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(11) | EP 4 088 983 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | LOAD ANCHORING SYSTEM |
| (57) The present invention relates to a load anchoring system (G) for anchoring to a frame
(B) of a container flat wagon (WG), the frame (B) being provided with two lateral
wings (W) and two anchoring projections (T1, T2) that define between the two a straight
line with a transverse direction (T) and arranged adjacent to each of the external
edges (WE), the load (G) being provided with four anchoring corner pieces (C1, C2,
C3, C4), two of the corner pieces (C1, C2) being engaged in the anchoring projections
(T1, T2), and comprising two anchoring assemblies (1) of the other two corner pieces
(C3, C4), provided with a clamping piece (2) made up of two plates (21, 22) that form
a right angle to each other, such that a first (21) of these plates (21, 22) is facing
a vertical face of the corner piece (C3, C4) and a second (22) to the downward facing
face of the external edge (WE) of the lateral wing (W). |
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a load anchoring system. More specifically, it relates to a load anchoring system for anchoring to a frame of a container flat wagon.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Container flat wagons are wagons that have a platform on top of which containers to be transported are arranged. In order to transport the containers it is necessary to load them and anchor them to the wagon. Load anchoring systems for anchoring to a frame of a container flat wagon are already known in which a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction are defined, the frame being provided with:
- two lateral wings contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and in which two external edges are defined, provided with an upward facing face and a downward facing face;
- two anchoring projections that define between the two a straight line with a transverse direction and arranged adjacent to each of the external edges;
[0003] The load of each wagon often comprises one or more standard containers and a generator that can supply power to one or two containers.
[0004] Known flat wagons make it possible to ensure high load stability in those cases in which each of the four anchoring corner pieces can be engaged in an anchoring projection. However, sometimes, for example in the anchoring of certain loads such as electrical energy generators, the spatial arrangement of the corner pieces is different from that of the projections, preventing any of the corner pieces from engaging in a projection. In these cases, the stability of the position of the load is reduced, the concentration of stresses between the load and the wagon increases, more vibrations occur between the load and the wagon and in the event of an impact or sudden braking, the load can transmit excessively large forces to the wagon, even breaking the corner pieces engaged in the anchoring projections.
[0005] Figure 9 illustrates an example in which only two corner pieces are engaged by means of a conventional anchoring system. Specifically, Figure 9 illustrates a generator G arranged on a metal frame B and prepared for anchoring to the container platform by means of four anchoring corners pieces C1, C2, C3, C4 (the anchoring corners pieces C3 and C4 are not visible in Figure 9). The anchoring corner pieces C1, C2, C3, C4 are arranged in the lower corners of the generator G. The anchoring corner pieces C1 and C2 are anchored to respective projections of the frame B by means of a conventional anchoring system known as a twist lock. However, the anchor corner pieces C3, C4 cannot be anchored to the respective projections of the frame by means of the conventional anchoring system because the distance from the anchoring corner pieces C3, C4 to the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 is different to the distance from the projections corresponding to the anchoring corner pieces C3, C4 to the projections corresponding to the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2.
[0006] Some solutions are known to partially mitigate some of the problems indicated above. Some of these solutions involve attaching the load on the wagon by means of cables, slings or chains pulled tight and attached to the head of the wagon or to the frame itself. However, these solutions are only admissible if the load is going to remain attached to the wagon for a short period of time, that is, if the time between loading and unloading is sufficiently short. In addition, these solutions require cables, slings or chains to remain taut throughout the operation.
[0007] Other solutions involve substantial modifications to the wagon, such as weldings or cuts on the wagon itself.
[0008] Some of the known solutions undesirably involve a loss of the useful load space of the wagon.
[0009] For this reason, a way to solve the problems listed above would be desirable, and in particular that can be used in a broad time interval between loading and unloading, that does not require substantial modifications of the wagon, and that minimises the loss of useful load space of the wagon.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art, a first aspect of the present invention proposes a load anchoring system for anchoring to a frame of a container flat wagon in which a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction are defined, the frame being provided with:
- two lateral wings contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction and in which two external edges are defined, provided with an upward facing face and a downward facing face;
- two anchoring projections that define between the two a straight line with a transverse direction and arranged adjacent to each of the external edges;
[0011] In this way, the attachment of the load to the frame is maximised, particularly in those cases in which not all the anchoring corner pieces of the load can be engaged in the anchoring projections of the frame. To do so, two of the corner pieces engage in anchoring projections of the frame, for example according to a conventional anchoring system, while the other two are anchored to the frame by means of the anchoring assembly. In this way, it changes from anchoring two corner pieces to the frame to anchoring four.
