EP0893366B1 - Device for transporting vehicles, especially for estate cars, small vehicles or similar - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for transporting vehicles, in particular Passenger cars, vans or the like, according to the preamble of Claim 1.

The transport of vehicles in particular from the production site to the dealer or Customers usually do this by driving each vehicle from the factory to a heap becomes. From the stockpile, the vehicle is then transferred to a railway or Road transporter driven. If vehicles have to be transported over long distances, this happens in particular between different continents by sea. The also makes it necessary to drive around the vehicle several times, which is then from the transporter to the stockpile, from there to the ship and after the ship transport in proceed in reverse. In addition, the vehicles must be on the various transporters can be lashed. All of this is not only time and labor intensive; with every bypass there is also the risk of damaging the respective vehicle.

In order to simplify the transport of vehicles described above, it is from GB-A-1 258 284 it is already known to use devices which can be driven over Have floor and stacking columns. These known devices form practically Transport cages that can be stacked on top of each other and with which the cages on them Vehicles can be handled in a similar way to containers. The devices have end walls, of which one wall can be folded down to a ramp to Form up and shutdown vehicles. The wall can be in the Lock the folded down position from non-pivotable to at least a part to carry a vehicle.

DE 90 10 938 U describes a device for storing and transporting motor vehicles known, which is a telescopically expandable and collapsible Floor. This means that the floor should have different center distances be adaptable by motor vehicles to be arranged on the device. Because of a unavoidable game between the guides of the telescopic design Soil lead to the formation of the same serving soil elements relative movements to each other. Generate these relative movements of the floor elements to each other strongly changing loads on the lashings of the respective vehicle. It can loosening and, in extreme cases, even lashing of the lashing.

Proceeding from this, the object of the invention is to provide devices for Transport of vehicles, especially motor vehicles, vans or the like to create that, with sufficient stability, both enlargeable as needed are also scalable.

A device for achieving the object on which the invention is based has the features of claim 1. The floor can therefore be extended. This gives the device in the longitudinal direction or direction of travel of the vehicles is larger Capacity. In this way it is possible to use devices which are usually namely in the unextended state, which corresponds to the grid dimension of 40 'containers, where the space allows it, towards the grid of 45 'containers enlarge. It is also possible due to the extensibility of the floor To enlarge the device so that such a number of longer vehicles are stowed can, which corresponds to the number of vehicles of shorter length. The extension the device takes place in such a way that at least one leading edge of the floor is one ramp-like flap is assigned, which can be designed as a wall. The ramp-like flap enables the device to be driven on without additional ramps. If the or each flap is folded up for transport, it serves as a front protection for the vehicles located on the floor of the device.

It is also proposed to design the or each ramp in several parts. Preferably are the individual parts of the ramp with a swivel axis connected, which runs parallel to the corresponding leading edge of the floor at which again the entire ramp can be pivoted, articulated by a further pivot axis is. The respective ramp can be folded in this way. This allows the ramp to partially can be extended by a part of the Ramp is swung down to the level of the floor while the other is not required part of the ramp is folded up to stabilize the device and simultaneous front protection of the vehicles on it.

According to a preferred development of the device, the or each is provided Ramp or parts of the same when folded up. Condition with neighboring stacking columns connect to. This gives the device greater stability, in particular the lateral stability improved. This leads in particular to the transport of several on top of each other stacked, loaded devices so that the stack thus formed has sufficient stability during transport, which is important for the device is not permanently deformed during transport and none at all Damage to the vehicles picked up by the device.

Fig. 1

mit Personenkraftwagen beladene, nicht erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtungen (ohne Seitenwände dargestellt) an Bord eines Binnenschiffs,

Fig. 2

eine unbeladene Vorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung mit teilweise hochgeklappten Wänden,

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt durch eine momentan mit einem Kraftfahrzeug beladene, nicht erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung,

Fig. 4

ein Endbereich der leeren und zusammengeklappten Vorrichtung,

Fig.5

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Endes der Vorrichtung bei vollständig geöffneter Klappe,

Fig. 6

das Ende der Vorrichtung der Fig. 5 mit eingeklappter Klappe bei zusammengeklappter, leerer Vorrichtung,

Fig. 7

ein Ende der Vorrichtung in einer Darstellung gemäß der Fig. 6 bei in Transportposition hochgeklappter Rampe,

Fig. 8

ein Ende einer teilweise verlängerten Vorrichtung in einer Darstellung analog zu den Fig. 6 und 7 mit teilweise hochgeschwenkter Klappe, und

Fig. 9

ein Ende der Vorrichtung analog zu den Fig. 6 bis 8 mit vollständig geöffneter Klappe.

