Folding guardrails and their use, as well as special wagons for railway carriages for transporting cars

Abstract

Folding guardrail comprising at least one guard assembly (1) which in turn comprises a transversely arranged first bar (3) which is articulated to several second bars (1.1) wherein the second bars (1.1) are connected to each other via a first flexible rope (4); wherein the second rod (1.1) is laterally connected to a locking device (5) comprising a sliding locking plate (5.3) which is pivotally connected to the second rod (1.1) and provided with a sliding groove, wherein a fixed shaft (5.2) is located in the sliding groove, can slide along the sliding groove and is rigidly connected to a fixed seat plate (5.1), so that the locking device (5) can move the second rod (1.1) between a tilted position and an upright position and lock or unlock the second rod (1.1) in the respective position reached; wherein the second rod (1.1) is rigidly connected in its lower lateral region to a support plate (1.2) which is pivotally connected to a bracket (2); characterized by the fact that the support plate (1.2) in the lower area is provided with a wedge-shaped positioning stop (1.2.1) and the bracket (2) in the side area is provided with a transverse and a longitudinal stop, which cooperate with the wedge-shaped positioning stop (1.2.1) to limit the second rod (1.1) in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable guardrail suitable for use in various car bodies, in particular in a railway carriage for the transport of cars. Technical background

[0002] Rail transport is safe, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. On the other hand, car production and consumption are characterized by significant regional concentration, and cars are predominantly transported over medium and long distances, which perfectly matches the technical and economic characteristics of railways in terms of high capacity, long distances, and large volume. For these reasons, special railcars for transporting cars are widespread in Europe.

[0003] The vehicle's profile limits the height of the upper guardrail on a special railway wagon used for transporting cars, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of protection with a fixed guardrail. Over time, upper guardrails have been gradually converted from fixed to folding. Current folding guardrail structures essentially consist of a horizontal metal bar at the top, several metal swivel bars, a swivel bar support, a connecting rod mechanism on the stairs, a support spring, a locking mechanism, and a warning device. To use such a folding guardrail structure, the swivel bar is turned manually with spring assistance, raising the horizontal metal bar to a specific height, where it then locks into place to provide protection.The inventor observed that the horizontal metal bar severely restricts lateral space, making it very difficult to open and close the vehicle door and for the operator to move around, thus significantly reducing work efficiency and increasing the risk of falls. The pin connection between the rotating rod and the rotating rod support is fitted with a washer to reduce lateral play and thus the lateral swaying of the railing. However, this is not entirely satisfactory because the railing still sways considerably or the resistance is still too great, necessitating additional spring support.

[0004] DE 10 2019 124 808 A1 discloses a foldable guardrail according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] From WO 2021 / 012 141 A1 a protective device for use in a rail vehicle is known, wherein the protective device comprises at least one guardrail arrangement, the guardrail arrangement comprising a horizontal railing, a lower protective element, a locking arrangement and a rotatable railing.

[0006] EP 2 295 303 A1 discloses a railway wagon for transporting motor vehicles comprising an upper deck equipped with longitudinal side railings that can be moved between a raised and a lowered position. Means are provided to lock the movable structure of the railing in the raised and lowered positions, as well as a device to warn of the raised state of each railing. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, the present disclosure aims to offer a foldable guardrail and its use, as well as a special wagon for railway carriages for transporting cars, whereby the foldable guardrail significantly increases the lateral space, reduces the work intensity, considerably reduces the swaying of the guardrail, and achieves an increase in stability and safety.

[0008] The first subject matter of the present disclosure is a foldable guardrail, wherein the following technical solution is used to solve the above problem in the present disclosure: A folding guardrail comprises at least one protective assembly, which in turn comprises a transversely arranged first bar that is articulated to several second bars, the second bars being connected to each other via a first flexible rope.

