METHOD FOR FORMING A TRAIN

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for forming a train having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a horizontal transshipment system for forming a train having the features of the preamble of claim 7 and an arrangement comprising such a horizontal transshipment system and at least one road trailer.

[0002] Trains consisting of road trailers, especially bimodal trailers, and bogies are known in the state of the art.

[0003] For the formation of such trains, methods and horizontal transfer systems are known in which road trailers are coupled with transfer tables vertically over bogies positioned on tracks and lowered onto them from above.

[0004] Methods and horizontal transfer systems are also known in which bogies parked on a track directly accessible to road vehicles can be connected to road trailers by a driving movement of the road trailers or bogies, during or before which a road trailer must be raised to the height of the bogies.

[0005] Methods and horizontal handling systems known in the prior art have the disadvantage that a vertical lift of the road trailer is necessary for coupling. Since these can have a high weight of up to 40 tonnes when loaded with cargo, the vertical lift for coupling is associated with a high technical complexity and also with a high energy expenditure. Such coupling can also be disadvantageous in that it is very time-consuming. Due to the high weight of loaded road trailers in particular, coupling by vertical lift, in particular when lowering for coupling, can lead to large load peaks on the bogies and the connecting elements to the frame of the road trailer. When the road trailers are lifted due to a driving movement of the road trailers or the bogies, large loads on the road trailers and the bogies also occur.

[0006] US Patent No. 4,385,857 A describes an intermodal rail-road transport system for trailer containers. Damage-free transport with reduced axle loads and unrestricted mainline clearances through tunnels is facilitated with a system that uses an integrated universal interchange system.

[0007] EP2384947A1 describes a method for loading and unloading at least one mobile transport container that holds goods. The object of the invention is to provide a method for forming a train, a horizontal transshipment system for forming a train and an arrangement comprising such a horizontal transshipment system and at least one road trailer, which avoid the problems mentioned above.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method for forming a train having the features of claim 1, a horizontal transshipment system for forming a train having the features of claim 7, and an arrangement comprising such a horizontal transshipment system and at least one road trailer. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] The method serves to form a train from at least one road trailer suitable for the transport of goods and at least two bogies guided on a track suitable for rail vehicles by means of a loading device with at least one platform which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction.

[0010] The loading device may comprise a plurality of platforms which may be arranged adjacent to one another in the track direction and / or transversely to the track direction.

[0011] A train can generally be understood as a rail vehicle.

[0012] A road trailer suitable for the transport of goods can generally be understood as a commercial vehicle, also known as a trailer, semi-trailer or semi-trailer, which can be used in road traffic, particularly in conjunction with a tractor.

[0013] A bogie guided on a track can generally be understood as a running gear for guiding a rail vehicle on a track.

[0014] It should not be ruled out that the train includes several road trailers and bogies.

[0015] In one method step, at least two bogies are positioned on the track, spaced apart in the track direction. To position the bogies on the track, they can be lifted onto the track and / or moved along the track. This can be done, for example, using a lifting device and / or a suitable vehicle, such as a road-rail vehicle or a locomotive, or by driving the bogies themselves.

[0016] The track may be designed, at least in sections, as a mat track with a substantially flush running surface for road vehicles.

[0017] The bogies can be arranged in front of and behind the loading device located adjacent to the track, viewed in the direction of the track.

[0018] The bogies can be provided at a distance from one another in the track direction in such a way that a road trailer can be arranged between the bogies.

[0019] The bogies can be positioned essentially centrally around the platform of the loading device in the track direction, whereby a certain tolerance range can be provided.

[0020] The bogies can be provided on the track at a distance greater than the longitudinal extent of the road trailer to be coupled.

[0021] In a further method step, the road trailer is parked on the platform of the loading device, which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction. In particular, the road trailer can be parked on a platform suitable for supporting the support legs and wheels of the road trailer. The platform can be at track level when not raised.

[0022] Preferably, the loading facility can be designed to be directly accessible, allowing the road trailer to drive directly onto the loading facility. The road trailer can be driven onto the loading facility, for example, by a truck tractor.

[0023] The provision of the bogies and the parking of the road trailer can generally be carried out independently of each other, which is why the sequence of these process steps can be independent of each other and, in particular, these process steps can generally also take place simultaneously. The same applies to the coupling process described below.

[0024] In a further process step, the road trailer is loaded using the loading device between two bogies spaced apart in the direction of the track.

[0025] The loading device can generally be arranged transversely to the track direction, adjacent to the tracks. When loading the road trailer between the bogies, the road trailer can be moved at least transversely to the track direction, in particular by moving at least one platform.

[0026] In a further process step, the road trailer is coupled to a first of the two bogies by a relative movement between the road trailer and the first bogie in the track direction.

[0027] In principle, the relative movement can be achieved by a movement of the road trailer and / or the bogie in the direction of the track.

[0028] During the relative movement, the road trailer and the first bogie can approach each other in the track direction, during which a coupling mechanism of the bogies and / or the road trailer can be actuated. The coupling mechanism can be actuated after reaching a force-limited end position.

