ARTICULATED RAMP SYSTEM FOR LOW-LOAD CARS

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting structure (2) of a railway wagon (1), in particular for transporting vehicles, comprising a lowered loading platform (11) having rising end parts (12) intended to be mounted on a bogie (3, 4, 8, 9) of the wagon (1) and to extend at least partly over said bogie (3, 4, 8, 9), a ramp system (5) comprising articulated ramps (13, 14), located in the vicinity of a rising end (12), the ramps (13, 14) moving between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the movement of vehicles towards and away from the lowered loading platform (11) is facilitated.According to the invention, the ramp system (5) comprises on the one hand manual actuation means and / or mounting means on said supporting structure, for manually moving, without payload, the ramps (13, 14), between their deployed position and their retracted position and on the other hand manual locking members (17) for locking the ramps (13, 14) in the deployed position. Figure for the abstract: Fig 4b.

Description

Title of the invention: ARTICULATED RAMP SYSTEM FOR LOW-LOAD WAGON Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of rail transport of vehicles, in particular military or other vehicles. Rail transport is based on the use of wagons adapted for loading and unloading vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to the technical field of low-loader wagons, which have a supporting structure whose loading platform is lowered relative to the height above the bogies. These low-loader wagons make it possible to transport bulky vehicles thanks to their loading platforms located as close as possible to the ground and to comply with the railway gauge.

[0003] The invention relates to different types of railway wagons, in particular single wagons comprising a supporting structure and two bogies, double wagons comprising two supporting structures and three bogies as well as triple wagons comprising three supporting structures and four bogies. Such wagons are already known in their general configuration and will therefore not be described in detail herein. Prior art

[0004] It is known, through the document FR 2 706 838, to equip low-floor railway wagons with mobile ramps. The supporting structure of the wagons described has end parts located at a height greater than the height of the loading platform, to allow its mounting on a bogie. The supporting structure thus has in the vicinity of each of its ends a connecting part, for example in the form of a swan neck, connecting the loading platform to the end part located above a bogie.

[0005] Thus, when loading or unloading vehicles, the latter must cross, for example when moving from one wagon to another or from one loading platform to another, a slope of approximately 40°. The mobile ramps described in document FR 2 706 838 are articulated on the loading platform and maneuvered from above using a maneuvering means offset to the side of the wagon chassis. Such a solution is bulky and substantially increases the weight of the wagon. Reliability over time also seems to be affected insofar as a solution with two separate tracks, to form a traffic ramp, requires a solid synchronization mechanism if one wishes to avoid the risks of wear and deformation of its constituent parts, during the simultaneous movement of the tracks. Such a disadvantage is accentuated to the extent that the force of movement of the tracks is applied to one of the tracks on only one lateral side of the wagon.

[0006] Fixed ramps could be provided, but they would reduce the loading space available on the loading platform. Presentation of the invention

[0007] For a railway wagon, the width of the railway gauge is linked to the wheelbase of said wagon. Thus, the longer the wheelbase, the more the railway gauge width must be reduced.

[0008] To maximize the loading length, the rising parts of the wagon located between the high platform (above the bogies) and the lowered loading platform have a very steep slope. Such steep slopes are not compatible with the movement of vehicles to be loaded onto the wagon. The use of ramps during loading of the wagon is therefore necessary.

[0009] The object of the invention therefore aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a new supporting structure for low-floor railway wagons, making it possible to increase the loading lengths.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a new supporting structure comprising a lightweight, space-saving ramp system to facilitate the safe crossing of sectors with increased height when moving from one loading platform to another,

[0011] Another object of the invention is to propose a new supporting structure equipped with ramps whose movement between a retracted position and a deployed position is carried out quickly and reliably and does not require actuating means likely to clutter up the loading space.

