EP1874607A1

EP1874607A1 - Device for lateral self-centering support and immobilization on a railway structure of a semi-trailer kingpin

Info

Publication number: EP1874607A1
Application number: EP06743668A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Luc Andre; Jacques Ober; Mathieu Schverer
Original assignee: Lohr Industrie SA
Current assignee: Lohr Industrie SA
Priority date: 2005-04-11
Filing date: 2006-04-10
Publication date: 2008-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-10
Also published as: ES2317541T3; EP1874607B1; CN101189154B; PL1874607T3; KR20080003823A; RU2007141454A; ATE408546T1; CN101189154A; FR2884211A1; FR2884211B1; RU2394711C2; WO2006108955A1; DE602006002818D1; KR101263528B1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for lateral self-centering support and immobilization of a semi-trailer kingpin on a railway structure transporting same characterized in that it comprises a nacelle (10) with a mobile frame (11) and a receiving space (12) actuated in vertical movements through lifting means and mounted stable in rolling and yawing motions and through a cowling part urged to be mounted on the kingpin and whereof the outer lateral surfaces co-operate with pivoting components (42) of the mobile frame (11) so as to obtain a self-centering and immobilizing effect, the pivoting components (42) acting as bilateral visual indicators allowing the operator to determine the end of the self-centering and immobilizing operations on either side of the railway car. The invention is applicable to railway transport of road semi-trailers.

Description

Support device with lateral self - centering and immobilization on a railway structure of the coupling pin of a semitrailer.

The present invention relates to a support device with lateral centering and immobilization of ^one of the coupling pin of a semi-trailer on the wagon body in which it is transported. More particularly, the invention relates to such a device with a visual indicator for controlling the self-centering and the visible immobilization on one side or the other of the wagon.

The carriage of road vehicles in wagons requires fairly precise, quick and convenient means of implementation, but also simple securing means, easy to implement and high reliability, offering a safety adapted to the loading during all transport phases. This is the case of trucks, but also of their trailer or semi-trailer.

For reasons of profitability, it seeks to transport trailers and semi-trailers alone, that is to say, separated from their towing vehicle and more generally dissociated from the motor vehicle.

The present invention relates more particularly to the transport of semi-trailers in a railway unit.

The semitrailers are standardized and all include a kingpin or kingpin that comes engage separably on a support called harness carried by the tractor. The assembly forms a pivot joint. This joint supports during the transport the different static and dynamic forces echoing at the front of the trailer. Indeed, as the name suggests, this type of trailer is semi-reach. The weight and the forces not supported by the rear wheels are reflected in front of the pivot joint. As a transported load, the semitrailer does not undergo all the efforts exerted during the rolling. It consists of a cantilevered mass at the front that must be supported and immobilized to avoid damage during taxiing or at least dangerous movements of weight and therefore of center of gravity.

In addition, for economic reasons, the loading and unloading processes must be fast and require only a few human interventions.

In addition, a lateral centering is sought to ensure that the semi-trailer is well within the rail gauge. This centering must be completed by maintaining in this position during the entire transport.

Thus, a secure locking system of the kingpin with self-centering and visual control is the general means that meets this expectation. However, for reasons of installation of securing devices, but also of approximation of safety accessories relative to the semi-trailer, it is essential to know the position of the pivot relative to a fixed reference. However, the known locking systems of the kingpin of a semi-trailer on a wagon structure do not confer all these advantages simultaneously.

The purpose of the invention is precisely to allow the lateral self-centering of the kingpin and to indicate visually on both sides of the wagon. the successful completion of the immobilization operation.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a support device with lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization of the kingpin of a semitrailer on the wagon that carries it.

The device according to the invention consists of a cowling piece which is mounted on the kingpin of the semi-trailer and a receiver or pod assembly comprising indicator elements and visual control of the self-centering and 1 'immobilization and incidentally the indication of the exact location of the pivot in the immobilization position, this receiving member or nacelle being actuated by an elevation means. More particularly, the device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises on the one hand a mobile receiving frame delimiting a receiving space operated in vertical movements by a lifting means and mounted stable in roll and yaw movements and on the other hand a cowling piece which is mounted on the hitching pin of the semitrailer, whose outer lateral shapes cooperate with complementary shapes of the receiving mobile frame in order to obtain by penetration of the cowling piece in the receiving space of the mobile receiving frame a self-centering effect and a cowling piece whose front and rear faces abut against transverse moving parts and in that the cowling part moves during its penetration of self-centering in the receiving space bilateral mobile visual indicators allow the operator to visually observe one side and the other of the car status late ¹ autocentr lateral age and longitudinal locking of the cowling part, the visual indicators can realize in their inner part to the box the locking longitudinal lock of the cowling part. The crutches of the semi-trailer are then unloaded. She is then in her position and condition for transport. We find in this device the desired functions and the economic and practical advantages that give it all its interest.

Thus, it is sufficient to place the semi-trailer in the transport position and then to block the kingpin dressed with its cowling piece to obtain a sufficient maintenance thereof and a protection of this pivot during all transport.

This protection of the kingpin exists as soon as the cowling piece is in place and thus also during the loading and unloading operations.

Regarding the kingpin, after having been previously dressed by the cowling part, it arrives automatically centered at the bottom of the receiver assembly thanks to converging ramp conformation of each of its flanks or that of moving parts. equipping the receiver assembly.

The lateral locking is carried out by simple lateral installation whose maintenance is guaranteed by the pressure brought by the lifting.