[0029] In a further method step, the road trailer is coupled to the second of the two bogies by a relative movement between the road trailer together with the coupled first bogie and the second bogie in the track direction.

[0030] After the road trailer is coupled to the second of the two bogies, the resulting train consisting of the road trailer and the two bogies can be driven off the loading device in the direction of the track.

[0031] By repeating the previously described steps, additional road trailers and bogies can be coupled to the train.

[0032] Two road trailers can be at least partially supported on a bogie simultaneously by coupling them to the bogie, in particular to a bogie cradle. Partial support can be understood as meaning that the road trailer is not supported solely on one bogie, but is fully supported for driving operation on two bogies.

[0033] In particular, two road trailers coupled on a bogie can be connected to each other via the bogie. A direct connection between the road trailers that transmits tensile and compressive loads, such as a coupling with draw hooks and brackets known in the prior art, can thus be eliminated.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least one platform of the loading device can be movable in the track direction and the relative movement for coupling the road trailer to the bogies can be carried out by a movement of the platform of the loading device in the track direction.

[0035] During the movement of at least one platform of the loading device in the direction of the track, at least one movement of the road trailer parked on the loading device can take place.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, at least one platform of the loading device can be movable transversely to the track direction and in the track direction. A road trailer parked on the at least one platform of the loading device can be moved transversely to the track direction by the loading device between the bogies provided on the track and subsequently moved in the track direction for coupling the road trailer to the bogies.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the relative movement for coupling the road trailer placed between the bogies to the bogies can essentially only be a relative movement in the track direction.

[0038] In one embodiment of the method, the platform of the loading device can have at least one height-adjustable platform part for supporting the wheels and / or support legs of a road trailer. When the road trailer is parked on the loading device, the support legs of the road trailer can be supported by adjusting the height of the at least one height-adjustable platform part.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the part of the loading device platform intended for supporting the support legs of a road trailer is designed as a height-adjustable platform part, whereby, when the road trailer is parked on the loading device, the support legs of the road trailer can be supported by adjusting the height of at least one height-adjustable platform part. This eliminates the need for a separate, often manual, lowering of the support legs.

[0040] Conversely, it is conceivable that the part of the loading device intended for supporting the wheels of a road trailer is designed as a height-adjustable platform part, whereby when the road trailer is parked on the loading device, the support legs of the road trailer can be supported by lowering the road trailer relative to a fixed platform part of the loading device.

[0041] Before coupling the road trailer to the bogies, it may generally be necessary to raise the road trailer, in particular its vehicle frame, from its height when driving on the road or on a mat track with a flush running surface relative to the bogies parked on the tracks.

[0042] In one embodiment of the method, the road trailer can be at least partially lifted to a coupling level above the track level, which is suitable for coupling the road trailer and a bogie guided on the track, by driving the road trailer onto the loading device which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction.

[0043] This can be achieved by at least partially raising the axles of the road trailer's wheels using height-adjustable air suspension.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a road trailer can be at least partially lifted to a coupling level above the track level by at least one height-adjustable platform part of the at least one platform of the loading device for supporting wheels and, if applicable, support legs of the road trailer.

[0045] In this case, the at least one height-adjustable platform part can be moved from a lower position, which is preferably located at track level for driving onto the loading device, and an upper position, which is suitable for coupling the road trailer and a bogie guided on the track.

[0046] At least partial lifting by at least one height-adjustable platform part can take place before, during and / or after a movement of the platform of the loading device transversely to the track direction.

[0047] When loading the road trailer by means of the loading device between two bogies spaced apart in the track direction, in one embodiment of the method the platform of the loading device can be moved at least transversely to the track direction between a loading position next to the tracks and a coupling position.

[0048] The loading position next to the tracks and the coupling position can each represent the end positions of the mobility of at least one platform.

[0049] In the coupling position of the loading device relative to the transverse offset to the tracks, the tracks can be continuously extendable for rail vehicles through at least one track section of the platform running in the track direction. In particular, the tracks can be continuously extended for rail vehicles when the platform is not raised.

[0050] In principle, the loading device can have several platforms which can be arranged adjacent to one another in the track direction and / or transversely to the track direction.

[0051] If the loading facility has multiple platforms, these can be designed essentially identically. In particular, the platforms can be designed to be accessible in both directions.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, when the platform of the loading device is moved transversely to the track direction, a further platform arranged transversely to the track direction next to the platform can be moved together transversely to the track direction between an alternating loading position next to the tracks and a coupling position.

[0053] It goes without saying that a reverse sequence of the process steps enables a process for clearing a train of road trailers and bogies.

[0054] Protection is also sought for a horizontal transshipment facility for forming a train comprising at least one road trailer suitable for the transport of goods and bogies guided on a track suitable for rail vehicles for carrying out a method as described above.

