US20240157983A1 - Railway wagon with improved launch beam mounting - Google Patents
Railway wagon with improved launch beam mounting Download PDFInfo
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- US20240157983A1 US20240157983A1 US18/507,027 US202318507027A US2024157983A1 US 20240157983 A1 US20240157983 A1 US 20240157983A1 US 202318507027 A US202318507027 A US 202318507027A US 2024157983 A1 US2024157983 A1 US 2024157983A1
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- wagon
- actuator
- railway
- beam assembly
- front portion
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- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D3/00—Wagons or vans
- B61D3/04—Wagons or vans with movable floors, e.g. rotatable or floors which can be raised or lowered
-
- 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
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to railway transportation, and more specifically it concerns a railway wagon for transportation of vehicles, in particular semi-trailers.
- a load-carrying section is turned out from and back to the railway wagon.
- a beam arranged in connection with the railway wagon. The beam may be arranged in an operative position in which it supports the front portion of the load-carrying section, and in an inoperative position in which it is arranged along the railway wagon.
- An object of the invention is to provide a new type of railway wagon enabling secure mounting and operation of a beam assembly of the wagon used when the carrying section is moved from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.
- a railway wagon for transportation of vehicles, in particular road-vehicles such as semi-trailers or the like.
- the railway wagon comprises a first wagon end, a second wagon end, and a carrying section therebetween.
- the carrying section has a front portion releasably connected to the first wagon end, and it is movable between a closed position in which the front portion is connected to the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out from the first wagon end for loading and unloading of a vehicle.
- the first wagon end comprises a rail support beam movable in a vertical direction and configured to be lowered onto a railway track for supporting and positioning of the first wagon end during movement of the front portion between the closed position and the open position.
- a beam assembly configured to support the front portion of the carrying section while it is being turned, has a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally connected to at least the rail support beam.
- An actuator is arranged between the first wagon end and the beam assembly for moving the beam assembly between an inoperative position and an operative position and vice versa. Furthermore, a displacement device is provided in connection with the actuator.
- the displacement device is configured to compensate for any longitudinal movements of the beam assembly in the inoperative position thereof during vertical movement of the rail support beam, whereby it is ensured that the beam assembly is not tilted out from the first wagon end to protrude therefrom in an undesired manner.
- the actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder, and it may have a predetermined length.
- the actuator may have a first actuator end and a second actuator end, the first actuator end being connected with the first wagon end and the second actuator end being connected with the beam assembly.
- the displacement device may be arranged at the first actuator end and/or at the second actuator end.
- the displacement device may be provided in the actuator or along an extension of the actuator.
- the displacement device may comprise an elastic element, preferably a biasing spring, such as a coil spring or a compression spring.
- the elastic element is configured to absorb possible movements.
- the first actuator end may be connected to the first wagon end via a first attachment pin and the second actuator end is connected with the beam assembly via a second attachment pin.
- the displacement device may comprise one or more spring-loaded pin(s) arranged on the opposite side of the attachment pin in relation to the actuator end.
- the spring-loaded pin(s) may be connected to the actuator.
- the rail support beam may be connected to an actuating assembly, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, configured to move the rail support beam downwards and/or upwards.
- an actuating assembly preferably a hydraulic cylinder
- the actuating assembly may be connected to the first wagon end via an attachment plate having a first connection point pivotally connecting the attachment plate to the first wagon end, and a second connection point connecting the attachment plate to the actuating device.
- the first connection point and the second connection point are offset in a vertical plane.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a railway wagon according to an embodiment with a carrying section in open position
- FIGS. 2 - 3 show a front portion of the carrying section and a beam assembly in a perspective view and top view, respectively
- FIGS. 4 a - 4 c show a sequence of lowering a rail support beam onto a railway track
- FIGS. 5 - 6 show a displacement device according to an embodiment
- FIGS. 7 - 11 are various views of a locking system for locking the beam assembly and the rail support beam.
- FIG. 1 A railway wagon 1 for loading a semi-trailer thereon is shown in FIG. 1 .
