EP3872262B1 - Amphibious bridge vehicle and arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amphibious bridge vehicle and an arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles.

The term "amphibious bridge vehicles" in the context of this invention means amphibious bridge and/or transfer vehicles.

Such amphibious bridge vehicles are already known, for example from DE 11 24 383 A1 .

The amphibious bridge vehicles have in common that they essentially consist of a main floating body and have propulsion and control options for locomotion in water and on land.

In the countryside, such a bridge vehicle is roadworthy, ie not too wide and not too high.

In the water, the bridge vehicle allows heavy vehicles to cross the water. For this purpose, the deck of the main floating body is designed as a roadway. A ramp perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle enables access to the bridge vehicle. These can also be used to compensate for height differences between land and water. Furthermore, the ramp can also be used to connect a number of bridging vehicles, so that larger distances can also be bridged. Advantageously, the ramp should be accommodated on the bridge vehicle during land transport.

In the construction of such an amphibious bridge vehicle, there are conflicting requirements on the one hand that the bridge vehicle should achieve a narrow road profile on land and on the other hand that the bridge should be as long as possible in the water. It must also be taken into account that bridge elements usually have a high dead weight, and therefore the weight distribution of the bridge elements on the bridge vehicle on land plays an important role. Heavy vehicles drive over the bridge elements in the water, so the center of gravity of the bridge vehicle must be positioned in such a way that the amphibious bridge vehicle cannot tip over.

The DE 11 24 383 A1 therefore provides two side floating bodies articulated laterally on the main floating body to improve swimming stability.

The side floats are folded inward onto the main float during land locomotion. When unfolded, they increase the deck area and the buoyancy of the floating body.

Furthermore, hydraulically pivotable ramp parts are arranged on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which have coupling means on their free longitudinal sides. The coupling means are used to attach other bridge track parts, loading area parts or ramp parts.

However, an on-board crane is provided for inserting these elements.

The disadvantage here is that an on-board crane involves additional weight and at least two people are required to control the on-board crane and to simultaneously fasten the bridge deck parts, loading area parts or ramp parts lifted into position with the on-board crane. This is unsatisfactory.

The DE 32 04 473 A1 discloses an amphibious bridge vehicle according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an amphibious bridge vehicle that is stable in water and designed with a narrow road profile on land, with a ramp that can be folded in and out as easily as possible, while at the same time being comparatively long, capable of carrying heavy loads and being flexible in use is. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles which can be coupled to one another and which together can bridge large distances.

This object is achieved by an amphibious bridge vehicle according to claim 1 with its own drive and control options for locomotion in water and on land, with a main floating body, a roadway and a first vehicle side extending along the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle, with along the first A first axis and a second axis extend on the side of the vehicle, with a first side floating body, which is pivotably mounted about the first axis, and a folding bridge, which is pivotably mounted about a second axis transverse to the direction of travel, being arranged on the main floating body, the folding bridge being a a first ramp member having two opposite sides and a second ramp member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein one side of the first ramp member is connected to the bridge vehicle via a first articulated connection is pivotally connected and the other side of the first ramp member is pivotally connected to the first side of the second ramp member via a second pivotal connection and wherein the first side float is pivotally connected to the bridge vehicle via a third pivotal connection.

The term folding bridge within the meaning of the invention is to be understood broadly. A folding bridge is also understood here to mean foldable ramps or foldable bridge elements.

It is understood that each folding bridge or ramp has a roadway. This means that each ramp element also has a roadway side. The ramp elements of a folding bridge or ramp are usually each formed from one or more panels. The plate elements can be solid or hollow at least in sections, in particular in sections as hollow bodies.

The bridge vehicle includes a main floating body that provides the necessary buoyancy for the bridge vehicle on the water. Furthermore, the bridge vehicle has a drive and a control for the land transport and a drive and a control for the water operation.

For land transportation, the side floating body and folding bridge can be stored on the main floating body, so that the bridge vehicle has a narrow road profile.

On water, the side floating body can be pivoted about a first axis along the first side of the vehicle and increases the floating stability of the bridge vehicle. In particular, it stabilizes the bridge vehicle when heavy vehicles cross the unfolded bridge, because due to its buoyancy it can compensate for torques acting on the main floating body.

In order to extend the roadway of the bridge vehicle, which is advantageously arranged on the upper side of the main floating body, transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle, the first ramp element is pivotably connected to the main floating body. In addition, the first ramp element is connected to a pivotable second ramp element. Due to the folding of two bridge elements, the folding bridge can achieve comparatively large bridge lengths when unfolded without the need for an on-board crane, which saves weight, storage space and assembly time.