It can thus bring a great security of lateral immobilization during transport and a speed and ease in loading and unloading operations. In addition, the moving parts of the receiver assembly or nacelle are driven under the cowling part which is lined the kingpin. The adjacent moving parts are in sufficiently close contact with the front and rear faces of the cowling piece to provide locking longitudinal immobilization. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, given by way of example and accompanied by the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the location of the support device with lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization on a railway bogie;

. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the receiver assembly of the support device according to a first variant of the invention;

. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing a second variant of the support device according to the invention respectively at rest and in a situation of lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization of the cowling part carried by the kingpin the semi-trailer;

. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views respectively showing the cowling piece intended to cover the kingpin and the cowling piece mounted on the kingpin with its gripping fork;

. Figures 7 and 8 are longitudinal sections of the cowling part showing respectively in the unlocked state and locked on the kingpin of the semi-trailer;

. FIGS. 9 and 10 are respectively cross-sectional and plan views showing the cowling part locked on the coupling pin arriving laterally non-centrally by a distance D on the receiver assembly according to the first variant;

I

. FIGS. 11 and 12 are respectively cross-sectional and plan views showing the cowling piece locked on the kingpin, centered laterally and immobilized longitudinally in the receiver assembly according to the first variant and in contact with the moving parts thereof; FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional and plan views, respectively, showing the cowling piece locked on the coupling pin arriving laterally non-centrally by a distance D on the receiver unit according to the second variant;

Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional and plan views respectively showing the cowling piece locked on the kingpin, laterally centered in the receiver assembly according to the second variant and in contact with the moving parts thereof ; Figures 17 and 18 are respectively cross-sectional and plan views showing the cowling part locked on the coupling pin arriving laterally non-centered on the receiver assembly according to a third variant; FIGS. 19 and 20 are respectively cross-sectional and plan views showing the cowling piece locked on the kingpin, centered laterally in the receiver assembly according to the third variant and in contact with the moving parts thereof. ; Figure 21 is a perspective view illustrating the nacelle according to the third variant and its guide tail; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the nacelle according to the third variant with a stop detection element; FIGS. 23 to 26 are diagrammatic diagrams illustrating the characteristic positions of the kingpin and the nacelle during the adjustment before self-centering and locking with the detecting device of Fig. 22 artificially shown on the side for illustrative and descriptive clarity; . Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the support device according to the invention in place on a railway bogie and its actuating means according to a first variant of the elevating means;

. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing in isolation the receiver assembly and a first variant of the elevating means;

. Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the support device according to the first variant in place on a railway bogie and a second variant of the elevation means;

. Figure 30 is a perspective view showing separately the elevation means according to the second variant with its control;

. Figure 31 is a perspective view of the bogie structure with the nacelle of the third variant in the down position; . Figure 32 is a side view corresponding to Figure 31;

. Figure 33 is a perspective view of the bogie structure with the nacelle of the third variant in the high position;

. Figure 34 is a side view corresponding to Figure 33.

The support device with lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilisation is applied to the hitching pivot of a semitrailer, but it is conceivable to use it for other parts of vehicles, or even other integer or fractional loads. to stow on a wagon. As shown in FIG. 1, the support device with lateral self-centering and immobilization longitudinal is called to be mounted at one end of a railway structure, for example a wagon.

It can be, as shown, a wagon consisting of two bogies such as 1 whose rolling assembly consists of two axles 2 and 3 rotatably mounted on a bogie structure 4. This can be provided with a body 5 or not depending on the intended application. It may be a flat structure or a rear end platform 6 or front 7 as shown in Figure 1.

The support device with lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization according to the invention is composed of a rigid cowling part 8 which covers and mechanically protects a kingpin 9 of a semitrailer to be transported in the wagon. a receiver unit or nacelle 10 receiving self-centering cowling part 8 and elevation means of the receiver assembly 10. The receiver assembly 10 recalling in its general form that of a nacelle will be hereinafter nacelle 10.

As indicated, the nacelle 10 is intended to be mounted on a wagon structure, at one of its ends, for example on the rear platform 6 of the bogie, corresponding approximately to the location where the pivot of the bogie is usually located. hitch 9 when the semitrailer is immobilized in transport position on the wagon. As will be seen below, the nacelle 10 is articulated on this end of the wagon structure and on the end of a lifting means.

The nacelle 10 is formed of a frame body 11 delimiting a receiving space 12 for the cowling part 8 which is self-centering in this housing. space.

The frame 11 of the nacelle is formed of two end crosspieces 13 and 14 and two box-shaped spars 15 and 16, each forming a boundary and abutment border for lateral movements and self-centering.

Each edge delimitation consists of a spar 15 or 16 which is extended laterally toward the receiving space 12 by an oblique ramp ¹ centering 17 or 18 down the inclined plane towards the median plane of the receiving space 12 providing in these borders a cross section of generally trapezoidal shape.

In addition to its self-centering function, each ramp 17 or 18 forms, with the body of the corresponding spar, the caisson 15 or 16 enclosing a common hinge axis around which individual tilt elements pivot as a visual indicator, as will be seen hereinafter. after. The cowling part 8 is a generally trough-shaped body, that is to say a parallelepipedal body having two straight front faces 19 and 20, a large upper face 21 and a small lower face 22 and two oblique lateral faces 23 and 24. joining the upper face 21 to the lower face 22.

As will be readily understood, the oblique faces 23 and 24 are self-centering ramps ¹ cooperating with oblique ramps ¹ centering 17 and 18 of the nacelle 10 to achieve automatic centering during the implementation of operations and securing the semitrailer by its kingpin.