Preferred embodiments of devices according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. In this show:

Fig. 1

Devices loaded with passenger cars and not according to the invention (shown without side walls) on board an inland waterway vessel,

Fig. 2

an unloaded device in perspective with the walls partially folded up,

Fig. 3

3 shows a cross section through a device not currently in accordance with the invention loaded with a motor vehicle,

Fig. 4

an end portion of the empty and collapsed device,

Figure 5

2 shows a perspective view of one end of the device when the flap is fully open,

Fig. 6

5 with the flap folded in when the empty device is folded,

Fig. 7

6 shows one end of the device in a representation according to FIG. 6 with the ramp folded up in the transport position,

Fig. 8

one end of a partially extended device in a representation analogous to FIGS. 6 and 7 with the flap partially pivoted up, and

Fig. 9

one end of the device analogous to FIGS. 6 to 8 with the flap fully open.

The device shown here is used to transport those shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 8 Motor vehicles in particular trucks, railway wagons, inland or seagoing ships. 1 shows devices loaded with motor vehicles 10, not according to the invention, on board an inland waterway vessel 11th

The devices shown here are designed as transport cages to accommodate two Motor vehicles 10 trained. Correspond to the extended version shown in FIG. 1 the external dimensions of each device approximately the external dimensions of a 40 ' Container. The transport cage-like devices are together with those on it located motor vehicles 10 can be handled like containers. The loaded devices can be stacked together with the motor vehicles 10 located thereon like containers and stowed next to each other on board the inland ship 11. On trucks or Railway wagons are preferably two transport cages with on them Motor vehicles 10 transported stacked one above the other.

In the unloaded state, the devices can be folded up, so that a larger number of stacked transport cage-like devices to save space can be transported.

Each transport cage-like device has a rectangular bottom 12 with two parallel longitudinal side edges 13 and two parallel (shorter) transverse edges 14 and pivotable stacking columns 15. The floor 12 is constructed like a frame, namely over longitudinal beams 18 running along the longitudinal side edges 13 and along the transverse edges 14 extending cross members 19. The of the longitudinal members 18 and the cross members 19 enclosed area can be supported with additional stiffeners, not shown be provided. There are two in on the frame formed by the supports Longitudinal direction of the floor 12, parallel lanes 16 and 17 for the the devices to be accommodated. 10. Each of the four corner points of the rectangular bottom 12 is assigned a stacking column 15. Are in the transport position the stacking columns 15 folded up, so they run perpendicular to the approximately horizontal floor 12. Each stacking column is about a pivot axis 20 running parallel to the transverse edge 14 15 pivotable against the corresponding longitudinal side edge 13.

From FIG. 2 it can be seen that each longitudinal side edge 13 of the base 12 has a Side wall 21 is assigned. Each of the same trained over the entire length of the Device between two stacking columns 15 arranged on the same side Side wall 21 is pivotable on the corresponding longitudinal side edge 13 of the Bottom 12 hinged. For this purpose, several serve at a distance on the long side edge 13 of the bottom 12 arranged hinges 22. In folded up State (left representation of FIG. 2) are vertical edges 23 of the corresponding Side wall 21 with the associated stacking columns 15 connectable by corresponding bars. As a result, the respective side wall 21 is folded up Locked position and at the same time a stable connection of the respective side wall 20 with the opposite end edges 23 of stacking columns 15 assigned to the same manufactured. Each side wall 21 thus forms with the two stacking columns assigned to it 15 and over the hinges 22 with the corresponding longitudinal side edge 13 of the Bottom 12 one unit.