It should be noted that both the first ramp element of the folding bridge and the side floating body can be pivoted transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle, but are connected to the main floating body via separate articulated connections and do not necessarily have to be pivoted about a common axis.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the first axis, about which the first floating side body is pivotably mounted, and the second axis, about which the folding bridge is pivotally mounted, are identical. The common axis of rotation simplifies the structure of the bridge vehicle.

According to the invention, on the second side of the second ramp element, a third ramp element is connected in an articulated manner to the second ramp element via a fourth articulated connection. This increases the maximum range of the folding bridge across the direction of travel.

In a preferred embodiment, when the bridge vehicle is in transport, the first ramp element, the second ramp element and the third ramp element are arranged one on top of the other on the main floating body of the bridge vehicle, with the third ramp element being mounted between the first ramp element and the second ramp element. It is of particular advantage here that the first ramp element is mounted on the main floating body.

This arrangement is advantageous when the folding bridge is gradually unfolded in the water, since the bridge can be used at each folding stage when the first ramp element swings out, the second ramp element folds out and the third ramp element folds out, because the third ramp element is always below or on the water side of the already unfolded bridge elements arranged and therefore does not disturb the already formed lane. The folding bridge offers a high degree of flexibility in use, as it can be used as a short, medium or long bridge.

A continuous roadway arranged on the side facing away from the water thus never becomes discontinuous due to the third ramp element that has not yet been unfolded.

According to the invention, the second ramp element has an upper side with an upper chord and an underside with a lower chord, the second articulated connection being arranged in the region of the lower chord of the second ramp element. In addition, the third ramp element has an upper side with a top chord and an underside with a bottom chord, the fourth articulated connection being arranged in the area of the bottom chord of the third ramp element.

The terms upper chord and lower chord are to be interpreted broadly within the meaning of the present invention and are not intended to restrict the design of the ramp elements.

The arrangement of the articulated connections in the area of the lower chord of the ramp elements enables, among other things, the compact folding method of the folding bridge according to the invention.

In a specific development of this embodiment according to the invention, for example, the first, second and third ramp element each have an upper side with an upper chord and a lower side with a lower chord, with a roadway being located on the upper side of each ramp element. Furthermore, the second articulated connection, which connects the first ramp element to the second ramp element, is arranged on the lower chord. The fourth articulated connection, which connects the second ramp element to the third ramp element, is also arranged on the lower chord. In the folded state or transport state, the top of the third ramp element can thus rest directly on the underside of the first ramp element and the underside of the third ramp element directly on the underside of the second ramp element, which leads to a compact folding method. In addition, with this arrangement, the forces acting on the articulated connections when the folding bridge is in the unfolded state can be absorbed very well.

The second and fourth articulated connection are usually designed as non-detachable connections. In addition, at least one detachable connecting device can be provided on the upper chord, which connects the second ramp element to the first ramp element or the second ramp element to the third ramp element. This makes sense above all when the distance between the bottom and the top of the ramp element is comparatively large or the ramp element has a comparatively great thickness. In a preferred development, the second and/or the fourth articulated connection is/are arranged on a side of a ramp element which, when the folding bridge is in the unfolded state, faces the adjacent ramp element. In this embodiment, the articulated connections can be designed in such a way that they do not protrude into the roadway of the folding bridge.

Furthermore, it is preferred that an actuating device is provided in the region of one or more of the following elements: second articulated connection, third articulated connection and/or fourth articulated connection.

This enables the partially or fully automatic folding and unfolding of the folding bridge.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the main floating body has a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side of the vehicle and that a second side floating body pivotable about an axis along the second side of the vehicle is arranged on the main floating body.

The second side float increases the stability of the bridge vehicle in the water. Since this is pivotally connected to the main floating body, it can be conveniently stored on the bridge vehicle in a transport position, so that the narrow road profile of the bridge vehicle is maintained during land transport.

It is also preferred that the first floating side body and the second floating side body each have a recess. On the one hand, this saves weight during land transport. On the other hand, in the area of this recess, the unfolded folding bridge can be arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle without being blocked by the first side floating body.

In addition, a particularly preferred embodiment provides that when the bridge vehicle is in transport, the recesses of the first floating side body and the second floating side body form a cavity in which the folded folding bridge can be arranged.

Because of the placement of the folding bridge in the area of the recesses in the side floating bodies, the total height of the bridge vehicle can be built lower as a result. In addition, the folding bridge is protected by the side floats during transport.

In order to swivel the first ramp element of the folding bridge in or out fully automatically, in a preferred embodiment at least one actuating device is arranged on the first lateral floating body, which is suitable for swiveling the first ramp element.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that a bridge element is arranged in the area of the recess of the second lateral floating body. This is preferably provided with a roadway and extends the roadway transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle. For example, in the transport state, the bridge element lies against the upper side of the floating body within the floating body.

