RAILWAY WAGON WITH IMPROVED LAUNCH BEAM POSITIONING
20240157982 ยท 2024-05-16
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
B61D3/184
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B61D3/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B61D3/187
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B61D47/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A railway wagon for transportation of semi-trailers has a first wagon end, a second wagon end, and a carrying section with a front portion. The carrying section is movable between a closed position in which its front portion is connected to the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out for loading/unloading of a semi-trailer. A beam assembly is configured to support the front portion of the carrying section during its movement. The beam assembly has a top face extending between the ends of the beam assembly. A rolling member is configured to roll on a rolling track arranged at the top face, while the front portion is being moved.
Claims
1. A railway wagon for transportation of at least one vehicle, comprising: a first wagon end, a second wagon end, and a carrying section therebetween, the carrying section having a front portion releasably connected to the first wagon end, the carrying section being movable between a closed position in which the front portion is connected to the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out from the first wagon end for loading and unloading of said at least one vehicle; and a beam assembly configured to support the front portion while the front portion is being turned, the beam assembly having a first end and a second end, and a top face extending between the first beam end and the second beam end; wherein the front portion comprises a first connection mechanism and a second connection mechanism, at least the first connection mechanism comprising a first rolling member and a first guiding member, the first rolling member being configured to roll on a rolling track arranged at the top face, and the first guiding member being configured to interact with a guiding means arranged along the rolling track so that, while the front portion is being moved between the closed position and the open position or vice versa, the first rolling member is in contact with the rolling track; and wherein a sliding arrangement is arranged at said second end of the beam assembly.
2. The railway wagon according to claim 1, wherein the guiding means extends upwards from the top face and substantially along an extension of the top face.
3. The railway wagon according to claim 1, wherein the guiding means comprises a first guide rail and a second guide rail, the first guide rail being arranged at a predetermined guide distance from the second guide rail.
4. The railway wagon according to claim 1, wherein an indentation or recess is arranged in the top face at said second end of the beam assembly.
5. The railway wagon according to claim 4, wherein the indentation is arranged in a prolongation of the roller track at said second end of the beam assembly and at the opposite side of a space, ensuring introduction of the first guiding member onto the beam assembly in a transverse direction.
6. The railway wagon according to claim 4, wherein the sliding arrangement comprises a movable plate arranged within the indentation.
7. The railway wagon according to claim 6, wherein the movable plate has a top plate face arranged at the same level as the rolling track.
8. The railway wagon according to claim 7, wherein the movable plate is configured to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to an extension of the beam assembly.
9. The railway wagon according to claim 6, wherein one or more displacement member(s) is/are arranged between the movable plate and the beam assembly.
10. The railway wagon according to claim 9, wherein the displacement members comprise(s) a coil spring, compression spring, elastic elements, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or the like.
11. The railway wagon according to claim 9, wherein the displacement member(s) is/are configured to be biased or compressed while the first rolling member is being displaced via the sliding arrangement, and to return to its relaxed state by moving the movable plate to its initial position.
12. The railway wagon according to claim 6, wherein a sliding member is arranged between the movable plate and the beam assembly.
13. The railway wagon according to claim 12, wherein the sliding member is made from low-friction material and/or coated with a low-friction material.
14. The railway wagon according to claim 1, wherein the first rolling member and the first guiding member are arranged at a mutual distance to ensure that the first rolling member is positioned in abutment with the rolling track during the movement of the front portion along the beam assembly.
15. The railway wagon according to claim 1, wherein the first rolling member and the first guiding member are arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following, reference being had to the appended diagrammatic drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice, wherein:
[0026]
[0027]
[0028]
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0036] A railway wagon 1 for loading a semi-trailer thereon is shown in
[0037] The carrying section 4 and the first wagon end 2 are movable in relation to each other, but in the closed position they are connected with each other to form an entity (wagon to be run on a railway). In order to perform the swinging movement, the carrying section 4 is pivotally connected to the second wagon end 3 via a vertical pivot assembly (not shown).