- the railway wagon 1 comprises a first wagon end 2 and a second wagon end 3 .
- the wagon ends 2 , 3 are often referred to as bogies or wheel sets.
- the first wagon end 2 and second wagon end 3 are configured to support a carrying section 4 , often referred to as a pocket.
- the carrying section 4 has a front portion 5 releasably connected to the first wagon end 2 , and it is movable between a closed position in which the front portion 5 is aligned with and connected to the first wagon end 2 , and an open position in which the front portion 5 is turned out from the first wagon end 2 for loading or unloading of a semi-trailer or the like (not shown).
- the carrying section 4 or pocket is shown in the open position.
- the carrying section 4 and the first wagon end 2 are movable in relation to each other, but in the closed position they are connected with each other to form an entity (wagon to be run on a railway).
- the carrying section 4 is pivotally connected to the second wagon end 3 via a vertical pivot assembly (not shown).
- An elongated beam or channel 40 extends between the two opposite wagon ends 2 , 3 .
- This channel 40 also referred to as a media channel—is arranged beneath the wagon 1 and it may accommodate electrical cables, hydraulic tubes, air conduits, etc (not shown) safely kept together in the channel 40 .
- the media channel 40 is automatically lowered in a mechanical manner so the movement of the carrying section 4 can be carried out in a safe and convenient way.
- the load-carrying section 4 or pocket is configured to accommodate and carry a semi-trailer or the like, and it is preferably through-shaped with an open end at the front portion 5 when pivoted out from the first wagon end 2 , and with longitudinal sidewalls 7 a and 7 b.
- the relative movability of the front portion 5 in relation to the first wagon end 2 has the purpose of enabling a rolling loading of the semi-trailer (not shown) onto the load- or cargo-carrying section 4 in the open position in which the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 is pivoted out from the first wagon end 2 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- a beam assembly 6 is provided; often referred to as a launch beam.
- the beam assembly 6 is configured to support the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 while this is being turned, and it has a first end 8 and a second end 9 .
- the first wagon end 2 of the railway wagon 1 has a rail support beam which is movable in a vertical direction, and configured to be lowered onto a railway track for supporting and positioning the first wagon end 2 during the movement between the closed position and the open position of the carrying section 4 .
- the first end 8 of the beam assembly 6 is pivotally connected to at least the rail support beam 10 .
- an actuator 11 is mounted between the first wagon end 2 and the beam assembly 6 for moving the beam assembly 6 between the inoperative position and the operative position and vice versa.
- the beam assembly 6 is shown in the operative position in which it extends out from the first wagon end 2 .
- the beam assembly 6 also has an inoperative position in which it is moved away from the front portion 5 of the carrying section 4 so that the carrying section 4 may be loaded or unloaded.
- the inoperative position may be the position in which the beam assembly 6 is positioned at the railway wagon 1 and securely locked as well as ready to be transported with the railway wagon 1 (see FIGS. 9 - 11 ).
- the beam assembly 6 is at least at one point pivotally connected to the rail support beam 10 of the first wagon end 2 .
- the beam assembly 6 is moved from the inoperative position to the operative position or vice versa by means of the actuator 11 arranged between the first wagon end 2 and the beam assembly 6 .
- the actuator 11 preferably a hydraulic cylinder—pushes the beam assembly 6 from the inoperative position to the operative position, or pulls the beam assembly 6 from the operative position to the inoperative position.
- the actuator 11 positions the free end of the beam assembly 6 in the intended position in relation to the carrying section 4 .
- FIGS. 4 a - 4 c the beam assembly 6 is shown in the inoperative position in which it has been turned into abutment with the side of the first wagon end 2 .
- FIGS. 4 a to 4 c show a sequence of lowering the rail support beam 10 to abutment with the railway track 16 (see FIG. 4 c ).
- the rail support beam 10 When the railway wagon 1 is to be altered from the closed position to the open position, the rail support beam 10 is lowered into abutment with the railway track 16 for stabilizing the first wagon end 2 .