[0012] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a supporting structure of a railway wagon, in particular for the transport of vehicles, comprising a lowered loading platform having rising end parts intended to be mounted on a bogie of the wagon and to extend at least partly over said bogie, at least one ramp system comprising ramps, located in the vicinity of a rising end part, said ramps moving between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the movement of vehicles towards and outside the lowered loading platform is facilitated, characterized in that the ramp system comprises on the one hand manual actuation means and / or mounting means on said supporting structure, for manually moving the ramps, excluding the payload,between their deployed position and their retracted position and on the other hand manual locking devices to block the ramps in position, deployed.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramp system comprises two ramps each positioned on a circulation deck for the wheels of the vehicles of the loading platform, each of the ramps comprising at least one end which remains in mechanical connection with a rising end part, in the retracted position and in the deployed position of each of said ramps.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the manual locking members act simultaneously on the two ramps arranged laterally on the loading platform in the vicinity of the corresponding end rising part.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking members comprise a tilting crutch, positioned in a locking position resting against the ramp and in an unlocking position, along the lowered loading platform.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramp system comprises for each of the ramps, a compression spring, which is mounted between the lowered loading platform and the ramp to maintain it in its deployed position in the absence of a load resting on said ramp or to assist the operator when moving the ramps to their deployed position by reducing the effort required for such movement.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramps are each made of two ramp sections, one of which is mechanically connected to the lowered loading platform and the other of which is mechanically connected to the rising end part.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the two ramp sections and are articulated to each other.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the ramp sections is articulated by one end B to the rising end part and the other ramp section is articulated by one end A to the lowered loading platform.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the rising end part comprises a housing in which at least part of the ramp is inserted when it is in a retracted position.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramps are mechanically independent of one another and are moved individually or together and moved concomitantly.

[0022] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a low-floor railway wagon comprising a supporting structure as presented above and two end bogies on which said supporting structure is mounted.

[0023] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a low-floor railway wagon comprising two supporting structures as presented above, two end bogies and a central bogie, on which the supporting structures are mounted.

[0024] The objects assigned to the invention are achieved using a low-floor railway wagon comprising three supporting structures as presented above, two end bogies and two central bogies, the central supporting structure being mounted on the two central bogies and the other supporting structures each being mounted on an end bogie and on a central bogie.

[0025] The supporting structure according to the invention has the enormous advantage of being able to be maneuvered manually by an operator and therefore does not require an on-board or dockside power source to deploy and retract the ramps of the ramp system. The same applies to actuating locking means for locking the ramps in their deployed position.

[0026] The absence of ramp actuating devices makes it possible to reduce the size of the loading space on the supporting structure and to avoid any risk of malfunction of such devices linked to the use of electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators.

[0027] The ramp system of a supporting structure according to the invention can thus be operated by a single operator in complete safety. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples, in which:

[0029] [Fig. 1a][Fig. 1b] Figures 1a and 1b are schematic and partial side views of an example of a simple railway wagon comprising a supporting structure provided with a ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed and retracted state,

[0030] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a double railway wagon comprising two supporting structures in accordance with the invention provided with ramp systems,

[0031] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a triple railway wagon comprising three supporting structures in accordance with the invention provided with ramp systems,

[0032] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4a] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a double railway wagon platform comprising two supporting structures in accordance with the invention,

[0033] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is a partial and enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a railway wagon comprising a supporting structure conforming to the invention with a ramp system in a deployed state,

[0034] [Fig.4c] [Fig.4c] is a partial and enlarged perspective view of an example of production of a railway wagon comprising a supporting structure in accordance with the invention with a ramp system in a retracted state,

[0035] [Fig.5a][Fig.5b][Fig.5c] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c illustrate an enlarged and partial detail of an exemplary embodiment of the supporting structure according to the invention, with respectively a ramp in the retracted, deployed and locked state,

[0036] [Fig.6a] [Fig.6b] Figures 6a and 6b schematically and partially illustrate a exemplary embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0037] [Fig.7a][Fig.7b] Figures 7a and 7b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0038] [Fig.8a][Fig.8b] Figures 8a and 8b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0039] [Fig.9a][Fig.9b] Figures 9a and 9b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0040] [Fig. 10a] [Fig. 10b] Figures 10a and 10b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0041] [Fig. 11 a][Fig. 11b] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate schematically and partially another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0042] [Fig. 12a] [Fig. 12b] Figures 12a and 12b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0043] [Fig. 13a] [Fig. 13b] Figures 13a and 13b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state,

[0044] [Fig. 14a] [Fig. 14b] Figures 14a and 14b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state, and

[0045] [Fig.l5a][Fig.l5b] Figures 15a and 15b schematically and partially illustrate another example of embodiment of the ramp system according to the invention, respectively in a deployed state and in a retracted state. Detailed description of the invention

[0046] Structurally and functionally identical or similar elements, present in several distinct figures, are assigned the same numerical or alphanumeric reference.