[0055] The horizontal handling facility includes at least: a loading device movable at least transversely to the track direction with at least one platform, tracks forming a track for the train with two essentially parallel rails, at least two bogies guided on the tracks

[0056] The track can be designed, at least in sections, as a mat track with a flush running surface for road vehicles.

[0057] Road trailers intended to form the train may be parked on the loading platform. In particular, the road trailer may be parked on a platform suitable for supporting the support legs and wheels of the road trailer.

[0058] Preferably, the loading device, in particular the platform, can be designed to be directly accessible. The road trailer can be driven onto it, for example, by a truck tractor.

[0059] In principle, it can be provided that the train is formed directly on a track with two essentially parallel rails.

[0060] To position the bogies on the tracks and the road trailers on the platform, the horizontal handling system can have a position detection device for the bogies and / or the road trailers. The position detection device can be implemented in the form of floor markings and / or suitable sensors, such as induction loops, mechanical sensors, and / or optical sensors.

[0061] The bogies of the horizontal handling system can be positioned on the track at a distance from each other in the track direction, for example by lifting and / or moving them along the track. This can be done using a lifting or pulling device and / or a suitable vehicle.

[0062] To form a train, a road trailer can be moved between two bogies spaced apart in the direction of the track by means of the loading device.

[0063] In principle, the loading device can have several platforms which can be arranged adjacent to one another in the track direction and / or transversely to the track direction.

[0064] If the loading facility has several platforms, these can be essentially identical.

[0065] The loading device can be arranged adjacent to the tracks, transverse to the track direction. When loading the road trailer between the bogies, the road trailer can be moved at least transversely to the track direction.

[0066] In one embodiment, the road trailer can be at least partially raised to a coupling level above the track level suitable for coupling the road trailer and a bogie guided on the track by raising the road trailer by means of a height-adjustable air suspension of the axles of the wheels of the road trailer.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the loading device can have at least one height-adjustable platform part for supporting the wheels and / or support legs of a road trailer. When the road trailer is parked on the loading device, the support legs of the road trailer can be supported by adjusting the height of the at least one height-adjustable platform part.

[0068] Particularly preferably, the part of the loading device intended for supporting the support legs of a road trailer is designed as a height-adjustable platform part, whereby, when the road trailer is parked on the loading device, the support legs of the road trailer can be supported by adjusting the height of at least one height-adjustable platform part. This eliminates the need for a separate, often manual, lowering of the support legs.

[0069] Conversely, it is conceivable to lower the road trailer relative to a fixed platform part for the support legs.

[0070] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform of the loading device can have at least one height-adjustable platform part for supporting wheels and optionally support legs of a road trailer, wherein the at least one height-adjustable platform part can be moved between a lower position, preferably at track level for driving onto the loading device, and an upper position for coupling a road trailer and a bogie guided on the track.

[0071] In one embodiment, the loading device can comprise at least one platform and a further platform arranged transversely to the track direction next to the platform. The platform and the further platform can be moved together transversely to the track direction between an alternating loading position next to the tracks and a coupling position.

[0072] In one end position of the movement transverse to the track direction, one platform can be in a loading position while the other platform is in a coupling position. During a movement transverse to the track direction to the other end position, one platform can be moved from the loading position to the coupling position, and simultaneously the other platform can be moved from the coupling position to its loading position.

[0073] This makes it possible, for example, that at each end position of the platform's mobility, one of the platforms can be loaded with a road trailer and one of the platforms can form a continuously passable track or can couple a trailer to bogies provided on the tracks.

[0074] It is provided that at least a part of the loading device can be moved in the track direction by a movement of the at least one platform and that the movement enables the road trailer to be coupled to the bogies.

[0075] A corresponding drive can be provided for movement of the platform in the direction of the track and / or transversely to the track direction.

[0076] It can generally be provided that a platform or parts of the platform can be moved in the direction of the track and can be arranged partially above the tracks, at least in the coupling position related to the transverse offset and in a state of the platform raised to the upper position for coupling a road trailer.

[0077] It may be possible that the platform, in the unraised state, extends the tracks with the track section so that they can be driven on continuously, although it may be that in this state no movement of the platform in the direction of the track is possible.

[0078] When raised, it may be possible to arrange the platform partially above the tracks, which may allow the platform to move in the direction of the track, particularly in the coupling position related to the transverse offset.

[0079] The bogies may generally comprise a bogie frame with a wheelset for driving on the tracks and a cradle for supporting a road trailer.

[0080] In an advantageous embodiment, the cradle can be mounted on the bogie frame via a first ball joint in a joint socket. This allows movement between the cradle and the bogie frame.

[0081] In one embodiment of a bogie, at least four length-adjustable spring supports can be arranged between the cradle and the bogie frame.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cradle can be constructed in two parts with two supports, and the supports can be connected to each other via a second ball joint. This allows movement between the supports of the cradle and, subsequently, movement between road trailers supported on the supports.

[0083] In one embodiment of a bogie, a stretching device acting between supports of the cradle for the horizontal alignment of the supports, for example in the form of at least one spring, can be arranged.