[0012] In addition, the use of the two anchoring assemblies enables the degrees of freedom of movement of the load with respect to the frame to be reduced.
[0013] Furthermore, as the anchoring corner pieces and the anchoring projections of the first aspect of the invention frequently form part of the known loads and frames, respectively, the first aspect of the invention frequently does not require substantial modification of the loads and/or frames, enabling direct use of the anchoring corner pieces and projections thereof.
[0014] It should be added that the load anchoring system according to the present invention makes it possible to easily meet the objectives of the standards of good railway practices and load requirements. It also makes it possible to minimise the negative consequences, such as cracks and deformations, produced for example in an impact of the wagon. In addition, this anchoring system enables the absorption of expansions of the materials in such a way that the stress generated by said expansions is minimised.
[0016] In some embodiments, the system comprises a flexible sheet arranged between the external edge of the lateral wing and the second plate and between the corner piece and the first plate. The flexibility of the flexible sheet enables the absorption of small differences between the geometry of the first plate and the corner piece and between the geometry of the second plate and the external edge of the lateral wing.
[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible sheet is a rubber band. This embodiment is particularly simple because the flexible sheet is a simple rubber sheet.
[0018] In some embodiments, the flexible sheet has a thickness comprised between 3 and 5 mm, and is preferably 4 mm. Therefore, the flexible sheet can be manufactured with little material.
[0019] In some embodiments, the system comprises a vibration absorption block arranged between the corner piece and the external edge of the lateral wing. The vibration absorption block minimises the wear of the corner piece and the external edge of the lateral wing produced as a result of impacts between the corner piece and the external edge of the lateral wing. These impacts can result from vibrations caused for example by the movement of the frame.
[0020] In some embodiments, the system comprises vibration absorption blocks arranged so as to absorb vibrations in three directions orthogonal to each other.
[0021] In some embodiments, the clamping piece is made of carbon steel, preferably S275 or higher limit.
[0022] In some embodiments, the clamping piece has a minimum thickness of 8 mm. Therefore, the clamping piece can be simple, it being possible to manufacture it with relatively little material.
[0023] In some embodiments, the clamping piece has a width comprised between 80 and 120 mm, and is preferably 100 mm. Therefore, the clamping piece can be simple, it being possible to manufacture it with relatively little material.
[0024] In some embodiments, the aggregate length of the first and second plates is comprised between 280 and 320 mm. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the first and second plates with relatively little material.
[0026] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly is made up of a screw and a nut, preferably with the interposition of washers. In this way, a simple clamping assembly enables the anchoring assembly to be fastened to the corner piece and to the frame in a sufficiently robust manner.
[0027] In some embodiments, the clamping assembly has a clamping torque of at least 500 Nm. In this way, the risk that the anchoring between the corner piece and the frame is unexpectedly released as a result of a relatively small force between the frame and the corner piece is minimised.
[0029] In some embodiments, the frame comprises axial retaining projections. In some of these embodiments, the projections retain the load in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction. The axial retaining projections are arranged such that when a force is applied to the load in the retaining direction, they react on the load in the opposite direction to that of the force. This increases the stability of the position of the load.
[0030] In some embodiments, the anchoring projections are fixed and provided with holes, the system being provided with anchoring pins intended to be engaged in a hole in the corner pieces engaged in anchoring projections. The presence of the pin enables an operator to easily visually verify whether the corresponding corner piece and anchoring projection are properly anchored based on the observed position of the pin.
[0031] In some embodiments, the pin is removable from the hole in the corner piece. In this way, a fastening between load and frame can be eliminated easily.
[0032] The different aspects and embodiments of the invention defined above may be combined together, provided that they are mutually compatible.