- the rail support beam 10 is connected to an actuating assembly, here in the shape of a hydraulic cylinder 12 , which is configured to force the rail support beam 10 downwards.
- the hydraulic cylinder 12 is connected to the first wagon end 2 via an attachment plate 13 .
- the attachment plate 13 has a first connection point 14 pivotally connecting the attachment plate 13 to the first wagon end 2 , and a second connection point 15 connecting the attachment plate 13 to the hydraulic cylinder 12 .
- the first connection point 14 and the second connection point 15 are offset in a vertical plane so that the attachment plate 13 may function as a lever arm.
- the rail support beam 10 will follow the rotation of the attachment plate 13 around the first connection point 14 . Since the rail support beam 10 follows the rotation of the attachment plate 13 , the rail support beam 10 will be slightly displaced in a direction away from the attachment plate 13 at the same time as it moves vertically downwards. As mentioned above, the beam assembly 6 is connected to the rail support beam 10 , which has the consequence that the beam assembly 6 will also be forced in a horizontal direction away from the attachment plate 13 at the same time as the rail support beam 10 is moved vertically downwards.
- the rail support beam 10 is in contact with the railway track 16 .
- the beam assembly 6 will still be tilted slightly outwards from the first wagon end 2 . This have the disadvantage that the beam assembly 6 might not be in its intended position in relation to the first wagon end 2 .
- the displacement device 17 is configured to compensate for any longitudinal movements of the beam assembly 6 in the inoperative position thereof during vertical movement of the rail support beam 10 as described above.
- the actuator 11 has a first actuator end 18 and a second actuator end 19 , the first actuator end 18 being pivotally connected to the first wagon end 2 and the second actuator end 19 being pivotally connected to the beam assembly 6 .
- the displacement device 17 is arranged at the first actuator end 18 . In other embodiments, the displacement device 17 may be arranged at the second actuator end 19 , or it may be arranged at both actuator ends.
- the displacement device 17 may comprise an elastic element, preferably a biasing spring, such as a coil spring or a compression spring
- the first actuator end 18 is pivotally connected to the first wagon end 2 via a first attachment pin 20 and the second actuator end 19 is pivotally connected to the beam assembly 6 via a second attachment pin 21 .
- the displacement device 17 comprises two spring-loaded pins 22 a , 22 b arranged at the opposite side of the attachment pin 20 in relation to the actuator end.
- the actuator 11 pulls the attachment pin 20 to the right in FIGS. 5 - 6 , which compresses the two spring-loaded pins 22 a , 22 b and thereby presses a roller 23 of the beam assembly 6 into contact with a vertical track 24 on the first wagon end 2 .
- this slack is taken by the compression springs attached to the spring-loaded pins 22 a , 22 b and the roller 23 of the beam assembly 6 is guiding the same during its vertical movement.
- This advantage is obtained by arranging the displacement device 17 in connection with the actuator 11 .
- the beam assembly actuator 11 comprises a hydraulic cylinder. It should be noted, though, that this actuator 11 can be of different design. As an alternative to the hydraulic cylinder described above, the actuator can also be pneumatically and/or electro-mechanically operated.
- the displacement device 17 may be provided in the actuator hydraulic cylinder or along the actuator hydraulic cylinder.
- the railway wagon 1 comprises the locking unit 50 which is configured to engage and secure the beam assembly 6 and the rail support beam 10 when the railway wagon 1 is in the closed position and ready for transport.
- the locking unit 50 comprises a control spring-loaded handle 51 both operatively and visible from both sides of the railway wagon 1 . Furthermore, the locking unit 50 has a projection 52 connected to an end part 53 which is tapering off into an arrow as best shown in FIG. 8 .
- the projection 52 is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
- an indicator 54 is arranged in connection with the projection 52 , preferably above the end part 53 (i.e. arrow).
- the indicator 54 has a lock sign 55 and an unlock sign 56 .