[0009] The second rod is laterally connected to a locking device comprising a sliding locking plate, which is pivotally connected to the second rod and provided with a sliding groove. A fixed shaft is located in the sliding groove, can slide along the sliding groove, and is rigidly connected to a fixed seat plate. The locking device can move the second rod between a tilted position and an upright position and lock or unlock the second rod in the respective position reached.

[0010] The functioning of the folding guardrail of the present disclosure is as follows: Before loading or unloading a railway wagon with cars, the locking device is activated to move the second bar from the tilted position to the upright position via the locking device, while the locking device enters the locking position to lock the second bar in this position, so that the entire guardrail is erected.

[0011] After the loading and unloading of the cars is completed, the locking device is activated to move the second bar from the upright position to the tilted position, while the locking device enters the locking position to lock the second bar in this position, so that the entire guardrail is folded down.

[0012] Another embodiment provides that a pedal is fixedly arranged at one end of the sliding locking plate.

[0013] Another embodiment provides that the sliding groove is a closed groove and is L-shaped.

[0014] Another embodiment provides that several second rods are arranged parallel to each other and each is hinged to the first rod via an angle joint plate, which angle joint plate is attached with one end to the lower end of the second rod and hinged with the other end to the first rod.

[0015] Another embodiment provides that the angled joint plate is an angled plate.

[0016] According to the present invention, the second rod is provided to be firmly connected in its lower side region to a support plate which is hinged to a bracket.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the support plate is provided in the lower area with a wedge-shaped positioning stop and the holder in the side area with a transverse and a longitudinal stop, which cooperate with the wedge-shaped positioning stop to limit the second rod in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0018] Another embodiment provides that the wedge-shaped positioning stop is spaced away from the joint between the support plate and the bracket.

[0019] Another embodiment provides that a gap exists between adjacent protective assemblies which are arranged side by side, wherein the protective assembly is provided at its end opposite another, adjacent protective assembly with a stair guard part which can be moved by the protective assembly between a relaxed position and a tensed position.

[0020] Another embodiment provides that the stair guard includes a fixed handrail which is articulated to one end of a connecting rod, which is rigidly connected at the other end to a second flexible rope which is rigidly connected to the second rod.

[0021] Another design provides that the protective assembly is also equipped with a warning sign.

[0022] Another embodiment provides for a protective pad on the inside of both the first and second poles.

[0023] The second subject matter of the present disclosure proposes a special wagon for railway carriages for the transport of cars, comprising a wagon body which is provided in the upper area with a side support, on the outside of which a foldable guardrail as described above is arranged, wherein the fixed seat plate is firmly connected to the side support and a stop block is provided on the top of the side support to limit the first bar when the second bars are tilted.

[0024] The third subject matter of the present disclosure proposes the use of a foldable guardrail as described above in a transport vehicle.

[0025] The present disclosure offers the following beneficial effects: 1. In the folding guardrail of the present disclosure, the flexible rope is arranged on the outside of the second pole and is made of a material that does not scratch the paintwork of a car when it comes into contact with it. In this way, the lateral operating space is maximized and the probability of impacts and scratches to the cars is greatly reduced. 2. The folding guardrail of the present disclosure is provided with a stair guard element which can be automatically folded up or down for protection when the second bars are raised or folded down. 3. In the folding guardrail of the present disclosure, the rotating rod can be locked with the locking device both in the upright position and in the folded position, thereby ensuring simple assembly and high safety. 4. In the folding guardrail of the present disclosure, the extensive overlap between the second bar and the support significantly reduces the oscillation of the guardrail and achieves an improvement in the stability and safety of the guardrail; 5. In the folding guardrail of the present disclosure, the first bar is arranged on the outside of the upper side support of the respective vehicle and therefore does not occupy any effective working space. At the same time, it can play a certain role as a counterweight without the need for additional support springs, which simplifies the overall structure. Presentation of the illustrations

