WAGON STRUCTURE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF CONTAINERS

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of freight transport wagons and, more particularly, to a wagon structure, articulated or not, intended to support road trailers or containers. State of the art

[0002] In the field of rail freight transport, it is common practice to use wagons with a flat surface to support road trailers or containers. These wagons typically have a central longitudinal section with a coupling platform at each end, and mounting brackets positioned opposite each other on either side of the central longitudinal section. These brackets are distributed along the length of the central longitudinal section between the coupling platforms, the upper surfaces of the coupling platforms, the central longitudinal section, and the mounting brackets, thus defining the flat surface. These wagons also have two bogies on which the structure rests at the coupling platforms.

[0003] However, for long road trailers or containers, it is common practice to use articulated wagons with a flat area to support said road trailers or containers and a central articulation to facilitate their movement. These wagons thus comprise two structures, each consisting, in a conventional manner, of a central longitudinal section equipped at its ends with a coupling platform and an articulation platform, and mounting brackets fixed opposite each other on either side of said central longitudinal section and distributed along its length between said coupling and articulation platforms. The upper faces of the coupling and articulation platforms, the central longitudinal section, and the mounting brackets define said flat area.These articulated wagons also include three bogies on which the said structures rest at the coupling and articulation platforms.

[0004] These types of wagons, known articulated or not, which are disclosed for example in documents CN 112 874 632 A, RU 190 680 U1, EP 3 800 105 A1, CN 112 874 556 and WO 2018 / 219955 A1, are certainly efficient, but they have the major disadvantage of being heavy and rigid, and of being long and expensive to manufacture, given the large number of parts to be assembled by welding for their manufacture, the structure of the latter being classically of the non-standardized lattice type.

[0005] Due to their rigidity and weight, these types of articulated or unknown wagons also have the following disadvantages: generating significant wear on the tread of their axles, emitting a high level of noise when moving on the rails, and having a somewhat limited loading capacity. Summary of the invention

[0006] The aim of the present invention is therefore to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to offer an alternative to known freight wagons. This alternative has a structure comprising fewer parts and is less rigid, simpler, and lighter, thus allowing for easier, faster, and more economical manufacturing and implementation. Furthermore, this alternative also enables standardized manufacturing regardless of the wagon's type and length.

[0007] According to the invention, a structure for a freight wagon is therefore proposed, arranged to receive at least two bogies in order to be able to run on railway tracks, comprising at least: a longitudinal central beam comprising at least one box, a first and a second hitch platform comprising at least one box and each being fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam, and a plurality of longitudinal supports fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam and distributed along the latter between said first and second hitch platforms, said structure being notable in that each of the first and second hitch platforms comprises at least one partially enclosed box, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wall having an inverted U-shaped cross-section and comprising a horizontal portion generally rectangular in shape and two dropped edges each extending vertically downwards from one of the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion,and a lower horizontal wall, generally rectangular in shape, fixed between the two dropped edges of the upper wall so that the latter advantageously extend beyond said lower wall, said upper and lower walls then forming said box, the height of each of the first and second hitching platforms being equal to the height at the longitudinal ends of the corresponding central beam box.

[0008] Advantageously, each of the first and second coupling platforms includes a cross member in the general shape of a tube consisting of at least two parallel vertical webs, arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls, and connecting the latter to each other.

[0009] Each compartment is preferably formed by at least: a horizontal upper wing, generally in the shape of an elongated rectangle, that is to say, its shape is inscribed within an elongated rectangle; a lower wing comprising a horizontal lower median wall, two horizontal upper end walls and two inclined walls, each connecting the median wall to one of the end walls; and two parallel vertical webs connecting the upper wing to the lower wing such that said upper and lower wings extend beyond said two webs. said upper wing comprising a plurality of longitudinal edges arranged opposite each other along each of its vertical longitudinal faces, each longitudinal edge being able to form at least a part of one of the longitudinal supports.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, each of the longitudinal supports comprises at least: a generally inclined strut fixed between the underside of the free end of one of the longitudinal edges of the upper wing of the central beam box and the lower wing of said box, a reinforcing web fixed vertically, near the middle of the strut, between the underside of the upper wing, the outer face of one of the vertical webs, the top of the lower wing of said box, and the inner face of said strut.

[0011] The said strut preferably has a zigzag-shaped cross-section and comprises at least: a first vertical wing fixed to the top of the lower wing of the central beam box, a second vertical wing fixed to the underside of the free end of one of the edges of the upper wing of said box and an inclined middle wing connecting the top of said first vertical wing and the underside of said second vertical wing.

[0012] Advantageously, the longitudinal central beam is articulated and comprises two boxes arranged in line with each other and connected by an articulation platform arranged to receive a bogie in order to be able to run on railway tracks, said articulation platform being divided into two parts, a male part and a female part connected by articulation means.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the end of each of the male and female parts of the articulation platform has a general shape of a partially closed box, the latter being formed by at least: a horizontal upper wall generally rectangular in shape, a horizontal lower wall generally rectangular in shape, and two parallel vertical walls connecting the upper wall to the lower wall such that said upper and lower walls extend beyond said two vertical walls, the height of each of said male and female parts being equal to the height at the longitudinal ends of its corresponding box

[0014] The end of each of the male and female parts of the articulation platform advantageously includes a cross member in the general shape of a tube consisting of at least two parallel vertical webs arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls, and connecting the latter to each other.

