EP2100790A1 - System für den Schienentransport von Halbwagons und Schienenfrachtwagon für ein solches System und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schienenfrachtwagons - Google Patents

System für den Schienentransport von Halbwagons und Schienenfrachtwagon für ein solches System und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schienenfrachtwagons Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2100790A1
EP2100790A1 EP08152791A EP08152791A EP2100790A1 EP 2100790 A1 EP2100790 A1 EP 2100790A1 EP 08152791 A EP08152791 A EP 08152791A EP 08152791 A EP08152791 A EP 08152791A EP 2100790 A1 EP2100790 A1 EP 2100790A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
railway freight
freight wagon
railway
semi
wagon
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08152791A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Anders Selberg
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Trailer Train Niart AB
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Trailer Train Niart AB
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Trailer Train Niart AB filed Critical Trailer Train Niart AB
Priority to EP08152791A priority Critical patent/EP2100790A1/de
Publication of EP2100790A1 publication Critical patent/EP2100790A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D3/00—Wagons or vans
    • B61D3/16—Wagons or vans adapted for carrying special loads
    • B61D3/18—Wagons or vans adapted for carrying special loads for vehicles
    • B61D3/182—Wagons or vans adapted for carrying special loads for vehicles specially adapted for heavy vehicles, e.g. public work vehicles, trucks, trailers
    • B61D3/184—Wagons or vans adapted for carrying special loads for vehicles specially adapted for heavy vehicles, e.g. public work vehicles, trucks, trailers the heavy vehicles being of the trailer or semi-trailer type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
    • B61D47/00—Loading or unloading devices combined with vehicles, e.g. loading platforms, doors convertible into loading and unloading ramps
    • B61D47/005—Loading or unloading devices combined with road vehicles carrying wagons, e.g. ramps, turntables, lifting means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a railway freight wagon for carrying on- the-road semi-trailers and a transportation system for railway transportations of semi-trailers using such a railway freight wagon, as well as a method for manufacturing such a railway freight wagon.
  • railway wagons for transporting intermodal containers or ISO containers, swap bodies and semi-trailers are known in the art. Some railway wagons can accommodate all three types of load units. The commercially most accepted method of loading and unloading such load units in Europe is vertical loading/unloading of the load units using reach stackers, straddle carriers or gantry cranes, etc. Consequently, ISO containers may be loaded/unloaded by a vertical lift system, engaging corner castings of the top of the containers, and swap bodies/semi-trailers may be vertically lifted by engaging pockets in the lower part of their structures.
  • the semi-trailer In order for the loaded semi-trailer to conform to the loading gauge or dynamic and kinematic envelope, that is the allowed clearances the static and moving rail wagon must fit within, respectively, the semi-trailer has to be positioned in a recess located between a pair of bogies or wheel trucks of the railway wagon so as not to exceed, in particular, but not limited to, the allowed height clearance.
  • a railway wagon with such a recess between a pair of bogies is commonly referred to as a pocket wagon, one of which an example is disclosed in WO 99/024301 .
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a system and a railway freight wagon that permits transportation of the majority of semi-trailers currently in use on railways, while conforming to gauge requirements of the railways on which it is intended to travel.
  • longitudinal refers to a direction parallel with the direction from the rear end of the railway freight wagon to the front end of the railway freight wagon
  • transverse refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, unless otherwise specified.
  • each railway freight wagon comprises at least one load-bearing supportive element, at least two transverse wheel platform members for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer, and at least two low-built multi-wheeled bogies, at least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members is arranged with an end portion having a geometrical shape such that, when the railway freight wagon is in use, it cooperates with a corresponding plate-shaped wheel platform member on a second wagon to allow close connection between the wagons.
  • the system further comprises at least one inclined ramp, adapted to be placed proximate to one front or rear end of the railway freight wagon during a loading or unloading procedure, and wherein the at least one inclined ramp is arranged to allow a semi-trailer to be driven onto a railway freight wagon via the inclined ramp.