[0026] The drawings accompanying the description, which form part of this application, serve to improve understanding of the present application. The schematically depicted embodiments of the present application and their description do not constitute a limitation of the present application, but rather serve to illustrate it. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the overall structure of a folding guardrail in an upright position; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another possible setup of the folding guardrail in an upright position; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the folding guardrail located on a railway wagon in a tilted position; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the folding guardrail located on a railway wagon in an upright position; Fig. 5(a) shows a main view of an arrangement consisting of a second rod and an angled hinge plate; Fig. 5(b) shows a left-hand view of the arrangement consisting of the second rod and the angled joint plate; Fig. Figure 6(a) shows in schematic representation the interaction of the second rod in upright position with a locking device; Fig. Figure 6(b) shows in schematic representation the interaction of the second rod in tilted position with the locking device; Fig. 7(a) shows a schematic representation of the structure of a stair guard in the tensioned state; Fig. Figure 7(b) shows a schematic representation of the structure of the stair guard in the relaxed state;

[0027] In the drawings: 1 protective assembly, 1.1 Second pole, 1.2 Support plate, 1.2.1 Wedge-shaped positioning stop, 1.3 Angle joint plate, 1.4 Rope bolts, 2 brackets, 2.1 Slot-shaped structure, 3 First pole, 4 First flexible rope, 5 Locking device, 5.1 Fixed seat plate, 5.2 Fixed shaft, 5.3 Sliding locking plate, 5.4 Pedal, 6 Warning signs, 7 Stair guard section, 7.1 Fixed handrail, 7.2 Connecting rod, 7.3 Second flexible rope, 8 Stop block, 9 side carriers. Specific embodiments

[0028] It should be noted that the detailed description below is exemplary and aims to provide a more detailed explanation of the present application. Unless otherwise stated herein, all technical or scientific terms used in this description are to be understood in a manner familiar to those competent in the field.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms used here do not represent a limitation of the exemplary embodiments according to the present application, but merely serve to explain specific embodiments.

[0030] The description of this disclosure may contain terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," and "right," which refer only to the representation in the respective illustration and have no limiting effect on the respective structure, merely serving to describe the disclosure and simplify the description. In other words, these terms neither implicitly nor explicitly indicate the positioning, design, and operation of the device or element in question in a predetermined position, so that there is no limitation of the disclosure in this respect either.

[0031] As mentioned at the outset, the inventor observed that the horizontal metal bar in existing folding railings severely restricts lateral space, making opening and closing the vehicle door and operator movement very inconvenient, thus significantly impairing work efficiency and increasing the risk of falls. To address these technical problems, the present application proposes a folding guardrail and its application, as well as a special carriage for railway wagons for transporting cars.

[0032] The present application provides a foldable guardrail comprising at least one protective assembly which in turn comprises a transversely arranged first bar which is articulated to several second bars, the second bars being connected to each other via a first flexible rope.

[0033] The second rod is laterally connected to a locking device comprising a sliding locking plate, which is pivotally connected to the second rod and provided with a sliding groove. A fixed shaft is located in the sliding groove, can slide along the sliding groove, and is rigidly connected to a fixed seat plate. The locking device can move the second rod between a tilted position and an upright position and lock or unlock the second rod in the respective position reached. First embodiment

[0034] The foldable guardrail disclosed in the present embodiment is described below with reference to the Fig. 1-7 described in more detail.