[0015] Each of said male and female parts is also formed by the end of the associated box opposite the first or second coupling platform, said end being such that the upper and lower wings of said box each include a horizontally extending protrusion shaped to be fixed respectively at the end and in the continuation of the upper and lower walls of the corresponding end of said male and female parts, the vertical webs of the box then extending to the end of said protrusions.

[0016] Advantageously, said protrusions are closed at least in part at the periphery by two angle brackets so that the whole protrusions - angle brackets form a box. Brief description of the figures

[0017] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment of the invention, with reference to the attached figures in which: [ Fig 1 ] is a perspective view of a freight wagon structure according to the invention, [ Fig 2 ] is a perspective view of the central beam of the structure of the figure 1 , [ Fig 3 ] is an enlarged detail view of the central beam of the figure 2 , [ Fig 4 ] is a cross-sectional view of the central beam of the figure 2 along axis IV-IV', [ Fig 5 ] is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the figure 1 along the V-V' axis, [ Fig 6 ] is a perspective view of a hitching platform of the structure of the figure 1 , [ Fig 7 ] is a cross-sectional view of the hitch platform of the figure 5 along axis VII-VII', [ Fig 8 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hitch platform of the figure 5 along axis VIII-VIII', [ Fig 9 ] is a perspective view of a lateral support of the structure of the figure 1 , [ Fig 10 ] is a perspective view of an articulated variant of the freight wagon structure according to the invention, [ Fig 11 ] is a perspective view of a platform for articulating the structure of the figure 8 , [ Fig 12 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the articulation platform of the figure 9 along axis XII-XII'. Fig 13 ] is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a freight wagon structure according to the invention, [ Fig 14 ] is a perspective view of the central beam of the structure of the figure 13 , [ Fig 15 ] is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the figure 13 along the XV-XV' axis, [ Fig 16 ] is a perspective view of a hitching platform of the structure of the figure 13 , [ Fig 17 ] is a cross-sectional view of the hitch platform of the figure 16 along the XVII-XVII' axis, [ Fig 18] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hitch platform of the figure 16 along the XVIII-XVIII axis, [ Fig 19 ] is a perspective view of a lateral support of the structure of the figure 13 , [ Fig 20 ] is a perspective view of an articulated variant of the second embodiment of the articulated freight wagon structure according to the invention, [ Fig 21 ] is an enlarged perspective view of a structural articulation platform of the Figure 20 , [ Fig 22 ] is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the articulation platform of the figure 21 along axis XXII-XXII', [ Fig 23 [ ] is an enlarged detail view of one end of the central beam of the structure of the Figure 20 . Description of the implementation methods

[0018] The present invention relates to a freight car structure for transporting goods such as, for example, containers, tanks, coils (a coil of sheet metal produced by hot rolling), hoppers, or logs. Furthermore, depending on the length of the car, the structure will be articulated or not. Thus, for cars of approximately 60 feet or less in length, the structure will be non-articulated, and for cars of greater length, the structure will be articulated.

[0019] Thus, on the figures 1 to 7 , a structure 1 of a non-articulated freight wagon has been represented, the structure 1 being intended, on the one hand, to support the goods and, on the other hand, to receive two bogies configured to run on railway tracks, the said bogies and goods not being represented on the figures, in order not to overload them.

[0020] The said structure 1 comprises at least: a longitudinal central beam 2, a first and a second coupling platforms 3, 4 being each fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 2, and a plurality of longitudinal supports 5 fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 2 and distributed along the latter between said first and second coupling platforms 3, 4.

[0021] With reference to figures 2 to 4 , said central beam 2 comprises at least one partially enclosed box 6, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wing 7 horizontal and in general shape of an elongated rectangle, that is to say that its shape is inscribed in an elongated rectangle, a lower wing 8 comprising a lower horizontal median wall 9, two upper horizontal end walls 10 and two inclined walls 11 each connecting the median wall 9 to one of the end walls 10, and two vertical webs 12 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wing 7 to the lower wing 8 so that said upper and lower wings 7, 8 extend beyond said two vertical webs 12.

[0022] Here, "box" refers to an element or part of an element comprising two substantially horizontal walls connected by two substantially vertical walls so as to have a cross-section in the general shape of a quadrilateral.

[0023] Furthermore, here we refer to "substantially horizontal" or "substantially vertical" elements or parts of elements making an angle between -20 and +20° with the horizontal or vertical, respectively.

[0024] The upper and lower wings 7, 8 and the webs 12 can be formed from several pieces assembled conventionally by welding and can be perforated without going out of the scope of the present invention.

[0025] With this configuration, it is clear that the box girder, formed by the upper and lower flanges 7 and 8 and the two webs 12, allows for the potential passage of electrical cables and / or hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. Furthermore, this type of box girder 2 is significantly more flexible than a truss structure. In addition, with this configuration, the height of the central girder 2 is greatest at the mid-wall 9 of its lower flange 8 and least at the end walls 10 of its lower flange 8. This specific configuration makes it possible to limit the weight of the central girder 2 while ensuring its high mechanical strength, in order to comply with the functional requirements of freight transport standards (definition of a maximum deflection for a given load case).Thus, thanks to its flexibility and lightness, the box-section configuration of the central beam 2 improves the rail friendliness of a wagon equipped with the structure 1 according to the invention and reduces wear on the axle tread and noise emissions.

[0026] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower wings 7, 8 and the two cores 12 are also linked together by a plurality of internal sails 13.

