Cargo receiving device and carrier vehicle with such a cargo receiving device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a load receiving device (1) for transporting loads (2) on a carrier vehicle (3), in particular on a rail-bound flat wagon, or for storing loads (2), - with a main frame (4) with longitudinal beams (5) and transverse beams (6), - with a twistlock locking system (7) for fixing the load receiving device (1) to the carrier vehicle (3), - with two guide rails (8) connected to the main frame (4) for a gantry crane (9), - with rail connecting pieces (10) by means of which the running rails (8) of two load receiving devices (1) can be connected to each other via a coupling and buffer area (11) of two carrier vehicles (3), - with at least one foldable or fixed detachable stanchion (12) arranged on each longitudinal end side, which in the upright position secures the load (2) stored on the main frame (4) and which in the folded-down position rests on the main frame (4). This makes transporting sleepers significantly more flexible and cost-effective.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a load-handling device for transporting loads on a carrier vehicle, in particular on a rail vehicle or road vehicle, or for storing loads. The invention also relates to a carrier vehicle with such a load-handling device.

[0002] For decades, it has been standard practice to transport railway sleepers using so-called sleeper transport wagons. If these wagons have suitable running rails, as is the case particularly with the Slps wagon type, they can be accessed by appropriate gantry crane systems and thus loaded, unloaded, or transferred directly along the track.

[0003] In track construction, sleeper transport wagons with integrated crane tracks form the backbone of sleeper logistics in mechanized assembly line processes. The track system of the sleeper transport wagons is typically continued on the track construction machines. For example, in so-called track renewal trains, the supply of new sleepers and the disposal of old sleepers are carried out by one or more gantry cranes that shuttle between the sleeper transport wagons and the train's work crew on a continuous track system. The currently known design of these sleeper transport wagons, which has represented the state of the art for decades, is associated with a number of significant disadvantages, including: The number of railcars available on the market is small and often insufficient to meet demand even today. To address the significant backlog of investment in track infrastructure, additional railcar capacity would need to be developed. - Due to the limited loading times in the sleeper factories on the one hand and the construction sites that usually run around the clock on the other, the sleeper transport wagons also function in practice as on-site intermediate storage, which removes the resource wagon from the logistics cycle and further reduces its availability. In contrast, the age of the existing rolling stock is steadily increasing, so a further shortage of this resource can be expected. Both the age-related increase in maintenance costs and the procurement of new rolling stock are time-consuming, expensive, and not economically viable. - To make matters worse, the sleeper transport wagons are "special vehicles" that can only be used for this purpose. - When running empty or for parking, the sleeper transport wagons cannot be combined into shorter train units, e.g. by stacking empty sleeper transport wagons on top of other empty sleeper transport wagons, which is becoming increasingly relevant in light of the decreasing parking capacities over the years. The so-called crossover bridges of the sleeper transport wagons, which connect the track sections of the individual wagons to form a continuous roadway, are subject to heavy loads and pose a safety risk. They must be manually removed before the sleeper transport wagons move and manually reinstalled before the gantry cranes drive over them. They have no wear compensation, do not provide a smooth transition from one sleeper transport wagon to the next, and place a high load on the gantry cranes' running gear. Since the guide rails of the crane systems are not standardized and are mounted at different heights on various sleeper transport wagons, not all sleeper transport wagons are compatible with each other and therefore cannot be combined with one another. This also applies to the track renewal trains, which have different track heights. - Since the working technology of the sleeper transport wagons (especially the track system with overpasses) and the railway technology (essentially the simplest wagon technology from the 1960s and 1970s with bogies, wheelsets, block brakes and buffers) are structurally intrinsically linked and form an inseparable unit with regard to approval-relevant issues, changes to the working technology automatically lead to the expiry of the railway operating approval and thus to the immediate decommissioning of the sleeper transport wagons. - Due to the age of the wagons, re-registration of the sleeper transport wagons after modifications is not economically feasible under the current regulations. This would be the case even if these modifications improved the safety of the track systems and / or wagon technology. The loss of registration would be tantamount to a total loss. - This means that the currently used sleeper transport wagons are no longer suitable as a basis for the implementation of innovative technologies, future-proof sleeper handling and transport concepts, especially in connection with the use of track renewal trains and the gantry cranes required for this purpose.

[0004] The present invention therefore deals with the problem of providing a load receiving device by means of which the disadvantages known from the prior art can be overcome.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention is based on the general idea of ​​providing a load receiving device which, analogous to common containers, can be easily mounted on a common carrier vehicle, for example a rail-bound flatcar or a road vehicle.The load handling device according to the invention for transporting loads, in particular sleepers, on a rail-bound flatcar, a road vehicle or for storing loads, in particular sleepers, has a main frame, in particular a steel frame, with longitudinal and transverse beams, a twistlock locking system for fixing the load handling device on the carrier vehicle or to each other, as well as two guide rails connected to the main frame for a gantry crane and two rail connecting pieces, by means of which the guide rails of two load handling devices can be connected to each other via a coupling and buffer area of ​​two flatcars in the manner of overpasses.Furthermore, at least one removable and / or foldable stanchion is provided, arranged at each longitudinal end of the main frame. When upright, this stanchion secures cargo, particularly sleepers, stored on the main frame, and when folded down, it lies flat against the main frame. Alternatively, instead of such a stanchion, of which two are usually provided, a sideboard may also be used.