  • a railway freight wagon for transporting a semi-trailer
  • the railway freight wagon comprises at least one load-bearing supportive element, and at least two transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer.
  • the railway freight wagon according to the invention comprises two low-built multi-wheeled bogies. At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members is arranged with an end portion having a geometrical shape such that, when in use, it may cooperate with a corresponding plate-shaped wheel platform member of a second wagon to allow a close connection between the wagons.
  • an inclined ramp for guiding a semi-trailer onto or of a railway freight wagon according to the second aspect of the present invention during a loading or unloading procedure of the wagon, respectively.
  • the inclined ramp is adapted to be placed proximate to or in abutment against one front or rear end of the railway freight wagon during the loading or unloading procedure, wherein a semi-trailer can be driven onto a railway freight wagon via the at least one inclined ramp.
  • a method for manufacturing a railway freight wagon comprising at least one load-bearing supportive element, at least two transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer, and at least two low-built multi-wheeled bogies.
  • the method comprises the steps of: arranging at least one plate-shaped wheel platform member so that it has an end portion with a geometrical shape such that, when in use, it may cooperate with a corresponding plate-shaped wheel platform member of a second wagon to allow a close connection between the wagons, joining the so arranged at least one plate-shaped wheel platform member and the at least one supportive element, and also joining the rest of the at least two transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members and the at least one supportive element, and joining the low-built multi-wheeled bogies and the at least one supportive element.
  • a dolly for supporting a semi-trailer located on a railway freight wagon according to the second aspect of the present invention.
  • the dolly comprises a fifth wheel coupling for coupling with the kingpin of a semi-trailer, wherein the dolly can be driven onto a railway freight wagon via at least one inclined ramp.
  • a dolly means a device comprising at least an axle and two wheels, which is used for supporting or towing a semi-trailer or other vehicle behind a tractor unit, another semitrailer, etc.
  • the present invention has many advantages. As will be described in greater detail below, the geometrical shape of the wheel platform members permits the spacing between adjacent wagons in a succession of railway freight wagons to be very small, while still not causing two adjacent railway freight wagons to engage each other when passing a strongly curved portion of the railway.
  • At least one of the wheel platform members comprises a plurality of openings.
  • the plurality of openings in the wheel platforms eliminates or facilitates removal of debris, snow, and ice, and prevents accumulation of water on the wagon, compared to prior art pocket wagons.
  • this feature eliminates the need for manual removal of debris, snow, and ice, which reduces the required level of staffing. Furthermore, it decreases the maintenance costs and requirements, due to the fact that there are no pockets in which debris, snow, ice, and water are allowed to accumulate.
  • the at least one load-bearing supportive element is a longitudinal beam.
  • the at least one load-bearing supportive element is a longitudinal beam, wherein said longitudinal beam comprises a plurality of transverse members.
  • the at least one load-bearing supportive element is a load-bearing plate.
  • the loading level of the railway freight wagon is constant.
  • the constant loading level of the railway freight wagon of the invention in combination with the low-built bogies, greatly facilitates loading of a semi-trailer onto the railway freight wagon, thus providing for efficient loading and unloading of the wagon in terms of time-consumption. Also, the safety of the loading personnel can be increased.
  • At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members at an end portion of the railway freight wagon has a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, thereby forming a trapezoid.
  • At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members at an end portion of the railway freight wagon has a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, and wherein the convex quadrilateral further has two corners forming right angles, thereby forming a right-angled trapezoid.
  • At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members at an end portion of the railway freight wagon has a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, and wherein the convex quadrilateral further has two sides of equal length and where the two ends of each parallel sides have equal angles, thereby forming an isosceles trapezoid.
  • At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members having a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel is arranged so that a longer side or a shorter side of the two parallel opposite sides is closer to at least one of said at least one supportive element than the other side of the two parallel opposite sides.
  • At least one of the wheel platform members consists of a grating structure. This feature eliminates or facilitates removal of debris, snow, and ice, and prevents accumulation of water on the wagon, compared to prior art pocket wagons.