The cowling part 8 is a rigid hollow body that can be put in place on the kingpin with a fork 25 whose conical ends of the two branches 26 and 27 are engaged in gripping bores 28 and 29 provided in the body of the cowling piece 8.

The internal volume of the cowling part 8 is compartmentalized into a cylindrical cavity 30 intended to receive the kingpin 9 and in two annexed volumes each containing a locking mechanism 31 and 32.

As illustrated by the sections of FIGS. 7 and 8, each of these mechanisms 31 and 32 is formed, for example, of a locking pivoting finger 33 and 34 respectively between an inclined locking position in which the end of each finger condemns the movements. relative to the kingpin 9 and the cowling part 8 by blocking contact with the underside of the terminal disk 35 of the head of the kingpin and a retracted position of release. The holding of these fingers in the locked pivoted position is for example ensured as shown in the figures by pads 36 and 37 of elastic material of suitable shape providing the elastic return force. These locking fingers are each mounted pivoting about an axis 38 or 39 and each have a circular light 40 or 41 slightly offset from the inner hole of the gripping bore 28 or 29 in the inclined locking position of the corresponding finger and exactly in front of this orifice in the right position of release of this finger. The tilting maneuver of the locking fingers corresponding to the release is effected at the time of taking the cowling piece 8 with the fork 25 for its implementation on the kingpin or at the time of its taken to remove it using the fork 25 or any other similar tool. This blocking allows the cowling piece 8 to remain fixed on the kingpin and play its role for lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization. As indicated, the light 40 or 41 of each locking pivoting finger 33 or 34 is placed in such a way that when the conical end of the corresponding branch of the fork passes through it, the locking finger is tilted in the retracted position. liberation simply by penetration.

During the installation of the cowling piece 8 on the kingpin 9 of the semitrailer, the operator previously introduces the gripping fork 25 into the cowling piece 8 so that the locking fingers arrive in the retracted position ( Figure 7).

The operator then puts in place by fitting the cowling piece 8 on the king pin 9 and the oriente appropriately for it is found in the position of self-centering. It then removes the fork 25, which has the effect of releasing the locking fingers 33 and 34. The latter lock as seen the cowling piece 8 on the pivot 9 of the semi-trailer (Figure 8).

We now return to the receiver or pod 10 d ¹ self-centering and immobilization which is located under the kingpin 9. The position of the latter does not often correspond exactly to that of the nacelle. It is generally offset by a distance D parallel to this one (FIG. 9), hence the need for self-centering.

The nacelle 10 is formed of a mechanical support having in the upper part a receiving space 12 for the kingpin 9 dressed with its cowling part 8 and in the lower part a interface for its connection with a means of elevation.

On the nacelle 10 are mounted moving parts causing self-centering and immobilization of the cowling part 8 and thus of the kingpin 9 and tilted for those which come into contact with the sides of the cowling piece.

This tilting is a visual indication of the penetration of the cowling piece 8 in the receiving volume 12 and subsequently a visual indicator of the end of the implementation and setting operations before transport.

According to a first variant, the spars of the nacelle 10 forming the caissons 15 and 16 each house a pivot axis on each of which are mounted swinging a series of pivoting parts according to a principle substantially similar to that of the keys of a piano. These pivoting keys are parallel to each other and pivot for those located on the same side about a longitudinal axis for example housed in each box parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wagon. Each of these pivoting keys has a generally V-shaped portion protruding inside the receiving interior space 12 and another portion projecting outside the body of the nacelle. The pivoting keys are held at rest in the high position inside the nacelle by gravity, for example by a larger distribution of mass on the side located outside the body of the nacelle. For this purpose, the portion projecting outside the body of the nacelle 10 has a larger volume and therefore serves as a counterweight. The moving parts are in this first variant of the individual keys 42 juxtaposed in groupings 43 and 44 of rows one of right and the other of left. These groups 43 and 44 succeed each other in staggered rows, that is to say that they are spaced longitudinally from each other so that those of the rows of each spar are interwoven between the groups of the keys of the opposite box without significant discontinuity at the level of the interior space 12 of reception.

As will be seen below, the individual keys of the other variants are no longer divided into groups but follow one another continuously along each longitudinal side of the nacelle.

These keys 42 each have a certain thickness constituting a first fractionation of the useful length of the nacelle 10, the second fraction being that of the groups.

Each group 43 or 44 is composed of a plurality of individual keys 42 each in the form of a blade of a set of juxtaposed and independent blades in pivoting movement, each constituting an elementary key, so that one or two or even several blades of a group can be tilted while the others remain in place.

There is on each side, an end group 45 and 46 for each of which the outer portions of the individual keys 42 have been curved due to lack of space. The thickness of these individual keys 42 is for example that of a sheet metal sheet.

Each key 42 and each group 43 or 44 of juxtaposed keys affect, for example, a general shape of a sabot profile which is decomposed into a front portion 47 with a trapezoidal upper cutout, a rear heel 48 for position display and a pivot pivot central portion 49 (FIGS. 9 and 11).

The central portion 49 has a bearing opening for pivoting about the corresponding tilting axis.

The rear heel 48 is preferably of generally rectangular shape. The front portion 47 has a shape adapted to receive wedging the lower part of the cowling part 8 mounted on the kingpin 9 of the semitrailer. This reception and this stalling take place when the part 8 is in the lower position in the receiving space 12. At this moment, the self-centering is finished and the part 8 rests with its lower part on the receiving part of the keys. present under the projected surface of the body of the part 8, that is to say over a certain length of individual keys 42 as it appears in Figure 12 showing the offset. The succession of the keys, the distribution of these on each side of the nacelle 10 and the number of elementary keys 42 in each grouping 43 and 44 are studied with respect to the dimensional relationships of the parts involved, the thickness of the piece of cowling 8 so that each position of the latter corresponds to each side, the switching of at least one individual key.