[0007] In freight transport, so-called ISO container systems have been successfully used since the 1950s. These containers are secured at least at four corners using a twistlock locking system and have standardized dimensions. A common version of these containers are flat racks in standard sizes of 20' or 40' with load capacities of up to 50 tons. The inventive load handling device now transfers this concept to sleeper logistics.

[0008] The major advantages of this invention lie particularly in the fact that flat wagons for containers are available worldwide in large quantities and can be rented at very short notice if needed. The term "flat wagon" is used here to refer to rail-bound carrier vehicles on which, for example, containers can be transported. During maintenance work on the flat wagons (container wagons), especially during long-term maintenance, the load handling devices can simply be transferred to operational flat wagons, thus avoiding any loss of track logistics capacity. Since the load handling device according to the invention can also be produced relatively inexpensively in large quantities, the total costs of the load handling device and flat wagon are significantly lower than those of new special transport wagons (Slps).

[0009] Furthermore, the load handling devices can be modernized and further developed within the framework of a continuous improvement process (CIP) even outside of railway regulations. Such a load handling device according to the invention can also be used for wagon-independent storage, whereby hybrid transport by road, rail, and ship is easily implemented, and at the same time, unused flat wagons can be returned to a lessor when utilization is lower.

[0010] Furthermore, a change to the load receiving device can be carried out at any time independently of the carrier vehicle / flat wagon, thus not affecting the railway operating approval of the flat wagon.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the load-handling device according to the invention, it is designed such that two load-handling devices can be stacked on top of each other with the stanchions folded down or removed, and can be fixed to one another by means of the respective twistlock locking system. Due to the removable and / or foldable stanchions and the respective twistlock locking system, it is possible to transport several load-handling devices on a conventional rail-bound flatcar or road vehicle to a potential deployment location, whereby, for example, six load-handling devices can be transported to a potential construction site or a potential loading station for cargo, in particular sleepers, using only a single flatcar.The lower the individual load-bearing devices are, the more can be stacked on top of each other within a permissible vehicle boundary line and transported to a possible place of use.

[0012] Another major advantage of this type of load handling device with foldable stanchions, which can be secured to one another using the respective twistlock locking system, is its reliable and secure storage when stacked. This allows, for example, a large number of such load handling devices to be stored in a space-saving and cost-effective manner at a construction yard / storage area until needed. Compared to conventional sleeper transport wagons, it is also possible to transport the load handling devices separately to a railway line and, furthermore, to store them in a space-saving manner and, if required, mount them onto the corresponding carrier vehicles / flatcars using a simple mobile crane or forklift.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the load receiving device according to the invention, systems for introducing and / or transmitting and / or providing and supplying energy, signals and / or media are provided.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the load handling device according to the invention, these systems have interfaces with preferably detachable connections. The individual systems of the respective load handling devices can thus be connected to one another in such a way that they form continuous overall systems. If, for example, several load handling devices are arranged in a train consist on flatcars, this implementation of the load handling devices according to the invention makes it possible to transmit energy, signals, data and / or media from the first to the last car through all connected load handling devices, optionally supplying them accordingly and feeding them in or out as required at any point.

[0015] In mechanized track construction, for example, the locomotive that feeds the sleeper transport wagons (Slps) – or, according to the invention, the wagons with the load-handling devices – to the track-laying machine, the sleeper transport wagons or the flat wagons with the load-handling devices themselves, the actual track-laying machine, and various additional auxiliary wagons often form a coupled train set up to several hundred meters long. This train set, as a whole, forms a linear construction site that moves in the direction of work according to the progress of construction and is generally operated in a conveyor belt manner. According to the invention, the described systems for energy, media, and signals of the load-handling device can now be connected to the corresponding systems on the auxiliary wagons and the track-laying machine.

[0016] A track construction machine at the rear of a train consist can, for example, be powered by a locomotive at the front via such a complete system formed by means of the load-handling devices designed according to the invention. The power supply system transmits the current required to drive the track construction machine from load-handling device to load-handling device along the flatcars from the locomotive to the track construction machine and the connected auxiliary wagons. An emergency power generator located on an auxiliary wagon or a load-handling device could also be connected to the system and thus be a component of it. In the event of a failure of the primary power supply to the track construction machine's drive, the power supply could be taken over by the emergency power generator or the locomotive.At the same time, in an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, each load receiving device could have a socket, so that devices for on-site repair work on the train consist or accompanying work along the line construction site can be supplied with energy via the overall system.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the load handling device according to the invention, the energy supply system includes a system for supplying power to the gantry cranes that travel on the rails of the load handling device. For example, conductor rails or cable systems for inductive power transmission are conceivable. Using such systems, it is possible to supply a gantry crane, which travels on the rails of the load handling device and serves to load the individual sleepers, with electrical energy, or, if it has batteries, to charge them.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the load handling device can also include a water supply system through which water can be routed along the respective load handling device and thus also along the respective railway car or even the entire coupled train consist, and made available, for example, at corresponding dispensing points. A continuous main water line formed by the load handling devices in this way could supply every position on a conveyor belt construction site with water, particularly for dust suppression and / or dust prevention. Dispensing points could also be simple taps for cleaning or handwashing. Simultaneously, water can be supplied in any quantity via this line, preferably from the front or rear, e.g., via a suitable ballast irrigation system or, typically, over a distance of up to 80 meters. 3Tank wagons with a high capacity could be integrated into the train consist. It is also conceivable that a water tank, for example, could be provided or installed on the loading device and connected to the water supply system. Furthermore, the water supply system could be connected to external pumps or conveying and silo units, which are secured to other flat wagons using a twist-lock system. Separate systems for drinking and process water are possible.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the load receiving device according to the invention, the load receiving device has a signal line system, wherein such a signal line system can, for example, be designed as a CAN bus.