This bridge element is particularly useful when arranging a large number of bridge vehicles. For example, two bridge vehicles arranged next to one another can be connected to one another via their respective bridge elements, so that vehicles can travel from one bridge vehicle to the other via these bridge elements. The folding bridges of the bridge vehicles are then available as ramps.

In a preferred further development it is provided that the bridge element can be moved vertically. In use, when the folding bridge is unfolded, the bridge element can be raised or lowered to the same height as the folding bridge in order to obtain a level roadway surface without offset, particularly in connection with other bridge vehicles. This feature also offers the advantage that when the bridge vehicle is in transport, with the second side float folded in, the bridge element can be stowed away in a space-saving manner.

The object is further achieved by an arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles according to claim 15, wherein at least two amphibious bridge vehicles according to the invention are arranged side by side.

Due to the chain-like arrangement of several bridge vehicles, each with unfolded folding bridges and/or correspondingly positioned bridge elements, distances of any length can also be bridged.

It is particularly preferred that two amphibious bridge vehicles are aligned parallel or antiparallel to one another.

Parallel in the context of the invention means that two bridge vehicles arranged next to one another point in the same direction of travel, while in the case of an antiparallel arrangement of two bridge vehicles arranged next to one another, the two bridge vehicles point in opposite directions of travel.

If two bridge vehicles are aligned parallel to one another, their folding bridges each point in the same direction. The folding bridge of the first bridge vehicle then preferably bridges the distance to the second bridge vehicle, so that vehicles can drive from one bridge vehicle over the folding bridge to the other. The folding bridge of the second bridge vehicle can then preferably serve as a ramp or again bridge a distance to a third bridge vehicle.

If the bridge vehicles are aligned antiparallel, their folding bridges point in opposite directions. Here, in particular, the bridge elements can form a bridge between the two bridge vehicles and the folding bridges can be used as ramps.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the at least two amphibious bridge vehicles can be coupled to one another by means of coupling means on one or more of their following elements: main floating body, ramp element and/or side floating body.

The coupling prevents the bridge vehicles from drifting apart.

Fig. 1

ein amphibisches Brückenfahrzeug in einer Transportstellung an Land in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2a

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2b

eine vergrößerte Ausschnittsdarstellung der dritten gelenkigen Verbindung in perspektivischer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3

der Hauptschwimmkörper und der Seitenschwimmkörper aus Fig. 1 mit Einrichtungen zum Ausklappen der Seitenschwimmkörper in einer Querschnittsansicht,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der auf dem Hauptschwimmkörper gelagerten Faltbrücke,

Fig. 5a

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 mit ausgeklappten Seitenschwimmkörpern und ausgeschwenktem ersten Rampenelement in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5b

eine vergrößerte Ausschnittsdarstellung des ersten Rampenelementes verbunden mit dem Hauptschwimmkörper in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 beim Ausklappen des zweiten Rampenelementes,

Fig. 7

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 beim Ausklappen des ersten Rampenelements mit ausgeklapptem zweitem Rampenelement,

Fig. 8

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 mit ausgeklapptem zweiten Rampenelement,

Fig. 9

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 mit ausgeklapptem dritten Rampenelement,

Fig. 10

das Brückenfahrzeug der Fig. 1 mit ausgeklapptem dritten Rampenelement in einer Rampenstellung,

Fig. 11

der Hauptschwimmkörper, der erste Seitenschwimmkörper und die Faltbrücke mit Einrichtungen zum Aus- und/oder Einfalten der Faltbrücke in einer Querschnittsansicht,

Fig. 12

eine parallele Anordnung zweier über das erste Rampenelement gekoppelter Brückenfahrzeuge in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 13

eine parallele Anordnung zweier über das zweite Rampenelement gekoppelter Brückenfahrzeuge in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 14

eine antiparallele Anordnung zweier über ihre Brückenelemente gekoppelter Brückenfahrzeuge in einer perspektivischen Seitenansicht.

Preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show:

1

an amphibious bridge vehicle in a transport position on land in a side view,

Figure 2a

the bridge vehicle 1 in a perspective side view,

Figure 2b

an enlarged detail view of the third articulated connection in a perspective side view,

3

the main float and the side float 1 with devices for unfolding the side floating bodies in a cross-sectional view,

4

a schematic representation of the folding bridge mounted on the main floating body,

Figure 5a

the bridge vehicle 1 with the side floats folded out and the first ramp element swung out in a perspective side view,

Figure 5b

an enlarged detail view of the first ramp element connected to the main floating body in a perspective side view,

6

the bridge vehicle 1 when unfolding the second ramp element,

7

the bridge vehicle 1 when unfolding the first ramp element with unfolded second ramp element,

8

the bridge vehicle 1 with unfolded second ramp element,

9

the bridge vehicle 1 with unfolded third ramp element,

10

the bridge vehicle 1 with the third ramp element folded out in a ramp position,

11

the main floating body, the first side floating body and the folding bridge with devices for folding out and/or folding the folding bridge in a cross-sectional view,

12

a parallel arrangement of two bridge vehicles coupled via the first ramp element in a perspective side view,

13

a parallel arrangement of two bridge vehicles coupled via the second ramp element in a perspective side view,

14

an anti-parallel arrangement of two bridge vehicles coupled via their bridge elements in a perspective side view.