As a result of the self-supporting or load-bearing design of the side walls 21 contribute to the stabilization of the soil 12, in particular by the Hinges 22 connecting side walls 21 to the floor 12. The side walls 21 form a side protection when folded up (left representation of FIG. 2) for the motor vehicles housed on the transport cage-like device 10. In folded down state (right representation of FIG. 2) give the side walls 21st the long sides of the device free, causing the motor vehicles 10 on the device are accessible from the side, in particular the doors of the motor vehicles 10 almost completely open for drivers to get in and out.

An alternative embodiment of the device, which is not shown, is not in accordance with the invention Side walls with a foldable as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 on the Longitudinal edges 13 of the bottom 12 hinged frame. In the frame are side wall part Sliding doors are arranged, which are shifted to each other in this way can that the frame-like side wall completely when the device is loaded closed is. Individual side wall parts can be used to load the device Sliding doors are moved that only the corresponding area Sidewall frame remains. Through the open inner surface of the same Then swing open vehicle doors through, making a driver easily out can get on and off his vehicle.

Another alternative, not shown, not according to the invention provides for each side wall to be made of load-bearing or to form load-bearing side wall parts that are slidable on the longitudinal side edges 13 of the bottom 12 are arranged. This displaceability of the side wall parts takes place in such a way as is known for example in sliding door cupboards. In particular Way is the leadership of the movable and resilient or load-bearing Side wall parts mounted on the respective longitudinal side edge 13 of the bottom 12. in this connection it is a positive and non-positive storage, which makes it possible to Floor 12 to transfer loads applied to the sliding side wall parts, whereby these intercept or reduce any deflections of the floor 12.

The device according to FIG. 2 also has walls on its transverse edges 14, namely transverse walls which are designed as flaps 24. The flaps 24 are preferred accessible from motor vehicles 10.

Each flap 24 is via a hinge 25 or, if appropriate, also a plurality of hinges can be folded about a horizontal pivot axis with the respective transverse edge of the base 12 connected. In the opened position (left representation of FIG. 2) forms the respective Flap 24 a horizontal extension of the bottom 12 of the device over the Cross edge 14 out. The flap 24 thus forms a ramp for driving over devices arranged one behind the other. The respective flap 24 also forms but also an extension of the bottom 12 of the device, whereby the device with longer motor vehicles 10 can be loaded, which may be during the Transports with rear or front wheels can remain on the flap 24. The necessary stability of the flap 24 in the extended, horizontal position achieved by collapsible struts 26 of two articulated together Lever arms. With the flap 24 pivoted into the horizontal position (left representation of the Fig. 2) the lever arms of the strut 26 reach an extended position, whereby a .. reliable position securing of the respective flap 24 in the floor 12 extending horizontal position is guaranteed.

If the device is loaded with vehicles that only the area of the floor 12 in Claim, the flaps 24 can be swung in after loading a transport position (right representation of FIG. 2). In this case, the lever arms the struts 26 folded. The raised flaps 24 form in the Transport position end walls of the device, which serve the vehicles to protect on the front or back from the outside and on the other hand to protect the device stabilize. For this purpose, the flaps 24 are swung through positive locking elements with the opposite sides of the flaps 24 associated stacking columns 15 can be positively (but detachably) connected. It comes a stabilizing connection between the flaps 24, the bottom 12 and the Flap 24 associated stacking columns 15. Especially in connection with the Sidewalls 21 (Fig. 2), but also the alternatives described above Embodiments of the side walls, the device receives a relatively high Torsion resistance, namely forms a box-shaped receptacle for the open Motor vehicles 10.