[0020] Such a signaling system or signal transmission system serves, for example, to control the gantry crane on the respective load handling device and to enable communication between the gantry crane and the track construction machine or other gantry cranes. This creates the prerequisites for semi- or fully automatic operation, remote maintenance, remote monitoring of the overpasses, and / or the collection of operational data for condition- and stress-based maintenance, or for the control and regulation of any systems at any position within the train consist.

[0021] The load handling device expediently includes a data transmission system, in particular a radio module or a WLAN module. Bluetooth units are also conceivable, whereby such data transmission systems enable a communication system or network, particularly wireless, along the entire train consist for the exchange of data and information between subsystems and / or personnel.

[0022] This allows for significantly improved communication than would be possible with mobile two-way radios, for example.

[0023] Both the energy supply system and the water supply system or signal line system and / or the data transmission system can be detachably fixed to the load receiving device, thus enabling easy retrofitting.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the load handling device according to the invention, the device incorporates a camera system. Such a camera system, which can also be detachably and permanently attached to the respective load handling device, increases both occupational safety and reduces the risk of vandalism. Individual cameras of such a camera system can communicate with each other and with an external control center, for example, via a data transmission system such as WLAN. The camera images can provide machine operators or logistics personnel with a precise, real-time picture of the loading status, thus eliminating the need for lengthy inspection walks along a train consisting of several hundred meters of track.

[0025] If the head of the train is not formed by a locomotive, but by a flatcar equipped with a described camera system, the train can be guided from its working position by the track construction machine operator without the head being additionally staffed by a suitably trained employee, such as a shunting assistant or locomotive driver.

[0026] The load handling device can also have a position and route detection system for determining the position of vehicles or machines on the track system formed by the load handling device or the associated flat wagon, whereby the detection of a position or route of a gantry crane by means of distance measuring systems integrated into the conductor rail is of particular advantage.

[0027] The load handling device should ideally have treads covered with a non-slip material or formed by non-slip grating. This ensures particularly safe walking on the treads and thus also on the load handling device itself. Ideally, these materials or gratings are electrically non-conductive or coated, eliminating the need for complex grounding measures.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment of the load-handling device according to the invention, the base frame or main frame of the load-handling device has a closed bottom. This offers the significant advantage that sleeper fragments or other contaminants, such as oils and pollutants from removed wooden sleepers, can be reliably collected and do not lead to contamination of the flatcar or track bed. This makes it possible to create a load-handling device that is particularly environmentally friendly.

[0029] The load-handling device is advantageously equipped with a load securing system with sensors. Such sensors can be, for example, light barriers that, by interrupting the light, signal improperly placed thresholds on the load-handling device or a slippage of the thresholds stored on the device, and can generate corresponding alarm signals. These light barriers thus ensure reliable load control and securing and can be connected to the data transmission system described above. This allows the safe condition of the load to be monitored remotely.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the load handling device according to the invention, it has a tracking system, for example a GPS system. This allows the position as well as any change in position of the respective load handling device to be easily monitored, for example from a central depot or vehicle dispatch center.

[0031] Both the load securing system and the tracking system can be detachably fixed to the load receiving device, thus enabling easy retrofitting.

[0032] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the load handling device according to the invention, it is designed for receiving, transporting and / or storing sleepers, transport containers, skips, tipping skips, racks for receiving sleepers, pressure vessels for bulk goods such as cement, tanks, etc. Even this non-exhaustive list suggests the wide variety of loads that can be transported or stored on the load handling device according to the invention.

[0033] The present invention is further based on the general concept of providing a carrier vehicle, in particular a rail-bound flatcar or a truck, with a load-handling device described in the preceding paragraphs, thereby transferring the advantages described with respect to the load-handling device according to the invention to the carrier vehicle. Specifically, these advantages lie in the fact that the carrier vehicle, in particular the rail-bound flatcar or the truck, can be loaded with a load-handling device according to the invention by means of a simple mobile crane, a forklift, or a construction machine equipped with forks, and can thus be used for the reliable transport of cargo, in particular sleepers, for example to a track construction site.By simply removing the load handling device from the carrier vehicle, in particular the rail-bound flatcar or truck, it can also be used to transport other goods, such as containers, thus enabling significantly greater flexibility in its use. Since such flatcars are available in considerably larger numbers compared to sleeper transport wagons known from the prior art, logistics and / or sleeper storage capacity can be created or reduced relatively easily at any point by attaching load handling devices to the corresponding flatcars, thereby optimally supplying and unloading a track construction machine, especially a track renewal train.These types of load handling devices can, of course, be transported relatively easily on trucks, as they can be easily secured to the truck using a twistlock locking system, similar to a container. This also makes it relatively easy to transport such load handling devices back and forth between sleeper factories, storage areas, and various track construction sites by road.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the carrier vehicle according to the invention, which is designed as a flatcar, the vehicle features a gantry crane. By means of such a gantry crane, which is movable on corresponding guide rails on a load-handling device, the sleepers can be transported relatively easily to and from the installation site along the loading device or along a track renewal train. The profile of such a gantry crane preferably lies within a permissible vehicle clearance line.