A variant shown in Figures 3 and 4 implements keys of different shape and differently distributed.

It is no longer nested right-left groups of individual keys such as 42, but two rows 50 and 51 of individual keys such as 52 juxtaposed, each time occupying the entire longitudinal side.

According to this variant, each key 52 can be made in one piece in the form of blades as before, but of shorter length to leave a central free longitudinal space 53. In practice, they will preferably, but not necessarily, made as shown in Figures 13 and 15.

It is actually blades also made of three parts, but no longer monoblocs. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, each individual key 52 is formed first of a contact piece 54 inside the receiving space 12 sloping therein under the thrust against the cowling piece 8. Each contact piece 54 is pivotally articulated by its upper end on one end of a rocker arm 55 pivotally mounted on a common axis housed in the box of the frame of the nacelle 10. The other end of the rocker arm 55 actuates by contact pushing upwardly an outer pivoting piece 56 serving as an external visual indicator and counterweight.

Each contact piece 54 has a particular cutting shape. It comprises a flat top and straight edge 57 serving as a contact surface or self-centering ramp to one or other of the oblique adjacent faces 23 or 24 of the cowling piece 8 opposite. It also comprises an oblique base 58 serving as abutment support in its low inclined position. The part opposite the upper contact edge 57 has a convex cut-out 59 terminated upwards by a rounded profile 60. The upward movement is ensured by the force of gravity provided by the weight of the external pivoting piece 56 in support on the rocker arm 55. As indicated, the keys 52 in this variant are of shorter length than in the previous variant so as to arrange between their ends facing the longitudinal space 53 for the cowling part 8.

For this variant, it is no longer necessary to provide an appropriate thickness and number of blades in each group because an identical number of blades toggle on each side during the self-centering and immobilization operations as shown in FIGS. and 4. There is shown in Figures 17 to 21 a third variant of the nacelle 10 showing tilting parts 61 slightly different for lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization with visual indicator. These moving parts are always pivotally mounted blades 61 in continuous succession and in two rows 62 and 63 about two longitudinal axes 64 and 65 carried by the cross members of the frame of the nacelle 10. The frame has a base 66 by which it is articulated at the upper part of the elevating means through an interface 67. The base 66 is formed of a plate 68 whose upper face 69 constitutes a self-centering abutment for the pivoting blades 61 while the longitudinal lateral faces 70 and 71 the edge of this plate 68 constitute a raised position stop for these same individual pivoting blades 61.

As before, the individual swivel blades 61 are pivotally mounted in one row 62 on the same side and in another row 63 on the opposite side.

They are each calibrated by their shape corresponding to a mass distribution allowing them to return by gravity in a raised position of rest. As they are identical, we will adopt the same reference numbers for the same parts and the same characteristics.

More particularly, each blade has a front portion 72 of generally triangular shape recessed at its center whose base has a cutout 73 with two bearing abutment zones against the upper face of the plate 68. The front portion 72 has a front edge 74 straight, oblique plane and to serve as self-centering ramp ¹ cooperating with the inclined ramp facing the piece cowling 8.

Each blade 61 continues with a median portion 75 at the top of the front portion 72 in the form of a triangle, by which it is pivotally mounted free on the axis 64 or 65 corresponding pivoting.

Each blade 61 terminates in a rear portion 76 external to the basket of generally angled shape whose inner edge 77 abuts against the corresponding longitudinal lateral face 70 or 71 of the longitudinal edge of the frame when the blade 61 is in position. raised position of rest.

The rear portion 76 has an upper edge 78. The base of the frame 66 constituting with the tilting parts 61 the nacelle 10, continues downwardly by a guiding tail 79 maintained guiding play by a sleeve-type element 80 also ensuring tilt stability of the nacelle. One can imagine as an interface a motion damping device (not shown) between the head of the end of the elevating motor means and the nacelle 10.

The assembly formed by the lifting means and its control is practically identical to that of the preceding variant and is represented on the Figures 29 to 32.

The general operation is identical to that of the previous version. We will therefore refer to it as described below. An addition to the means of elevation and lowering of the support device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 22.

This addition will be described below as applied to the corresponding variant, but it is quite obvious and understood that it can also be applied to other variants including those described.

This additional means consists of a sensor element 81 allowing from an initial position of the nacelle 10 during its first adjustment displacement to provide a detection signal for determining the initial reference value which will be used for the adjustment in final position of the nacelle as will be described below with reference to Figures 23 to 26.

Of course, other detectors or sensors are possible such as detectors for displacement, proximity, distance measurement and others. The embodiment shown in FIG. 22 relates to a contact element 82 which protrudes beyond the upper plane of the nacelle 10. This contact element 82 is made in the example shown in the form of FIG. a compression spring 83, preferably prestressed, whose free end is a flat surface contact and bearing surface 84 on the facing surface 85 of the underside of the frame of the semi-trailer or the pivot spring bed 86 coupling. It can also be a probe.

This sensor element or probe can be mounted on the tail or the guide arm 79 of the nacelle 10 via a suitable support. For reasons of symmetry one can provide two detector elements in parallel on each side of the nacelle.

The arm or the guide tail 79 has a sliding sleeve 87 for its guided movement along the column of the elevating means (FIG. 22). The bushing-type guiding elements 80 and 87 act as a tilting limiter of the nacelle 10 at the moment of docking and self-centering with immobilization of the kingpin 9, but also throughout the transport. For this purpose, there is a certain clearance between these guide elements and the arm or tail 79 ensuring a limited pitch travel.