In another embodiment of the device (Figs. 5 to 9) each end of the Bottom 12 assigned a two-part flap 27. This flap 27 also has several Functions, namely serves both as a ramp, as an extension of the floor 12 and / or as protection of the motor vehicles 10. Each two-part flap 27 is not included hinges shown on a corresponding transverse edge 14 of the bottom 12 with an inner part 28 pivotally applied. With the inner part 28 is in turn not shown hinges an outer part 29 of the flap 27 hinged. Inner part 28 and outer part 29 thus form the two parts of each flap 27. In the unfolded position the flap 27 both the inner part 28 and the outer part 29 are approximately in the plane of the bottom 12 (FIGS. 5 and 9). The respective flap 27 serves as an opening and Departure ramp for the motor vehicles 10. At the same time, both the inner parts 28 and also the outer parts 29 horizontal extensions of opposite sides of the Bottom 12. When flaps 24 are pivoted down, the flap 24 is elongated on both sides Bottom 12 dimensions, which correspond approximately to a 45 'container. The Stacking columns 15 are located on grid points that of a 40 'container correspond.

If only a partial extension of the bottom 12 is required, it can be in the transport position the device only the inner part 28 of one or both flaps 24 folded down be in the plane of the bottom 12, while the outer part 29 one or both Flaps 24 pivoted up, that is angled (Fig. 8). In this way it is Total length of the device can be varied according to need. Furthermore the swung-up outer parts 29 form a front or rear side Protection of the motor vehicles 10 located on the device (FIG. 8).

The device is loaded only with relatively short motor vehicles 10 that do not have the Extend surface of the bottom 12, the or each flap 27 is complete pivoted up so that inner part 28 and outer part 29 in a common, vertical Level are (Fig. 7). Then the entire back and possibly also Front of the device closed by the corresponding flap 27, whereby the front and rear motor vehicles 10 are fully protected.

When the device is empty with the stacked columns 15 folded in, the inner part 28 of each flap 27 pivoted up completely, so that the inner parts 28 a vertical position to Take floor 12 (Fig. 6). In contrast, the outer parts 29 are in one horizontal position swiveled, are thus between the folded Stacking columns 15. The empty devices with folded stacking columns 15 can be thus despite the relatively long, two-part flaps 27 on the base of a 40 ' Bring containers with the height through the tops of the folded stacking columns 15 of the device is determined (Fig. 6).

The stacking columns 15 are of identical design and each have an elongated, box-like shape. A lower end of each stacking column 15 is pivotable with the respective corner of the floor 12 connected by a horizontal and parallel to the Cross edge 14 extending pivot axis 30. As a result, the stacking columns 15 in one plane perpendicular to the respective longitudinal side edge 13 of the base 12 pivotable (Fig. 4). Starting from each corner of the floor 12 is one along one Recess 31 extending part of the corresponding longitudinal side edge 13 is provided, which are designed to correspond to the dimensions of a stack column 15. The recesses 31 thus serve to be folded down into a horizontal position Stacking columns 15 largely to include. In this way they protrude The tops of the folded-up stacking columns 15 are not significantly above the top the bottom 12 out (Fig. 4).

In the folded-up state, each stacking column 15 is opposite the one with a strut 32 Floor 12 lockable. Each strut 32 assigned to a stacking column 15 has one plane running perpendicular to the respective longitudinal side edge of the base 12 arranged. One end of each strut 32 is pivotable on the respective longitudinal side edge 13 of the bottom 12 articulated. The opposite end of each strut 32 is with the corresponding stacked up column 15 connectable (Fig. 4). When folded down Stacking columns 15 are the struts 32 around the articulated pivot point on Floor 12 pivotable against the floor 12 (Fig. 4).

Both the upper end and the lower end of each stacking column 15 are at one folded-up stacking column 15 in planes running horizontally parallel to the floor 12 arranged plates, in each of which an anchoring opening 33 and 34th is arranged. The corner points of the floor 12 are also two parallel, horizontal Associated plates, in each of which an anchoring opening 35, 36 is located. The Plates with the anchoring openings 35, 36 can be obtained using commercially available Container corner fittings must be formed. Then there are also upright foreheads and Side edges of the floor 12 anchoring openings.

The anchoring opening 34 arranged on the underside of each stacking column 15 corresponds to the anchoring opening arranged on the top of the bottom 12 35 such that both anchoring openings 34 and 35 through one commercially available coupling piece, for example a twistlock 37, form-fitting with each other can be connected. As a result, the stacking columns 15 are additionally in the folded. Transport position of the device locked. The pivot axis 30 for Connection of each stacking column 15 to the floor 12 is placed so that when folded down Stacking columns 15, the upper anchoring opening 35 on the floor 12 is exposed. This anchoring opening 35 is thus freely accessible. to connect several stacked empty device with folded stacking columns 15 or for coupling hoists.