[0035] For the sake of completeness, further possible features, embodiments, and advantages of the load-handling device according to the invention, or of a carrier vehicle, in particular a rail-bound flatcar or a truck with a load-handling device, are listed below. These can also be used with sleeper transport wagons known from the prior art, provided they do not directly relate to the load-handling device according to the invention. - The main frame can, for example, be a one-piece welded construction or be assembled from various segments that can be separated. - The working technology (in particular the sleeper support and the loading and unloading system) is fully and exclusively an integral part of the load receiving device (LTV) itself, without any railway-related interaction, connection or linkage with the transport system (systemically complete decoupling of the working technology from railway technology) via a clearly defined, ideally standardized interface, here a twistlock locking system, - The twistlock locking system allows for easy and quick positioning on or connection with carrier vehicles or lifting equipment, or between each other, to facilitate storage, handling and transport of these load receiving devices (especially with trucks, railway container wagons such as type Sg, and special vehicles). Changes to the work technique, particularly within the framework of modernization, modification, or expansion of functionality, can always be implemented independently of the carrier vehicle and lifting equipment. Therefore, only the regulations applicable to the load handling device need to be observed. This generally results in a significant reduction in complexity, the associated time and costs, and a substantial shortening of the process duration. This, in turn, enables faster, more cost-effective, independent, and specific design and development, manufacturing and production, supply and storage, maintenance and testing, as well as continuous improvement and enhancement of occupational safety and approval in accordance with the respective applicable regulations for the carrier vehicle, load handling device, and lifting equipment. - Track system for the loading and / or unloading system (gantry crane), designed as a classic rail permanently welded or directly bolted on, or with any other cross-section adapted to the respective transport and handling systems, - Track system with provisions for securing the vehicles and machines that travel or work on these systems, in particular derailment and / or fall protection for gantry cranes, - Standardization of the road surface level and long-term uniformity of the road height, - Devices for securing vehicles and machines during transport from one construction site to the next, i.e., using the load-handling device as a transport frame for, for example, gantry cranes of track renewal trains, - Design of the track systems (rails on the load receiving device) in such a way that various relevant track parameters are adjustable, in particular track width, track height and position of energy and signal transmission systems such as conductor rails, - Design of the track systems such that height differences to adjacent trackways can be compensated for, particularly at the transition to track renewal trains whose track heights are not standardized, or between individual loading devices when these are arranged on container wagons with different loading platform heights. The compensation can be automatic, semi-automatic, or manual, or it can be permanently predefined by the design for a specific height difference. - System for partial or complete compensation of the cross-slope of the entire load handling device or parts thereof, in particular the sleeper support and the track system for the gantry cranes, in order to partially or completely compensate for the cross-slope of the transport wagons, the load handling devices mounted on them, the treads and the loaded sleepers in track sections with superelevation, in order to facilitate work on the devices and to minimize or completely eliminate the harmful forces caused by a cross-slope, in particular on the load and gantry cranes, in order to ensure safer lifting and travel operations, to reduce wear and noise from travel operations and to enable a potentially lighter construction of the cranes, - self-contained drive unit, preferably hydraulic, for actuating the cross slope compensation and / or the crossing bridges, which is supplied with energy via the energy transmission system and controlled and / or regulated via the signal and data system, - Elements and / or constructive measures for reducing noise emissions from the use of load handling devices and, in particular, from driving on road systems, for example, by means of sound absorption elements, vibration dampers on the road systems or their elements or integrated into their fastening, in particular elastomer supports and noise-reducing rail fastening systems, - Rail segments connected to the load receiving device for connecting the running rails to the individual load receiving devices to create a continuous track along the load receiving device and, if necessary, to create a connection to other track supports, for example by means of so-called crossover bridges for gantry cranes and to connect their running rails to ramp wagons, track renewal trains or gantry crane transport wagons, ideally horizontally pivotable, preferably suitable for manual one-man operation or, for example, remotely operable and monitored with an external drive, - an energy supply system connected to the load handling device for the transport and / or handling system, for example a conductor rail for supplying power to the gantry cranes, - A power supply system that can be used to power a connected track construction machine. For example, to supply a track renewal train with electrical drive power via a locomotive that feeds the sleeper transport wagons and forms the lead end of the train consist during track renewal. Alternatively, in the event of a track renewal train's drive failure, power could be supplied (temporarily) via an (emergency) generator on a wagon at any position in the train consist. - a signal transmission system connected to the load receiving device for controlling and / or monitoring the transport and / or handling system, for example a conductor rail or a non-contact inductive conductor system for signal exchange with the gantry cranes, - Radio transmitters / receivers, for example WLAN and / or Bluetooth units, to create a continuous wireless communication system or network along the entire train consist that enables the exchange of data and information between subsystems and / or personnel, - Data acquisition system for recording, storing and documenting events, especially exceptionally high accelerations, - Data acquisition system for recording, storing and documenting loading conditions, - Data acquisition system for recording various parameters, such as the number of gantry crane passes, for