RACK MODULE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING RAILWAY RAILS ON RAILWAY WAGONS

Abstract

 The subject-matter of the invention is a rack module for transporting railway rails on railway wagons, the rack module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon. Furthermore, the rack module comprises separating means to create a gap in the form of a clear space between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load placed on the turning beams (5a,5b). The rack module can be converted into a mobile yoke module. The subject-matter of the invention is also a system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons, preferably intermodal wagons for transporting containers, are built over, comprising at least one rack module according to the invention and a method for transporting rails on railway wagons having the system for transporting rails of the invention attached to them.

Description

[0001] The subject-matter of the invention is a rack module for transporting railway rails on railway wagons and a system for transporting railway rails, with which intermodal railway wagons are built over, especially with clear space between the rail head and the upper layer on turning beams, and reducing the need to climb onto the wagon during loading, including a mobile yoke for transporting short rails. The subject-matter of the invention is also a method for transporting rails on railway wagons. The present invention relates to aspects related to transporting rails. The field of the solution relates to the method for transporting rails and related devices, implemented by means such as suitable turning beams on racks for transporting rails, said racks being used for transporting this type of load.

[0002] Various types of systems for transporting railway rails are known on the transport market, such as the system from Vossloh, with which Rs and Rns type wagons are built over on a permanent basis. Six wagons are built over with the system, with a yoke positioned on the third wagon that presses the rails down and has a hydraulic and mechanical pressure means consisting of two independent racks located close to each other. The pressure at the yoke is realised from below. The transported rails rest on turning beams, on three layers. Each lower layer of rails is pressed down by the upper layer, so when travelling along curves, the rails, as they move, have to overcome the frictional resistance created at the interface between the lower turning beam and the upper turning beam. Because the frictional resistance is high, the pressing yoke is unable to hold the rails and they move relative to their original position. Both the pressing yoke and the turning beams are opened and closed manually, i.e. the operator has to climb onto the wagon to first open the pressing yoke and the turning beams and close the turning beams after each layer has been loaded. Before each loading, the operator must grease each turning beam to reduce friction between the rail foot and the turning beam. Greasing is carried out manually with a brush or any other object capable of applying grease. The ends of the system are built over with a protective wall to prevent the rails from sliding out by accident and hitting a vehicle in front.

[0003] A rail support device is known from document PL/EP 3124696, the device having two opposed vertical posts, laterally delimiting a support region; a ground sill extending in a vertically lower region between the posts, defining on an upper surface a rail support surface for parking rails; a clamping bar extending horizontally above the ground sill, fixed to the posts, having a bearing surface on an underside for mounting on the rail heads a layer of rails stored on the rail support device; and a tensioning mechanism for applying a clamping force acting vertically between the ground sill and the clamping bar, wherein the rail support surface is mobile with respect to the body of the ground sill in the vertical direction and the bearing surface is mobile in the vertical direction relative to a body of the clamping bar, wherein one of the surfaces, rail support surface or bearing surface can be adjusted by means of an actuating drive belonging to the tensioning mechanism, actively in direction of the respective other surface, bearing surface or rail support surface, and wherein the respective other surface, bearing surface or rail support surface is prestressed via an elastic resetting means in direction of said surface, rail support surface or bearing surface.

[0004] A commercially available system from Protor, with which Rps type wagons are built over on a permanent basis, is also known; seven wagons are built over with it with a centrally located rail pressing yoke having a hydraulic and mechanical pressure means. The pressure is realised from the top. The transported rails rest on turning beams, on three layers. Each lower layer of rails is pressed down by the upper layer, so when travelling along curves, the rails, as they move, have to overcome the frictional resistance created at the interface between the lower turning beam and the upper turning beam. Because the frictional resistance is high, the pressing yoke is unable to hold the rails and they move relative to their original position. Both the pressing yoke and the turning beams are opened and closed manually, i.e. the operator has to climb onto the wagon to first open the pressing yoke and the turning beams and close the turning beams after each layer has been loaded. Before each loading, the operator must grease each turning beam to reduce friction between the rail foot and the turning beam. Greasing is carried out manually with a brush or any other object capable of applying grease. The ends of the system are built over with a protective wall to prevent the rails from sliding out by accident and hitting a vehicle in front.

[0005] A modular system is known from document DE102019211452, the system enabling a storage unit to be made for the multilayer storage of rails in a load train. In the basic variant, the storage unit comprises a basic body to which two guide elements are detachably attached. At least two bearing elements are detachably fixed to the guide elements. By changing the guide elements, a variable number of bearing elements can be pivotally mounted, thus creating a variable number of bearing levels. The basic body also has interfaces for the actuating unit and drive motors. As a result, the storage unit can easily be flexibly adapted to the client's requirements and subsequently expanded.

[0006] The current solutions representing options for transporting rails do not ensure that the transported rails do not permanently displace in the pressing yoke. Another system, being Robel from Vossloh, is designed in such a way that the turning beams in this system are equipped with numerous rollers on which the transported rails rest. The system solves the problem of excessive friction of rails in the turning beams and displacement of rails during transport. However, this solution is not versatile, as each rail has to be loaded separately during loading, making it impossible to use the system in every facility.

[0007] In the prior art solutions, there is the problem that the rails are not held in the pressing yoke. The problem arises from the fact that, when travelling along curves, the rails need to move freely outside the yoke, in the turning beams in the racks on the wagons, but the pressing yoke should provide enough pressure to ensure that the transported rails do not move in it and return to their original position after leaving the curve. As the frictional resistance generated in the turning beams, at the interface of the rail head in the lower layer and the turning beam pressing down on it from the upper level, is very high in the current prior art solutions, the pressing yoke is not able to hold the rails in a non-displaced state.