The anchoring opening 33 at the top of each stacking column 15 is preferably used also for receiving a coupling piece, for example a twistlock 38 (FIG. 4). The Twistlocks 38 then serve to connect two devices stacked one above the other, by inserting the upper part of it into the anchoring opening 33 at the upper end each stacking column 15 inserted twistlocks 38 into the anchoring opening 36 on the Underside of the bottom 12 engages a device placed on the lower device.

Alternatively, it is also possible to have the top and / or bottom of each stacking column 15 to connect directly with a coupling piece, preferably permanently. It can then the anchoring openings 33 and 34 at the top and bottom of the Stacking columns 15 are omitted. The permanently on top and bottom of each stacking column 15th attached dome pieces can be used as needed to stack one another stacked devices with upright, folded-out stacking columns 15 together connect and around the stacked up stacking columns 15 in this Lock position by permanently attached to the undersides of the stacking columns 15 Coupling pieces with the anchoring openings 35 at the top of the floor 12 are connected.

According to a further embodiment of the device which is not according to the invention, the roadways 16 and 17 are included different distances from the longitudinal central axis 39 of the device or of the floor 12 provided. In the exemplary embodiment shown (FIG. 3), the right lane 17 has a greater distance from the longitudinal central axis 39 than the left lane 16. On this The motor vehicles 10 can be eccentrically positioned on the floor 12 of the device drive. This creates different distances between the opposite sides of the Motor vehicles 10 to the longitudinal side edges 13 because the centers 40 of the motor vehicles 10 are offset to the longitudinal center axis 39 of the bottom 12 of the device. In the shown In the exemplary embodiment, the passenger side is located close to the longitudinal side edge 13, while the driver's side is a clear distance from the opposite long side edge 13 has. This distance is especially important when the device is used the side walls 21 not shown in FIG. 3 is provided. Then you can with the side walls 21 closed, the driver's door can be opened so far that the Drivers of motor vehicles 19 can get on and off relatively easily.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 not according to the invention, inner sides of supports for stabilizing the Floor 12 provided with a protective covering 41 made of rubber, for example. This can optionally also arranged on the inner sides or parts of the side walls 21 his.

For the off-center guidance of the motor vehicles 10 on the floor 12 is an elongated Guide 42 provided. This guide 42 is in the embodiment shown on the Outside of a lane (in Fig. 2 the left lane 16) is arranged. The Guide 42 is firmly connected to the floor 12 here. A vertical wall 43 of the Guide 42 is located next to the corresponding lane 16 and ensures here Guide the left tire 44 of the respective motor vehicle 10. The guide 42 or the Wall 43 have the practical effect of curbs.

Alternatively, it is conceivable for the guide 42 to be adjustable in a particularly horizontal direction form such that the distance of the upright wall 43 of the guide 42 from the corresponding longitudinal side edge 13 of the bottom 12 can be changed. On in this way it is possible to adapt to motor vehicles of different widths, such that that the passenger is as close as possible to the corresponding side Longitudinal edge 13 of the bottom are. The distances of the Roads 16 and 17 to the longitudinal central axis 39 of the device.

Claims (4)

1. Device for the transport of vehicles, in particular passenger cars, small transporters or the like, with a drive-on bottom increasing the reception capacity and, in particular, stacking columns which are preferably assigned to corners of the bottom, characterized in that the bottom (12) is extendible by means of at least one wall which is designed as a ramp-like flap (24, 27) and which is connected pivotably to an end-face transverse edge (14) of the bottom (12).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the or each flap (27) is of multi-part design.
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that parts of each flap (27) are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis running parallel to the transverse edge (14) of the bottom (12).
4. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the or each flap (24, 27), particularly in the upwardly pivoted (closed) state, can be connected to or brought into releasable engagement with adjacent stacking columns (15).

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