use in stress- and condition-oriented maintenance of the load handling device, the track systems and the container wagons used (affects ECM I, II, III and IV), in particular also the heavily stressed crossing bridges (rail connecting pieces) and, if necessary, for a corresponding adjustment of the maintenance plans (primarily ECM II), - Monitoring of load securing elements with sensors, - Camera system to increase workplace safety and / or prevent vandalism, - at least one position and travel path detection system connected to the load handling device for determining the position of vehicles or machines on the track systems formed by the load handling devices, in particular the position and travel path determination of the gantry cranes by means of distance measuring systems possibly integrated into the conductor rails, - Installation of supply and control lines for the transmission of compressed air, hydraulics, electrical energy, fuel, hydrogen, gases, water and other media of any kind and control signals (e.g. CAN bus) etc. to create the conditions for semi- or fully automatic operation as well as for remote monitoring of the overpasses and for collecting operating data for condition- and stress-oriented maintenance, as well as the supply, transmission and provision of energy, signals or auxiliary materials in any form over the entire length and / or at any position of the train consist, - All lines and connections are detachable via couplings and / or plug connections, so that the individual load-handling devices can be quickly, safely and ideally leak-free disconnected at any time, with several connections being able to be combined in a so-called multi-coupling; design such that several load-handling devices can be stacked in an empty or full state. - at least one load securing system integrated into the load receiving devices, - Design such that the load handling devices can be handled empty or partially or fully loaded using suitable load handling devices and / or lifting equipment, for example by mobile cranes at temporary construction site storage areas using suitable load spreaders for the rapid loading and unloading of container wagons or trucks, in order to decouple, in particular, the sleeper logistics from the sleeper factory to the construction site on the one hand and the sleeper logistics within the construction site on the other, and to save the scarce resource of wagons, - equipped with appropriate fittings, lifting points or integrated form elements, etc., to enable the units to be lifted or moved in any loading state, either individually or stacked in pairs or more, for example by means of standardized container corners, container corner mounting pins, or forklift and telehandler attachments, - Integrated ladders with greater reach to the track ballast for safe access on the track, - Integrated fall protection elements for personnel during preparation, loading and unloading, load securing, connecting or disconnecting individual track segments, operating transport systems, or performing railway operational tasks such as manning the front of the train during shunting and maintenance. - possibly a closed floor to catch sleeper fragments and contaminants, - Walkways and walkways ideally in grating design made of non-electrically conductive material, - Elements for load securing are designed in such a way that they can be moved into suitable positions as easily as possible for space-saving storage, stacking and transport of empty load-bearing devices, either manually or by means of appropriate drives, for example by manually or hydraulically operated folding down or removing stanchions and stowing them in a storage space integrated into the load-bearing device, - Use as (intermediate) storage equipment in storage areas, especially in sleeper factories or temporary material storage areas at construction sites, - suitable for delivery with non-rail-bound vehicles during mechanized track construction, e.g. with the Donelli portal crane system or also during single sleeper replacement or construction with two-way excavators, - optional load securing elements, in particular side stanchions and / or sideboards, for the transport of rail sections, small iron parts or other track superstructure material, - Use of (mobile) monitoring systems at the front of the train with secure transmission of the required energy and signals for route monitoring, especially during shunting and in train formations with track renewal trains (possibly eliminating the need for front-end personnel), - Equipped with systems for automatic reading of the load (sleeper type, number, position, location, weight), possibly with a corresponding connection to a sleeper management system and / or gantry crane controls or corresponding display elements, - Lighting systems integrated into the load receiving device or, if necessary, detachably permanently attached to it, for illuminating the work areas and paths on and / or along the load receiving device, for example by means of continuous LED strips or strings of lights along the rails, which eliminates the need for costly stationary equipment of track reconstruction sites with temporary construction site lighting over long distances, - pockets or compartments integrated into the load receiving device for documents belonging to the sills, such as delivery notes, - Containers integrated into the load receiving device and, if necessary, lockable for storing spare parts, equipment, hand lamps, lashing straps, securing devices, tools, lubricants, etc., - Warning system to warn operators or personnel along the train of dangers, for example by means of a horn or siren signal in case of approaching gantry cranes or also visually corresponding warning lights or the use of the integrated lighting (for example the continuous light of the LED strips changes to a different colored flashing light), - Linking the aforementioned warning system with train warning systems used on track construction machines or trackside warning systems used along construction sites, - Detection of persons on the load handling device to trigger emergency braking of transport systems, - Equipping the load handling devices with emergency stop devices, for example push buttons or cable pull operated, to enable the shutdown of certain areas or systems or the entire train in dangerous situations along the entire length of the train assembly, in particular also the gantry crane systems, - Electronic or mechanical safety devices to prevent accidents with lifting and transport equipment used on the roadways, for example, continuous handrail protection along the gantry crane rails, which, due to their location and position, are reflexively used as handrails by personnel walking along the sleeper transport wagons when slipping in the track ballast, which in practice repeatedly leads to serious injuries to or even the loss of limbs, - (Buffer) battery for supplying energy to the aforementioned systems, ideally recharging via the integrated energy supply systems.