[0047] [Fig. 1a] is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a low-level railway wagon 1 comprising a supporting structure 2 and two end bogies 3, 4 on which said supporting structure 2 is mounted. The supporting structure 2 comprises a system of retractable ramps 5 in the vicinity of at least one of its ends 6 and 7. Advantageously, the supporting structure 2 comprises a system of retractable ramps 5 in the vicinity of each of its ends 6 and 7.

[0048] [Fig. 1a] illustrates the supporting structure 2 comprising, in the vicinity of each of its longitudinal ends 6 and 7, a ramp system 5 in a deployed state. [Fig. 1b] illustrates the same supporting structure 2 with the ramp system 5 in a retracted state.

[0049] [Fig. 2] is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a double railway wagon 1 comprising two supporting structures 2a, 2b, two end bogies 3, 4 and a central bogie 8, on which the supporting structures 2a, 2b are mounted.

[0050] Each supporting structure 2a, 2b comprises a system of retractable ramps 5 in the vicinity of at least one of its respective longitudinal ends 6, 7. Advantageously, each supporting structure 2a, 2b comprises a system of retractable ramps 5 in the vicinity of each of its longitudinal ends 6, 7.

[0051] [Fig. 3] is a schematic and partial side view of an example of a triple railway wagon 1 comprising three supporting structures 2c, 2d, 2e, two end bogies 3, 4 and two central bogies 8, 9. The central supporting structure 2c is mounted on the two central bogies 8, 9. A second supporting structure 2d is mounted on one of the central bogies 8 and on an end bogie 3 and a third supporting structure 2e is mounted on the other central bogie 9 and on the other end bogie 4.

[0052] [Fig.4a] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a double wagon 1, comprising ramp systems 5. The supporting structure 2a comprises a retractable ramp system 5 in the vicinity of the end bogie 3 and a ramp system 5 in the vicinity of the central bogie 8. The supporting structure 2b comprises a retractable ramp system 5 in the vicinity of a rising part 12 of said supporting structure 2a or 2b, in the vicinity of the end bogie 4 and a ramp system 5 in the vicinity of another rising part 12 of said supporting structure 2a or 2b, in the vicinity of the central bogie 8.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment, not shown in the figures, the structure carrier 2a comprises fixed ramps 10. The latter have a slope of between 12° and 20° and preferably equal to 13° (to be validated) and connect a lowered loading platform 11 of the carrier structure 2 to a rising part 12. The latter extends at least partly above the central bogie 8. The carrier structure 2b comprises a system of retractable ramps 5 in the vicinity of the end bogie 4, while in the vicinity of the central bogie 8, the carrier structure 2b comprises fixed ramps 10. The latter have a slope of between 12° and 20° and preferably equal to 13° and connect the loading platform 11 of the carrier structure 2b to a rising part 12.

[0054] A rising part 12 of the supporting structure 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e connects the lowered loading platform 11 to a high deck located above an end bogie 3, 4 or central bogie 8, 9.

[0055] [Fig.4b] is a partial perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the railway wagon 1 comprising the retractable ramp system 5. The ramp system 5 is shown in its deployed position.

[0056] The retractable ramp system 5 comprises a ramp 13 and a ramp 14 positioned in the extension of circulation platforms 15, 16 of the supporting structure 2.

[0057] [Fig.4c] is a partial and enlarged perspective view of the railway wagon 1 of [Fig.4b] in which the supporting structure 2 comprises the ramp system 5 in a retracted state.

[0058] Advantageously, the ramp system 5 comprises, on the one hand, manual actuation means and / or mounting means on said supporting structure, for manually moving, without payload, the ramps 13, 14, between their deployed position and their retracted position. The manual actuation means comprise, for example, an operating lever located on each side of the supporting structure 2.

[0059] The manual actuation means make it possible, according to an exemplary embodiment, to simultaneously move the two ramps, for example mechanically connected to each other.

[0060] According to another exemplary embodiment, the ramps 13, 14 are mechanically independent and moved individually.

[0061] Each of the ramps 13, 14, comprises at least one end which remains in mechanical connection with a rising end part 12 and this in the retracted position and in the deployed position of each of said ramps 13, 14. The same applies during the transition between the retracted position to the deployed position and vice versa.

[0062] The two ramps 13 and 14 arranged laterally on said supporting structure 2 at vicinity of the end upright portion 12 and are moved, advantageously, manually between the retracted position and the deployed position.