[0038] An elongated beam or channel 40 extends between the two opposite wagon ends 2, 3. This channel 40also referred to as a media channelis arranged beneath the wagon 1 and it may accommodate electrical cables, hydraulic tubes, air conduits, etc (not shown) which are safely kept together in the channel 40. When the carrying section 4 is turned out from the wagon 1 and lowered to the loading or unloading position, the media channel 40 is automatically lowered in a mechanical manner so the movement of the carrying section 4 can be carried out in a safe and convenient way.
[0039] As mentioned above, the load-carrying section 4 or pocket is configured to accommodate and carry a semi-trailer or the like, and it is preferably through-shaped with an open end at the front portion 5 when pivoted out from the first wagon end 2, and with longitudinal sidewalls 7a and 7b.
[0040] The relative movability of the front portion 5 in relation to the first wagon end 2 has the purpose of enabling rolling loading of the semi-trailer (not shown) onto the load- or cargo-carrying section 4 in the open position in which the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 is pivoted out from the first wagon end 2 as shown in
[0041] For facilitating the movement of the front portion 5, a beam assembly 6 is provided; often referred to as a launch beam. The beam assembly 6 is configured to support the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 while this is being turned, and it has a first end 8 and a second end 9. The first beam end 8 is connected with the railway wagon 1 in the open position, whereby the first beam end 8 is a connected end and the second beam end 9 is a free end. A top portion or top face 10 extends between the first beam end 8 and the second beam end 9 of the beam assembly 6.
[0042] In
[0043] Moreover, the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 comprises a first connection mechanism 11 and a second connection mechanism 12. The first connection mechanism 11 comprises a first rolling member 13 and a first guiding member 14 as seen in
[0044] The beam assembly 6 is pivotally connected to the first wagon end 2. In the embodiment shown in
[0045] Furthermore, the second connection mechanism may comprise a second rolling member and a second guiding member functioning in the same manner as described above. The carrying section 4 may also be turned out from the wagon 1 in a direction opposite to the situation shown in
[0046] In addition, the first connection mechanism 11 and the second connection mechanism 12 each comprises a lifting unit. These lifting units 18a, 18b are configured to lift and lower the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 to the loading/unloading position, i.e. the lower position, and to lift to the elevated position in which the front portion 5 may be supported by the beam assembly 6. When the front portion 5 is supported by the beam assembly 6, the lifting units 18a, 18b may be retracted so that the front portion 5 may be moved freely along the beam assembly 6 and therefrom onto the first wagon end 2 to the closed position of the carrying section 4. Hereafter the carrying section 4 may be securely locked to the first wagon end 2.
[0047] As shown in
[0048] The actuation device 20preferably a hydraulic cylinderis connected to the leg 19 at or adjacent a first pivot 22 at a first or upper end of the leg 19. The foot 21 is connected to the leg 19 at a second pivot 23 at a second or lower end of the leg 19.
[0049] The leg 19 is configured to support the second end 9 of the beam assembly 6 and to maintain it in position when the beam assembly 6 supports the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 during movement of the front portion 5 along the beam assembly 6.
[0050] The guiding means 16 extends upwards from the top face 10 and substantially along an extension of the top face 10 as seen best in
[0051] As shown in
[0052] In
[0053] As shown in
[0054] In
[0055] The beam assembly 6 comprises a sliding arrangement 30 arranged at the second end 9 of the beam assembly 6 as shown in
[0056] The sliding arrangement 30 will be further described in relation to
[0057] In the present embodiment, the sliding arrangement 30 is arranged in the indentation 31, wherein the top plate face 33 is arranged at the same level as the rolling track 15 as best seen in
[0058] The indentation 31 has a first area and the movable plate 32 has a second area which is smaller than the first area, whereby the movable plate 32 can move within the indentation 31. The movable plate 32 is configured to be movable in a substantially perpendicular direction compared to the extension of the beam assembly 6. Hereby is obtained that during the possible misalignment or any offsetting between the first rolling member 13 and the rolling track 15, the movable plate 32 assists in displacing the first rolling member 13 as the first guiding member 14 is being guided into contact with the guide means 16 for ensuring that the first rolling member 13 is aligned with the roller track 15. In addition, the movable plate 32 ensures that the transverse displacement may be performed even in circumstances where high loads are exerted on the first rolling member 13, for instance when a semi-trailer is present on the carrying section 4.