[0036] The clamp attachment according to the invention thus offers the possibility of creating so-called "backbones" that run through the entire assembly line construction site electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically and in terms of media technology, for energy, media, signals and data.

[0037] For example, an electric backbone allows the track renewal train to be powered by an external source as an alternative to its own engine. This can be done, in particular, by the locomotives pulling or towing the train. Advantages: In case the main drive of the track renewal train fails, emissions are reduced if the locomotive is equipped with fuel cells or batteries.

[0038] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0039] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The components of a higher-level unit, such as a device, apparatus, or arrangement, mentioned above and those to be mentioned below, which are designated separately, can form separate parts or components of this unit or be integral areas or sections of this unit, even if this is depicted differently in the drawings.

[0040] Furthermore, it is understood that the number of sleepers or sleeper layers shown as examples in the drawings may vary within the scope of technical feasibility and available construction and clearance spaces, and that smaller or larger designs of the load receiving device are also possible according to the invention.

[0041] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0042] Each of these shows, schematically, Fig. 1 a load receiving device according to the invention with erected stanchions and unfolded rail connecting pieces (crossover bridges) for a gantry crane, Fig. 2 a representation as in Fig. 1, however, loading device loaded with sleepers and folded-in crossing bridges, Fig. 3 a detailed presentation of the in the Fig. 1. Load receiving device shown in the area of ​​a rail and a twistlock connection system, Fig. 4 a detailed view from Fig. 1, however with the overpass folded down, Fig. 5 a side view of a flat wagon according to the invention with a load receiving device according to the invention and a gantry crane, Fig. 6 a loading point for loading cargo receiving devices onto flat wagons, Fig. 7 a representation as in Fig. 6, however, load receiving devices covered with sills, Fig. 8 a carrier vehicle according to the invention with a load receiving device according to the invention and a transport container arranged thereon as load, Fig. 9 a train comprising several carrier vehicles according to the invention with load receiving devices arranged thereon and a transport container arranged thereon as load, as well as a gantry crane, Fig. 10 a carrier vehicle according to the invention with a load receiving device according to the invention and a tank arranged thereon with a gravel irrigation device as load, Fig. 11 a top view of a load receiving device according to the invention with an additional twistlock locking system for fixing individual loads, Fig. 12 a front view of a load receiving device according to the invention with a lighting device, Fig. 13 a top view of a load receiving device according to the invention with a supply channel with different supply lines, Fig. 14 a detailed representation of the supply channel from Fig. 13.

[0043] According to the Fig. Figures 1-13 show a load receiving device 1 according to the invention for storing or transporting loads 2, in particular sleepers 2', (compare the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) on a carrier vehicle 3, in particular a rail-bound flat wagon 3', a main frame 4 with longitudinal beams 5 and transverse beams 6. Furthermore, the load receiving device 1 according to the invention has a so-called twistlock locking system 7 (see in particular also the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4), which is used analogously to the locking of commercially available containers on, for example, flatcars 3' or trucks. By means of such twistlock locking systems 7, the load handling device 1 can be fixed not only reliably, but also easily, quickly and simply on the associated flatcar 3', but also on road vehicles (not shown) and on each other. The load handling device 1 according to the invention has two guide rails 8 connected to the main frame 4 for a gantry crane 9 (compare Fig. 5) and two rail connecting pieces 10, by means of which the running rails 8 of two load receiving devices 1 are connected via a coupling and buffer area 11 (compare Fig. 5) adjacent carrier vehicles 3, here flat wagons 3', can be connected to one another. Such rail connecting pieces 10 are commonly referred to as so-called crossover bridges. The rail connecting pieces 10 can be adjusted manually or, for example, by electric motor or hydraulics. Furthermore, the load receiving device 1 according to the invention has two foldable stanchions 12 arranged on each longitudinal end side, here a total of four stanchions 12, which in the erected state (compare the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5) Secure the 4 sleepers 2 mounted on the main frame and in the folded-over state, i.e. in the lying state, (compare Fig. 5) lie flat on the main frame 4. The stanchions 12, when folded down, preferably rest on the crossbeams 6 of the main frame 4 in such a way that they do not increase the height of the load receiving device 1. Sideboards can also be provided instead of the stanchions 12.

[0044] If the stanchions 12 are folded down and rest on the main frame 4, in particular on the crossbeams 6 of the main frame 4, it is possible to stack several load-bearing devices 1 on top of each other relatively easily and to fix them using the twist-lock locking systems 7. This allows for both space-saving transport and space-saving storage.

[0045] The major advantages of the load handling devices 1 according to the invention include, among other things, that they can be easily transported from one location to another, even when stacked on top of each other, independent of rails, i.e., for example, also on a truck. For this purpose, the individual stacked load handling devices 1 are locked together by means of the twistlock locking systems 7. In this state, several stacked load handling devices 1 can be loaded onto a truck and transported by it, analogous to a container. Another major advantage of the load handling device 1 according to the invention is that it can be mounted on conventional flatcars 3', which are available in large numbers and in a wide variety of locations, requiring only a crane, for example a mobile crane 13 (see Figure 13). Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) or a vehicle with forks or a crane attachment, or a construction crane provided on site, is required. The sleeper transport wagons known from the prior art could not be easily converted, resulting not only in a deficiency but also in limited local availability. With the load handling device 1 according to the invention, track renewal trains can thus be set up relatively easily and quickly, and moreover with great flexibility. The possibility of transporting the load handling device 1 on a truck, similar to a container, further increases flexibility considerably. In addition, such load handling devices 1 can be stored in a relatively space-saving manner and maintained or serviced independently of the railway equipment.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment of the load receiving device 1 according to the invention, systems 24 are provided for introducing and / or transmitting and / or providing and supplying energy, signals and / or media. In the Fig. 13 and Fig. Figure 14 shows a possible arrangement of such systems 24 for the transmission, routing, input, and output of energy, media, and signals through the load receiving devices 1, here arranged in the center of the device between the longitudinal beams 5 (supports for the sleepers 2'). The systems 24 are located in a supply channel 25 (see Figure 14). Fig. 14), for example, similar to a cable tray, is arranged and designed to accommodate lines 26 (power lines, signal lines, data lines) and pipes 27 of various cross-sections. The supply channel 25 can thus form the backbone of the train consist. The supply channel 25 also provides space for future systems that are not yet foreseeably necessary or known. Not shown are the coupling and connecting parts with which the depicted lines and cables are connected at their ends to the respective ends on the next loading device 1. Multi-couplings can also be used, in which several strands / lines 26 can be connected quickly, easily, and leak-free with a single coupling.