[0027] For obvious reasons of simplicity in manufacture and implementation, the upper wing 7, the middle wall 9, the end walls 10, the inclined walls 11, and the webs 12 are advantageously flat. However, it goes without saying that they may also be non-flat without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Furthermore, with reference to figures 2 and 3According to an advantageous embodiment, the upper wing 7 comprises a plurality of longitudinal flanges 14 arranged opposite each other along each of its vertical longitudinal faces 15, each longitudinal flange 14 being able to receive at least a part of one of the longitudinal supports 5. Each longitudinal flange 14 advantageously has a fillet 16 at the junction of each of its vertical lateral faces 17 with the corresponding vertical longitudinal face 15 of the upper wing 7, in order to avoid having a sharp angle and to reduce the concentrations of mechanical stresses.

[0029] Similarly, in order to reinforce the structure 1 at the junction between the central beam 2 and each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4, the longitudinal ends of the box 6, namely those of the upper wing 7 and the two end walls 10 of the lower wing 8, flare outwards towards the outside of the box 6.

[0030] As described previously, said structure 1 also includes first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 each fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 2.

[0031] Thus, with reference to figures 6 to 8 , each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 comprises at least one partially enclosed box 18, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wall 19 having a cross-section in the shape of an inverted U and comprising a horizontal portion 20 in the general shape of a rectangle and two dropped edges 21 each extending vertically downwards from one of the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion 20, and a horizontal lower wall 22 in the general shape of a rectangle and fixed between the two dropped edges 21 of upper wall 19 so that the latter advantageously extend beyond said lower wall 22, the upper and lower walls 19, 22 then forming said box.

[0032] Furthermore, each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 also includes a cross member 24 in the general shape of a tube consisting of at least two parallel vertical webs 25 arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls 19, 22, and connecting the latter to each other, said cross member 24 being arranged to allow the fixing of a bogie under the first coupling platform 3 or the second coupling platform 4 and to take up the associated mechanical forces, but also to allow the possible passage of electrical cables and / or the hydraulic and pneumatic circuit.

[0033] The upper and lower walls 19, 22 can be formed from several pieces assembled conventionally by welding and can be perforated without going out of the scope of the present invention.

[0034] The height of each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 is relatively low and equal to the minimum height of the central beam 2, that is, the height at the longitudinal ends of its box girder 6 at the level of the end walls 10 of its lower wing 8. This configuration is advantageous because it optimizes the structure 1 according to the invention by significantly reducing its weight. Furthermore, with this configuration, each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 is assembled onto the central beam 2, with its upper and lower walls 19, 22 fixed respectively to and in line with the upper wing 7 and one of the two end walls 10 of the lower wing 8 of said central beam 2.

[0035] The "height of each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4" here refers to the overall dimension between their upper wall 19 and their lower wall 22.

[0036] Each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 further includes a housing 26 arranged on its lateral face located on the side opposite the central beam 2 of the structure 1, said recess 26 being arranged to receive part of a coupling allowing said structure 1 according to the invention to be coupled to a structure 1 of an adjacent wagon or to a locomotive.

[0037] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the horizontal portion 20 of the upper wall 19 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 comprises a horizontal lateral flange 27 extending from its inner lateral face 28, that is, its lateral face located on the side of the central beam 2 of the structure 1, and in the direction of said central beam 2, said lateral flange 27 being adapted to allow the attachment of at least a portion of said central beam 2, in particular the attachment of one of the longitudinal ends of the upper flange 7 thereof. Each lateral flange 27 advantageously has a fillet 29 at the junction of each of its vertical lateral faces 30 with the inner lateral face 28 of the horizontal portion 20, so as to avoid sharp angles and reduce the concentrations of mechanical stresses.

[0038] For the same reasons, the lower wall 22 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 has a horizontal lateral flange 31 extending from its inner lateral face, that is, its lateral face located on the side of the central beam 2 of the structure 1, and in the direction of said central beam 2. This lateral flange 31 is adapted to allow the attachment of at least a portion of said central beam 2, in particular the attachment of one of the two end walls 10 of the lower wing 8 thereof. Each lateral flange 31 advantageously has a fillet at the junction of each of its vertical lateral faces with the inner lateral face of the lower wall 22, so as to avoid sharp angles and reduce the concentrations of mechanical stresses.

[0039] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower walls 19, 22 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 are also linked together by a plurality of internal sails or reinforcements, not shown in the figures.

[0040] Each of the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 further comprises a plurality of reinforcements 35 fixed to the horizontal portion 20 of its upper wall 19 opposite each other along the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion 20, each reinforcement 35 receiving one or more retractable pegs 36 arranged to cooperate or not with the goods loaded onto the structure 1, the number of reinforcements 35 and pegs 36 varying according to the desired loading configurations.

[0041] As described previously, said structure 1 finally comprises a plurality of longitudinal supports 5 fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 2 and distributed along the latter between said first and second hitching platforms 3, 4.

[0042] Thus, with reference to Figures 5 And 9 , each of the longitudinal supports 5 comprises at least: an upper wall 37 having an inverted L-shaped cross-section and comprising a horizontal portion 38 fixed on and in the extension of the upper wing 7 of the box 6 of the central beam 2 and a dropped edge 39 extending vertically downwards from the said box 6 from the free longitudinal edge of the said horizontal portion 38, and an inclined strut 40 fixed between the underside of the free end of the said upper wall 37 and the lower part of the said box 6.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, said strut 40 has an inverted T-shaped cross-section and comprises at least: a vertical wing 41 fixed between the underside of the horizontal portion 38 of said upper wall 37, a part of one of the webs 12 of the central beam 2 and the top of the median wall 9 of the lower wing 8 of said central beam 2, and a wing 42 extending perpendicularly on either side of said vertical web 38 and being fixed between the dropped edge 39 of said upper wall 37 and the top of the median wall 9 of the lower wing 8 of said central beam 2.