[0035] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the folding guardrail essentially consists of a guard assembly 1, a bracket 2, a first bar 3, a first flexible rope 4, a locking device 5, a warning sign 6, a stair guard 7, and a stop block 8, and is arranged on both sides of the upper floor of a vehicle. It is primarily used to prevent the operator of a special-purpose railway wagon used for transporting cars from falling from the wagon during loading or unloading.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the folding guardrail is provided with two guard assemblies 1, with a gap between adjacent guard assemblies 1, which are arranged side by side. The guard assembly 1 opposite the other, adjacent guard assembly 1 is provided with a stair guard element 7, which can be moved by the guard assembly 1 between a relaxed position and a tensioned position. As can be seen from Fig. 1 results in one protective assembly of the folding guardrail being provided with two adjacent second bars 1.1 and the other protective assembly with nine adjacent second bars 1.1, wherein the two protective assemblies have the stair protection parts 7 at opposite ends of the second bars 1.1. Fig. Figure 2 shows another possible configuration of the folding guardrail, in which one guardrail assembly is provided with three adjacent second bars 1.1 and the other guardrail assembly with eight adjacent second bars 1.1, wherein the two guardrail assemblies have the stair guard elements 7 at opposite ends of the second bars 1.1. These two folding guardrail configurations can be arranged on both sides of an upper floor of a railway carriage, with the stair guard elements 7 being located accordingly on the stairs of the railway carriage.

[0037] Out of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 it becomes apparent that the protective assembly 1 comprises a transversely arranged first rod 3 which is articulated to several second rods 1.1 which are arranged parallel to each other and are connected to each other via a first flexible rope 4, wherein the second rods 1.1 are each laterally connected to a locking device 5.

[0038] How the Fig. 5(a) and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 5(b), the second rod 1.1 acts as a rotating body that brings the first flexible rope 4 into an active position (standing upright) or an inactive position (tilted downwards). The second rod 1.1 is hinged to the first rod 3 via an angled joint plate 1.3, which is attached at one end to the lower end of the second rod 1.1 and hinged at the other end to the first rod 3, the angled joint plate 1.3 having the form of an angled plate.

[0039] A support plate 1.2 is provided in the lower section of the second rod 1.1, and its rear side is attached to the second rod 1.1. The support plate 1.2 has a pin hole in its upper section, which is pivotally connected to the bracket 2, and a wedge-shaped positioning stop 1.2.1 in its lower section. A certain distance exists between the pin hole and the wedge-shaped positioning stop 1.2.1, which allows for better control of the lateral movement of the protective assembly 1.

[0040] In the middle and at the top of the second poles 1.1, a rope bolt 1.4 is provided, which is connected to the first flexible rope 4.

[0041] As in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 6(b), the bracket 2 is a one-piece clamping plate structure which is provided in its upper area with a pin hole through which a pin connection can be made to the second rod 1.1 of the protective assembly 1 via the support plate 1.2. In addition, the bracket 2 is provided in its lower side area with a transverse and a longitudinal stop which interact with the wedge-shaped positioning stop 1.2.1 to limit the second rod 1.1 in the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0042] The transverse stop fits into the support plate 1.2 with a small amount of play, is located at a distance from the pin hole of the bracket 2, and serves as a transverse limiter. There is also a small clearance fit between the bracket and the support plate at the pin hole, resulting in two small clearances arranged at a specific distance from each other, which reliably prevent transverse oscillation of the rotary rod. The longitudinal stop serves as a longitudinal limiter. The transverse stop and the longitudinal stop can each be designed as a stop plate or together as a snap-fit ​​structure 2.1, in which case two side walls of the snap-fit ​​structure 2.1 serve as the transverse stop and the two remaining side walls as the longitudinal stop. In this case, the wedge-shaped positioning stop 1.2.1 is limited by its engagement with the snap-fit ​​structure 2.1.

[0043] The bracket 2 is attached to the top of a side support 9. The extensive overlap between the second bar 1.1 and the bracket 2 significantly reduces the swaying of the guardrail and improves the stability and safety of the entire guardrail.

[0044] The first rod 3 is located on the outside of the vehicle's upper side support and therefore does not occupy any effective working space, thus maximizing lateral operating space and greatly reducing the likelihood of impacts and scratches to the cars. The first rod 3 is pinned to several second rods 1.1 and can act as a counterweight without requiring additional support springs, simplifying the overall structure and enabling easy assembly and low labor costs.