[0047] The lines 26 can therefore be designed for the transmission of electrical energy, control signals (e.g. CAN bus), etc., as well as for creating the conditions for semi- or fully automatic operation, for remote monitoring of the bridges, for collecting operating data for condition- and stress-oriented maintenance, and for supplying, carrying out and providing signals and energy over the entire length and / or at any position of the train consist.

[0048] The pipes 27, on the other hand, can be designed to carry compressed air, hydraulics, fuel, hydrogen, gases, water, welding gases and other media of any kind and provide these media over the entire length and / or at any position of the train assembly.

[0049] In an advantageous further development of the load receiving device 1 according to the invention, an energy supply system 14 (compare Fig. 5) shall be provided for the electrical power supply. For this purpose, the power supply system 14 may, for example, include corresponding lines 26, in particular power lines, via which several load handling devices 1 can be electrically connected to one another. The power supply system 14 may also include a conductor rail or inductive loop for supplying power to the gantry crane 9 which travels over the guide rails 8 of the load handling device 1.

[0050] The load handling device 1 can also include a water supply system (not shown) with individual pipes, through which water can be supplied to various dispensing points, for example, for handwashing or cleaning. The load handling device 1 can also include a signal line system, in particular for control signals for the gantry crane 9, whereby further control commands for external construction machinery or a locomotive can also be transmitted via such a signal line system. A data transmission system can also be provided in the load handling device 1 according to the invention, in particular a radio module or a WLAN module, thereby eliminating the need for mobile radio devices previously used in this area.The load receiving device 1 can of course also have a camera system, which not only improves load securing but also reduces vandalism damage.

[0051] Furthermore, the load receiving device can have 1 step surfaces 15 (compare Fig. 4) which are covered with an electrically non-conductive material, for example, a rubber coating. Alternatively, gratings, especially with a plastic coating or made of plastic, are of course also conceivable.

[0052] The main frame 4 can also have a closed bottom 16 (compare Fig. 3) which prevents, for example, sleeper fragments or other contaminants from falling onto the flat wagon 3' or a track bed 17. This enables a particularly environmentally friendly use of the load receiving device 1 according to the invention.

[0053] The load-handling device 1 can also include a load-securing system 18, for example in the form of sensors, in particular light barriers, which ensures load securing even while the load-handling device 1 mounted on the flatcar 3' is in motion. Such a load-securing system 18 is shown only by way of example in the area of ​​the stanchions 12 in Fig. 1 shown, whereby it is clear that such a load securing system 18 can also be arranged elsewhere, for example on the main frame 4.

[0054] The load receiving device 1 can also have a tracking system, for example a GPS system, which not only significantly improves and simplifies logistics, but also makes it possible to determine the exact position of the respective load receiving device 1 at any time.

[0055] The invention is intended to encompass not only the load receiving device 1 according to the invention, but also a carrier vehicle 3, in particular a flat wagon 3', with such a load receiving device 1 according to the invention, as is the case, for example, according to the Fig. 5 - 7 is shown. Such a flat wagon 3' can, for example, have the gantry crane 9 described in the previous paragraphs for moving the loads 2, in particular the individual sleepers 2', between the carrier vehicles 3 or to an installation site.

[0056] All in all, the inventive load receiving device 1 and the inventive carrier vehicle 3 enable the creation of a particularly modular, flexible, open, innovative and also cost-effective system for track construction in general and for track construction trains in particular, since the inventive load receiving devices 1 can not only be easily and quickly mounted on conventional flat wagons 3' using a known twistlock locking system 7, but can also be transported to the respective places of use in the same way by means of a truck without a flat wagon 3', and because the load receiving device 1 and the flat wagon 3' represent separate systems, the former of which is not subject to the railway operating regulations.

[0057] A further major advantage of the load-handling device 1 according to the invention is that several such load-handling devices 1 can be stacked on top of each other when not in use, thus saving space when stored. In the stacked state, the load-handling devices 1, which are fixed to one another by means of the respective twist-lock locking systems 7, can be transported together on a flatcar 3' or a truck to a respective place of use or a storage area.

[0058] It is also conceivable to place load receiving devices 1 already equipped with load 2, in particular with sleepers 2', at a storage location (compare Fig. 7) to prepare and store them and then, if necessary, to load them onto suitable flat wagons 3'. Since such flat wagons 3' are not only inexpensive but also available in large quantities and almost everywhere, sleeper transport with the load receiving device 1 according to the invention can be carried out much more cost-effectively and flexibly compared to sleeper transport with previous sleeper transport wagons.

[0059] In general, virtually any combination of the load receiving device 1 with other systems with twistlock locking system 7 is of course conceivable, e.g., water tanks 20 with container corners between flat wagon 3' and load receiving device 1, water tanks 20, transport containers 19, in particular troughs for broken sleepers, scrap metal, bulk goods, racks for holding profiles, rails or logs. Fig. Figure 10 shows, for example, a tank 20 with a gravel irrigation device 21.