  • At least one of the wheel platform members for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer comprises at least one lateral side rail.
  • the lateral side rail prevents or restricts possible sliding transverse motion of a semi-trailer loaded on the railway freight wagon.
  • At least one of the wheel platform members for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer comprises at least one lateral side rail, wherein the at least one lateral side rail comprises a plurality of openings.
  • the plurality of openings facilitate removal of debris, snow, and ice.
  • the loading level is is less than or equal to 860 mm above the lowest point of the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies, or the loading level is is less than or equal to 830 mm above the lowest point of the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies.
  • Such low loading levels allow, among other things, an inclined ramp to be arranged proximate to a front or rear end of the railway freight wagon for driving a semi-trailer onto the railway freight wagon, in contrast to many priort art wagons, which have to be vertically lifted onto a railway freight wagon.
  • the present invention thus eliminates the need for expensive lifting apparatuses during loading and unloading of a semi-trailer from a wagon.
  • the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies have a diameter less than or equal to 660 mm, or the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies have a diameter less than or equal to 630 mm.
  • the use of such low-diameter wheels provides a low-built railway freight wagon that can be loaded using an inclined ramp according to the above description.
  • the railway freight wagon further comprises a fifth wheel coupling for releasably coupling to a coupling pin or kingpin of a semi-trailer when loaded on the railway freight wagon.
  • the fifth wheel coupling is arranged to support a semi-trailer, thereby allowing a semi-trailer not having its own support arrangement, for example foldable legs to be lowered when the semi-trailer is uncoupled from its tractor unit or truck, to be transported on the railway freight wagon according to the invention.
  • the fifth wheel coupling when releasably engaged with a kingpin of a semi-trailer, fixes the front part (or the part of the semi-trailer on which the kingpin is arranged) of the semi-trailer so as to prevent or eliminate sliding transverse motion of the part of the semi-trailer when the railway freight wagon is in motion.
  • the railway freight wagon further comprises a fifth wheel coupling for releasably coupling to a coupling pin or kingpin of a semi-trailer when loaded on the railway freight wagon, wherein the fifth wheel coupling is foldable so as when in a folded state not protrude from the railway freight wagon.
  • the end portions of the at least one supportive element comprises at least one coupling member for releasably joining the railway freight wagon to an adjacent vehicle.
  • this allows for coupling the railway freight wagon to, e.g., a freight locomotive for driving the railway freight wagon on a railway, or arranging a succession of interconnected railway freight wagons according to the invention.
  • the end portions of the at least one supportive element comprises at least one coupling member for releasably joining the railway freight wagon to an adjacent vehicle, wherein the coupling member is an automatic coupling.
  • the automatic coupling greatly increases the speed by which a coupling can be made, and furthermore, does not require a manual operation by a train driver, railway staff, etc. for executing the coupling.
  • the railway freight wagon of the invention is arranged for placement in a succession of railway freight wagons, wherein the succession of railway freight wagons is arranged so that at least one end of each railway freight wagon in the succession abuts against, is proximate to, or is by means of a coupling member coupled to a front or rear end of an adjacent railway freight wagon in the succession.
  • This arrangement of successive railway freight wagons enables quick and efficient loading of the railway freight wagons with semi-trailers, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • the railway freight wagon of the invention is arranged for placement in a succession of railway freight wagons, wherein the succession of railway freight wagons is arranged so that at least one end of each railway freight wagon in the succession abuts against, is proximate to, or is by means of a coupling member coupled to a front or rear end of an adjacent railway freight wagon in the succession, wherein the spacing between railway freight wagons in the succession of railway freight wagons is less than or equal to 300 mm, or the spacing between railway freight wagons in the succession of railway freight wagons is less than or equal to 250 mm, the spacing between railway freight wagons in the succession of railway freight wagons is less than or equal to 200 mm, or the spacing between railway freight wagons in the succession of railway freight wagons is less than or equal to 150 mm, or the spacing between railway freight wagons in the succession of railway freight wagons is less than or equal to 100 mm.