For the adjustment phase, during the lifting movement of the nacelle, the free end 84 of the compression spring 83 will first come into abutting contact with the underside facing 85 of the chassis of the semi-trailer in the vicinity of its kingpin. This abutment contact will be followed by a short compression stroke of the spring which will provide resistance to the thrust in elevation. This modification may result in an end of thrust signal, this signal being used to derive a reference dimension.

In this method of immobilizing the kingpin 9, the penetration of self-centering takes place by gravity, that is to say by lowering the support of the semitrailer.

The diagrams of Figures 23 to 26 are intended to display the characteristic positions of the nacelle to illustrate the operation which will be described below.

It is recalled that, for reasons of. clarity and simplification, the detector arm 81 has been shown on the right, which does not correspond to its normal location when considering the other figures. To facilitate understanding, we refer to the different displacements and distances in the following way and we state some definitions.

H ≈ distance between the loading plane and the underside of the semi-trailer chassis at its kingpin.

Zo = initial height or initial reference point relative to the ground, namely that of the underside of the semitrailer frame at its kingpin.

Zd = height or final dimension with respect to the ground after self-centering and immobilization.

ΔZ = lowering the height of the load plan until the end of the self-centering (or lowering of the crutches).

Δzo = initial displacement of the nacelle until stop contact.

Δzi = displacement of the nacelle to its final position.

NO = height or initial dimension of the nacelle relative to the ground.

Ni = height or dimension of the nacelle with respect to the ground during contact of the stop detector. Nd = height or final dimension of the nacelle with respect to the ground or dimension d ¹ self-centering.

In our example, the loading plan which is the support on which the semitrailer in the car is based is mobile.

The following setting with the detection device applies both in the case of a lowering of the semi-trailer by crutches crutches or for loading by crane.

At the start and in the intermediate tuning phases, the semi-trailer is in a high position supported by its crutches or by an external lifting device or, on a vertically movable loading plan.

For reasons of simplification, only the latter case will be described below, the others being easy to deduce from it.

The semi-trailer or rather the underside 85 of its chassis at the kingpin is at a height Zo relative to the ground and at a height or dimension H relative to the load plane because hypothesis relating to the case examined, its position remains fixed with respect to this one. The nacelle 10 is in its initial position at NO relative to the ground (FIG. 23).

During a first adjustment phase, the platform 10 is raised by its elevation means until the detection device 81 arrives via the surface 84 of its detector 81 in abutting contact with the zone 85 opposite. of the underside of the semi-trailer chassis (Figure 24). The nacelle 10 stops climbing to a precise height for example when crossing a pressure threshold. The nacelle moved from Δzo upwards to a new height or dimension Ni (Figure 24).

The nacelle 10 is then lowered or raised to its final position by a displacement of a value Δzi known in advance to reach the final Nd of the nacelle (Figure 25) also known in advance by construction and function characteristics of the system corresponding to the stroke ΔZ which is the lowering stroke of the loading plane. Nd determines the final position of the nacelle 10 taking into account the known final position (Zd dimension) of the underside of the frame of the semitrailer.

It is then sufficient to lower with the mobile loading plan vertically the chassis of the semi-trailer of the distance ΔZ known in advance (Figure 26) so that the kingpin 9 covered with its cowling part 8, shifted by a distance D (Figure 9) self-center and lock longitudinally at the bottom of the receiving space 12 of the nacelle 10 thereby achieving the final phase of the adjustment process.

Starting from a dimension Ni of the nacelle for a given system, a precise reference position of the nacelle is established from any initial position thereof. This is the universal aspect of the process that fits all types of wagon bi-modal carrier.

To control the couples around the roll and yaw axes, the nacelle 10 is articulated to a support assembly 88 (Figures 29 and 31 to 34). This support assembly 88 consists of a connecting table 89 lying flat on the bogie structure, which allows it to provide the nacelle 10 stability around the roll axis. This connecting table 89 is pivotally articulated at its rear end on the bogie structure by means of two supports 90 and 91 in movable lateral pieces, for example translational light in each of which is brought to pivot and translation a bearing pivot that the connecting table 89 has at the front end of each of its songs for the variant shown in Figure 29. The link table 89 is thus free in longitudinal movement movements and pivoting upwards.

For the variant shown in Figures 31 to 34, the connecting table 89 is articulated to the bogie structure through an intermediate tilt plate 92 mounted at each of its long sides each time by a pivot joint.

The connecting table 89 is also connected articulated by its front end to the rear cross member of the frame of the nacelle 10 by two symmetrical pivoting joints 93 and 94 fulfilling the general function of a hinge for example in the form of each time d a clevis receiving between its two wings a landing end, the assembly of the articulation being traversed by a pivot axis laterally blocked.

This articulated linkage structure of the nacelle 10 with the bogie structure gives the link table 89 sufficient clearance in longitudinal and vertical movements relative to the wagon to allow the nacelle to lower and rise.

The nacelle 10 is mounted at its lower end on an elevating and lowering means which is intended to move the nacelle 10 in upward or downward vertical movements.

Two examples will be described below. realization of the means of raising and lowering each corresponding to a category, the first elevating means 95 for lifting the semitrailer by its kingpin and to support the assembly during transport, while the second Elevation means 96 provides the simple elevation of the nacelle 10 to the desired position corresponding to the dimensions of the semi-trailer for self-centering, immobilization and support of the assembly during transport.

The lifting means also ensures the longitudinal maintenance of the body of the nacelle.