[0063] Each of the ramps 13, 14 is associated with locking members 17, which, once arranged in its locking position, allows the ramps 13, 14 to be blocked and held in their deployed position.

[0064] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking members 17 are manual and act simultaneously on the two ramps 13, 14 arranged laterally on the loading platform 11 in the vicinity of the rising part 12.

[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, the locking members 17 are manual and act individually on each of the two ramps 13, 14 to lock them in their deployed position.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking members 17 comprise a tilting stand 17a, which, in its locking position, is arranged to bear against the ramp 13, 14. In its unlocking position, the stand 17a is arranged along the loading platform 11. The stand 17a is advantageously tilted manually by an operator.

[0067] [Fig.5a] illustrates in more detail an example of embodiment of the locking members 17, which are for example associated with a compression spring 18.

[0068] Advantageously, the crutches 17a associated with the respective ramps 13, 14 are connected to each other by means of a shaft so as to be able to be actuated simultaneously from one side of the supporting structure 2, for example with an operating handle 17b.

[0069] The ramp 13, 14 is illustrated in [Fig.5a] in a retracted position. According to this embodiment, the ramp system 5 comprises for each of the ramps 13 and 14, a compression spring 18, which is mounted between the lowered loading platform 11 and the ramp 13, 14. The compression spring 18 compresses when a load C is placed on the ramp 13, 14.

[0070] The compression spring 18 makes it possible to maintain in its deployed position, in the absence of load C resting on said ramp 13, 14 and this thanks to its return force, as illustrated in [Fig.5b].

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment and dimensioning of the compression spring 18, the latter makes it possible to arrange the ramp 13, 14, in the absence of a load resting on said ramp 13, 14, in an intermediate position located between the deployed position and the retracted position. The effort required by the operator to bring the ramp 13, 14 into its deployed position or into its retracted position is therefore substantially reduced.

[0072] Thus, when the stand 17a is tilted into its unlocked position, a vehicle loaded on the lowered loading platform 11 can move and po position the wheels of an axle on the ramps 13 and 14. The latter will then lower against the return force of the compression springs 18 and allow the vehicle to approach as closely as possible to a rising part 12 of the supporting structure 2. This approach is then carried out by moving in a plane substantially in the continuity of the loading platform 11.

[0073] When the stand 17a is tilted into its locking position, a vehicle loaded on the lowered loading platform 11 can move from one supporting structure to the next, crossing without difficulty and safely a rising part 12 at the level of the end bogies or the central bogies 8, 9. The ramps 13 and 14 advantageously have, in the deployed position, a slope of approximately 13°.

[0074] Different embodiments of the ramps 13, 14 are described below.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ramps 13 and 14 are made in two ramp sections, one of which 13b, 14b is mechanically connected to the lowered loading platform 11 and the other 13a, 14a is mechanically connected to the rising end part 12. The above mechanical connections are made with pivot joints, with sliding pivot joints or with support connections.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, the two ramp sections 13a, 13b, and 14a, 14b are articulated to each other.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the ramp sections 13a, 14a rests on another ramp section 13b, 14b.

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the ramp sections 13a, 14a is articulated by one section end to the rising end part 12 and the other ramp section 13b, 14b is articulated by one section end to the lowered loading platform 11.

[0079] According to another exemplary embodiment, the ramps 13 and 14 are made in a single piece or section.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the ramps 13 and 14 are mechanically independent of each other and are moved individually between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0081] According to another preferred embodiment, the ramp sections 13a, 13b, respectively 14a, 14b are mechanically independent of each other and are moved individually between their retracted and deployed positions.

[0082] In the following, different embodiments of the ramp system 5 are described. For each of the examples described, reference will only be made to a single ramp 13 or to only the ramp sections 13a and 13b. A strictly identical description can be transposed to the other ramp 14 or to the ramp sections 14a and 14b.