- the end part 53 connected to the projection 52 is configured to point at the lock sign 55 when the locking unit 50 is locked, and to point at the unlock sign 56 when the locking unit 50 is unlocked, whereby an operator easily may detect if the locking unit 50 is locked or unlocked.
- the spring-loaded or biased handle 51 constitutes an additional security measure added to the locking unit 50 for ensuring that the indication has been controlled, so that it is detected that the locking unit 50 has locked the beam assembly 6 and the rail support beam 10 so they are in the engaged position and ready for transport.
- control spring-loaded handle 51 ensures a second verification of whether the locking unit 50 is fully engaged (i.e. locked) or not.
- the improved railway wagon may be used for transportation not only of road-vehicles like semi-trailers, but any kinds of vehicles such as tractors, bulldozers, haulers and the like.
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Abstract
A railway wagon for transportation of semi-trailers has a first wagon end, a second wagon end, and a carrying section with a front portion releasably connected to the first wagon end. The carrying section is movable between a closed position and an open position. The first wagon end has a rail support beam movable in a vertical direction and for abutment on a railway track for support and positioning during movement of the front portion. A beam assembly configured to support the front portion while being turned, is pivotally connected to the rail support beam. An actuator between the first wagon end and the beam assembly is configured to move the beam assembly between an inoperative position and an operative position. A displacement device is provided at the actuator.
Description
- This application claims priority under 35 USC 119(a)-(d) from European patent application no. 22207576.4 filed on Nov. 15, 2022; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention is directed to railway transportation, and more specifically it concerns a railway wagon for transportation of vehicles, in particular semi-trailers.
- It is well known to provide railway wagons for receiving and carrying semi-trailers during transport. By placing a semi-trailer normally intended for road transport on a railway wagon, a more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation is achieved compared to road transport. Railway is normally used for long distances of transportation. Examples of railway wagons for transport of semi-trailers are given in WO2010/120236A1 and WO2020/084081A1.
- It is advantageous to load and unload a semi-trailer on a railway wagon as described above. In this regards a load-carrying section is turned out from and back to the railway wagon. To assist in the turning of the load-carrying section it is advantageous to use a beam arranged in connection with the railway wagon. The beam may be arranged in an operative position in which it supports the front portion of the load-carrying section, and in an inoperative position in which it is arranged along the railway wagon.
- Even though this system functions quite well, it may happen that the beam unintendedly protrudes from the railway wagon in the inoperative position.
- An object of the invention is to provide a new type of railway wagon enabling secure mounting and operation of a beam assembly of the wagon used when the carrying section is moved from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.
- This object has now been achieved by the solution set forth in appended
claim 1, embodiments being defined in the related dependent claims. - In one aspect, there is provided a railway wagon for transportation of vehicles, in particular road-vehicles such as semi-trailers or the like. The railway wagon comprises a first wagon end, a second wagon end, and a carrying section therebetween. The carrying section has a front portion releasably connected to the first wagon end, and it is movable between a closed position in which the front portion is connected to the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out from the first wagon end for loading and unloading of a vehicle. The first wagon end comprises a rail support beam movable in a vertical direction and configured to be lowered onto a railway track for supporting and positioning of the first wagon end during movement of the front portion between the closed position and the open position. A beam assembly configured to support the front portion of the carrying section while it is being turned, has a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally connected to at least the rail support beam. An actuator is arranged between the first wagon end and the beam assembly for moving the beam assembly between an inoperative position and an operative position and vice versa. Furthermore, a displacement device is provided in connection with the actuator. By the improvement, it is possible to ensure that movable components of the railway wagon do not unintentionally protrude from the wagon in way that could jeopardize the operation and movements of the beam assembly.
- The displacement device is configured to compensate for any longitudinal movements of the beam assembly in the inoperative position thereof during vertical movement of the rail support beam, whereby it is ensured that the beam assembly is not tilted out from the first wagon end to protrude therefrom in an undesired manner.
- The actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder, and it may have a predetermined length.
- In addition, the actuator may have a first actuator end and a second actuator end, the first actuator end being connected with the first wagon end and the second actuator end being connected with the beam assembly.