[0033] Additional advantages and characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows and will be particularly indicated in the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] As a complement to the description, and for the purpose of helping to make the features of the invention more readily understandable, in accordance with preferred practical exemplary embodiments of the system of the invention, said description is accompanied by a set of figures which, by way of illustration and not limitation, represent the following:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a wagon on which a generator has been loaded.
Figure 2 shows a side view of a wagon on which no generator has been loaded.
Figure 3 shows a side view of a frame of a wagon illustrating part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a plan view of a frame of a wagon illustrating part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 5 shows a profile view, an elevation view and a plan view of a generator.
Figure 6 shows part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 7 shows part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a part of an embodiment of a load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a rear view of a loaded wagon showing part of an embodiment of a load anchoring system according to the state of the art.
Figure 10 shows part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 11 shows part of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 12 schematically shows forces exerted by the frame on the load in one embodiment of a load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 13 shows a clamping piece of an embodiment of the load anchoring system according to the present invention.
Figure 14 shows a part of an embodiment of a load anchoring system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0035] In the description of the possible preferred embodiments of the invention, it is necessary to give numerous details to enable a better understanding of the invention. Even so, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, the well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.
[0036] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show three-bogie container flat-type wagons WG. The wagon WG comprises a frame B where a load consisting of a generator G and at least one container F, which can be a standard container, is arranged. The generator G can be an electrical generator for supplying power to one or two containers F. As shown in Figure 1, the generator G is arranged in the longitudinal section delimited by a bogie. The generator G is located in the central portion of the load. The generator G is arranged between two containers F. The platform of the container flat wagon WG has a substantially rectangular plan shape as shown in Figure 4.
[0037] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T defined by the platform of the container flat wagon WG. Furthermore, a vertical direction V is illustrated extending in the direction of the height of the load and pointing upward.
[0038] As illustrated in Figure 4, the frame B is provided with two lateral wings W. External edges WE are defined on the lateral wings W provided with an upward facing face (shown in Figure 4) and a downward facing face (not shown in Figure 4).
[0039] Continuing with Figures 3 and 4, the frame B is provided with anchoring projections T1, T2 arranged adjacent to each of the external edges WE.
[0040] The containers F are anchored to the frames B by means of four anchoring corner pieces anchored according to a conventional anchoring system, part of which is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. However, the generator G is anchored to the frame B by means of an embodiment of the anchoring system according to the present invention. Specifically, two anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 of the generator G are anchored according to conventional anchoring of corner pieces, while two other anchoring corner pieces C3, C4 are anchored by means of a nonconventional anchoring. Corner pieces are also known as buckets.
[0041] Figure 5 shows a generator G. The generator G has a substantially parallelepiped shape, more specifically, a rectangular prism. In the lower portion thereof, the generator G is provided with four anchoring corner pieces C1, C2, C3, C4. More specifically, these anchoring corner pieces C1, C2, C3, C4 are arranged in the lower corners of the generator G. The corner pieces are mechanically fastened to vertical profiles BG that enable a uniform distribution of forces along the height of the generator G.
[0042] Each of the two anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 have a complementary shape to each of the anchoring projections T1, T2, respectively. In addition, the arrangement of the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 corresponds to the arrangement of the anchoring projections T1, T2 such that the two anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 can be engaged in the anchoring projections T1, T2. In this way, the generator G can be anchored to the frame B through the two anchoring projections T1, T2 simultaneously.
[0043] The anchoring corner piece C3 is spaced from the anchoring corner piece C2 according to the longitudinal direction L. The anchoring corner piece C4 is spaced from the anchoring corner piece C1 according to the longitudinal direction L. The anchoring corner piece C1 is spaced from the anchoring corner piece C2 according to the transverse direction T. The anchoring corner piece C4 is spaced from the anchoring corner piece C3 according to the transverse direction T.
[0044] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate part of a conventional anchoring that forms part of the anchoring system according to the present invention. As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, each of the two anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 engage in an anchoring projection T1, T2. Each anchoring projection T1, T2 is provided with a hole OT1, OT2 for inserting a pin P, which can be a standard pin. In addition, each of the two anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 is provided with a hole O1, O2 through which the pin P passes in order to reach the hole OT1, OT2 of the anchoring projection T1, T2. The anchoring projection T1, T2 can be an anchoring projection that does not require turning to close the anchoring between the anchoring corner piece C1, C2 and the respective anchoring projection T1, T2.