[0059] One or more displacement member(s) 34a, 34b may be arranged between the movable plate 32 and the beam assembly 6. The displacement members 34a, 34b may comprise a coil spring, compression spring, elastic elements, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or the like. In the present embodiment, two springs are arranged as displacement members.
[0060] The displacement members 34a, 34b are configured to be biased or compressed while the first rolling member 13 is being displaced via the sliding arrangement 30, and to return to its relaxed state by moving the movable plate 32 to its initial position when the rolling member 13 is moved further along the rolling track 15 and there is no load on the movable plate 32. The initial position is the position most far away from the guiding means 16 in the transverse direction of the beam assembly 6.
[0061] Furthermore, a sliding member 35 may be arranged between the movable plate 32 and the beam assembly 6. The sliding member 35 facilitates movement of the moveable plate 32 especially when high loads are exerted on the first rolling member 13, i.e. when a semi-trailer or the like is loaded onto the carrying section 4. In the present embodiment, the sliding member 35 is arranged within the indentation 31.
[0062] The sliding member 35 may be made from low-friction material and/or coated with a low-friction material. In addition, a lubricant may be applied between the movable plate 32 and the sliding member 35 for reducing a friction between them.
[0063] In
[0064]
[0065] Furthermore,
[0066] As mentioned above, the movable plate 32 may assist in displacing the rolling member 13 in a transverse direction with respect to the rolling track 15 if the first rolling member 13 is misaligned on the rolling track 15 of the beam assembly 6. This may for instance be performed by movement of the guiding member 14 into contact with the guiding means 16 as shown in
[0067]
[0068] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the movement of the beam assembly out from the first wagon end (its inoperative position) to its operative position can be performed in different ways. Herein, it is mainly described that the beam assembly is mounted turnable or pivotable about one or more vertical pivot(s) provided on the first wagon end.
[0069] Another option (not shown) is to arrange the beam assembly slideable in a direction substantially transverse the longitudinal axis of the first wagon end (the beam is slided out to its operative position).
[0070] In an embodiment (not shown), the rolling member is provided with a peripheral flange which is in rolling engagement with an upright, elongated part of the guiding means.
[0071] Also, it should be noted that the actuator of the beam assembly can be of different design. As an alternative to the hydraulic cylinder described above, the actuator can also be pneumatically and/or electro-mechanically operated.
[0072] Certain aspects and variants of the present disclosure are set forth in the following items numbered P1-P37.
[0073] P1. A railway wagon for transportation of semi-trailers or the like, the railway wagon comprising: a first wagon end, a second wagon end and a carrying section, the carrying section has a front portion being releasably connected with the first wagon end, the carrying section is movable between a closed position in which the front portion is connected with the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out from the first wagon end for loading/unloading of a semi-trailer, and a beam assembly being configured to support the front portion while the front portion is being turned, the beam assembly having a first end and a second end, the first beam end being connected with the first wagon end in the open position, and a top face extending between said first beam end and said second beam end, wherein the front portion comprises a first connection mechanism and a second connection mechanism, at least the first connection mechanism comprises a first rolling member and a first guiding member, the first rolling member being configured to roll on a rolling track arranged at the top face, and the first guiding member being configured to interact with a guiding means arranged along the rolling track so that, while the front portion is being moved between the closed position and the open position or vice versa, the first rolling member is in contact with the rolling track.
[0074] P2. A railway wagon according to item P1, wherein the guiding means is extending upwards from the top face and is extending substantially along an extension of the top face.
[0075] P3. A railway wagon according to items P1 and/or P2, wherein the guiding means comprises a first guide rail and a second guide rail, the first guide rail is arranged a predetermined guide distance from the second guide rail.
[0076] P4. A railway wagon according to item P3, wherein the first guide rail is arranged substantially parallel with the second guide rail.
[0077] P5. A railway wagon according to item P3 and/or P4, wherein the guiding member is configured to be moved along the beam assembly between the first guide rail and the second guide rail.
[0078] P6. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P5, wherein the guiding means ends at a predetermined distance from the second end thereby defining a space at the second end.
[0079] P7. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P6, wherein a sliding arrangement is arranged at the second end of the beam assembly.
[0080] P8. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P7, wherein an indentation or recess is arranged in the top face at the second end of the beam assembly.