[0045] The two ends of the first flexible cable 4 are each screwed to the top of one of the two outermost protective assemblies 1. Depending on requirements, the first flexible cable 4 can also be positioned in the middle of the protective assembly 1. The first flexible cable 4, which serves as protection, is located on the outside of the second rod 1.1 and is made of a material that will not scratch the paintwork of a car upon contact.

[0046] The in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. The locking device 5 shown in Figure 6(b) comprises, inter alia, a fixed seat plate 5.1 and two sliding locking plates 5.3. The sliding locking plate 5.3 is pivotally connected to the second rod 1.1, while the fixed seat plate 5.1 is provided with a fixed shaft 5.2 that fits into an L-shaped closed sliding groove of the sliding locking plate 5.3 and can slide along the sliding groove to provide sliding guidance for the locking device. At the rear end of the locking device 5 is a pedal 5.4, which facilitates locking and unlocking. The fixed seat plate 5.1 is attached to the top of the side support 9. The locking device 5 can move the second rod 1.1 between a tilted position and an upright position and lock or unlock the second rod 1.1 in the respective position reached.The locking device allows the second rod to be locked in both the upright and folded positions, thus ensuring easy assembly and high safety.

[0047] Warning sign 6 is a proven design intended to indicate an effective position (standing upright) or an ineffective position (tilted downwards) of the guardrail, which does not require further description here.

[0048] As from Fig. 7(a) and Fig. As can be seen from 7(b), the stair guard component 7 includes, among other things, a fixed handrail 7.1, a connecting rod 7.2 and a second flexible rope 7.3 and serves to provide protection in the area without railings on the stairs after the installation of the guardrail.

[0049] The fixed handrail 7.1 is located at the operator's entry / exit point and is pinned at one end to the connecting rod 7.2, which is screwed at the other end to the second flexible cable 7.3, the other end of which is screwed to the outermost second rod 1.1. When the guardrail is in its active position (upright), the second flexible cable 7.3 and the connecting rod 7.2 are almost fully taut to provide a degree of protection. However, when the guardrail is in its inactive position (tilted downwards), the connecting rod 7.2 falls automatically onto the top of the vehicle's upper side support, while the second flexible cable 7.3 has a small degree of slack and does not require additional fastening by screws.

[0050] The stop block 8 is located on the top of the upper side support 9 of the vehicle and serves to limit the first bar 3 in the out-of-action position (tilted downwards) of the guardrail.

[0051] A protective pad is provided on the inside of the first rod 3, the second rod 1.1 and other metal parts to prevent scratches in the car paint.

[0052] With the above-described designs, the present disclosure enables the upper guardrail to be erected and folded away in a time- and energy-saving manner and can provide the largest possible lateral operating space to ensure the safety of the operator and the cars.

[0053] The folding safety railing described above can be operated as follows: After the operator has climbed the stairs to the upper floor, they lift the pedal 5.4 of the locking device 5 to unlock it and rotate the second rod 1.1 until the support plate 1.2 presses firmly against the bracket 2, whereupon the second rod 1.1 reaches the operating position (upright) and the sliding locking plate 5.3 of the locking device 5 automatically moves into the locked position. Alternatively, the pedal 5.4 can be lightly pressed to move the sliding locking plate 5.3 into the locked position, causing the guardrail to rise and thus move into the operating position, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the operator can now begin loading and unloading cars. During this process, both the stair guard (7) and the warning sign (6) automatically unfold to provide protection and indicate the active position.

[0054] After loading and unloading the cars, the operator lifts the pedal 5.4 of the locking device 5 to unlock it and rotates the second rod 1.1 until the first rod 3 presses firmly against the stop block 8, whereupon the second rod 1.1 reaches the disengaged position (tilted downwards) and the sliding locking plate 5.3 of the locking device 5 automatically moves into the locked position. Alternatively, the pedal 5.4 can be lightly pressed to move the sliding locking plate 5.3 into the locked position, thereby folding the guardrail into the disengaged position, as shown in Fig. 3 is recognizable, so that the operator can now exit. The stair guard 7 and the warning sign 6 are automatically folded in.