- Moreover, the displacement device may be arranged at the first actuator end and/or at the second actuator end.
- Furthermore, the displacement device may be provided in the actuator or along an extension of the actuator.
- Additionally, the displacement device may comprise an elastic element, preferably a biasing spring, such as a coil spring or a compression spring. The elastic element is configured to absorb possible movements.
- In an embodiment, the first actuator end may be connected to the first wagon end via a first attachment pin and the second actuator end is connected with the beam assembly via a second attachment pin.
- Also, the displacement device may comprise one or more spring-loaded pin(s) arranged on the opposite side of the attachment pin in relation to the actuator end.
- Moreover, the spring-loaded pin(s) may be connected to the actuator.
- The rail support beam may be connected to an actuating assembly, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, configured to move the rail support beam downwards and/or upwards.
- The actuating assembly may be connected to the first wagon end via an attachment plate having a first connection point pivotally connecting the attachment plate to the first wagon end, and a second connection point connecting the attachment plate to the actuating device. The first connection point and the second connection point are offset in a vertical plane.
- Further objects and advantages of the present invention and related embodiments will appear from the following detailed description.
- Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following, reference being had to the appended diagrammatic drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a railway wagon according to an embodiment with a carrying section in open position, -
FIGS. 2-3 show a front portion of the carrying section and a beam assembly in a perspective view and top view, respectively, -
FIGS. 4 a-4 c show a sequence of lowering a rail support beam onto a railway track, -
FIGS. 5-6 show a displacement device according to an embodiment, and -
FIGS. 7-11 are various views of a locking system for locking the beam assembly and the rail support beam. - A
railway wagon 1 for loading a semi-trailer thereon is shown inFIG. 1 . Therailway wagon 1 comprises afirst wagon end 2 and asecond wagon end 3. The wagon ends 2, 3 are often referred to as bogies or wheel sets. The first wagon end 2 andsecond wagon end 3 are configured to support a carryingsection 4, often referred to as a pocket. The carryingsection 4 has afront portion 5 releasably connected to thefirst wagon end 2, and it is movable between a closed position in which thefront portion 5 is aligned with and connected to thefirst wagon end 2, and an open position in which thefront portion 5 is turned out from thefirst wagon end 2 for loading or unloading of a semi-trailer or the like (not shown). InFIG. 1 , the carryingsection 4 or pocket is shown in the open position. - The carrying
section 4 and thefirst wagon end 2 are movable in relation to each other, but in the closed position they are connected with each other to form an entity (wagon to be run on a railway). In order to perform the swinging movement, thecarrying section 4 is pivotally connected to thesecond wagon end 3 via a vertical pivot assembly (not shown). - An elongated beam or
channel 40 extends between the twoopposite wagon ends channel 40—also referred to as a media channel—is arranged beneath thewagon 1 and it may accommodate electrical cables, hydraulic tubes, air conduits, etc (not shown) safely kept together in thechannel 40. When thecarrying section 4 is turned out from thewagon 1 and lowered to the loading or unloading position, themedia channel 40 is automatically lowered in a mechanical manner so the movement of thecarrying section 4 can be carried out in a safe and convenient way. - As mentioned above the load-carrying
section 4 or pocket is configured to accommodate and carry a semi-trailer or the like, and it is preferably through-shaped with an open end at thefront portion 5 when pivoted out from thefirst wagon end 2, and withlongitudinal sidewalls - The relative movability of the
front portion 5 in relation to thefirst wagon end 2 has the purpose of enabling a rolling loading of the semi-trailer (not shown) onto the load- or cargo-carryingsection 4 in the open position in which thefront portion 5 of thecarrying section 4 is pivoted out from thefirst wagon end 2 as shown inFIG. 1 . - For facilitating the movement of the