[0044] Furthermore, the horizontal portion 38 of said upper wall 37 of each longitudinal support 5 is generally V-shaped so that the end of each of its branches 43 is fixed on and in the extension of the upper wing 7 of the box 6 of the central beam 2 and, where appropriate, on and in the extension of one of the longitudinal edges 14 of said central beam 2.

[0045] Each longitudinal support 5 further includes one or more reinforcements 44 fixed to the horizontal portion 38 of its upper wall 37, each reinforcement 44 receiving one or more retractable pegs 45 arranged to cooperate or not with the merchandise loaded onto the structure 1, the number of reinforcements 44 and pegs 45 varying according to the desired loading configurations.

[0046] On the Figures 10 to 12, a variant embodiment of the structure according to the invention has been represented, namely a structure 51 intended for wagons of a length greater than about 60 feet, said structure 51 being similar to the structure 1 previously described.

[0047] Thus, structure 51 includes at least: a longitudinal central beam 52, a first and a second coupling platforms 53, 54 being fixed each to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 52, and a plurality of longitudinal supports 55 fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 52 and distributed along the latter between said first and second coupling platforms 53, 54.

[0048] The first and second coupling platforms 53, 54 and the longitudinal supports 55 are advantageously identical to the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 and the longitudinal supports 5 previously described.

[0049] However, structure 51 differs from structure 1 previously described in that its central beam 52 is hinged.

[0050] To achieve this, the central beam 52 comprises two partially enclosed box girders 56, each of these two box girders 56 being formed by at least: an upper wing 57 horizontal and in general shape of an elongated rectangle, that is to say that its shape is inscribed in an elongated rectangle, a lower wing 58 comprising a lower horizontal median wall 59, two upper horizontal end walls 60 and two inclined walls 61 each connecting the median wall 59 to one of the end walls 60, and two vertical webs 62 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wing 57 to the lower wing 58 so that said upper and lower wings 57, 58 extend beyond said two vertical webs 62.

[0051] Moreover, these two boxes 56 are identical to the box 6 previously described and arranged in line with each other and are connected to each other by an articulation platform 63. In a conventional manner, this articulation platform 63 is divided into 2 parts, a male part 64 and a female part 65, the latter being connected to each other by articulation means 66, for example of the "Talbot" type.

[0052] Each of the male 64 and female 65 parts of the articulation platform 63 has a general box shape 67 that is partially closed, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wall 68, 69 horizontal in general rectangular shape, a lower wall 70, 71 horizontal in general rectangular shape, and two vertical walls 72, 73 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wall 68, 69 to the lower wall 70, 71 so that said upper and lower walls 68, 69; 70, 71 extend beyond said two vertical walls 72, 73.

[0053] Furthermore, each of the male 64 and female 65 parts of the articulation platform 62 also includes a cross member 74, 75 in the general form of a tube made up of at least two parallel vertical webs 76, 77 arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls 68, 69; 70, 71, and connecting the latter to each other, said cross member 74, 75 being arranged to allow the fixing of a bogie under the male 64 and female 65 parts of the articulation platform 63 and to take up the associated mechanical forces, but also to allow the possible passage of electrical cables and / or the hydraulic and pneumatic circuit.

[0054] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower walls 68, 69; 70, 71 and the two vertical walls 72, 73 are also linked together by a plurality of internal walls 78.

[0055] Similar to the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 described previously, the height of each of the male 64 and female 65 parts of the articulation platform 63 is relatively low and equal to the minimum height of the central beam 52, that is, the height at the longitudinal ends of its box 56 corresponding to the level of the end walls 60 of its lower wing 58. This configuration is advantageous because it optimizes the structure 51 according to the invention by significantly reducing its weight. Furthermore, with this configuration, each of the male 64 and female 65 parts of the articulation platform 63 is assembled onto the corresponding box 67 of the central beam 52 by fixing their upper and lower walls 68, 69; 70, 71 respectively onto and in line with the upper wing 57 and one of the two end walls 60 of the lower wing 58 of said corresponding box 67.

[0056] The term "height of each of the male parts 64 and female parts 65 of the articulation platform 63" refers here to the overall dimension between their upper wall 68, 69 and their lower wall 70, 71.

[0057] The structure 1, 51 according to the invention advantageously comprises protective tubes 79 against the risk of accidents to persons, these tubes 79 extending longitudinally between the free ends of the supports 5, 55 and between the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4; 53, 54 and said free ends of the supports 5, 55 (Cf. Figure 10 ).

[0058] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a second embodiment of a structure 1 of an articulated or non-articulated freight wagon, this second embodiment making it possible to further reduce the number of parts and to manufacture and implement more easily, quickly and economically.

[0059] Thus, on the figures 13 to 19, a structure 101 of a non-articulated freight wagon has been represented, the structure 101 being intended, on the one hand, to support the goods and, on the other hand, to receive two bogies configured to run on railway tracks, the said bogies and goods not being represented on the figures, in order not to overload them.