[0055] The present disclosure also proposes a special wagon for railway carriages for the transport of cars, comprising a wagon body which is provided in the upper area with a side support 9, on the outside of which a foldable guardrail as described above is arranged, wherein the fixed seat plate 5.1 of the locking device 5 is attached to the top of the side support and the brackets 2 are attached to the top of the side support 9 and a stop block 8 is provided on the top of the side support 9 to limit the first rod 3 when the second rods 1.1 are tilted.

[0056] Furthermore, the folding guardrail described above can be used in railway carriages for the transport of cars, as mentioned in the section on technical background, but also in various types of motor vehicles, agricultural vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. as transport vehicles.

Claims

[1] Folding guardrail comprising at least one guard assembly (1) comprising a transversely arranged first bar (3) which is articulated to several second bars (1.1) wherein the second bars (1.1) are connected to each other via a first flexible rope (4); wherein the second rod (1.1) is laterally connected to a locking device (5) comprising a sliding locking plate (5.3) which is pivotally connected to the second rod (1.1) and provided with a sliding groove, wherein a fixed shaft (5.2) is located in the sliding groove, can slide along the sliding groove and is rigidly connected to a fixed seat plate (5.1), so that the locking device (5) can move the second rod (1.1) between a tilted position and an upright position and lock or unlock the second rod (1.1) in the respective position reached; wherein the second rod (1.1) is rigidly connected in its lower lateral region to a support plate (1.2) which is pivotally connected to a bracket (2); characterized by , that the support plate (1.2) in the lower area is provided with a wedge-shaped positioning stop (1.2.1) and the bracket (2) in the side area is provided with a transverse and a longitudinal stop, which cooperate with the wedge-shaped positioning stop (1.2.1) to limit the second rod (1.1) in the transverse and longitudinal directions. [2] Folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized by , that a pedal (5.4) is fixedly arranged at one end of the movable locking plate (5.3), and that the sliding groove is a closed groove and is L-shaped. [3] Folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized by, that several second rods (1.1) are arranged parallel to each other and are each hinged to the first rod (3) via an angle joint plate (1.3), which angle joint plate (1.3) is attached at one end to the lower end of the second rod (1.1) and is hinged at the other end to the first rod (3), wherein the angle joint plate (1.3) is an angled plate. [4] Folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wedge-shaped positioning stop (1.2.1) is spaced apart from the joint between the support plate (1.2) and the bracket (2). [5] Folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized by, that a gap exists between adjacent protective assemblies (1) which are arranged next to each other, wherein the protective assembly (1) is provided at its end opposite another adjacent protective assembly (1) with a stair guard part (7) which can be moved by the protective assembly (1) between a relaxed position and a tensed position. [6] Folding guardrail according to claim 5, characterized by , that the stair guard part (7) comprises a fixed handrail (7.1) which is articulated to one end of a connecting rod (7.2) which is rigidly connected at the other end to a second flexible rope (7.3) which is rigidly connected to the second rod (1.1). [7] Folding guardrail according to claim 1, characterized by, that the protective assembly (1) is further equipped with a warning sign (6), and that a protective pad is provided on the inside of the first pole (3) and the second poles (1.1). [8] Special wagons for railway carriages for the transport of cars, characterized by , that it comprises a car body which is provided in the upper area with a side support (9) on the outside of which a foldable guardrail according to one of claims 1-7 is arranged, wherein the fixed seat plate (5.1) is fixedly connected to the side support (9) and a stop block (8) is provided on the top of the side support (9) to limit the first rod (3) when the second rods (1.1) are tilted. [9] Use of a foldable guardrail according to one of claims 1-7 in a transport vehicle.

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