front portion 5, abeam assembly 6 is provided; often referred to as a launch beam. Thebeam assembly 6 is configured to support thefront portion 5 of thecarrying section 4 while this is being turned, and it has afirst end 8 and asecond end 9. - As seen in
FIG. 2 , thefirst wagon end 2 of therailway wagon 1 has a rail support beam which is movable in a vertical direction, and configured to be lowered onto a railway track for supporting and positioning thefirst wagon end 2 during the movement between the closed position and the open position of thecarrying section 4. Thefirst end 8 of thebeam assembly 6 is pivotally connected to at least therail support beam 10. - In addition, an
actuator 11 is mounted between thefirst wagon end 2 and thebeam assembly 6 for moving thebeam assembly 6 between the inoperative position and the operative position and vice versa. InFIGS. 1-3 , thebeam assembly 6 is shown in the operative position in which it extends out from thefirst wagon end 2. Thebeam assembly 6 also has an inoperative position in which it is moved away from thefront portion 5 of the carryingsection 4 so that the carryingsection 4 may be loaded or unloaded. Alternatively, the inoperative position may be the position in which thebeam assembly 6 is positioned at therailway wagon 1 and securely locked as well as ready to be transported with the railway wagon 1 (seeFIGS. 9-11 ). - In the present embodiment, the
beam assembly 6 is at least at one point pivotally connected to therail support beam 10 of thefirst wagon end 2. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2-3 , thebeam assembly 6 is moved from the inoperative position to the operative position or vice versa by means of theactuator 11 arranged between thefirst wagon end 2 and thebeam assembly 6. Theactuator 11—preferably a hydraulic cylinder—pushes thebeam assembly 6 from the inoperative position to the operative position, or pulls thebeam assembly 6 from the operative position to the inoperative position. In the circumstance where thebeam assembly 6 is being moved to the operative position when the carryingsection 4 has been loaded with a semi-trailer or has been unloaded, the actuator 11 positions the free end of thebeam assembly 6 in the intended position in relation to the carryingsection 4. - In
FIGS. 4 a-4 c , thebeam assembly 6 is shown in the inoperative position in which it has been turned into abutment with the side of thefirst wagon end 2.FIGS. 4 a to 4 c show a sequence of lowering therail support beam 10 to abutment with the railway track 16 (seeFIG. 4 c ). - When the
railway wagon 1 is to be altered from the closed position to the open position, therail support beam 10 is lowered into abutment with therailway track 16 for stabilizing thefirst wagon end 2. Therail support beam 10 is connected to an actuating assembly, here in the shape of ahydraulic cylinder 12, which is configured to force therail support beam 10 downwards. Thehydraulic cylinder 12 is connected to thefirst wagon end 2 via anattachment plate 13. - As shown in
FIGS. 4 a-4 c , theattachment plate 13 has afirst connection point 14 pivotally connecting theattachment plate 13 to thefirst wagon end 2, and a second connection point 15 connecting theattachment plate 13 to thehydraulic cylinder 12. Thefirst connection point 14 and the second connection point 15 are offset in a vertical plane so that theattachment plate 13 may function as a lever arm. - Hence, the
rail support beam 10 will follow the rotation of theattachment plate 13 around thefirst connection point 14. Since therail support beam 10 follows the rotation of theattachment plate 13, therail support beam 10 will be slightly displaced in a direction away from theattachment plate 13 at the same time as it moves vertically downwards. As mentioned above, thebeam assembly 6 is connected to therail support beam 10, which has the consequence that thebeam assembly 6 will also be forced in a horizontal direction away from theattachment plate 13 at the same time as therail support beam 10 is moved vertically downwards. - Since the
actuator 11 has a predetermined length, a movement of thebeam assembly 6 in the horizontal direction will force the free end of thebeam assembly 6 slightly outwards from thefirst wagon end 2 which is the circumstance shown inFIG. 4 b. - In
FIG. 4 c , therail support beam 10 is in contact with therailway track 16. However, thebeam assembly 6 will still be tilted slightly outwards from thefirst wagon end 2. This have the disadvantage that thebeam assembly 6 might not be in its intended position in relation to thefirst wagon end 2. - This disadvantage is mitigated or eliminated by providing a