  • the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers on railway freight wagons as described above further comprises a railway freight wagon according to the invention.
  • the at least one inclined ramp of the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers on railway freight wagons comprises at least two wheel platforms for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer.
  • the at least one inclined ramp of the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers on railway freight wagons further comprises guiding means for engaging a railway freight wagon, for aiding a user in placing the inclined ramp proximate to one front or rear end of a railway freight wagon during a loading or unloading procedure.
  • the at least one inclined ramp of the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers on railway freight wagons further comprises at least two wheels, for easy positioning of the at least one inclined ramp during a loading or unloading procedure.
  • the at least one inclined ramp of the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers on railway freight wagons further comprises a hinged member for increased manueverability during positioning of the inclined ramp.
  • the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform memebrs are arranged during manufacturing such that at least one of them comprises a plurality of openings.
  • the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members and the at least one supportive element are joined during manufacturing of a railway freight wagon such that the railway freight wagon in its finalized state has a constant loading level.
  • At least one of the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members is arranged during manufacturing of a railway freight wagon so that it has an end end portion with a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, thereby forming a trapezoid.
  • At least one of the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members is arranged during manufacturing of a railway freight wagon so that it has an end end portion with a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, and wherein two corners form right angles, thereby forming a right-angled trapezoid.
  • At least one of the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members is arranged during manufacturing of a railway freight wagon so that it has an end end portion with a geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel and two sides are of equal length, and where the two ends of each parallel side have equal angles, thereby forming an isosceles trapeziod.
  • the method of manufacturing a railway freight wagon further comprises joining at least one lateral side rail to the wheel platform members.
  • the method of manufacturing a railway freight wagon further comprises joining at least one lateral side rail is to the wheel platform members, wherein the at least one side rail have been arranged with a plurality of openings.
  • the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members and the at least one supportive element are joined such that the loading level of the railway freight wagon in its finalized state is less than or equal to 860 mm above the lowest point of the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies, or the transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members and the at least one supportive element are joined such that the loading level of the railway freight wagon in its finalized state is less than or equal to 830 mm above the lowest point of the wheels of the low-built multi-wheeled bogies.
  • the method of manufacturing of a railway freight wagon further comprises joining a fifth wheel coupling to the at least one supportive element.
  • the method of manufacturing of a railway freight wagon further comprises joining a fifth wheel coupling to the at least one supportive element, wherein the fifth wheel coupling is foldable.
  • the method of manufacturing of a railway freight wagon further comprises joining at least one coupling member to an end portion of the at least one supportive element.
  • the method of manufacturing of a railway freight wagon further comprises joining at least one coupling member to an end portion of the at least one supportive element, wherein the coupling member is an automatic coupling.
  • At least one of the joining operations in the method of manufacturing of a railway freight wagon is effectuated by means of welding or a combination of riveting and welding.
  • the dolly can be driven onto a railway freight wagon via at least one inclined ramp according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of of an embodiment of a railway freight wagon according to the present invention, where the bogies have been omitted.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the railway freight wagon in figure 1 , where a number of transverse wheel platform members have been omitted.
  • Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the railway freight wagon in figure 1 , having a semi-trailer loaded thereon.
  • Figure 4 is a close-up vertical view from above of two railway freight wagons according to figure 1 , where end portions of respective freight wagon are arranged adjacent to each other.
  • Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a of a railway freight wagon placed in a succession of railway freight wagons according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary inclined ramp used in the transportation system for transporting a semi-trailer according to the present invention.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of of an exemplary embodiment of a railway freight wagon according to the present invention, where the bogies have been omitted.
  • the railway freight wagon comprises a central longitudinal load-bearing beam 1, provided with a plurality of transverse members 2, where, e.g., side supports for the at least two low-built multi-wheeled bogies comprising the railway freight wagon may be attached.
  • the low-built multi-wheeled bogies (not shown in figure 1 ) are typically further attached by means of a pivot bearing (not shown).