[0081] P9. A railway wagon according to item P8, wherein the indentation is arranged in a prolongation of the roller track at the second end and at the opposite side of the space.
[0082] P10. A railway wagon according to any of items P7-P9, wherein the sliding arrangement comprises a movable plate having a top plate face.
[0083] P11. A railway wagon according to item P10, wherein the movable plate is arranged within the indentation, the top plate face of the movable plate is arranged in the same level as the rolling track.
[0084] P12. A railway wagon according to any of items P8-P11, wherein the indentation has a first area and the movable plate has a second area, the second area is smaller than the first area whereby the movable plate can move within the indentation.
[0085] P13. A railway wagon according to any of items P7-P12, wherein the movable plate is configured to be movable in a substantially perpendicular direction compared to an extension of the beam assembly.
[0086] P14. A railway wagon according to any of items P7-P13, wherein one or more displacement member(s) is/are arranged between the movable plate and the beam assembly.
[0087] P15. A railway wagon according to item P14, wherein the displacement member comprises a coil spring, compression spring, elastic elements, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, or the like.
[0088] P16. A railway wagon according to items P14 or P15, wherein the displacement member is configured to be biased or compressed while the first rolling member is being displaced via the sliding arrangement and to return to its relaxed state by moving the movable plate to its initial position.
[0089] P17. A railway wagon according to any of items P7-P16, wherein a sliding member is arranged between the movable plate and the beam assembly.
[0090] P18. A railway wagon according to item P17, wherein the sliding member is arranged within the indentation.
[0091] P19. A railway wagon according to items P17 or P18, wherein the sliding member is made of low-friction material and/or being coated with a low-friction material.
[0092] P20. A railway wagon according to any of items P17-P19, wherein a lubricant is applied between the movable plate and the sliding member for reducing a friction between them.
[0093] P21. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P20, wherein the second connection mechanism comprises a second rolling member and a second guiding member.
[0094] P22. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P21, wherein the first and second connection mechanism each comprises a lifting unit.
[0095] P23. A railway wagon according to item P22, wherein the lifting unit is configured to lift and lower the front portion of the carrying section.
[0096] P24. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P23, wherein the first rolling member and the first guiding member are arranged at a mutual distance to ensure that the first rolling member is positioned in abutment with the roller track during the movement of the front portion along the beam assembly.
[0097] P25. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P24, wherein the first rolling member is configured to roll around a first axis having a first extension.
[0098] P26. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P25, wherein the first guiding member is configured to roll around a second axis having a second extension.
[0099] P27. A railway wagon according to items P25 and P26, wherein the first extension is different from the second extension.
[0100] P28. A railway wagon according to item P27, wherein the first extension is arranged perpendicular to the second extension.
[0101] P29. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P28, wherein the first rolling member and the first guiding member are arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.
[0102] P30. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P29, wherein the top face of the beam assembly is arc-shaped in the transverse direction.
[0103] P31. A railway wagon according to any of items P1-P30, wherein the beam assembly comprises a leg which is arranged at the second end of the beam assembly and which is configured to support against the ground.
[0104] P32. A railway wagon according to item P31, wherein the beam assembly comprises an actuation device configured to lower and raise the leg.
[0105] P33. A railway wagon according to item P32, wherein the actuation device is arranged substantially in parallel with the extension of the beam assembly.
[0106] P34. A railway wagon according to any of items P31-P33, wherein the leg has a foot at its free end, the foot being configured to abut the ground, and wherein the leg preferably comprises a sensor device configured to provide safe abutment of the foot on the ground.
[0107] P35. A railway wagon according to any of items P32-P34, wherein the actuation device is connected to the leg at a first pivot at a first leg end of the leg.
[0108] P36. A railway wagon according to item P34, wherein the foot is connected to the leg at a second pivot at a second leg end of the leg.
[0109] P37. A railway wagon according to item P35, wherein the first leg end of the leg is placed at a sliding portion which is movable along a rail mounted substantially in parallel with the beam assembly.
[0110] Finally, it should be mentioned that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein, and modifications are feasible within the scope defined by the appended claims. The improved railway wagon may be used for transportation not only of road-vehicles like semi-trailers, but any kinds of vehicles such as tractors, bulldozers, haulers, and the like.