1 and 2 show an amphibious bridge vehicle 10 in the land driving position or in the transport state.

The bridge vehicle 10 comprises a self-propelled main floating body 12 with a driver's cab 11 and a chassis 13 as well as a first vehicle side 16 and a second vehicle side 17 opposite the first vehicle side 16. A first axis 18 runs along the first vehicle side 16.

The main floating body 12 is pontoon-like, preferably designed as a torsion-resistant light metal welded construction. A roadway 14 is arranged on its upper side (recognizable, for example, in 6 ). This is oriented transversely to the direction of travel X of the bridge vehicle 10 .

Furthermore, above the main floating body 12 two pontoon-like side floating bodies 20, 21 can be seen.

Each floating side body 20, 21 extends over the entire bridge vehicle 10 in the direction of travel X. A recess 23 is provided in the center of each floating side body 20, 21, as a result of which two block-like supports 20b are formed, which are integrally connected to an upper element 20a of each floating side body 20, 21 are (indicated by the dashed line in 1 ).

The two side floating bodies 20, 21 are arranged essentially axially symmetrically on the main floating body 12 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bridge vehicle 10 and rest on the top of the driver's cab 11 and the top of an elevation 15 at the rear of the bridge vehicle 10. In addition, the two lateral floating bodies 20, 21 are each supported on the main floating body 12 via their block-like supports 20b.

The side floating bodies 20, 21 form a cavity 56 by means of their recesses 23. Within the cavity 56, resting on the track 14 of the main floating body 12, a folded folding bridge 24 is arranged. The width of the folding bridge 24 essentially corresponds to the width of the recess 23 of the side floats 20; 21

The structure of the folding bridge 24 is in the Figures 4 - 11 shown, in which the individual stages of folding the folding bridge 24 are illustrated.

The folding bridge 24 comprises a first ramp element 26, a second ramp element 28 and a third ramp element 36.

Each ramp element 26; 28; 36 has a cross section with an upper side or lane side on which the lane is located and an underside opposite to the lane side. The road side is equipped with a road surface or lanes (not shown). There is a top chord in the top area and a bottom chord in the bottom area.

In the cross section of each ramp element 26; 28; 36, the area around the side of the road is referred to as the upper chord 40 and the area arranged opposite thereto as the lower chord 42 in the sense of the present invention (cf. 11 ). The roadway side is thus located on the side of the upper chord 40 and the lower chord 42 on the underside of the ramp element.

Each ramp element 26, 28, 36 is composed of two plates of the same size and shape, each of which is arranged parallel to one another. The length of each ramp element 26, 28, 36 is approximately the same and corresponds to the width of the main floating body 12. The ramp elements 26, 28, 36 each have a wedge-shaped cross section.

In an embodiment that is not shown, the ramp elements have different lengths. In addition, the ramp elements 26, 28, 36 other than have wedge-shaped cross-section. For example, at least one of the ramp elements can have a rectangular cross section.

When the bridge vehicle 10 is in the transport state, the first ramp element 26, the second ramp element 28 and the third ramp element 36 are arranged one on top of the other on the upper side of the bridge vehicle 10 (cf. 4 ). The third ramp element 36 is mounted between the first ramp element 26 and the second ramp element 28 , the first ramp element 26 resting on the main floating body 12 . The roadway side of the third ramp element 36 is in direct contact with the underside of the first ramp element 26 and the underside of the third ramp element 36 is in direct contact with the underside of the second ramp element 26 .

The first ramp element 26 has two opposite sides 26a, 26b, which point toward the second ramp element 28 or the main floating body 12 when the folding bridge is in the unfolded position.

At its first side 26a, the first ramp element 26 is pivotally connected to the vehicle 10 at its first vehicle side 16 by means of a first articulated connection 30 . It can be pivoted transversely to the direction of travel X of the vehicle 10 .

In this case, the first articulated connection 30 comprises four joints. Each joint comprises a first joint element 30a and a second joint element 30b (cf. Figure 5b ).

The first joint element 30a of the first articulated connection 30 has three teeth which extend essentially perpendicularly to the first side 16 of the vehicle. The teeth are provided with a through hole transverse to the direction in which the teeth extend (not shown). A recess is formed between each of the teeth.