  • the low-built bogie has a very compact design and comprises wheels having a small diameter, in particular below the standard diameter for railway freight wagons, as will be described in greater detail in the following.
  • figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the appended claims.
  • figure 1 shows the railway freight wagon having a central longitudinal beam 1 comprising a plurality of transverse members 2.
  • Other supportive elements conceivable by a skilled person are also possible, e.g. a load-bearing plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the low-built bogie is essentially a bogie in accordance with prior art bogies, but having a very compact design, a particularly good spring damping, and comprising wheels having a small diameter, preferably having a diameter less than 650 mm, most preferably having a diameter less than 630 mm.
  • the wheels of the bogie typically are of a standard manufacture known to a person skilled in the arts.
  • the bogie comprising the railway freight wagon according to the invention has an allowed axle load of at least 14750 kg.
  • the bogie comprises two dual-axle bogies, whereby the allowed laden load is at least 59000 kg. This is considerably more than the generally allowed maximum mass of a semi-trailer in Europe.
  • a semi-trailer need not be weighed prior to being loaded onto a railway freight wagon, therefore saving time during a loading procedure.
  • the railway freight wagon has a substantially constant loading level, wherein the loading level preferably is less than or equal to 860 mm above the lowest point of the bogie wheels, most preferably less than or equal to 830 mm above the lowest point of the bogie wheels.
  • the constant loading level means that the railway freight wagon has an essentially flat deck.
  • the loading level of adjacent wagons in the succession will in general differ, depending on how much the bogie springs are compressed in respective wagon.
  • the amount of spring compression depends on if a particular wagon is loaded with a semi-trailer, and also on the weight of the semi-trailer.
  • the low loading level of the railway freight wagon according to the invention permits loading of semi-trailers having a height up to about 4 m, while still conforming to gauge requirements.
  • the railway freight wagon according to the invention can be used to transport essentially all semi-trailers currently in use in Europe, due to the advantageous system for railway transportation and the low-built railway freight wagon for such a system according to the invention.
  • the railway freight wagon comprises at least two transverse plate-shaped wheel platform members 3 for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer, wherein in one embodiment of the invention the wheel platform members comprise a plurality of openings, for facilitating removal of snow, ice, or debris, and for eliminating or restricting accumulation of snow, ice, debris, and water on the railway freight wagon.
  • at least one of the wheel platform members is provided with a lateral side rail 4, which provides the advantage of preventing or restricting possible sliding transverse motion of a semi-trailer loaded on the railway freight wagon, when the railway freight wagon is in motion.
  • the wheel platform members 3 consists of grating structures.
  • the wheel platform members 3 are typically supported by outriggers 8, as shown in figure 2 , joined to the central longitudinal beam 1 or other supportive element. Other suitable means for supporting the wheel platform members 3, conceivable for a person skilled in the arts, are possible as well.
  • the at least one lateral side rail 4 comprises a plurality of openings 5, for facilitating removal of ice, snow, or debris that may accumulate on the railway freight wagon when being outdoors, depending on the conditions in which the railway freight wagon operates.
  • the railway freight wagon comprises a fifth wheel coupling or hitch 6, having a kingpin coupling plate, for coupling with the coupling pin or kingpin (not shown) of a semi-trailer 10, thus supporting the weight of the semi-trailer 10 when loaded on the railway freight wagon.
  • the fifth wheel coupling 6 is preferably joined to the supportive element 1, as shown in figure 1 .
  • the fifth wheel coupling 6 is foldable, for example by the fifth wheel coupling 6 being rotatable mounted, hence allowing the fifth wheel coupling 6 to be arranged so that, when in a folded state, it does not protrude from the railway freight wagon.
  • This is very advantageous during loading or unloading a semi-trailer to and from the railway freight wagon, respectively, in particular when driving the semi-trailer onto or from the railway freight wagon.
  • the folding of the fifth wheel coupling 6 can be executed by means of, for instance, hydraulic means, or any other suitable means apparent for a person skilled in the arts.