[0084] In an advantageous embodiment, the cradle can have receptacles for connecting means arranged on a road trailer, in particular for pins. The receptacles can be designed in the form of openings, in particular insertion openings, in the cradle.

[0085] If the cradle is constructed in two parts with supports connected via a second ball joint, the supports can each have at least one receptacle. In an advantageous embodiment, each of the supports can have two receptacles, for example in the form of insertion openings.

[0086] In one embodiment, the cradle may have a locking device for locking the connecting means, wherein the locking device may have a locking element movable transversely to the track direction, in particular horizontally and transversely to the track direction.

[0087] The locking element can, for example, be designed in the form of a locking bolt. Preferably, the locking bolt can be moved into a locking position by a pneumatically and / or electromechanically actuated spindle drive.

[0088] The locking element can have wedge-shaped flattened contact surfaces in the longitudinal direction for engagement with the connecting means, wherein the contact surfaces can lead to an improved distribution of the forces acting on the locking element and thus to a reduced surface pressure.

[0089] The locking device, in particular the locking element and / or the spindle drive of the locking device, can be mounted in a floating manner on the cradle of the bogie, in particular via a hollow spring. The hollow spring can be made of an elastomer or rubber.

[0090] Furthermore, protection is sought for an arrangement comprising a horizontal transshipment system as described above for forming a train and at least one road trailer suitable for transporting goods, wherein the road trailer has a chassis with wheels for direct travel on a road and a frame with connecting means arranged on the frame. Embodiments of the invention are discussed with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1a to 1h show a schematic sequence of an embodiment of the method Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a road trailer Fig. 3a and 3b shows an embodiment of a horizontal transshipment system Fig. 4a to 4c shows a road trailer parked on a platform of a horizontal transshipment system Fig. 5a to 5c shows a further embodiment of a horizontal transshipment system Fig. 6a and 6b shows an embodiment of a bogie Fig. 7a to 7d shows an embodiment of a rocker and a locking device of a bogie Fig. 8 shows a view of an embodiment of a train

[0091] Figure 1 shows a schematic sequence of an embodiment of a method for forming a train 1 from at least one road trailer 2 suitable for transporting goods and at least two bogies 4, 5 guided on a track 9 by means of a loading device 7 which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction.

[0092] The process is carried out by a schematically illustrated horizontal handling system 13 (see also Figures 3a and 3b ) to form a train 1 (see also Figure 1h and Figure 8 ) consisting of at least one road trailer 2 suitable for the transport of goods and bogies 4, 5 guided on a track 9 accessible for rail vehicles, comprising a loading device 7 movable at least transversely to the track direction with at least one platform 8, a track for the train 1 (see Figure 8 ) forming tracks 9 with two essentially parallel rails and at least two bogies 4, 5 guided on the tracks 9.

[0093] In the embodiment shown, the loading device 7 has a platform 8 with a track section 10 that can be moved at least transversely to the track direction of the tracks 9 between a loading position next to the tracks 9 and a coupling position.

[0094] In the coupling position of the platform 8 related to the transverse offset, the track 9 can be designed to be continuously accessible for rail vehicles through the track section 10.

[0095] In a Figure 1a In the method step shown, in which the platform 8 is in the coupling position related to the transverse offset, two bogies 4, 5 spaced apart from one another in the track direction are provided on the track 9. To position the bogies 4, 5 on the track 9, they can be lifted onto the track 9 and / or moved on the track 9 as illustrated by the arrows.

[0096] The bogies 4, 5 can be provided spaced apart from one another in the track direction such that a road trailer 2 can be arranged between the bogies 4, 5.

[0097] In one in the Figures 1b and 1cIn the method step shown, the road trailer 2 is parked on the platform 8 of the loading device 7, which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction. As shown, the road trailer 2 can be parked on a platform designed to support the support legs and wheels of the road trailer (see Figure 4 ) suitable platform 8.

[0098] Preferably, as shown, the loading device 7 can be designed to be directly accessible, whereby the road trailer 2 can drive directly onto the loading device 7. The road trailer 2 can be driven onto the loading device 7, for example, by a tractor 3.

[0099] In a Figure 1d In the method step shown, the road trailer 2 is loaded with the loading device 7, here by means of the movable platform 8, between the two bogies 4, 5 spaced apart from each other in the track direction.

[0100] In a Figure 1eIn the method step shown, the road trailer 2 is coupled to a first bogie 4 by a relative movement between the road trailer 2 and the first bogie 4 in the track direction.

[0101] In principle, the relative movement can be achieved by a movement of the road trailer 2 and / or the bogie 4 in the track direction, whereby a coupling mechanism can be actuated.

[0102] In a Figure 1f In the method step shown, the road trailer 2 is coupled to the second bogie 5 by a relative movement between the road trailer 2 together with the coupled first bogie 4 and the second bogie 5 in the track direction.