displacement device 17 in connection with theactuator 11 as seen inFIGS. 5-6 . Thedisplacement device 17 is configured to compensate for any longitudinal movements of thebeam assembly 6 in the inoperative position thereof during vertical movement of therail support beam 10 as described above. - The
actuator 11 has afirst actuator end 18 and asecond actuator end 19, thefirst actuator end 18 being pivotally connected to thefirst wagon end 2 and thesecond actuator end 19 being pivotally connected to thebeam assembly 6. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 5-6 , thedisplacement device 17 is arranged at thefirst actuator end 18. In other embodiments, thedisplacement device 17 may be arranged at thesecond actuator end 19, or it may be arranged at both actuator ends. - The
displacement device 17 may comprise an elastic element, preferably a biasing spring, such as a coil spring or a compression spring - In the present embodiment, the
first actuator end 18 is pivotally connected to thefirst wagon end 2 via afirst attachment pin 20 and thesecond actuator end 19 is pivotally connected to thebeam assembly 6 via asecond attachment pin 21. Thedisplacement device 17 comprises two spring-loadedpins attachment pin 20 in relation to the actuator end. - As shown in
FIGS. 5-6 , where thebeam assembly 6 is folded into the inoperative position, theactuator 11 pulls theattachment pin 20 to the right inFIGS. 5-6 , which compresses the two spring-loadedpins roller 23 of thebeam assembly 6 into contact with avertical track 24 on thefirst wagon end 2. When therail support beam 10 is displacing thebeam assembly 6 longitudinally as described above, this slack is taken by the compression springs attached to the spring-loadedpins roller 23 of thebeam assembly 6 is guiding the same during its vertical movement. Hereby is ensured that thebeam assembly 6 will be maintained in the intended inoperative position despite any movements of thebeam assembly 6 caused by the displacement of therail support beam 10. This advantage is obtained by arranging thedisplacement device 17 in connection with theactuator 11. - In the embodiment described above, the
beam assembly actuator 11 comprises a hydraulic cylinder. It should be noted, though, that thisactuator 11 can be of different design. As an alternative to the hydraulic cylinder described above, the actuator can also be pneumatically and/or electro-mechanically operated. - In an embodiment, the
displacement device 17 may be provided in the actuator hydraulic cylinder or along the actuator hydraulic cylinder. - In
FIGS. 7-11 , a lockingunit 50 is shown. Therailway wagon 1 comprises the lockingunit 50 which is configured to engage and secure thebeam assembly 6 and therail support beam 10 when therailway wagon 1 is in the closed position and ready for transport. - In
FIG. 7 , a part of the lockingunit 50 is shown. The lockingunit 50 comprises a control spring-loadedhandle 51 both operatively and visible from both sides of therailway wagon 1. Furthermore, the lockingunit 50 has aprojection 52 connected to anend part 53 which is tapering off into an arrow as best shown inFIG. 8 . - The
projection 52 is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In addition, anindicator 54 is arranged in connection with theprojection 52, preferably above the end part 53 (i.e. arrow). In the present embodiment, theindicator 54 has alock sign 55 and anunlock sign 56. - The
end part 53 connected to theprojection 52 is configured to point at thelock sign 55 when the lockingunit 50 is locked, and to point at theunlock sign 56 when the lockingunit 50 is unlocked, whereby an operator easily may detect if the lockingunit 50 is locked or unlocked. - Hence, the spring-loaded or biased
handle 51 constitutes an additional security measure added to thelocking unit 50 for ensuring that the indication has been controlled, so that it is detected that the lockingunit 50 has locked thebeam assembly 6 and therail support beam 10 so they are in the engaged position and ready for transport. - During terminal handling before departure of the
railway wagon 1, the control spring-loadedhandle 51 ensures a second verification of whether the lockingunit 50 is fully engaged (i.e. locked) or not. - Finally, it should be mentioned that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments described herein, and modifications are feasible within the scope defined by the appended claims. The improved railway wagon may be used for transportation not only of road-vehicles like semi-trailers, but any kinds of vehicles such as tractors, bulldozers, haulers and the like.