  • the semi-trailer 10 is not supported by a fifth wheel coupling 6, but rather with its own legs that can be lowered when the semi-trailer 10 is uncoupled from, e.g., a tractor unit or truck.
  • a semi-trailer located on a railway freight wagon according to the second aspect of the present invention can be supported by a dolly (not shown).
  • the dolly comprises a fifth wheel coupling for coupling to a kingpin of a semi-trailer, wherein the dolly can be driven onto a railway freight wagon via at least one inclined ramp.
  • the dolly can be driven onto a railway freight wagon via at least one inclined ramp according to the third aspect of the invention.
  • the supportive element 1 comprises at least one coupling means 7 for coupling the railway freight wagon to an adjacent wagon.
  • the coupling means is an automatic coupler, for increased speed in intercoupling railway freight wagons, and further for eliminating the need for manual operations when coupling is executed.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the railway freight wagon in figure 1 , where a number of transverse wheel platform members, compared to figure 1 , have been omitted for increased understanding of the present invention.
  • the recesses typically at least partially accommodate the low-built multi-wheeled bogie of the railway freight wagon.
  • Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the railway freight wagon in figure 1 , having a semi-trailer 10 loaded thereon.
  • the semi-trailer 10 is not a part of the present invention but is rather present in the accompanying figures for illustrative purposes.
  • the geometrical position of various components of the railway freight wagon according to the invention can be varied such that the function of the present invention is preserved.
  • the attaching position of the fifth wheel coupling 6 on the supportive element 1 can be varied to a certain degree during the construction of the railway freight wagon according to the invention, under the constraint that the fifth wheel coupling 6 should be able to accommodate the coupling pin or kingpin of a semi-trailer 10 loaded onto the railway freight wagon.
  • Figure 4 is a close-up vertical view from above of two railway freight wagons according to figure 1 , where end portions of respective freight wagon are arranged adjacent to each other.
  • Figure 4 shows the situation of two adjacent railway freight wagons arranged adjacent to each other but not engaging each other, prior to intercoupling the railway freight wagons by means of automatic couplings 7 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the transverse wheel platform members 3 consists of grating structures.
  • At least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members 3 is arranged with an end portion having a geometrical shape such that, when in use, it cooperates with a corresponding plate-shaped wheel element member of a second wagon to allow a close connection of the wagons.
  • Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of this arrangement, wherein the end portions of the grating 3 on each railway freight wagon shown in figure 4 each has the geometrical shape of a convex quadrilateral in which two opposite sides are parallel, and furthermore two corners form right angles, thereby forming a right-angled trapezoid, that is a special case of a trapezoid. It is to be understood that figure 4 shows one example of a configuration of the plate-shaped wheel element members in accordance with the principles of the invention, with more examples apparent from the appended claims.
  • This arrangement permits the two railway freight wagons according to the invention to be close connected, wherein the spacing between the freight wagons can be relatively small, according to the invention preferably less than 300 mm, or less than 250 mm, or less than 200 mm, or less that 150 mm, most preferably less than 100 mm.
  • tractor units and semi-trailers can be driven across the spacing between the railway freight wagons, in accordance with the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers of the present invention. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, this is facilitated by the railway freight wagon having a constant loading level, that is an essentially flat deck.
  • the wagons can be driven without any additional alterations to the wagons on a railway to their destination after coupling with a freight locomotive.
  • the geometrical shape of the end portions of the plate-shaped wheel platform members 3 allows a close connection between adjacent railway freight wagons, thereby permitting intercoupled freight wagons to pass a strongly curved portion of the railway without engaging each other, as can be envisioned by contemplating the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 4 . Therefore, once loaded with semi-trailers and the semi-trailers have been secured, the wagons are immediately ready to be transported, thus providing an efficient loading procedure, not the least in terms of time-consumption.
  • Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a succession of railway freight wagons according to an embodiment of the present invention, again with the bogies omitted.
  • the semi-trailers are not part of the present invention, but are rather present in the accompanying figures for illustrative purposes.
  • Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the railway freight wagon according to the invention is arranged for placement in a succession of railway freight wagons, wherein the succession of railway freight wagons is arranged so that at least one end of each railway freight wagon in the succession abuts against or is proximate to a front or rear end of an adjacent railway freight wagon in the succession.
  • a semi-trailer can be driven from a first railway freight wagon in the succession (for example, from the position of semi-trailer 10a) onto a second railway freight wagon in the succession adjacent to the first railway freight wagon (for example, to the position of semi-trailer 10b).
  • at least one end of each railway freight wagon in the succession is coupled via a coupling member 7 arranged on one end of the at least one supportive element 1 to to a front or rear end of an adjacent railway freight wagon in the succession, preferably provided with a coupling member.
  • the coupling member 7 is an automatic coupling.
  • the number of railway freight wagons arranged in succession according to the invention is not limited to strictly three as shown in figure 5 , but the arrangement shown in figure 5 is rather provided as a nonlimiting example.
  • each railway freight wagon comprises at least one supportive element 1, at least two transverse wheel platform members 3 for supporting the wheels of a semi-trailer 10, and at least two low-built multi-wheeled bogies, at least one of the plate-shaped wheel platform members 3 is arranged with an end portion having a geometrical shape such that, when in use, it cooperates with a corresponding plate-shaped wheel platform member on a second wagon to allow a close connection between the wagons.
  • the system according to the invention comprises at least one inclined ramp 11, an example of which is shown in figure 6 , adapted to be placed proximate to or in abutment against one front or rear end of the railway freight wagon during a loading or unloading procedure, and wherein the at least one inclined ramp 11 allows a semi-trailer 10 to be driven onto a railway freight wagon via the inclined ramp 11.
  • Semi-trailers can be driven onto a railway freight wagon using a tractor unit or a pulling or towing vehicle (not shown), generally of the type commonly used for loading and unloading semi-trailers from roll-on roll-off ferries, connected to the coupling pin or kingpin of a semi-trailer, or using any other suitable vehicle apparent to a person skilled in the arts.
  • a first and a second inclined ramp are adapted to be placed proximate to the front and rear end of a railway freight wagon, respectively, during a loading procedure, wherein a semi-trailer can be driven onto the railway freight wagon via the first inclined ramp. After uncoupling the semi-trailer, the tractor unit or pulling or towing vehicle used for driving the semi-trailer onto the railway freight wagon can be driven down the second ramp.
  • the system further comprises a railway freight wagon according to the invention.
  • FIG 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary inclined ramp, generally indicated by the numeral 11, which can be used in the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers according to the present invention.
  • the inclined ramp 11 comprises guiding means 12 for engaging one end of a railway freight wagon, two wheels 13 for easy positioning of the inclined ramp 11 proximate to or in abutment against one end of a railway freight wagon, and a hinged member 14 to facilitate movement of the inclined ramp 11 on the ground.
  • the wheel platforms 15 of the inclined ramp 11 are rugged, for instance knurled or in any other way treated to increase the grip of the wheels of a semi-trailer on the wheel platforms 15.
  • the inclined ramp 11 according to figure 6 is intended as an example, and not to limit the present invention in any way. It will be appreciated that other exemplary ramps comprising any combination of the above-mentioned features or lacking the above-mentioned features altogether could also be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention, with such exemplary ramps being apparent to a person skilled in the arts.
  • a flexible, loading-efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective system for railway transportation of semi-trailers, a railway freight wagon for such transportation, and a method for manufacturing such railway freight wagons is provided.
  • a further advantage with the transportation system according to the invention is that it allows substantially every semi-trailer currently in use to be transported on railway while conforming to gauge requirements, thereby reducing emissions of so called greenhouse gases as compared to less environmentally friendly transportation methods such as road haulage of semi-trailers.
  • Yet another advantage of the system for railway transportation of semi-trailers according to the present invention is that expensive vertical lifting of a semi-trailer onto the railway wagon by means of reach stackers, etc., becomes unnecessary.