[0103] As shown, the loading device 7, in particular its platform 8, can be movable in the track direction and the relative movement for coupling the road trailer 2 to the bogies 4, 5 can be effected by a movement of the loading device 7 in the track direction 8.

[0104] Contrary to what is shown, a relative movement between the road trailer 2 and the bogies 4, 5 can in principle also occur through a driving movement of the bogies 4, 5.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, the relative movement for coupling the road trailer 2 placed between the bogies 4, 5 to the bogies 4, 5 can essentially only be a relative movement in the track direction.

[0106] The in the course of the Figures 1a to 1fTrain 1 formed from a road trailer 2 and two bogies 4, 5 can be extended by repeating the process steps with further road trailers 2 and further bogies 6. For this purpose, as in Figure 1g and 1h As shown, the train 1 is moved a little way in the direction of the track, the loading device 7 is reconfigured to park a road trailer 2 and another bogie 6 is provided on track 9.

[0107] Before coupling the road trailer 2 to the bogies 4, 5, it may generally be necessary to raise the road trailer 2 from its height when driving on the road or a mat track with a flush running surface 36 relative to the bogies 4, 5 parked on the tracks 9.

[0108] In one embodiment of the method, the road trailer 2 can be at least partially lifted to a coupling level above the track level suitable for coupling the road trailer 2 and a bogie 4, 5 guided on the track 9 by driving the road trailer 2 onto the loading device 7 which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction.

[0109] At least partial lifting can be achieved by a height-adjustable air suspension of the axles of the wheels 11 of the road trailer 2, as shown in Figure 3 is shown.

[0110] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an at least partial lifting of a road trailer 2 to a coupling level above the track level can be carried out by at least one height-adjustable platform part 41, 42, 43, 44 of the at least one platform 8 of the loading device 7 for supporting wheels 11 and optionally support legs 12 of the road trailer 2 (see, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0111] A sequence of Figures 1a to 1h can correspond to clearing an existing move 1.

[0112] In Figure 21 shows an embodiment of a road trailer 2 suitable for transporting goods. The road trailer 2 has a chassis that is height-adjustable, for example via air springs, with wheels 11 for direct travel on a road, a kingpin 33, a foldable underrun protection 35, and a frame 28 with connecting means 24 arranged on or in the frame 28 for coupling to bogies 4, 5.

[0113] For position detection of the road trailer 2, the trailer may have measuring marks 34, which can be detected by a position detection device of the horizontal handling system 13. However, with appropriate design, a position detection device of the horizontal handling system 13 may also be able to detect a position of the road trailer 2 without the measuring marks 34.

[0114] In the Figures 3a and 3b Views of an embodiment of a horizontal handling system 13 are shown.

[0115] The horizontal handling system 12 comprises in the design of the Figure 3 a loading device 7 movable at least transversely to the track direction with a platform 8, tracks 9 forming a track for the train 1 with two essentially parallel rails and bogies 4, 5 not shown here (see, however, Figure 1 ).

[0116] The loading device 7 is arranged transversely to the track direction adjacent to the tracks 9.

[0117] As indicated by the arrows, the platform 8 of the loading device 7 is movable at least transversely to the track direction between a loading position shown next to the tracks 9 and a coupling position, wherein the platform 8 of the loading device 7 has at least one track section 10 and the tracks 9 are continuously extendable for rail vehicles in the coupling position of the loading device 7, in particular in an unraised state of the platform 8.

[0118] In the embodiment shown, the platform 8 of the loading device 7 has four height-adjustable platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 for supporting wheels 11 and, if necessary, support legs 12 of a road trailer 2 (see Figure 3b ). The platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 as well as a non-height-adjustable central part of the platform 8 each have unspecified track sections, so that for the platform 8 as a whole there is a track section 10 that can be used by a rail vehicle.

[0119] Track 9 can be designed, at least in sections, as a mat track with a flush running surface 36 for road vehicles. The level of the running surface 36 can be flush with the track top edge, at least in sections around tracks 9.

[0120] The height-adjustable platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 are, as in Figure 3b(Section in a vertical plane in the track direction, between the tracks 9, viewing direction transverse to the track direction, platform 8 in coupling position, tracks 9 hidden), movable between a lower position, preferably at track level for driving onto the loading device 7, and an upper position for coupling a road trailer 2 and a bogie 4, 5 guided on the track 9.

[0121] Figure 3b shows an overlay of a representation with platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 in a lower position and a representation with platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 in an upper position, which are also moved in the track direction. The non-height-adjustable middle section of platform 8 can also be moved in the track direction (not shown).

[0122] It may be possible for platform 8, in the unraised state, to extend track 9 with track section 10 in a way that allows continuous travel, although it may be that in this state no movement of platform 8 or platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 in the track direction is possible.

[0123] In the raised state, it may be possible to arrange the platform, in particular the platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44, partly above the tracks 9, whereby a movement of the platform 8 in the track direction can be enabled in the coupling position related to the transverse offset.