The second articulation member 30b of the first articulation 30 includes two teeth that extend substantially perpendicular to the first ramp member 26 . Furthermore, the teeth of the second joint element 30b are also provided with a through bore transverse to the direction in which the teeth of the second joint element 30b extend. The teeth of the second joint element 30b are spaced apart from one another in such a way that they can be pushed into the recesses of the teeth of the first joint element 30a. The holes in the teeth of the first joint element 30a then align with the holes in the second joint element 30b. A bolt extending through all holes allows then the articulated connection between the main floating body 12 and the first ramp element 26.

The first articulated connection 30 is arranged on the upper chord 40 of the first ramp element 26 .

The first ramp element 26 is pivotably mounted about a second axis 22 along the first vehicle side 16 of the main floating body 12 by means of the first articulated connection 30 .

In the example shown, the second axis 22 corresponds to the first axis 18 about which the first lateral floating body 20 is pivotably mounted.

The second ramp element 28 has two opposite sides 28a, 28b which, when the folding bridge is in the unfolded position, face the first ramp element 28 and the third ramp element, respectively, and is pivotably connected to the second side 26b of the first ramp element 26 by means of a second articulated connection 32. The second articulated connection 32 is provided in the area of the lower chords 42 .

The second articulated connection 32 also includes four joints. In principle, each of these joints is designed in the same way as the joints of the first articulated connection 30 . The joints connect the bottom chord 40 of the first ramp element 26 to the bottom chord of the second ramp element 28 (cf. also 11 ).

Furthermore, further teeth 33 are arranged in the region of the upper belt 40 on the second side 26b of the first ramp element 26 . On the one hand, these serve as coupling means in order to be able to establish a connection with counter-coupling means of other bridge vehicles 14'. On the other hand, they also serve to stabilize the unfolded folding bridge 24.

As in particular in 8 As can be seen, for this purpose the teeth in turn engage in intermediate spaces which are formed between teeth in the area of the upper flange 40 on the first side 28a of the second ramp element 28 . Here, too, mutually aligned bores are arranged both transversely to the teeth of the first ramp element 26 and to the teeth of the second ramp element 28 . When the folding bridge 24 is in the unfolded state, a bolt can then be pushed through all the bores.

The second ramp element 28 is pivotally connected via a fourth articulated connection 38 on its second side 28b to the side of the third ramp element 36, which faces the second ramp element 28 in the unfolded position of the folding bridge. Like the second articulated connection 32 , the fourth articulated connection 38 is provided in the area of the lower chords 42 .

The fourth articulated connection 38 also includes four joints. In principle, each of these joints is designed in the same way as the joint of the second articulated connection 32 . The joints connect the bottom chord 40 of the second ramp element 28 to the bottom chord of the third ramp element 36 (cf. also 11 ).

As in the Figures 4 - 10 As can be seen, the side floating bodies 20, 21 are also pivotally connected to the bridge vehicle 10 via a third articulated connection 34 along a first axis 18 on the first vehicle side 16 or on an axis 50 along the second vehicle side 17'.

Each third articulated connection 34 comprises two identically designed joints 68a, 68b (cf. Figure 2b ).

Each joint 68a, 68b of the third articulated connection 34 comprises a first fork-shaped component 70, which is arranged at an angle of <90° relative to the roadway plane, pointing upwards away from the main floating body 12 of the bridge vehicle 10. The fork shape of the component 70 results from two webs 70a, 70b spaced apart from one another, between which a recess 70c extends. Each web 70a, 70b of the first component 70 is provided with a through hole 70d.

In addition, each joint 68a, 68b of the third articulated connection 34 comprises a second component 72 which also has a through bore (not shown).

The second component 72 is inclined in the opposite direction relative to the first component 70 and protrudes in sections into the recess 70c in the first component 70 , the borehole in the second component 72 being aligned with the boreholes 70d in the first component 70 . A bolt (not shown) is passed through the aligned bores 70d, 72a, which enables the two components 70, 72 to be connected in an articulated manner. Via the third articulated connection 34 on the first side of the vehicle 16 and the third articulated connection 34 on the second side of the vehicle 17, each of the two side floating bodies 20, 21 can be swiveled out in opposite directions (cf. 4 ).

In order to automate the swiveling out of the side floats 20, 21, as in 3 as can be seen, at least one actuating device 46 is provided on each lateral floating body 20, 21, which is in working relationship with a hinge 44 in each case. In addition, in the embodiment shown, a blocking element 47 is provided, which in turn is in working relationship with the hinge 44 and allows the tilting movement of the side floats 20,21.

At the in 3 Actuating device 46 shown is a cylinder-piston unit.

The hinge 44 consists of a first hinge half 44a and a second hinge half 44b, with the first hinge half 44a being attached to the main floating body 12 and the second hinge half 44b being attached to the side floating bodies 20 and 21, respectively.

The cylinder-piston unit acts on an upper area of the first hinge half 44a. A blocking element 47 is arranged on the main floating body 12 in the lower region of the first hinge half 44a.

