Transport device for transporting switches

Abstract

Transport device for transporting switches or switch segments (1) with a chassis (3) having several axles (4) and a longitudinally extended frame (6) directed transversely to the axles (4), wherein a pivoting device (10) designed for fastening the switch or switch segment (1) is provided on the frame (6), which can be pivoted from a horizontal to an inclined transport position by means of at least one pivoting drive (12) about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame (6), characterized in that it is designed as a semi-trailer for road transport, wherein the frame (6) has a load-bearing area (9) supporting the pivoting device (10), the upper side (9a) of which is arranged below the axles (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device for transporting switches or switch segments with a chassis having several driving axles and a longitudinally extended frame directed transversely to the driving axles, wherein a pivoting device designed for fastening the switch or switch segment is provided on the frame, which can be pivoted from a horizontal to an inclined transport position by means of at least one pivoting drive about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0002] Such transport devices, in the form of special railway freight wagons, are well-known and in use, and are generally referred to as turnout transport wagons. These turnout transport wagons are exclusively equipped for transporting pre-assembled turnouts and turnout segments (also called turnout components). Using turnout transport wagons eliminates the need for pre-assembly of turnouts at assembly sites near construction sites, allowing this to be carried out at the turnout factory instead. This enables higher manufacturing quality during turnout assembly. Similarly, removed turnouts can be transported away. This option is primarily used when turnouts are to be removed and subsequently reused after only a short period of inactivity.

[0003] The switch transport wagons are equipped with a swiveling loading platform that transports the oversized load at an angle to avoid exceeding the loading gauge, as a special operational permit is required if the loading gauge is exceeded. On modern switch transport wagons, the platform is hydraulically swiveling. This allows the platform to be moved into a horizontal position for loading and unloading. An example of such a switch transport wagon is described in EP 0 486 456 B1.

[0004] These types of switch transport wagons are rail-bound, meaning their use depends on the availability of a rail network. Furthermore, the availability of such switch transport wagons is limited, creating a bottleneck for the renewal of the rail network, which leads to undesirable delays.

[0005] Generally, so-called inclined loaders are known for the road transport of bulky heavy loads. These trailers have a pivoting device on the vehicle frame designed to secure the heavy load, which can be pivoted from a horizontal to an approximately vertical position. However, these inclined loaders, designed as high-loader semi-trailers, are not generally suitable for the permit-free transport of railway switches due to their dimensions.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a transport device for the road transport of switches or switch segments that is either exempt from or eligible for permanent approval.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention in a transport device of the type described above by designing it as a semi-trailer for road transport, wherein the frame has a load-bearing area supporting the pivoting device, the upper side of which is arranged below the driving axles.

[0008] The invention proposes a turnout transport trailer suitable for transporting turnouts or turnout segments without or with a permit. Due to the low height of the frame's load-bearing area supporting the pivoting mechanism, it is possible to transport turnouts or turnout segments with a width of up to 4.3 m without or with a permit, up to a total weight of 41.8 t, with the load width in the transport position being only 3 m and the transport height only 4 m for the aforementioned turnout width.

[0009] According to an initial embodiment, at least one of the rotary actuators is a hydraulic rotary actuator.

[0010] According to an alternative second embodiment, at least one of the rotary actuators is an electric rotary actuator.

[0011] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This drawing shows a schematic representation of each of the following: Fig. 1 a side view of a first longer transport device, Fig. 2 a side view of a second shorter transport device and in Fig. 3 a view from the right Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0012] A transport device in the form of a semi-trailer for transporting switches or switch segments (e.g., an indicated switch track panel 1) is generally designated by 2.

[0013] The transport device 2 has a chassis 3 with several axles 4 and wheels 5, as well as a longitudinally extended frame 6 oriented transversely to the axles. The frame 6 transitions at its front end into a semi-trailer 7, which serves for coupling or connecting to a tractor unit 8.

[0014] It is essential that the frame 6 has a load-bearing area 9, the upper surface 9a of which is arranged below the driving axles 4. A pivoting device 10 is arranged on the load-bearing area 9.

[0015] The pivoting device 10 has a loading platform 11 which is pivotably mounted on the frame 6 and connected to the turnout track section 1 to be transported. This turnout track section 1 is shown as an example of a turnout segment.

[0016] The loading platform 11 is connected to the frame 6 via a pivot axis extending longitudinally along the frame 6. To execute the pivoting movement, several pivot drives 12 are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction of the frame 6. These hydraulic pivot drives 12, which are designed, for example, with a telescopically extendable piston rod, are each connected at their piston-side end to the end region of the loading platform 11 opposite the pivot axis.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1 The transport device 2 (without semi-trailer 7) has a length L1 of approximately 15.6 m and with tractor unit 8 a total length L2 of approximately 23 m, whereby an additional overhang to the rear is possible if necessary.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2 The transport device 2 (without semi-trailer 7) has a length L3 of approximately 9.1 m and with tractor unit 8 a total length L4 of approximately 16.5 m, whereby an additional overhang to the rear is also possible if necessary.

[0019] Before the track section 1 is loaded, the loading platform 11 is in the horizontal position (not shown). A crane or similar device places the track section 1 to be transported onto the loading platform 11 and secures it to the platform using suitable fastening devices. The loading platform 11, with the track section 1, is then moved by the swivel drives 12 into the Fig.The transport device 2, shown in Figure 3, is tilted upwards (e.g., at an angle of approximately 70°) and in this position is transported by the tractor 8 to the installation site. At the installation site, the loading platform 11 with the switch track panel 1 is tilted back into the horizontal position and removed by the transport device 2 and installed in a track network.

[0020] In the transport position, the total width B of the transport device 1 is approximately 3 m, with an overhang Ü of 0.23 m on each side of the loading platform 11. The thickness D of the load is assumed to be, for example, 0.6 m. The maximum height H of the transport device 2 is 4 m, compared to the actual width or height H1 of the loading platform 11, which is 4.3 m.

[0021] The letter S indicates a lateral shift, which may be necessary to adjust the center of gravity of the load to the center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0022] If the aforementioned dimensions are adhered to, it is always possible to carry out transport without a permit.

[0023] For larger dimensions, transport can be permanently approved within certain limits and is therefore feasible at any time. Reference symbol list: 1 switch track panel 2 Transport device 3 Chassis 4 driving axles 5 wheels 6 frames 7 semi-trailers 8 tractor 9 Load-bearing area 9a Top 10 Swivel device 11 Charging platform 12 Swivel drive L1, L2, L3, L4 Length B Width Overhang Thickness H, H1 height S Lateral shift QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 486 456 B1

[0003]

Claims

Transport device for transporting switches or switch segments (1) with a chassis (3) having several axles (4) and a longitudinally extended frame (6) directed transversely to the axles (4), wherein a pivoting device (10) designed for fastening the switch or switch segment (1) is provided on the frame (6), which can be pivoted from a horizontal to an inclined transport position by means of at least one pivoting drive (12) about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame (6), characterized in that it is designed as a semi-trailer for road transport, wherein the frame (6) has a load-bearing area (9) supporting the pivoting device (10), the upper side (9a) of which is arranged below the axles (4). Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (12) is a hydraulic swivel drive. Transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one swivel drive (12) is an electric swivel drive.

Images