Claims (12)
1. A railway wagon for transportation of at least one vehicle, comprising: a first wagon end, a second wagon end and a carrying section therebetween; the carrying section having a front portion releasably connected to the first wagon end, the carrying section being movable between a closed position in which the front portion is connected to the first wagon end, and an open position in which the front portion is turned out from the first wagon end for loading and unloading of said at least one vehicle; wherein the first wagon end comprises a rail support beam movable in a vertical direction, the rail support beam being configured to be lowered onto a railway track for supporting and positioning of the first wagon end during movement of the front portion between the closed position and the open position; wherein the railway wagon further comprises a beam assembly configured to support the front portion while the front portion is being turned, the beam assembly having a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally connected to at least the rail support beam; and an actuator arranged between the first wagon end and the beam assembly for moving the beam assembly between an inoperative position and an operative position and vice versa; and wherein a displacement device is provided in connection with the actuator.
2. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.
3. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator has a predetermined length.
4. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator has a first actuator end and a second actuator end, the first actuator end being connected to the first wagon end and the second actuator end being connected to the beam assembly.
5. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement device is arranged at the first actuator end and/or at the second actuator end.
6. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement device is provided in the actuator or along an extension of the actuator.
7. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the displacement device comprises an elastic element, preferably a biasing spring, such as a coil spring or a compression spring.
8. The railway wagon according to claim 4 , wherein the first actuator end is connected to the first wagon end via a first attachment pin and the second actuator end is connected to the beam assembly via a second attachment pin.
9. The railway wagon according to claim 8 , wherein the displacement device comprises one or more spring-loaded pin(s) arranged on an opposite side of the attachment pin in relation to the actuator end.
10. The railway wagon according to claim 9 , wherein the spring-loaded pin(s) is/are connected to the actuator.
11. The railway wagon according to claim 1 , wherein the rail support beam is connected to an actuating assembly, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, configured to move the rail support beam downwards and/or upwards.
12. The railway wagon according to claim 11 , wherein the actuating assembly is connected to the first wagon end via an attachment plate, the attachment plate having a first connection point pivotally connecting the attachment plate to the first wagon end, and a second connection point connecting the attachment plate to the actuating device, the first connection point and the second connection point being offset in a vertical plane.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22207576.4A EP4371842A1 (en) | 2022-11-15 | 2022-11-15 | Railway wagon with improved launch beam mounting |
EP22207576.4 | 2022-11-15 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20240157983A1 true US20240157983A1 (en) | 2024-05-16 |
Family
ID=84358159
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/507,027 Pending US20240157983A1 (en) | 2022-11-15 | 2023-11-11 | Railway wagon with improved launch beam mounting |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240157983A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4371842A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2023266231A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3220014A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
SE533690C2 (en) * | 2009-04-16 | 2010-12-07 | Technology Ab K | Railway wagon and way for its loading |
SE534222C2 (en) * | 2009-10-26 | 2011-06-07 | Technology Ab K | Railway wagon and way for its loading |
CN102395501B (en) | 2009-04-16 | 2014-09-24 | K科技有限公司 | Railway wagon and a method of its loading |
RU2700100C1 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2019-09-12 | Андрей Валентинович Жакалов | Piggy-back car |
EP4056445B1 (en) | 2018-10-24 | 2023-08-09 | Helrom GmbH | Railway wagon for transportation of semitrailers and the like |
RU2698530C1 (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2019-08-28 | Андрей Валентинович Жакалов | Piggyback car |
-
2022
- 2022-11-15 EP EP22207576.4A patent/EP4371842A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-11-11 US US18/507,027 patent/US20240157983A1/en active Pending
- 2023-11-13 AU AU2023266231A patent/AU2023266231A1/en active Pending
- 2023-11-14 CA CA3220014A patent/CA3220014A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP4371842A1 (en) | 2024-05-22 |
AU2023266231A1 (en) | 2024-05-30 |
CA3220014A1 (en) | 2024-05-15 |
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