[0060] Structure 101 is similar to structure 1 described previously and includes at least: a longitudinal central beam 102, a first and a second coupling platforms 103, 104 each being fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 102, and a plurality of longitudinal supports 105 fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 102 and distributed along the latter between said first and second coupling platforms 103, 104.

[0061] With reference to the figure 14, said central beam 102 comprises at least one partially enclosed box 106, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wing 107 horizontal and in general shape of an elongated rectangle, that is to say that its shape is inscribed in an elongated rectangle, a lower wing 108 comprising a lower horizontal median wall 109, two upper horizontal end walls 110 and two inclined walls 111 each connecting the median wall 9 to one of the end walls 110, and two vertical webs 112 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wing 107 to the lower wing 108 so that said upper and lower wings 107, 108 extend beyond said two vertical webs 112.

[0062] Here, "box" refers to an element or part of an element comprising two substantially horizontal walls connected by two substantially vertical walls so as to have a cross-section in the general shape of a quadrilateral.

[0063] Furthermore, here we refer to "substantially horizontal" or "substantially vertical" elements or parts of elements making an angle between -20 and +20° with the horizontal or vertical, respectively.

[0064] The upper and lower wings 107, 108 and the webs 12 can be formed from several parts conventionally assembled by welding and can be perforated without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, advantageously, the upper wing 107 will be obtained by laser cutting.

[0065] With this configuration, like the box 6 of the central beam 2 of the structure 1 previously described, it is clear that the box 106 which is formed by the upper and lower wings 107, 108 and the two webs 112, allows the possible passage of electrical cables and / or the hydraulic and pneumatic circuit, and that this type of central beam 102 in variable height box is significantly more flexible than a truss structure and makes it possible to limit the weight of said central beam 102 while guaranteeing a high mechanical resistance of the latter, which has the effect of improving the rail friendliness of a wagon equipped with the structure 101 according to the invention and reducing the wear of the tread of the axles and the noise emissions.

[0066] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower wings 107, 108 and the two cores 112 are also linked together by a plurality of internal sails 113 (Cf. figure 15 ).

[0067] For obvious reasons of simplicity in manufacture and implementation, the upper wing 107, the middle wall 109, the end walls 110, the inclined walls 111, and the webs 112 are advantageously flat. However, it goes without saying that they may also be non-flat without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0068] Furthermore, with reference to Figures 14 and 15The upper flange 7 of the box 106 comprises a plurality of longitudinal flanges 114 arranged opposite each other along each of its vertical longitudinal faces 115, each longitudinal flange 114 being capable of forming at least part of one of the longitudinal supports 105. Advantageously, each longitudinal flange 114 has a general trapezoidal shape and features a fillet 116 at the junction of each of the vertical lateral faces 117 of said longitudinal flange 114 with the corresponding vertical longitudinal face 115 of the upper flange 107, so as to avoid sharp angles and reduce the concentration of mechanical stresses. Furthermore, each longitudinal flange 114 is advantageously perforated to limit the weight of the upper flange 7 of the box 106.

[0069] Similarly, in order to reinforce the structure 101 at the junction between the central beam 102 and each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104, the longitudinal ends of the box 106, namely those of the upper wing 107 and the two end walls 110 of the lower wing 108, flare outwards towards the outside of the box 6.

[0070] As described previously, said structure 101 also includes first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 each fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 102.

[0071] Thus, with reference to figures 16 to 18 , each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104 comprises, similarly to the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4 of the structure 1 previously described, at least one partially enclosed box 118, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wall 119 having a cross-section in the shape of an inverted U and comprising a horizontal portion 120 in the general shape of a rectangle and two dropped edges 121 each extending vertically downwards from one of the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion 20, and a horizontal lower wall 122 in the general shape of a rectangle and fixed between the two dropped edges 121 of upper wall 119 so that the latter advantageously extend beyond said lower wall 122, the upper and lower walls 119, 122 then forming said box 118.

[0072] Furthermore, each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104 also includes a cross member 124 in the general form of a tube made up of at least two parallel vertical webs 125 arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls 119, 122, and connecting the latter to each other, said cross member 124 being arranged to allow the fixing of a bogie under the first coupling platform 103 or the second coupling platform 104 and to take up the associated mechanical forces, but also to allow the possible passage of electrical cables and / or the hydraulic and pneumatic circuit.

[0073] The upper and lower walls 119, 122 can be formed from several pieces assembled conventionally by welding and can be perforated without going out of the scope of the present invention.

[0074] The height of each of the first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 is relatively low and equal to the minimum height of the central beam 102, that is, the height at the longitudinal ends of its box girder 106 at the level of the end walls 110 of its lower wing 108. This configuration is advantageous because it optimizes the structure 101 according to the invention by significantly reducing its weight. Furthermore, with this configuration, each of the first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 is assembled onto the central beam 102, with its upper and lower walls 119, 122 fixed respectively to and in line with the upper wing 17 and one of the two end walls 110 of the lower wing 108 of said central beam 102.

[0075] The "height of each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104" here refers to the overall dimension between their upper wall 119 and their lower wall 122.

[0076] Like the structure 1 previously described, each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104 further includes a housing 126 arranged on its lateral face located on the opposite side to the central beam 102 of the structure 101, said recess 126 being arranged to receive part of a coupling allowing said structure 101 according to the invention to be coupled to a structure 101 of an adjacent wagon or to a locomotive.