  • essentially the entire length of the railway freight wagon can be utilized for loading, in contrast to prior art pocket wagons, thus making the most of the available on-board loading space.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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EP08152791A 2008-03-14 2008-03-14 System für den Schienentransport von Halbwagons und Schienenfrachtwagon für ein solches System und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schienenfrachtwagons Withdrawn EP2100790A1 (de)

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EP08152791A EP2100790A1 (de) 2008-03-14 2008-03-14 System für den Schienentransport von Halbwagons und Schienenfrachtwagon für ein solches System und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schienenfrachtwagons

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EP08152791A EP2100790A1 (de) 2008-03-14 2008-03-14 System für den Schienentransport von Halbwagons und Schienenfrachtwagon für ein solches System und Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Schienenfrachtwagons

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102491106A (zh) * 2011-11-24 2012-06-13 天津港集装箱码头有限公司 接卸飞机大部件的集装箱装卸桥作业方法
US20220234628A1 (en) * 2021-01-27 2022-07-28 Trinity Rail Group, Llc Universal hitch intermodal well car system

Citations (10)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3012524A (en) * 1956-12-15 1961-12-12 Lorraine Des Anciens Ets Lisse Car for shipping road vehicles by rail
US3509829A (en) 1966-06-15 1970-05-05 Sune Torsten Henriksson Low-built railway carriage
DE4118687A1 (de) * 1991-06-07 1992-12-10 Niesky Waggonbau Gmbh Fahrzeug-mittelteil fuer taschenwagen
DE4123339A1 (de) * 1991-07-15 1993-01-21 Eberhard Skibbe System zum auf- und abladen von landfahrzeugen fuer deren transport auf dem schienenweg
US5553989A (en) * 1995-01-09 1996-09-10 Ullman; James Trailer for hauling vehicles
WO1996035601A1 (en) 1995-05-10 1996-11-14 Thrall Car Manufacturing Company Articulated spine car
WO1999024301A1 (en) 1997-11-10 1999-05-20 Babcock Rosyth Industries Ltd. Rail freight vehicle
US6352400B1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-03-05 National Steel Car Limited Rail road loading apparatus and method
US6968788B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2005-11-29 National Steel Car Limited Vehicle carrying rail road car with deck access fittings
EP1728699A1 (de) * 2005-05-10 2006-12-06 Erich Steininger Eisenbahnzug mit Spezialwaggons

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3012524A (en) * 1956-12-15 1961-12-12 Lorraine Des Anciens Ets Lisse Car for shipping road vehicles by rail
US3509829A (en) 1966-06-15 1970-05-05 Sune Torsten Henriksson Low-built railway carriage
DE4118687A1 (de) * 1991-06-07 1992-12-10 Niesky Waggonbau Gmbh Fahrzeug-mittelteil fuer taschenwagen
DE4123339A1 (de) * 1991-07-15 1993-01-21 Eberhard Skibbe System zum auf- und abladen von landfahrzeugen fuer deren transport auf dem schienenweg
US5553989A (en) * 1995-01-09 1996-09-10 Ullman; James Trailer for hauling vehicles
WO1996035601A1 (en) 1995-05-10 1996-11-14 Thrall Car Manufacturing Company Articulated spine car
WO1999024301A1 (en) 1997-11-10 1999-05-20 Babcock Rosyth Industries Ltd. Rail freight vehicle
US6352400B1 (en) * 2000-08-04 2002-03-05 National Steel Car Limited Rail road loading apparatus and method
US6968788B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2005-11-29 National Steel Car Limited Vehicle carrying rail road car with deck access fittings
EP1728699A1 (de) * 2005-05-10 2006-12-06 Erich Steininger Eisenbahnzug mit Spezialwaggons

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102491106A (zh) * 2011-11-24 2012-06-13 天津港集装箱码头有限公司 接卸飞机大部件的集装箱装卸桥作业方法
US20220234628A1 (en) * 2021-01-27 2022-07-28 Trinity Rail Group, Llc Universal hitch intermodal well car system

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