[0124] The platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 can be lifted and moved by a lifting system 45 not described in detail here.

[0125] The platform 8 of the loading device 7 can be moved on a rail system 40 transversely to the track direction.

[0126] In the Figures 4a to 4c is essentially the Figures 1c to 1fThe design of the horizontal handling system 13 essentially corresponds to that of the Figure 3 The loading device 7 thus has a platform 8 that can be moved at least transversely to the track direction. A side view and a top view of the horizontal handling system 13 are shown.

[0127] In the Figures 4a and 4b The platform 8 of the loading device 7 is in an unraised loading position next to the tracks 9. A road trailer 12 has been parked, for example, by driving a tractor (not shown) directly onto the platform 8. The wheels 11 of the road trailer are supported on the platform parts 43, 44 of the platform 8.

[0128] In Figure 4bIt is shown how the height-adjustable platform part 42 used for the support legs 12 of the road trailer 2 can be used for support by adjusting the height of the platform part 42. This eliminates the need for a separate, often manual, lowering of the support legs 12.

[0129] Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44, the platform 8 can be used in both directions of travel.

[0130] An at least partial lifting of the road trailer 2 to a coupling level above the track level can be carried out by the height-adjustable platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44, as shown in Figure 4c is shown.

[0131] In Figure 4c In addition, during the lifting of the platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44, the axles of the wheels 11 of the road trailer 2 were raised (compare Figure 2 ).

[0132] The platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 can be moved from a lower position, which is preferably located at track level for driving onto the loading device 7, into an upper position, which is suitable for coupling the road trailer 2 and a bogie 4, 5 guided on the track 9.

[0133] At least partial lifting can be carried out before, during and / or after a Figure 3b The method shown for moving the platform 8 of the loading device 3 transversely to the track direction into the coupling position can be carried out.

[0134] In principle, the loading device can have several platforms which can be arranged adjacent to one another in the track direction and / or transversely to the track direction.

[0135] If the loading facility has several platforms, these can be essentially identical.

[0136] The horizontal handling system 13 in the design of the Figures 5a and 5bCompared to the execution of the Figure 3 a loading device 7 with a first platform 8 on a rail system 40 with movable platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 and additionally a second platform 50 arranged transversely to the track direction next to it with movable platform parts 51, 52, 53, 54.

[0137] The views of the Figures 5b and 5c show a sectional view transverse to the track direction and a top view, wherein the platform 8 of the loading device 7 is in an unraised state and the further platform 50 of the loading device 7 is in a raised and moved in the track direction state (compare also Figure 3b ).

[0138] The platforms 7 and 50 can in principle be moved independently of each other or together. In particular, the movable platform parts 41, 42, 43, 44 and the movable platform parts 51, 52, 53, 54 can be moved independently of each other (see, for example, Figure 5b ).

[0139] When the platform 8 of the loading device 7 is moved transversely to the track direction, the additional platform 50 arranged next to it can be moved together transversely to the track direction between an alternating loading position next to the tracks and a coupling position.

[0140] The provision of the bogies 4, 5 and the parking of the road trailer 2 can be carried out for a design of the loading device 7 as in Figure 5 shown, are basically carried out independently of each other, which is why corresponding process steps for such an execution can in principle also take place simultaneously.

[0141] For example, while a road trailer 2 is parked, supported and, if necessary, raised on platform 7, a road trailer 2 already parked on platform 50 can be coupled to bogies 4, 5 not shown here (see specifically Figure 5c ).

[0142] After moving the platforms 7 and 50 transversely to the track direction, the road trailer 2 parked on the platform 7 can be coupled to bogies 4, 5, while the further platform 50 can be loaded with another road trailer 2 via the running surface 36.

[0143] In the Figures 6a and 6b are views of a design of a bogie 4, which has a bogie frame 16 with wheelset 17 for driving on the tracks 9 and a joint socket 15 for a cradle 18 (see Figure 7a ) for supporting a road trailer 2.

[0144] In the Figures 7a and 7b Detailed views of an embodiment of the cradle 18 for supporting a road trailer 2 are shown.

[0145] Figure 7a shows a sectional view with a cutting plane in the direction of the track. Figure 7b shows a top view of a cradle 18.

[0146] In the embodiment shown, the cradle 18 is mounted on the bogie frame 16 via a first ball joint 19 in a joint socket 15. This allows movement between supports 20, 21 of the cradle 18 and the bogie frame 16.

[0147] For at least partial resetting of this movement and for horizontal alignment of the supports 20, 21, a stretching element 30, for example of a spring-like design, and at least four length-adjustable support elements 14 are arranged between the supports 20, 21.

[0148] In the embodiment shown, the cradle 18 is formed in two parts with two supports 20, 21, wherein the supports 20, 21 are connected to each other via a second ball joint 22. This enables movement between the supports 20, 21 of the cradle 18 and, subsequently, movement between road trailers 2 supported on the supports 20, 21.

