagon to another if each of the pocket wagons to be driven on is loaded with a carrying apparatus 1 according to the invention.

[0071] Naturally cargo 3 which is not self-drivable (like for example containers) can also be lifted on to the carrying apparatus 1.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0072] 1 carrying apparatus

[0073] 2 rail vehicle

[0074] 3 cargo

[0075] 4 longitudinal beam

[0076] 5 receiving pocket

[0077] 6 contact support surface of the carrying apparatus

[0078] 7 terminal floor

[0079] 8 carrying frame

[0080] 9 pocket of a pocket wagon

[0081] 10 first contact surface of the first support device

[0082] 11, 11 contact surfaces of the second support device

[0083] 12 arm

[0084] 13 pivot bearing of the arms

[0085] 14 openings for bolts

[0086] 15 receiving means for arm

[0087] 16 first support means

[0088] 17 second support means

[0089] 17 prolongation of the second support means

[0090] 18 third support means

[0091] 18 first extension portion of the third support means

[0092] 18 second extension portion of the third support means

[0093] 19 tractor vehicle

[0094] 20 stud of a pocket wagon

[0095] 21 second contact surface of the first support device

[0096] 22 intermediate support of a pocket wagon

[0097] 23, 23, 23 contact surfaces of the carrying frame

[0098] W continuous internal width