[0083] Figures 6a and 6b schematically and partially illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the ramp system 5, respectively in a deployed state and in a deployed state. retracted. The ramp 13, in a single section, is articulated with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a pivot 19 sliding in an oblong housing 20. The other end B of the ramp 13 is locked on the rising part 12 in the high position, or in the low position using a locking member, for example a rod or a pin. Locking in the high position of the other end B corresponds to the deployed position ([Fig.6a]) of the ramp 13 and locking in the low position corresponds to the retracted position of said ramp 13 shown in [Fig.6b],

[0084] The embodiment of the ramp system 5, illustrated in figures 7a and 7b, differs from the example of figures 6a and 6b, by the mechanical connection between the end A of the ramp 13 in a single section, and the loading platform 11. This mechanical connection is a simple connection by support. The end A rests on the loading platform 11.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b, the ramp 13, in a single section, is articulated with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a pivot 19. The other end B of the ramp 13 is locked on the rising part 12 in the high position or in the low position using a locking member. Locking in the high position of the other end B ([Fig.8a]) corresponds to the deployed position of the ramp 13 and locking in the low position corresponds to the retracted position of said ramp 13. The passage from the high position to the low position or vice versa is ensured by a projecting element on the other end B, guided in a curved groove 21 formed in the rising part 12.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b, the ramp 13 is made of two ramp sections 13a and 13b hinged together at one of their ends by means of a hinge 13c. The ramp section 13b is hinged with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a pivot 19 sliding in an oblong housing 20. The other end B of the ramp section 13a is hinged on the rising part 12 in a high position by means of a pivot 19a. Once deployed, the ramp sections 13a and 13b are locked in position by the stand 17a at their common hinge 13c. When the stand 17a is retracted, the articulation 13c between the two ramp sections 13a and 13b is released and the ramp section 13a comes to bear against the rising part 12. The ramp section 13b then comes to rest horizontally on the loading platform 11, thanks to the sliding of the pivot 19 in the oblong housing 20.

[0087] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, the ramp 13 is made of two ramp sections 13a and 13b hinged together at one of their ends by means of a sliding pivot 13c. The ramp section 13b is hinged with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a pivot connection 19. The other end B of the ramp section 13a is hinged to the rising part 12 in a high position, using another pivot connection 20. Once deployed, the ramp sections 13a and 13b are locked in position by the stand 17a at their common articulation 13c. When the stand 17a is retracted, the articulation between the two ramp sections 13a and 13b is released and the ramp section 13a comes to bear against the rising part 12. The ramp section 13b then comes to rest horizontally on the loading platform 11, thanks to the sliding of the other pivot 13c on or in the ramp section 13b.

[0088] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 11a and 11b, the ramp 13 is made of two ramp sections 13a and 13b hinged together at one of their ends by means of a pivot 13c. The ramp section 13b is hinged with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a pivot connection 17. The other end B of the ramp section 13a rests on the rising part 12 in a high position, using a support connection. Once deployed, the ramp sections 13a and 13b are locked in position by the stand 17a on which the ramp section 13b rests. When the stand 17a is retracted, the articulation between the two ramp sections 13a and 13b is released and the ramp section 13a slides downwards and rests on the rising part 12 by pivoting around the pivot 13c.The ramp section 13b then rests horizontally on the loading platform 11, tilting thanks to the other pivot 19.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12a and 12b, the ramp 13 is made of two ramp sections 13a and 13b hinged together at one of their ends by means of a pivot 13c. The ramp section 13b rests with one end A on the loading platform 11 by means of a support connection. The other end B of the ramp section 13a is hinged to the rising part 12 in a high position, using a pivot connection 19a. Once deployed, the ramp sections 13a and 13b are locked in position by the stand 17a on which the ramp section 13b rests. When the stand 17a is retracted, the articulation between the two ramp sections 13a and 13b is released and the ramp section 13a pivots downwards to rest on the rising part 12.The ramp section 13b then comes to rest horizontally on the loading platform 11, pivoting downwards and sliding with its end A on said loading platform 11.

[0090] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b, the ramp 13 is made of two ramp sections 13a and 13b which have between them a support and sliding connection towards one of their ends. The ramp section 13a rests on a part of the ramp section 13b in their deployed position. The ramp section 13b is articulated with one end A on the platform of loading 11 via a pivot connection 19. The other end B of the ramp section 13a is hinged to the rising part 12 in a high position, using another pivot connection 19a. Once deployed, the ramp sections 13a and 13b are locked in position by the stand 17a on which the ramp section 13b and the ramp section 13a rest. When the stand 17a is retracted, the connection between the two ramp sections 13a and 13b is released and the ramp section 13a pivots downwards to come to rest on the rising part 12 or on the ramp section 13b. The ramp section 13b comes to rest horizontally on the loading platform 11, after having pivoted downwards on said loading platform 11.