[0077] Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment, the horizontal portion 120 of the upper wall 119 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 comprises a horizontal lateral edge 127 extending from its inner lateral face 128, that is, its lateral face located on the side of the central beam 102 of the structure 101, and in the direction of said central beam 102, said lateral edge 127 being adapted to allow the attachment of at least a portion of said central beam 102, in particular the attachment of one of the longitudinal ends of the upper flange 107 thereof. Each lateral edge 127 advantageously has a fillet 129 at the junction of each of its vertical lateral faces 130 with the inner lateral face 128 of the horizontal portion 120, so as to avoid sharp angles and reduce the concentrations of mechanical stresses.

[0078] For the same reasons, the lower wall 122 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 has a horizontal lateral edge 131 extending from its inner lateral face, that is, its lateral face located on the side of the central beam 102 of the structure 101, and in the direction of said central beam 102. This lateral edge 131 is adapted to allow the attachment of at least a portion of said central beam 102, in particular the attachment of one of the two end walls 110 of the lower wing 108 of the latter. Each lateral edge 131 advantageously has a fillet at the junction of each of its vertical lateral faces with the inner lateral face of the lower wall 122, so as to avoid sharp angles and reduce the concentration of mechanical stresses.

[0079] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower walls 19, 22 of each of the first and second hitching platforms 3, 4 are also linked together by a plurality of internal sails or reinforcements, not shown in the figures.

[0080] Each of the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104 further comprises a plurality of reinforcements 132 fixed to the horizontal portion 120 of its upper wall 119 opposite each other along the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion 120, each reinforcement 132 receiving one or more retractable pegs 133 arranged to cooperate or not with the goods loaded onto the structure 101, the number of reinforcements 132 and pegs 133 varying according to the desired loading configurations.

[0081] As previously described, said structure 101 finally includes a plurality of longitudinal supports 105 fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 102 and distributed along the latter between said first and second hitching platforms 103, 104, said longitudinal supports 105 differ in part from the longitudinal supports 5 of structure 1 previously described.

[0082] Thus, with reference to Figures 15 And 19 , each of the longitudinal supports 105 comprises at least: a generally inclined strut 134 fixed between the underside of the free end of one of the longitudinal edges 114 of the upper wing 107 of the box 106 of the central beam 102 and the lower wing 108 of said box 106, a reinforcing web 135 fixed vertically, in the vicinity of the middle of the strut 134, between the underside of the upper wing 107, the external face of one of the vertical webs 112, the top of the lower wing 108 of said box 106, and the internal face of said strut 134, said reinforcing web 135 being advantageously openwork in order to limit its weight.

[0083] According to an advantageous embodiment, said strut 134 has a zigzag-shaped cross-section and comprises at least: a first vertical wing 136 fixed on the top of the lower wing 108 of the box 106 of the central beam 102, a second vertical wing 137 fixed on the underside of the free end of one of the edges 114 of the upper wing 107 of said box 106 and an inclined middle wing 138 connecting the top of said first vertical wing 136 and the underside of said second vertical wing 137.

[0084] Each longitudinal support 105 further includes one or more reinforcements 139 fixed to the associated longitudinal rim 114 of the upper wing 107 of the box 106 of the central beam 102, each reinforcement 139 receiving one or more retractable pegs 140 arranged to cooperate or not with the goods loaded onto the structure 1, the number of reinforcements 139 and pegs 140 varying according to the desired loading configurations.

[0085] On the Figures 20 to 22, a variant of an articulated embodiment of the structure 101 according to the invention has been represented, namely a structure 151 intended for wagons of a length greater than about 60 feet, said structure 151 being similar to the structure 101 previously described.

[0086] Thus, structure 151 includes at least: a longitudinal central beam 152, a first and second coupling platforms 153, 154 each being fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam 152, and a plurality of longitudinal supports 155 identical to the longitudinal supports 105 previously described, fixed opposite each other on either side of said central beam 152 and distributed along the latter between said first and second coupling platforms 153, 154.

[0087] The first and second coupling platforms 153, 154 and the longitudinal supports 155 are advantageously identical to the first and second coupling platforms 103, 104 and the longitudinal supports 105 previously described.

[0088] However, structure 151 differs from structure 101 previously described in that its central beam 152 is hinged.

[0089] To achieve this, the central beam 152 comprises two partially enclosed box slabs 156, each of these two box slabs 156 being formed by at least: an upper wing 157 horizontal and in general shape of an elongated rectangle, that is to say that its shape is inscribed in an elongated rectangle, a lower wing 158 comprising a lower horizontal median wall 159, two upper horizontal end walls 160 and two inclined walls 161 each connecting the median wall 159 to one of the end walls 160, and two vertical webs 162 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wing 157 to the lower wing 158 so that said upper and lower wings 157, 158 extend beyond said two vertical webs 162.

[0090] Furthermore, these two boxes 156 are similar to the box 106 described previously and are arranged in line with each other and are connected by a hinge platform 163. The differences between the two boxes 156 and the box 106 described previously will be explained later. In a conventional manner, this hinge platform 163 is divided into two parts, a male part 164 and a female part 165, the latter being connected by hinge means 166, for example of the "Talbot" type.

[0091] The end of each of the male 164 and female 165 parts of the articulation platform 163 has a general box shape 167 that is partially closed, the latter being formed by at least: an upper wall 168, 169 horizontal in general rectangular shape, a lower wall 170, 171 horizontal in general rectangular shape, and two vertical walls 172, 173 parallel to each other and connecting the upper wall 168, 169 to the lower wall 170, 171 so that at least the said upper walls 168, 169 extend beyond the said two vertical walls 172, 173.