[0045] Each pin P is mechanically coupled to a chain CP, which mechanically connects the pin P to the frame B. This chain makes it possible to ensure that the pin P is permanently located close to the corresponding anchoring projection T1, T2.
[0046] As illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the anchoring system comprises an anchoring assembly 1 of the anchoring corner piece C3 and another anchoring assembly 1 of the anchoring corner piece C4. Each anchoring assembly 1 is provided with a clamping piece 2. Each clamping piece 2 is made up of a first plate 21 and a second plate 22 which form a substantially right angle to each other. For example, the clamping piece 2 can be formed by cold bending a sheet of carbon steel S275, so as to define the two plates 21, 22. In particular, the first plate extends in a plane defined by the vertical direction V and the longitudinal direction L; the second plate extends in a plane defined by the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction L.
[0047] The first plate 21 is arranged facing one face of the anchoring corner piece C3, C4. In particular, a flexible sheet 3 is interposed between the first plate 21 and the anchoring corner piece C3, C4. The first plate 21, the flexible sheet 3 and the face of the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 facing the first plate have aligned through holes such that a clamping assembly TT can be installed in these through holes. The clamping assembly TT fastens the first plate 21 to the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 by clamping the first plate 21 against the anchoring corner piece C3, C4. Specifically, this clamping assembly TT presses the first plate 21 against the flexible sheet 3, and therefore causes the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 to be pressed by the flexible sheet 3.
[0048] Figure 6 shows an axial retaining projection BL in contact with the anchoring corner piece C4.
[0049] As can be seen in Figures 6 and 8, the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 can be provided with a hole O3, O4 that does not require a pin to pass through to anchor the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 to the frame B.
[0050] As illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the first plate 21 of the clamping piece 2A can be inclined with respect to the vertical direction V. In this way, a clamping piece 2A that, despite the presence of the obstacle 5, can be used in the anchoring system according to the present invention is achieved. If the first plate 21 of the clamping piece 2A was not inclined with respect to the vertical direction V, for example if an attempt were made to replace the clamping piece 2A with the clamping piece 2 in Figure 14, the obstacle 5 would prevent the installation of the clamping piece 2. In this way, by adapting the shape of the first plate 21, it is possible to install the anchoring system of the present invention despite the presence of obstacles located near the anchoring corner pieces C3, C4.
[0051] The clamping assembly TT is made up of a screw, a nut and a washer. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the head of the screw is arranged on the face of the first plate 21 furthest from the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 to which the anchoring assembly 1 is applied.
[0052] As illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, the second plate 22 is arranged facing the downward facing face of the external edge WE. In addition, the second plate 22 contacts the lateral wing W, specifically the web of the lateral wing W. A flexible sheet 3 is arranged between the second plate 22 and the downward facing face of the external edge WE, which is pressed by the second plate 22. A vibration absorption block 4 is arranged between the upward facing face of the external edge WE of the lateral wing W and the anchoring corner piece C3, C4.
[0053] Figure 12 illustrates the forces that the frame B can exert on the generator G when the generator G is anchored to the frame B by means of the load anchoring system of the present invention. These forces can arise, for example, as a result of impacts or sudden braking. As illustrated in Figure 12, the frame B is capable of exerting a force on the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 in the longitudinal direction L in both directions of said longitudinal direction L. In addition, the frame B is capable of exerting a force on the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 in the transverse direction T in both directions of said transverse direction T. Furthermore, the frame B is capable of exerting a force on the anchoring corner pieces C1, C2 in the vertical direction V upwards.
[0054] As illustrated in Figure 12, the frame B is capable of exerting a force on the anchoring corner pieces C3, C4 in the transverse direction T in a single direction. Specifically, the direction followed by these forces is the one that goes from the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 towards the first plate 21 of the corresponding clamping piece 2, 2A. As can be seen in Figure 8, this force is due to the fact that if an external force (for example, an inertial force) is exerted on the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 in the transverse direction and in the direction towards the inside of the frame B, as the second plate 22 is in contact with the web of the lateral wing W, the plate 22 presses on the web such that the anchoring corner piece C3 does not move.