The cylinder-piston unit exerts pressure on the hinge 44 in order to fold out the first lateral floating body 20 . Since a sliding movement in the lower area of the first hinge half 44a is prevented in the area of the blocking element 47, a torque is produced which causes the lateral floating body 20 or 21 to tilt. The side floating body 20, 21 is then guided by the hinge 44 into a lateral position relative to the main floating body 12.

To fold in the side floating body 20, 21, the cylinder-piston unit exerts a tensile force in the upper area of the hinge half 44a, whereby the lower area of the first hinge half 44a is pressed against the blocking element 47 on the main floating body 12. This creates a torque, so that the side floating body 20, 21 is pivoted back into its transport position.

As in Figure 5a indicated, attack each side floating body 20, 21 at two positions in each case an actuating device 46 with corresponding components. The actuating devices 46 of a side floating body 20, 21 are each arranged along the opposite sides of the roadway. Four actuating devices 46 are distributed on the main floating body 12 .

In 11 the components that control the fully automatic folding and unfolding of the folding bridge 24 can be seen.

An actuating device, in the example shown a push-pull unit 58 , which establishes a connection between the first ramp element 26 and the first floating side body 20 , can be seen inside the first side floating body 20 . The train-compression unit 58 can transmit tension and compression forces to the first ramp element 26 and thus control it.

The second articulated connection 32 between the first ramp element 26 and the second ramp element 28 further comprises a hinge 44 and a cylinder-piston unit 46 in working relationship therewith Side floats 20, 21 already described in detail. Not shown in 11 the blocking element 47, which is also present if necessary.

Also, the fourth articulated connection 38 between the second ramp element 28, 28' and the third ramp element 36 comprises a hinge 44 and a cylinder-piston unit 46 working therewith Side floating body 20, 21 is described. A blocking element 47 (not shown) is also arranged here if necessary.

To move the folding bridge from a transport state as in 1 or 2 shown in a bridge state as in 10 shown, the following steps take place:
As already described above, when the bridge vehicle 10 is in the transport state, the folding bridge 24 is arranged in a cavity 56 which is defined by the side floating bodies 20, 21 via their recesses 23 and the main floating body 12.

In a first step, the two side floating bodies 20, 21 are each pivoted about the first axis 18 or 50 along the first vehicle side 16 or the second vehicle side 17 and rest on the first vehicle side 16 or second vehicle side 17.

In a second step, the first ramp element 26 is rotated about the second axis 22, which runs along the first vehicle side 16, transversely to the direction of travel X of the bridge vehicle 10 swung out. In this position of the first ramp element 26, the second ramp element 28 and the third ramp element 36 are arranged underneath, i.e. on the bottom or water side, of the first ramp element 26 (cf. figure 5 ). The first ramp element 26 widens the roadway 14 of the main floating body 10 transversely to the direction of travel X of the bridge vehicle 10 with its roadway section.

So that the second ramp element 28 can be unfolded in a third step, the first ramp element 26 must first be swiveled back a few degrees in the direction of the main floating body 12 , ie raised relative to the first lateral floating body 20 . The second ramp element 28 can then be transferred from the position below the first ramp element 26 into a position in the extension of the first ramp element 26 (cf. 6 and 7 ).

In a third step, the third ramp element 36, which is located below the second ramp element 28, can now be folded out into an extension position relative to the second ramp element 28. Since the second side 28b of the second ramp element 28 already points far enough away from the bridge vehicle, the folding bridge 24 does not have to be raised so that the third ramp element 36 can be unfolded.

In a last step, the folding bridge 14 can then be pivoted into the desired end position, which is done by pivoting the first ramp element 26 about the second axis 22 .

If the folding bridge 14 is to function as a ramp, the bridge is inclined downwards relative to the roadway 14 .

In an alternative embodiment, only the first ramp element 26 is pivoted out or the second ramp element 28 is folded out. Furthermore, the pivoting back of the first ramp element 26 in step three can be dispensed with in that already in the second step the first ramp element 26 remains in a position during pivoting out in which the second ramp element 28 can be folded out. It is also understood that the idea of the invention also includes the fact that the second ramp element 28 and/or the first lateral floating body 20 are dimensioned such that the second ramp element 28 can also be swiveled out in a plane of the roadway 14 . This leads to different possible uses of the bridge vehicle 10, as will be described further below.

The idea of the invention also includes the fact that the bridge vehicle 10 can also be used as a transfer vehicle for transporting vehicles, for example from one bank to the other bank. For example, the folding bridge 24 can serve as a ramp, via which a vehicle can get onto the roadway 14 of the main floating body 12 of the bridge vehicle 10 and is parked there while the bridge vehicle 10 is crossing. On the other bank, the folding bridge 24 can then in turn serve as a ramp, so that the vehicle can drive down from the bridge vehicle 10 . It goes without saying that several bridging vehicles 10, 10' can form a larger crossing vehicle.