[0092] Furthermore, the end of each of the male parts 164 and female parts 165 of the articulation platform 162 also includes a cross member 174, 175 in the general form of a tube made up of at least two parallel vertical webs 176, 177 arranged transversely between the upper and lower walls 168, 169; 170, 171, and connecting the latter to each other, said cross member 174, 175 being arranged to allow the fixing of a bogie under the male parts 164 and female parts 165 of the articulation platform 163 and to take up the associated mechanical forces, but also to allow the possible passage of electrical cables and / or the hydraulic and pneumatic circuit.

[0093] Furthermore, it is well understood that, in a classic manner, the upper and lower walls 168, 169; 170, 171 and the two vertical walls 172, 173 can also be perforated and linked together by a plurality of internal sails 178.

[0094] Each of the male 164 and female 165 parts of the articulation platform 163 is also formed by the end of the associated box 156. Thus, with reference to the figure 23, unlike the box 106 previously described, the end of each box 156 opposite the first or second coupling platform 153, 154 is such that the upper and lower wings 107, 108 of said box 156 each include an outgrowth 179, 180 extending horizontally and shaped to be fixed respectively at the end and in the continuation of the upper and lower walls 168, 169; 170, 171 of the corresponding end of the male 164 and female 165 parts of the articulation platform 163, With this particular configuration, the end of each of the said upper and lower wings 107, 108 of the said box 156 has a general T shape. Moreover, the vertical webs 162 of the box 156 then extend to the end of the said protrusions 179, 180, the latter being moreover advantageously closed at least in part at the periphery by two angle brackets 181 so that the whole protrusions 179, 180 - angle brackets 181 forms a box.

[0095] Furthermore, it is clear that, in a classic manner, the outgrowths 179, 180 and the angles 181 can also be openworked and linked together by a plurality of internal veils, not shown.

[0096] Like the first and second hitching platforms 103, 104 previously described, the height of each of the male 164 and female 165 parts of the articulation platform 163 is relatively reduced and equal to the minimum height of the central beam 152, that is to say the height at the longitudinal ends of its box 156 corresponding to the level of the protrusions 179, 180. This configuration is interesting because it allows the structure 151 according to the invention to be optimized by significantly reducing its weight.

[0097] The term "height of each of the male parts 164 and female parts 165 of the articulation platform 163" refers here to the overall dimension between their upper wall 168, 169 and their lower wall 170, 171.

[0098] Finally, to further increase flexibility, the lower wing 108, 158 of the central beam 102, 152 of the structure 101, 151 has a plurality of notches 141, 142, 143 arranged on either side of the vertical webs 112, 162 (Cf. figure 14 ).

[0099] Regardless of the embodiment variant, the structure 1, 51; 101, 151 according to the invention improves rail friendliness thanks to its particular box-shaped configuration due to its flexibility and lightness, resulting in a reduction of wear on the tread of the bogie axles and noise emissions.

[0100] Regarding mass reduction, studies have shown that, compared to conventional truss structures, the configuration of structure 1, 51; 101, 151 according to the invention allows for a reduction of at least 10% to 15% in mass. It is clear that this mass reduction leads to lower locomotive fuel consumption and therefore lower transportation costs.

[0101] Furthermore, it is clear that with the configuration of structure 1, 51; 101, 151 according to the invention, the manufacturing of coupling and articulation platforms can be standardized, as these platforms cover all length ranges of structure 1, 51; 101; 151, easily integrate a standard braking system, and automate approximately 80% of the welding. Finally, analyses have demonstrated a 30% reduction in welding time on structure 1, 51; 101; 151 according to the invention compared to conventional structures. It is clear that all these advantages are very significant, as they reduce the manufacturing cost of structure 1, 51; 101; 151 according to the invention and thus make said structure 1, 51; 101; 151 more competitive in a highly competitive market.

[0102] To form a wagon with the structure 1, 51; 101, 151 of wagon according to the invention, it is necessary to place bogies under the first and second coupling platforms 3, 4, 53, 54; 103, 104, 153, 154 and, where applicable, under the articulation platform 63; 163 at the respective crossbeams 24; 124 and crossbeams 74, 75, 174, 175. Furthermore, it is also necessary to integrate into said structure 1, 51; 101, 151 at least electrical cables and / or a hydraulic and pneumatic circuit, and a braking system.

[0103] The wagon structure 1, 51; 101, 151 according to the invention finds particular application in the general field of freight transport on railway tracks. However, it is evident that the wagon structure 1, 51; 101, 151 can be adapted and used, for example, for passenger transport.

[0104] Finally, it goes without saying that the examples of structure 1, 51; 101, 151 in accordance with the invention which have just been described are only particular illustrations, in no way limiting of the invention.