[0060] In Fig. Figure 11, for example, shows an application for storing and conveying water by means of a tank 20 and a ballast irrigation device 21 for ballast irrigation, wherein the tank 20 together with the ballast irrigation device 21 is mounted on additional twistlock locking systems 7a of the load receiving device 1, wherein the additional twistlock locking systems 7a deviate from the standard for common container dimensions and can be arranged at almost any point on the frame 4 thanks to a modular system. The tank 20 can be supplied via the water supply system from another point in the train consist or can supply another point in the train consist with water.

[0061] Furthermore, additional twistlock locking systems 7a can be arranged at almost any location on the load receiving devices 1, so that the load receiving devices 1 can be equipped with a wide variety of loads 2, for example also tanks 20 (compare Fig. 10) or transport container 19 (compare Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 11), is easily possible.

[0062] These other loads 2 can also be transported along the train consist in a track axis using the system already in place for sleeper logistics, usually the gantry cranes 9. For example, empty transport containers 19, especially skips, which are picked up by the load receiving devices 1, can be transported by the gantry cranes 9 to a loading point, which can be located either at one end of the train or at any point in between. The loaded transport container 19 can then also be transported by a gantry crane 9 back to a free space on a load receiving device 1.Naturally, in a preferred application of the load handling device 1, all track superstructure materials required for a construction phase (ballast, sleepers 2', rails, etc.) can be transported together on the load handling devices 1 according to the invention and brought to the site by the gantry cranes 9 as needed. Conversely, all track superstructure materials to be disposed of are then also transported by the gantry cranes 9 to the load handling device(s) 1.

[0063] The load receiving devices 1 can be equipped with lighting devices 22, in particular LED light strips on the left and right in the area of ​​the running rails 8, which illuminate in particular the edge paths in the track area as well as the work areas along the carrier vehicles 3 or flat wagons 3' continuously, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 8 and Fig.Figure 12 shows a possible arrangement of the lighting device 22, in particular the LED lighting, which is protected under the running rails 8 with a light cone 23 directed primarily towards the accessible areas in the track ballast and the side paths. The light cone 23 can also be designed as a light bar.

[0064] This compatibility with other cargo 2 or systems, which may be operated with the same handling system that is already available for the cargo receiving devices 1, opens up new possibilities for using the cargo receiving devices 1 according to the invention, so that their range of applications can be significantly increased.

[0065] Instead of the stanchions 12, sideboards or load securing elements can of course also be used, so that other loads 2 could also be transported, e.g., rail sections, long rails, bulk goods, transport containers 19, skip containers for bulk goods, girders, switch parts, temporary bridge elements, prefabricated sections, which could then be placed on the twistlock locking systems 7, thus enabling further applications of the load handling device 1. The gantry cranes 9 could then also be used for handling or for the internal logistics of the other loads 2 within the train consist. In order, for example, to be able to transport shorter loads 2 on the load handling devices 1, further twistlock locking systems 7 can be arranged at almost any freely selectable location 7a on the load handling device 1, adapted to the respective load 2 to be transported.

Claims

[1] Cargo receiving device (1) for transporting cargo (2) on a carrier vehicle (3), in particular on a rail-bound flat wagon, or for storing cargo (2), - with a main frame (4) with longitudinal beams (5) and transverse beams (6), - with a twistlock locking system (7) for fixing the load receiving device (1) to the carrier vehicle (3), - with two guide rails (8) connected to the main frame (4) for a gantry crane (9), - with rail connecting pieces (10) by means of which the running rails (8) of two load receiving devices (1) can be connected to each other via a coupling and buffer area (11) of two carrier vehicles (3), - with at least one foldable or fixed detachable stanchion (12) arranged on each longitudinal end side, which in the upright position secures the load (2) stored on the main frame (4) and which in the folded-down position rests on the main frame (4). [2] Load receiving device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) is designed for receiving, transporting and / or storing sleepers (2'), transport containers (19), tanks (20), etc. [3] Load receiving device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) is designed such that it or parts thereof are tiltable. [4] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an energy supply system (14) is provided for the electrical energy supply. [5] Load receiving device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the power supply system (14) has a conductor rail for supplying power to a gantry crane (9) traveling over the guide rails (8) of the load receiving device (1). [6] Load receiving device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the power supply system (14) has a contactless power supply to a gantry crane (9) traveling over the rails (8) of the load receiving device (1). [7] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) is designed such that two load receiving devices (1) can be stacked on top of each other when the stanchions (12) are folded down or removed and can be fixed to each other by means of the respective twistlock locking system (7). [8] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that the load receiving device (1) has a water supply system, and / or - that the load receiving device (1) has a lighting system (22). [9] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a hydraulic piping system. [10] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a compressed air piping system. [11] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a piping system for welding gases. [12] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a fuel piping system. [13] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a signal line system, in particular for control signals for the gantry crane (9). [14] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a data transmission system, in particular a radio module or a WLAN module. [15] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a camera system. [16] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has tread surfaces (15) which are covered with an electrically non-conductive material. [17] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the main frame (4) has a closed bottom (16). [18] Load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a load securing system with sensors. [19] Load receiving device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the load receiving device (1) has a tracking system, in particular a GPS system. [20] Carrier vehicle (3) with a load receiving device (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [21] Carrier vehicle (3) according to claim 20, characterized by , that the carrier vehicle (3) is designed as a rail-bound flat wagon (3') or as a truck.

Images