In order to further lengthen the roadway and thus form longer bridges, a bridge element 60 that can be moved vertically to the direction of travel X of the bridge vehicle 10 is arranged in the area of the second lateral floating body 21, 21' (cf. 6 ). This is arranged between the block-like supports 20b lying opposite one another in the longitudinal direction and above the upper element 20a of the second side floating body 21 . The bridge element 60 has a rectangular shape and is provided with a roadway, so that when it is raised, it extends the roadway transversely to the direction of travel of the bridge vehicle 10 .

The 12-14 show different coupling options of two bridge vehicles 10, 10 '. In particular, the Figures 12-14 a short coupling, long coupling and bridge coupling.

In the case of short coupling, the two bridge vehicles 10, 10' are arranged directly next to one another and point in the same direction of travel. With this short coupling, the folding bridge 24 is pivoted, but otherwise remains in the folded state.

In the long coupling, the second ramp element 28 of the first bridge vehicle 10 is also swiveled out. The two bridge vehicles 10, 10' are then coupled via the second ramp element 28. The two bridge vehicles 10 are located at a distance from one another, but are still aligned parallel to one another.

In the case of the bridge coupling, the two bridge vehicles 10, 10' are in opposite directions to one another, ie are arranged antiparallel to one another. The two bridge vehicles 10, 10' are coupled via their bridge elements 60, 60'. The folding bridges 24, 24' are not used to couple the two bridge vehicles 10, 10'. The folding bridges of the bridge vehicles 10, 10' can be flexibly coupled to other bridge vehicles, not shown, or can be used as a ramp, as required

12 shows a short coupling of two bridge vehicles 10, 10' in detail. Both bridge vehicles 10, 10' are aligned parallel to one another and arranged next to one another. The folding bridge 24 of the first bridge vehicle 10 (the bridge vehicle on the left in the figure) is folded up and swung out transversely to the direction of travel X, so that the first ramp element 26 of the folding bridge 24 crosses the roadway 14 of the main floating body 12 of the first bridge vehicle 10 transversely to the direction of travel X extended. The pivoted-out folding bridge 24 is mounted in the recess 23 of the first side floating body 20 of the first bridge vehicle 10 and the recess 23' of the second side floating body 21' of the second bridge vehicle 10' and can be loaded from both side floating bodies 20; 21' are supported.

The first ramp element 26 of the first bridge vehicle 10 is coupled to the second bridge vehicle 10' with coupling means on its second side 26b which interact with counter-coupling means 74' on the main floating body 10' of the second bridge vehicle 10'. The entire roadway formed in this way extends from the roadway 14 of the first bridge vehicle 10 via the roadway section of the first ramp element 26 of the first bridge vehicle 10 to the roadway section 14' of the second bridge vehicle 10'. Since the folding bridge 24' is also pivoted out in the second bridge vehicle 10', the entire roadway even includes the roadway section of the first ramp element 26' of the second bridge vehicle 10'. The coupling means on the first ramp element 26 of the first bridge vehicle 10 are the teeth 33 described in connection with FIG. 4b.

13 shows a long coupling of two bridge vehicles 10, 10'. The arrangement of the bridge vehicles 10, 10' is essentially the same 12 However, the second ramp element 28, 28' is also folded out both in the folding bridge 24 of the first bridge vehicle 10 and in the folding bridge 24' of the second bridge vehicle 10'. The two bridge vehicles 10, 10', as already described in connection with 12 described, coupled with each other.

14 shows a bridge coupling of two bridge vehicles 10, 10'. The bridge vehicles 10, 10' are directed in opposite directions to one another, ie arranged anti-parallel. Both the first bridge vehicle 10 and the second bridge vehicle 10' are shown with a fully unfolded folding bridge 24, 24'. Between the bridge vehicles 10, 10 'is in each case the vertically movable bridge element 60, 60' is moved upwards and thus also extends the roadway over the second side floating bodies 21, 21' of both bridge vehicles 10, 10'. The arrangement shown represents the maximum stretch of roadway that two bridge vehicles 10, 10' can reach together without further aids.

In order to prevent the two bridge vehicles 10, 10' from drifting apart, coupling means 76 are provided on the outside of the second side floating body 21 of the first bridge vehicle 10, as well as counter-coupling means 76' on the outside of the second side floating body 21' of the second bridge vehicle 10', which are coupled to one another.

It goes without saying that the bridge arrangement can be correspondingly expanded by additional bridge vehicles.

In an embodiment that is not shown, other articulated connections known from the prior art can be provided instead of the joints described, which allow the ramp parts or the side floats to be pivoted. Likewise, other actuating devices known from the prior art can be used instead of the actuating devices described.