Claims

1. Structure (1, 51; 101, 151) of a freight transport wagon arranged to receive at least two bogies in order to be able to run on rail tracks, comprising at least: - a longitudinal central beam (2, 52; 102, 152) including at least one box (6, 56; 106, 156), - first and second hitch platforms (3, 4, 53, 54; 103, 104, 153, 154) including at least one box (18; 118) and each being fastened to one of the longitudinal ends of said central beam (2, 52; 102, 152), and - a plurality of longitudinal supports (5, 55; 105, 155) fastened opposite one another on either side of said central beam (2, 52; 102, 152) and distributed along the latter between said first and second hitch platforms (3, 4, 53, 54; 103, 104, 153, 154), each of the first and second hitch platforms (3, 4, 53, 54; 103, 104, 153, 154) including at least one partially closed box (18; 118), the latter being formed by at least: - an upper wall (19; 119) having an inverted U-shaped cross-section and comprising a horizontal portion (20; 120) with a rectangular general shape and two flanging edges (21; 121) each extending vertically towards the bottom of the structure (1, 51; 101, 151) from one of the longitudinal edges of said horizontal portion (20; 120), and - a horizontal lower wall (22; 122) with a rectangular general shape and fastened between the two flanging edges (21; 121) of the upper wall (19; 119) so that these advantageously extend beyond said lower wall (22; 122), said upper and lower walls (19, 22; 119, 122) then forming said box (18; 118), the height of each of the first and second hitch platforms (3, 4; 53, 54) being equal to the height at the longitudinal ends of the corresponding box (6, 56; 106, 156) of the central beam (2, 52; 102, 152).

2. Structure (1, 51; 101, 151) according to claim 1, characterised in that each of the first and second hitch platforms (3, 4, 53, 54; 103, 104, 153, 154) includes a crossbar (24; 124) generally in the form of a tube consisting of at least two vertical cores (25; 125) parallel to each other, disposed transversely between the upper and lower walls (19, 22; 119, 122), and connecting these together.

3. Structure (101, 151) according to either one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that each box (106, 156) is formed by at least: - a horizontal upper wing (107, 157) with an elongate rectangular general shape, i.e. its shape is inscribed within an elongate rectangle, - a lower wing (108, 158) comprising a horizontal bottom middle wall (109, 159), two horizontal top end walls (110, 160) and two inclined walls (111, 161) each connecting the middle wall (109, 159) to one of the end walls (110, 160), and - two vertical cores (112, 162) parallel to each other and connecting the upper wing (107, 157) to the lower wing (108, 158) so that said upper and lower wings (107, 157, 108, 158) extend beyond said two cores (112, 162), said upper wing (107, 157) including a plurality of longitudinal flanges (114) disposed opposite one another along each of its vertical longitudinal faces (115), each longitudinal flange (114) being able to form at least a portion of one of the longitudinal supports (105, 155).

4. Structure (101, 151) according to claim 3, characterised in that each of the longitudinal supports (105, 155) includes at least: - a support brace (134) generally inclined fastened between the bottom of the free end of one of the longitudinal flanges (114) of the upper wing (107, 157) of the box (106, 156) of the central beam (102, 152) and the lower wing (108, 158) of said box (106, 156), - a reinforcing web (135) vertically fastened, in the vicinity of the middle of the support brace (134), between the bottom of the upper wing (107, 157), the outer face of one of the vertical cores (112, 162), the top of the lower wing (108, 158) of said box (106, 156), and the inner face of said support brace (134).

5. Structure (101, 151) according to claim 4, characterised in that said support brace (134) has a zigzag-shaped cross-section and comprises at least: - a first vertical wing (136) fastened on the top of the lower wing (108, 158) of the box (106, 156) of the central beam (102, 152), - a second vertical wing (137) fastened on the bottom of the free end of one of the flanges (114) of the upper wing (107, 157) of said box (106, 156), and - an inclined middle wing (138) connecting the top of said first vertical wing (136) and the bottom of said second vertical wing (137).

6. Structure (151) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the longitudinal central beam (152) is articulated and includes two boxes (156) disposed in the continuation of one another and connected together by an articulation platform (163) arranged to receive a bogie in order to be able to run on rail tracks, said articulation platform (163) being split into two portions, a male portion (164) and a female portion (165) connected together by articulation means (166).

7. Structure (151) according to claim 6, characterised in that the end of each of the male (164) and female (165) portions of the articulation platform (163) is in the general form of a partially closed box (167), the latter being formed by at least: - a horizontal upper wall (168, 169) with a rectangular general shape, - a horizontal lower wall (170, 171) with a rectangular general shape, and - two vertical walls (172, 173) parallel to each other and connecting the upper wall (168, 169) to the lower wall (170, 171) so that said upper and lower walls (168, 169; 170, 171) extend beyond said two vertical walls (172, 173), the height of each of said male (164) and female (165) portions being equal to the height at the longitudinal ends of its corresponding box (156)8. Structure (151) according to claim 7, characterised in that the end of each of the male (164) and female (165) portions of the articulation platform (63) includes a crossbar (174, 175) generally in the form of a tube consisting of at least two vertical cores (176, 177) parallel to each other, disposed transversely between the upper and lower walls (168, 169; 170, 171), and connecting these together, said crossbar (174, 175).

9. Structure (151) according to claim 8, characterised in that each of said male (164) and female (165) portions is also formed by the end of the associated box (156), opposite to the first or second hitch platform (153, 154), said end being such that each of the upper and lower wings (157, 158) of said box (156) comprises a protrusion (179, 180) extending horizontally and shaped so as to be respectively fastened at the tip and in the continuation of the upper and lower walls (168, 169; 170, 171) of the corresponding end of said male (164) and female (165) portions, the vertical cores (162) of the box (156) then extending up to the end of said protrusions (179, 180).

10. Structure (151) according to claim 9, characterised in that said protrusions (179, 180) are closed at least partially at the periphery by two angle brackets (181) so that the protrusions (179, 180) - angle brackets (181) assembly forms a box.