An exemplary embodiment of the first lifting means 95 visible in FIG. 27 and shown in isolation in FIG. 28 comprises a lifting cylinder 97 whose end of the rod is articulated on the base of the platform 10 by a device of FIG. multidirectional articu-lation 98 allowing vertical translation movements with a clearance game. This articulation device 98 is guided in its translation movements by two columns 99 and 100 disposed on either side of the lifting jack 97.

This first lifting means 95 not only allows the trailer to be lifted by its kingpin 9, but also its support during transport.

An exemplary embodiment of the second elevation means 96 is shown in Figures 29 to 34. This means does not allow the lifting of the semitrailer by its coupling pin 9. It is manual and bilaterally controlled, it that is to say from either side of the wagon for ease of use. This embodiment consists of a screw jack 101 with bilateral control whose head 102 it engages with the lower part of the pod 10, that is to say the underside of its body.

The screw of the screw jack 101 is housed in a vertical support 103 of the column or pole type mounted on the bottom of the wagon. This vertical support 103 is surmounted by a housing 104 housing a motor element, for example a motor nut with ratchet wheel 105. The ratchet wheel is part of a locking mechanism 106 with ratchet for locking in a given position to using an articulated assembly 107 to bilateral control, that is to say symmetrical on each side of the car, each time via a rod 108 and 109 each leading to a respective control support 110 , 111 with integrated tilt handle 112, 113, each support being fixed on the upper edge of the corresponding part of the bogie structure.

The position of each tilting handle 112 or 113 of each control support 110 or 111 indicates the state in which the locking mechanism 106 of the lifting screw of the screw jack 101 is located. At this level there is on each side a socket mechanical movement 114 or 115 for the motor element for example 1 'nut motor with which it is mechanically connected by an articulated drive connection 116 or 117 for example to cardan joints.

To respect the two-sided character of the control, there exists on each side of the wagon a cardan drive link. The drive of the jack is effected either by means of a portable external motor whose output is coupled to or engaged in the end of the drive link for power take-off 114 or 115, or manually using a key or crank tool.

To better understand the invention, will now describe the different phases of operation.

The hitching pin 9 of the semitrailer is first dressed by means of the cowling piece 8 which comes into abutting contact with the bed base 86 of the front part of the chassis of the semitrailer. The cowling part 8 is taken manually by engaging the branches 26 or 27 of the fork 25 each in a gripping bore 28 or 29. The engagement of the conical tip of each branch has the effect of bringing each locking pin 33 or

34 in his free position erased. The cowling piece 8 is thus placed on the kingpin 9 by engaging it through its inlet opening in a cylindrical cavity 30.

The withdrawal of the fork 25 folds the two locking fingers 33 and 34 towards the king pin 9. These lock in translation the cowling piece 8 on the kingpin 9 because the end of each of these The fingers are under the end disk 35 of the kingpin as shown in FIG.

The semi-trailer is then placed by external means or by its own means in the wagon that will transport it.

The semi-trailer is already but roughly centered laterally when it is placed on the wagon.

It may be a wagon s' pivotally opening its carrier structure around a center of pivoting median or pocket car or other wagon suitable for the transport of semi-trailers.

The pivot 9 and its cowling part 8 are located after closing the wagon over the nacelle 10.

Then start berthing operations comprising ¹ self-centering, at the end of which the trailer will be immobilized by self-centering with longitudinal immobilization of the kingpin 9 of the semi-trailer. Whatever the embodiment of the lifting means, once the cowling piece 8 is in place on the king pin 9, the operation of the support device with lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization of a kingpin of a semi-trailer according to the invention takes place in two phases.

Case of the first embodiment of the invention (nacelle mounted on the hydraulic cylinder):

The lifting assembly 95 with hydraulic or pneumatic jack 97 enables self-centering and locking under load. From then on, the self-centering-locking operations are quite simple. The hydraulic cylinder 97 is controlled uphill. By a lifting movement, the nacelle 10 comes closer to the cowling part 8 which is furnished with the kingpin 9. The rod of the hydraulic cylinder 97 pushes the nacelle 10 upwards, first until contact with the cowling part 8 and until relief of the crutches of the semi-trailer. This upward movement is followed by a self-centering phase during which the reception space 12 rises towards the cowling part 8 which automatically centers itself in the platform 10 by the play of the lateral ramps of the nacelle and the cowling part, and thus the semitrailer also centers itself.

During this phase, only the pivoting keys 42, 52 or 61 located under the cowling part 8 swing down while the others remain in place and those adjacent to the cowling piece 8 perform longitudinal locking relative to the nacelle 10.

This tilting is reflected by the rise of the outer end of each key concerned, following the contact of the cowling piece. According to the invention, there is at the end of self-centering and immobilization at least one raised key on each side of which we see the outer end raised. The operator is thus warned by a simple visual check, regardless of the side of the wagon where it is, the locked state longitudinal or not the kingpin 9 of the semi-trailer.

When the cowling piece 8 is fully engaged in the receiving space 12, it controls an additional thrust of the lifting cylinder 97 until the upper plane of the platform 10 comes into contact with the springboard 86 of the kingpin 9 and the crutches are fully unloaded to allow load transport.

This is the terminal phase of implementation for transport.

Case of the second embodiment of the invention (nacelle mounted on the screw jack):

The docking phase of the nacelle associated with elevation means 96 of the second category, namely the screw jack 101, is slightly different.

Indeed, not being able to lift the trailer load, it is necessary to know fairly accurately the stroke of the lifting movement of the nacelle 10 to its position d ¹ self centering and longitudinal locking of the kingpin 9 of the semi-trailer.