[0149] Support elements 14 can be arranged between beams 20, 21 of the cradle 18 and the bogie frame 16.

[0150] The cradle 18 has receptacles 23 for connecting means 24, in particular for pins, arranged on a frame 28 of a road trailer 2. The receptacles 23 can, as shown by way of example, be designed in the form of openings in the cradle 18.

[0151] In the case of a two-part design of the cradle 18 with two supports 20, 21 with supports 23, two road trailers 2 can be supported on one bogie 4, 5. This is, for example, in Figure 8 shown.

[0152] If two road trailers 2 are supported on a bogie 4, 5, it is advantageous if the road trailers 2 are movable relative to each other. Particularly when cornering, possibly with a track elevation, the mobility of the supported road trailers 2 relative to each other can be advantageous. Such mobility can, as shown in the Figures 7a and 7b shown, by a two-part design of the cradle 18 with an articulated connection of the parts 20, 21 of the cradle 18 via the second ball joint 22.

[0153] In the Figures 7c and 7d an embodiment of a locking device 25 of the bogies 4, 5 for locking the connecting means 24 is shown, wherein in Figure 7c the locking device 25 is shown in an unlocked position and in Figure 7dThe locking device 25 is shown in a locked position. The locking device 25 can be arranged on supports 20, 21 of the cradle 18.

[0154] The locking device 25 arranged on the supports 20, 21 of the cradle 18 has two locking elements 26 which can be moved transversely to the track direction, in particular horizontally and transversely to the track direction.

[0155] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements 26 are designed in the form of a locking bolt. The locking elements 26 can be moved into a locking position by a pneumatically or electromechanically actuated spindle drive 31.

[0156] The locking element 26 has wedge-shaped flattened contact surfaces 27 in the longitudinal direction for engagement with correspondingly flattened contact surfaces 29 of the connecting means 24, the interaction of which during locking can produce a surface pressure favorable for force absorption.

[0157] The locking elements 26 can be mounted at least partially rotatably in the circumferential direction, so that an automatic alignment with one another can result during locking.

[0158] The locking device 25 can be mounted floatingly on the supports 20, 21 of the cradle 18 via a hollow spring 32 in the longitudinal direction of the spindle drive 31.

[0159] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a train 1 formed (or to be cleared) by means of a horizontal transshipment system 13 as described above, with a rail-bound traction vehicle 38, several bogies 4 and several road trailers 2 coupled to the bogies.

[0160] The bogies of train 1 can be designed as central bogies arranged between the road trailers 2 and end bogies arranged at the end or beginning of the train, the differences being essentially due to the receptacles for connecting means and buffers for shocks in the track direction. List of reference symbols:

[0161] 1Train 2Road trailer 3Tractor 4First bogie 5Second bogie 6Further bogie 7Loading device 8Platform 9Track 10Track section 11Wheel 12Support leg 13Horizontal transfer system 14Support element 15Joint socket 16Bogie frame 17Wheel set 18Cradle 19First ball joint 20Carrier 21Carrier 22Second ball joint 23Mounting 24Connecting means 25Locking device 26Locking element 27Contact surfaces of locking element 28Frame 29Contact surfaces of connecting means 30Stretching device 31Spindle drive 32Hollow spring 32Joint socket 33King pin 34Measuring marks 35Underrun protection 36Running surface 37Power vehicle 40 Rail system 41 Platform part 42 Platform part 43 Platform part 44 Platform part 45 Hub system 50 second platform 51 platform part 52 platform part 53 platform part 54 platform part 55 track section