[0091] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14a and 14b, the ramp 13, in a single section, in its deployed position, rests with one end A on the loading platform 11. The other end B of the ramp 13 is articulated using a pivot connection 19a in the upper part on the rising part 12. The transition from the retracted position to the deployed position of the ramp 13, or vice versa, is ensured by a pivoting of the ramp 13 around the pivot 19a. In the retracted position, the ramp 13 extends horizontally and rests on the upper part of the rising part 12.

[0092] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 15a and 15b, the ramp 13, in a single section, in its deployed position, rests with one end A on the loading platform 11. The other end B of the ramp 13 has a projecting element or a pivot 19a ensuring its maintenance in a horizontal and elongated sliding housing 12b, arranged in the upper part 12a of the rising part 12. The transition from the deployed position to the retracted position of the ramp 13 is ensured by a lifting or tilting upwards of the ramp 13 and by a sliding insertion of the ramp 13 into the sliding housing 12b.

[0093] It is obvious that the present description is not limited to the examples explicitly described, but also includes other embodiments. Thus, a described technical characteristic may be replaced by an equivalent technical characteristic, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) of a railway wagon (1) in particular for the transport of vehicles, comprising a lowered loading platform (11) having rising end parts (12) intended to be mounted on a bogie (3, 4, 8, 9) of the wagon (1) and to extend at least partly on said bogie (3, 4, 8, 9), at least one ramp system (5) comprising ramps (13, 14), located in the vicinity of a rising end part (12), said ramps (13, 14) moving between a retracted position and a deployed position in which the movement of vehicles towards and away from the lowered loading platform (11) is facilitated, characterized in that the ramp system (5) comprises on the one hand actuating means manuals and / or mounting means on said supporting structure, for manually moving, excluding payload, the ramps (13, 14),between their deployed position and their retracted position and on the other hand manual locking members (17) to block the ramps (13, 14) in the deployed position.,

2. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ramp system (5) comprises two ramps (13, 14) each positioned on a circulation deck (la) of the wheels of the vehicles of the loading platform (11), each of the ramps (13, 14) comprising at least one end which remains in mechanical connection with a rising end part (12), in the retracted position and in the deployed position of each of said ramps (13, 14).

3. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the manual locking members (17) act simultaneously on the two ramps (13, 14) arranged laterally on the loading platform (11) in the vicinity of the corresponding end rising part (12).

4. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking members (17) comprise a tilting crutch (17a), positioned in a locking position resting against the ramp (13, 14) and in an unlocking position, along the lowered loading platform (11).

5. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ramp system (5) comprises for each of the ramps (13, 14), a compression spring (16), which is mounted between the lowered loading platform (11) and the ramp (13, 14) to maintain it in its deployed position in the absence of a load resting on said ramp (13, 14) or to assist the operator when moving the ramps (13, 14) to their deployed position by reducing the effort required for such movement.

6. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ramps (13, 14) are each made of two ramp sections (13a, 13b) and (14a, 14b), one of which (13b, 14b) is mechanically connected to the lowered loading platform (11) and the other (13a, 14a) is mechanically connected to the rising end part (12).

7. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to claim 5, characterized in that the two ramp sections (13a, 13b) and (14a, 14b) are hinged to each other.

8. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that one (13a, 14a) of the ramp sections is articulated by one end B to the rising end part (12) and the other ramp section (13b, 14b) is articulated by one end A to the lowered loading platform (11).

9. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rising end part (12) comprises a housing in which at least part of the ramp (13, 14) is inserted when it is in a retracted position.

10. Supporting structure (2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the ramps (13, 14) are mechanically independent of each other and are moved individually.

11. Low-level railway wagon (1) comprising a supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and two end bogies (3, 4) on which said supporting structure (2) is mounted.

12. Low-bed railway wagon (1) comprising two supporting structures (2a, 2b) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, two end bogies (3, 4) and a central bogie (8), on which the supporting structures (2a, 2b) are mounted.

13. Low-bed railway wagon (1) comprising three supporting structures (2c, 2d, 2e) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, two end bogies (3, 4) and two central bogies (8, 9), the central supporting structure (2c) being mounted on the two central bogies (8, 9) and the other supporting structures (2d, 2e) each being mounted on an end bogie (3, 4) and on a central bogie (8, 9).

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