[0055] As illustrated in Figure 12, the frame B is capable of exerting a force on the anchoring corner pieces C3, C4 in the vertical direction V in both directions. As illustrated in Figure 8, this force is due to the fact that if an external force (for example, an inertial force) pushes the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 upwards, the pressure of the second plate 22 on the flexible sheet 3 would increase but the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 would not move. On the contrary, if an external force (for example, an inertial force) pushes the anchoring corner piece C3 downwards, the lateral wing W would exert the corresponding reaction upwards such that the anchoring corner piece C3, C4 would not move.
[0056] In order to meet the requirements for granting a utility model in Spain, in this utility model application any method or use derived from an interpretation of the term "system" is excluded from the scope of protection.
[0057] In light of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art may understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations may be introduced in said preferred embodiments without detracting from the object of the invention as claimed.
1. A load anchoring system (G) for anchoring to a frame (B) of a container flat wagon
(WG) in which a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T) are defined,
the frame (B) being provided with:
characterised in that it comprises two anchoring assemblies (1) of the other two corner pieces (C3, C4), each provided with a clamping piece (2) made up of two plates (21, 22) that form a substantially right angle to each other, such that a first (21) of these plates (21, 22) is facing a vertical face of the corner piece (C3, C4) and a second (22) of these plates (21, 22) is facing the downward facing face of the external edge (WE) of the lateral wing (W), the first plate (21) being provided with a through hole, the first plate (21) being fastened to the corner piece (C3, C4) by means of a clamping assembly (TT) that passes through a hole in the corner piece and the hole in the first plate (21).
- two lateral wings (W) contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T) and in which two external edges (WE) are defined, provided with an upward facing face and a downward facing face;
- two anchoring projections (T1, T2) that define between the two a straight line with a transverse direction (T) and arranged adjacent to each of the external edges (WE);
the load (G) being provided with four anchoring corner pieces (C1, C2, C3, C4) in the four lower corners thereof, two of the corner pieces (C1, C2) being engaged in the anchoring projections (T1, T2),characterised in that it comprises two anchoring assemblies (1) of the other two corner pieces (C3, C4), each provided with a clamping piece (2) made up of two plates (21, 22) that form a substantially right angle to each other, such that a first (21) of these plates (21, 22) is facing a vertical face of the corner piece (C3, C4) and a second (22) of these plates (21, 22) is facing the downward facing face of the external edge (WE) of the lateral wing (W), the first plate (21) being provided with a through hole, the first plate (21) being fastened to the corner piece (C3, C4) by means of a clamping assembly (TT) that passes through a hole in the corner piece and the hole in the first plate (21).
2. The system according to claim 1, comprising a flexible sheet (3) arranged between
the external edge (WE) of the lateral wing (W) and the second plate (22) and between
the corner piece (C3, C4) and the first plate (21).
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the flexible sheet (3) is a rubber band.
4. The system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet (3) has a thickness
comprised between 3 and 5 mm, and is preferably 4 mm.
5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a vibration absorption
block (4) arranged between the corner piece (C3, C4) and the external edge (WE) of
the lateral wing (W).
6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping piece (2)
is made of carbon steel, preferably S275 or higher limit.
7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping piece (2)
has a minimum thickness of 8 mm.
8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping piece (2)
has a width comprised between 80 and 120 mm, and is preferably 100 mm.
9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aggregate length
of the first (21) and second plates (22) is comprised between 280 and 320 mm.
10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first (21) and second
plates (22) form an angle comprised between 85 and 90°.
11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping assembly
(TT) is made up of a screw and a nut, preferably with the interposition of washers.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the clamping assembly (TT) is made of M35
steel.
13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (B) comprises
axial retaining projections (BL).
14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anchoring projections
(T1, T2) are fixed and are provided with holes (OT1, OT2), the system being provided
with anchoring pins (P) intended to be engaged in a hole in the corner pieces (C1,
C2) engaged in anchoring projections (T1, T2).