Claims (15)

1. Amphibious bridge vehicle with its own drive and a control option for movement in water and on land, having a main floating body (12; 12'), with a track (14; 14') and with a first vehicle side (16; 16') extending along the direction of travel (X) of the bridge vehicle (10; 10'), wherein a first axis (18; 18') and a second axis (22; 22') extend along the first vehicle side (16; 16'), wherein a first side floating body (20; 20'), which is mounted pivotably about the first axis (18; 18'), and a folding bridge (24; 24'), which is mounted pivotably about the second axis (22; 22') transversely with respect to the direction of travel (X), are arranged on the main floating body (12; 12'), wherein the folding bridge (24; 24') comprises

   - a first ramp element (26; 26') with two sides (26a, 26b; 26a', 26b') lying opposite each other, and

   - a second ramp element (28; 28') with a first side (28a; 28a') and a second side (28b; 28b') lying opposite the first side (28a; 28a'),

   wherein one side (26a; 26a') of the first ramp element (26; 26') is connected pivotably to the bridge vehicle (10; 10') via a first articulated connection (30; 30') and the other side (26b; 26b') of the first ramp element (26; 26') is connected pivotably to the first side (28a; 28a') of the second ramp element (28; 28') via a second articulated connection (32; 32'), wherein the first side floating body (20; 20') is connected pivotably to the bridge vehicle (10; 10') via a third articulated connection (34; 34'), and wherein, on the second side (28b; 28b') of the second ramp element (28; 28'), a third ramp element (36; 36') is connected in an articulated manner to the second ramp element (28; 28') via a fourth articulated connection (38; 38'), characterized in that the second ramp element (28; 28') has a top side with an upper flange (40) and a bottom side with a lower flange (42), the second articulated connection (32; 32') being arranged in the region of the lower flange (42) of the second ramp element (28; 28'), and in that the third ramp element (36; 36') has a top side with an upper flange (40) and a bottom side with a lower flange (42), the fourth articulated connection (38; 38') being arranged in the region of the lower flange (42) of the third ramp element (36; 36').
2. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first axis (18; 18'), about which the first side floating body (20; 20') is mounted pivotably, and the second axis (22; 22'), about which the folding bridge (24; 24') is mounted pivotably, are identical.
3. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a transport state of the bridge vehicle (10; 10'), the first ramp element (26; 26'), the second ramp element (28; 28') and the third ramp element (36; 36') are arranged lying on one another on the main floating body (12; 12') of the vehicle (10; 10'), the third ramp element (36; 36') being mounted between the first ramp element (26; 26') and the second ramp element (28; 28').
4. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first ramp element (26; 26') is mounted on the main floating body (12; 12').
5. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one releasable connecting device which connects the second ramp element to the first ramp element or the second ramp element to the third ramp element is provided on the upper flange.
6. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the second and/or the fourth articulated connection are/is arranged on a side of a ramp element that faces the adjacent ramp element in an unfolded state of the folding bridge.
7. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the region of one or more of the following elements: second articulated connection (32; 32'), third articulated connection (34; 34') and fourth articulated connection (38; 38'), a respective actuation device (46) is provided.
8. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main floating body (12; 12') has a second vehicle side (17; 17') lying opposite the first vehicle side (16; 16'), and in that a second side floating body (21; 21') which is pivotable about an axis (50; 50') along the second vehicle side (17; 17') is arranged on the main floating body (12; 12').
9. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that the first side floating body (20; 20') and the second side floating body (21; 21') each have a recess (23).
10. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to Claim 9, characterized in that, in a transport state of the bridge vehicle (10; 10'), the recesses (23) of the first side floating body (20; 20') and of the second side floating body (21; 21') form a cavity (56), in which the folded folding bridge (24; 24') can be arranged.
11. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one actuation device which is suitable for pivoting the first ramp element (26; 26') is arranged on the first side floating body (20; 20').
12. Amphibious bridge vehicle according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a bridge element (60; 60') is arranged in the region of the recess (23) of the second side floating body (21; 21'), the bridge element (60; 60') preferably being movable vertically.
13. Arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles, characterized in that at least two amphibious bridge vehicles (10; 10') having the features according to one of Claims 1 to 11 are arranged next to one another.
14. Arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles according to Claim 13, characterized in that in each case two amphibious bridge vehicles are oriented parallel or anti-parallel to one another.
15. Arrangement of amphibious bridge vehicles according to either of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the at least two amphibious bridge vehicles (10; 10') can be coupled to one another by means of coupling means (74, 74'; 76, 76') on one or more of the following elements thereof: main floating body (12; 12'), ramp element (26, 26'; 28, 28'; 36, 36') and/or side floating bodies (20, 20'; 21, 21').

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