Claims

1. Method for forming a train (1) consisting of at least one road trailer (2) suitable for the transportation of goods and at least two bogies (4, 5) guided on a track (9) which can be driven on by rail vehicles by means of a loading device (7) with at least one platform (8) which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction, characterised by the method steps: - providing at least two bogies (4, 5), spaced apart in the track direction, on the track (9), - parking the road trailer (2) on the platform (8) of the loading device (7) which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction, preferably by driving the road trailer (2) onto the platform (8) of the loading device (7), - loading the road trailer (2) between two bogies (4, 5) spaced apart in the track direction by means of the loading device (7), - coupling the road trailer (2) to a first bogie (3) of the two bogies (4, 5) by a relative movement between the road trailer (2) and the first bogie (4) in the track direction, - coupling the road trailer (2) to the second bogie (5) of the two bogies (4, 5) by a relative movement between the road trailer (2) together with the coupled first bogie (4) and the second bogie (5) in the track direction.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the loading device (7) can be moved in the track direction and the relative movement to couple the road trailer (2) to the bogies (4, 5) is effected through a movement of the at least one platform (8) of the loading device (7) in the track direction, wherein it is preferred if, when the at least one platform (8) of the loading device (7) is moved in the track direction, at least a movement of the road trailer (2) parked on the loading device (7) occurs.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the road trailer (2) is parked on the loading device (7), support legs (12) of the road trailer (2) are supported through a height adjustment of at least one height-adjustable platform section (41, 42, 43, 44) of the platform (8) of the loading device (7) in order to support wheels (11) and / or support legs (12) of a road trailer (2).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an at least partial raising of a road trailer (2) to a coupling level above the track level suitable for coupling the road trailer (2) and a bogie (4, 5) guided on the track (9) is achieved by driving the road trailer (2) onto the loading device (7) which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction and / or through a height-adjustable air suspension of the axles of the wheels (11) of the road trailer (2). and / or wherein an at least partial raising of a road trailer (2) to a coupling level above the track level is effected by at least one height-adjustable platform section (41, 42, 43, 44) of the at least one platform (8) of the loading device (7) in order to support wheels (11) and, if applicable, support legs (12) of the road trailer (2), from a lower position, preferably at track level, for driving onto the loading device (7), and an upper position suitable for coupling the road trailer (2) and a bogie (4, 5) guided on the track (9).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when loading the road trailer (2) between two bogies (4, 5) spaced apart in the track direction by means of the loading device (7), the platform (8) of the loading device (7) is moved at least transversely to the track direction between a loading position next to the tracks (9) and a coupling position and, in the coupling position of the loading device (7), the tracks (9) can be extended continuously for rail vehicles by at least one track section (10) of the platform (8), in particular in an unraised state of the platform (8).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the platform (8) of the loading device (7) is moved transversely to the track direction, a further platform (50) arranged next to the platform (8), transversely to the track direction, is moved together with this, transversely to the track direction, to alternate between a loading position next to the tracks (9) and a coupling position.

7. Horizontal transshipment system (13) for forming a train (1) consisting of at least one road trailer (2) suitable for the transportation of goods and at least two bogies (4, 5) guided on a track (9) which can be driven on by rail vehicles, in order to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a loading device (7) with at least one platform (8) which can be moved at least transversely to the track direction - tracks (9) forming a track for the train with two rails laid substantially parallel - at least two bogies (4, 5) guided on the tracks (9) characterised in that at least a part of the loading device (7) can be moved in the track direction by a movement of the at least one platform (8) and that a coupling of the road trailer (2) to the bogies (4, 5) can be carried out through the movement.

8. Horizontal transshipment system according to claim 7, wherein the loading device (7) is arranged adjacent to the tracks (9), transversely to the track direction.

9. Horizontal transshipment system according to one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein the platform (8) of the loading device (7) can be moved at least transversely to the track direction between a loading position next to the tracks (9) and a coupling position, wherein the platform (8) of the loading device (7) has at least one track section (10) and, in the coupling position of the loading device (7), in particular in an unraised state of the platform (8), the tracks (9) can be extended continuously for rail vehicles, and / or wherein the platform (8) of the loading device (7) has at least one height-adjustable platform section (41, 42, 43, 44) for supporting wheels (11) and / or support legs (12) of a road trailer (2).

10. Horizontal transshipment system according to one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the platform (8) of the loading device (7) has at least one height-adjustable platform section (41, 42, 43, 44) for supporting wheels (11) and, if applicable, support legs (12) of a road trailer (2), wherein the at least one height-adjustable platform section (41, 42, 43, 44) can be moved between a lower position, preferably at track level, for driving onto the loading device (7), and an upper position for coupling a road trailer (2) and a bogie (4, 5) guided on the track (9).

11. Horizontal transshipment system according to one of the claims 7 to 10, wherein the loading device (7) has at least one platform (8) and a further platform (50) arranged next to the platform (8), transversely to the track direction, wherein the platform (8) and the further platform (50) can be moved together transversely to the track direction to alternate between a loading position next to the tracks (9) and a coupling position.

12. Horizontal transshipment system according to one of the claims 7 to 11, wherein the bogies (4, 5) have a bogie frame (16) with a wheel set (17) for driving on the tracks (9) and a cradle (18) for supporting a road trailer (2).

13. Horizontal transshipment system according to the preceding claim, wherein the cradle (18) is mounted on the bogie frame (16) via a first ball joint (19), and / or the cradle (18) is designed in two parts with two beams (20, 21) and the beams (20, 21) are connected to each other via a second ball joint (22), and / or14. Horizontal transshipment system according to one of the claims 12 to 13, wherein the cradle (18) has receiving mountings (23) for connecting means (24) arranged on a road trailer (2), in particular for pins, wherein the cradle (18) is preferably designed in two parts with beams (20, 21) connected via a second ball joint (22) and the beams (20, 21) each have at least one receiving mounting (23), wherein it is preferred if the cradle (18) has a locking device (25) for locking the connecting means (24), wherein the locking device (25) preferably has a locking element (26) which can be moved transversely to the track direction.

15. Arrangement consisting of a horizontal transshipment system (13) for forming a train (1) according to one of the claims 7 to 14 and at least one road trailer (2) suitable for the transportation of goods, wherein the road trailer (2) comprises a chassis with wheels (11) for driving directly on a road and a frame (28) with connecting means (24) arranged on the frame (28).