The course of the nacelle 10 is determined beforehand and converted into the number of revolutions of the screw or its drive control or a control indicator. At the end of the race, the drive motor will stop automatically because it will be programmed.

During the first phase, the screw jack 101 is controlled upward by a value corresponding to the measurement of the bed base level 86 of the kingpin of the semi-trailer (a measure that has been previously performed by the acquisition system level). In their inner parts to the basket all the keys are in the high position by gravity.

At the beginning of the second phase, the semitrailer is lowered and the complementary shape of the cowling part 8 allows gravity self-centering of the kingpin 9 in the receiving space 12 of the nacelle 10. The pivoting keys located under the cowling part 8 rock while their neighbors remain in place and realize the longitudinal locking of the cowling part 8 relative to the platform 10 while the lateral locking results from the self-centering by the V-shaped receiving form. the cowling part 8 is fully lowered, the upper plane of the nacelle 10 is in contact with the frame 86 of the kingpin 9 of the semi-trailer and the legs are then slightly relieved. The locking in position of the jack screw 101 performs the load recovery of the semi-trailer.

Of course, it is also possible to use a drive release device from a certain value of the resistive torque. The torque will reach this value when the platform 10 will be in the limit position from which the thrust of the screw would cause lifting under load.

For a better understanding, reference may be made to the above descriptive development concerning docking with a single-contact lifting device that is to say not lifting the semitrailer carried out with the aid of FIGS. at 26.

In all variants, the pivoting keys in contact with the base of the cowling piece 8 are in the lowered position inside the receiving volume 12 of the nacelle. The other pivoting keys, that is to say those that are not in contact with the cowling part 8 are not depressed and are therefore in the up position inside the nacelle, which allows them to block the cowling part in longitudinal movements.

The process ends with the unloading of the crutches of the semi-trailer.

It is important to note that the platform 10 is designed such that, regardless of the longitudinal position of the kingpin 9, at least one key is pressed on each side inside the nacelle. The depression of the keys is reflected on the outside of each side of the wagon by a raised position of the outer part of the keys concerned which thus serves as a bilateral visual witness of self-centering and immobilization. As can be seen by the shift in FIGS. 12, 16 and 20, this verification consists in observing that at least the outer part of a key, on one side or the other, is in a different position than that of others and that the upper plane of the nacelle 10 is in contact with the frame 86 of the pivot 9 of the semi-trailer.

Claims

1. Support device with lateral self-centering and immobilization of the kingpin (9) of a semitrailer on the structure of the wagon in which it is transported characterized in that it comprises:

. a mobile platform (10) frame (11) having a receiving space (12) of ^one centering and immobilization operated in vertical movements by a lifting means,

. a cowling part (8) which is mounted on the kingpin (9) of the semitrailer and enter the receiving space (12) of the mobile nacelle (10) for lateral self-centering and its immobilizer,

. means for lateral self-centering and immobilization of the cowling part covering the kingpin (9) provided in the receiving space (12) of the nacelle (10) and cooperating with the cowling part (8) in for self-centering and immobilization,

. bilateral visual indicator means actuated by the cowling part (8) covering the kingpin (9) during the self-centering, the final position of which allows the operator to visually observe both one side and the other. the wagon and the end of the lateral self - centering and immobilisation operations.

2. Self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the self-centering and immobilization means are pivotally mounted parts (42), (52), (61), in two rows on two integral longitudinal axes. of the frame (11) of the nacelle (10) delimiting between them the receiving space (12) and in that each piece pivoting device has an extension constituting one of the visual indicator means.

3. self-centering support device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the visual indicator means are the extensions outside the frame (11) of the nacelle (10) of the pivotally mounted parts (42), (52) , (61) in two rows on the two longitudinal axes integral with the frame of the nacelle (10), the pivoting parts (42), (52), (61) located under the cowling part (8) of the kingpin (9) being tilted by the penetration of the cowling piece (8) during its self - centering movement and the adjacent non - tilted parts ensuring the longitudinal immobilization lock, the masses of the pivoting parts (42), (52) , (61) being distributed so as to bring the extensions of the pivoting parts down into the rest position.

4. Self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the cowling piece (8) has a trapezoidal section shape having two oblique planar lateral faces down towards the end of the kingpin.

5. self-centering support device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the frame (11) has oblique ramps in extension towards the inside of its longitudinal edges, cooperating with the oblique side faces of the cowling piece (8) for self - centering independently of the pivoting parts (42).

6. self-centering support device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the outer lateral faces of the cowling part (8) cooperate during its penetration in the receiving space (12) with the upper edges of the pivoting parts (52), (61) located under this part of shield (8), which parts when collapsed form self-centering ramp ¹ in order to obtain an effect of self - centering and that the lower edges of the lowered pivoting parts abut against the lower part of the frame (11).

Self-centering support device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the cowling part (8) is mounted locked on the coupling pivot (9) of the semi-trailer with a fork ( 25) whose branches (26) and (27) conical tip end are s' in two bores (28) and (29) of one of the front or rear faces of the cowling piece.

8. self-centering support device according to the preceding claim characterized in that the locking is effected by means of two pivoting locking fingers (33) and (34) in resilient return recess, the end thereof being caught under the end disc of the kingpin (9).

Self-centering support device according to the preceding claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the legs (26) and (27) of the fork (25) come at their conical ends to enter the bores (28) and (29) for tilting the locking fingers (33) and (34) in the disengaged position by simply depressing into an existing light through the base of these locking fingers, the latter being shifted before tilting relative to the exit of the bores ( 28) and (29), their withdrawal from the ends of the legs (26) and (27) ensuring by the elastic return of the locking fingers (33) and (34) the return pivoting in the locking position and the repositioning of the light in position offset from the outlet of the corresponding bore (28) or (29).

10. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the frame (11) of the nacelle (10) is hingedly connected to the bogie structure to make it stable in roll and yaw movements while allowing the lifting and lowering movements of the nacelle (10).

11. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the frame (11) of the nacelle (10) has a bottom, two end crosspieces and two longitudinal box edges (15) and (16) whose internal faces are shaped as ramps (17) and (18) down towards the bottom cooperating with the oblique shapes of the lateral faces of the cowling piece (8) for the purpose of the self centering effect of the pivoting parts (42).

12. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the visual indicators are parts (42) pivotally articulated on longitudinal axes contained in the borders (15) and (16) of the box, these pivoting parts (42). ) extending on the one hand inside the receiving space (12) transversely thereto and on the other hand outside the frame (11) thus constituting visual indicators of their respective position.

13. self-centering support device according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the pivoting parts (42), (52), (61) are contact pieces in the form of juxtaposed blades.

Self-centering support device according to claims 11 to 14 characterized in that only the pivoting parts (52) and (61) are juxtaposed continuously along each longitudinal side of the box, the ends thereof facing in the receiving space (12) leaving a free intermediate space to the bottom of the frame in which penetrates the lower part of the cowling piece (8).

15. self-centering support device according to claim 13 characterized in that only the tilting parts (42) are juxtaposed in groups (43) and (44) of rows of one right and one of left that succeed in staggered without substantial discontinuity at the interior receiving space (12), each group (43) or (44) being composed of a plurality of individual keys (42) in the form of a blade of a set of juxtaposed and independent blades in pivoting movement, each constituting an individual elementary key, and in that each key (42) and each grouping (43) or (44) of juxtaposed keys affect, for example, a general shape of a shoe profile which is divided into a front portion (47) with a trapezoidal upper cutout, a rear positional heel (48) and a central pivoting portion (49) having a bearing aperture for pivoting thereof around the corresponding tilting axis, the succession of the keys (42), the distribution of these on each side of the nacelle (10) and the number of elementary keys (42) in each grouping (43) and (44). ) are studied with respect to the dimensional relationships of the parts involved, in particular the thickness of the cowling piece (8) so that at each position of the latter corresponds on each side, the tilting of at least one individual key (42). ).

Self-centering support device according to claim 13, characterized in that the tilting parts (52) in the form of blades are keys consisting of three parts including a contact piece (54) flat and straight upper edge (57) serving as contact surface and push on one or the other face oblique base of the cowling piece (8), oblique base (58) serving as a support and abutment in its low inclined position, the portion opposite to the contact edge having a convex cutout (59) terminated upwardly by a rounded profile (60) providing the bearing contact against the adjacent wall of the box during the tilting movement of the contact piece, the assembly also comprising a rocker (55) and an external pivoting piece (56), the rocker ( 55) being pivotably articulated on an axis and articulately connected by one of its ends to the contact piece (54) and in bearing contact at its other end with the external pivoting piece (56) ensuring the piece of contact (54) a move back to the top by the force of gravity provided by the weight of the outer pivoting piece (56) resting on the rocker (55).

Self-centering support device according to claim 13 characterized in that the tilting parts in the form of blades, are keys (61) each calibrated by their shape corresponding to a mass distribution allowing them to return by gravity in a raised position resting and pivotally mounted in a row (62) on one side and in another row (63) on the opposite side, each blade (61) continuing through a medial portion (75) at the top of the front portion Triangle (72), by which it is pivotably mounted free on the corresponding pivot axis (64) or (65) and each blade (61) terminating in a rear portion (76) external to the bucket of generally angled shape whose inner edge (77) abuts against the corresponding longitudinal side face (70) or (71) of the longitudinal edge of the frame when the blade (61) is in the raised position of rest and the rear part (76) has an edge (78) and in that the frame presents a base (66) which is formed of a plate (68) whose upper face (69) forms a stop for the self-centering d ¹ pivoting blades (61) while the longitudinal side faces (70) and (71) of the edge of this plate (68) constitute a raised position stop for these same individual pivoting blades (61).

Self-centering support device according to claim 11 or 17, characterized in that the inner side of the frame (11) opposite the cowling part (8) of the pivoting parts (42), (52), (61), not lowered by the cowling part (8) and directly adjacent to the pivoted parts lowered each time constitute a longitudinal locking front for the cowling piece (8).

19. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the lifting means (95) is a hydraulic or pneumatic lifting jack (97), the head of the rod pushes the movable frame (11) by its bottom so as to raise it to the final transport position after self-centering and locking.

20. self-centering support device according to the preceding claim characterized in that the final position of self-centering and locking is a support position under load.

21. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the lifting means (96) is a screw jack (101) to bilateral control outside the wagon.

22. self-centering support device according to the preceding claim characterized in that the screw jack 101 is motor nut.

23. self-centering support device according to the preceding claim characterized in that I ¹ motor nut is secured to a ratchet wheel (105) of a locking device.

24. self-centering support device according to claim 1 characterized in that the frame (11) of the nacelle (10) is pivotally mounted on a support table (89) resting on the adjacent rail structure, the support table (89) itself being articulated pivotally and translationally on the railway structure by two suppports pivot bearing so as to allow the lifting and lowering movements of the receiving mobile frame over its entire stroke.

25. support device with self-centering according to the preceding claim characterized in that the support table (89) is pivotally mounted mounted and in translation on the ferrovary structure through an intermediate pivoting plate (92).