[0008] In addition, there is a problem that the turning beams and the pressing yoke cannot be rearranged. The existing systems are permanently installed on the wagons and cannot be disassembled quickly, such as when they need to be adapted to transport different rail lengths or when they need to be transferred to other wagons. In the event one wagon that is part of the rail transport system is damaged, it is not possible to replace the damaged wagon with a different one, as the operation to move the system is too complicated and time-consuming.

[0009] The problem of being unable to clamp the pressing yoke when the load on the three layers is not full is also a significant problem. The prior art systems do not provide a way of clamping the pressing yoke on the loaded rails if the requirement that each of the three layers is loaded with rails is not met.

[0010] Furthermore, there is also the problem of being unable to transport several three-layer bundles of rails one behind the other. Since the currently used systems have one or a maximum of two pressing yokes, it is impossible to transport more than two bundles of rails shorter than 60 metres, one behind the other.

[0011] A problem was also identified as far as the high height and weight of the turning beams are concerned - their structure is very high and their weight is too heavy. These factors have a negative impact on rail loading and unloading operations, as the operator would have to operate at a great height and lift a considerable weight of the turning beams.

[0012] A very important problem in the existing prior art solutions is the need for the operator to climb onto the wagon in order to handle the turning beams. The prior art systems require that system operators climb onto the wagons to open the turning beams and grease them manually. Then, after each successive layer of rails has been loaded, the operator needs to climb onto the wagon to close the turning beams.

[0013] A problem in the existing prior art solutions is that chemical lubricants, such as grease or oil, are needed on the individual turning beams to reduce friction between the rails in the turning beams. When the systems are in operation for a long period of time, the turning beams must be periodically cleaned of the old lubricant which is contaminated by various impurities from the surrounding environment, e.g. small stones, dust, sand, metal filings etc. The removed lubricant must be disposed of which is additionally time-consuming and generates extra costs and is harmful to the environment.

[0014] Moreover, there is the problem of being unable to use the central pressing yoke to load two shorter types of rails. In the prior art systems, the central pressing yoke consists of two racks located very close to each other, which makes it impossible to load two bundles of rails in compliance with railway regulations, because it is necessary to maintain a distance between the ends of rails from other rails and from the last rack.

[0015] The existing demands from customers make it necessary for new solutions for rail transport on wagons to appear on the market, which solve the listed problems existing in prior art solutions. Given the need to meet customer requirements, it is necessary to provide a solution for rail transport on wagons that is free of the disadvantages of the solutions known and used to date. These technical problems are solved by the present invention in that an invention is provided that is safe for users, improved and versatile and, above all, free of the drawbacks from the rail transport solutions known to date.

[0016] The essence of the invention is a rack module for transporting railway rails on railway wagons, the rack module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon. The rack module comprises separating means to create a gap in the form of a clear space between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load placed on the turning beams (5a,5b).

[0017] Preferably, the separating means are spacable supports (8) movably attached to the turning beam (5b) and the base (4) such that the supports (8) in their spaced position support the turning beams (5a,5b) to obtain a clear space above the transported rail.

[0018] Especially preferably, the supports (8) are hinged to the turning beam (5b) and the base (4).

[0019] Preferably, the rack module comprises plantable spacer crescents (24) between the turning beams (5a,5b).

[0020] Preferably, the rack module can be converted into a mobile yoke module in which the spacable supports (8) are in the open position and a pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke, the arm comprising clamps (12) and locknuts (12a), is mounted on the frame (1).

[0021] Preferably, the pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke is provided with at least one actuator.

[0022] Preferably, the separating means may also be an arched structure of the lower part of the turning beams (5a, 5b), wherein the surface on which the rail(s) rests is flat and arranged parallel to the base (4) and the lower edge of the turning beam (5) is made in the form of an arch, which mimics in its shape the structure of a bridge.

[0023] The essence of the invention is also a system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons, preferably intermodal wagons for transporting containers, are built over, characterised in that it comprises at least one rack module according to the invention.

[0024] Preferably, the system for transporting railway rails further comprises a stationary yoke module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and the stationary yoke module having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon, and the module equipped with a pressing arm (11) of the stationary yoke, the arm mounted on the frame (1) and comprising at least one actuator (32) and a pressing element (33) and supporting elements (31) movably attached at the turning beams (5a,5b) and the base (4) for transmitting the pressure of the pressing yoke when the load of rails is not full.

[0025] Preferably, the base (4) has sockets (10) for mounting on the container twistlocks of an intermodal railway wagon for the transport of containers. Because of their structure, the stationary yoke and rack modules can be configured to match the length of the transported rails.

[0026] Preferably, the system for transporting rails has a portable manual puller (14) arrangement attached within the frame (1) and turning beams (5a,5b).

[0027] Preferably, the system for transporting rails has a greasing arrangement for the turning beams (5a,5b) and the base (4), operated from a position on the ground.

[0028] Preferably, the pressing arm (11) of the stationary yoke and the pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke are openable.

[0029] The essence of the invention is also a method for transporting rails on railway wagons with an attached system for transporting rails according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps:

a) loading the bottom layer of rails onto the base (4) of the rack module,

b) closing of the lowest turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

c) loading the rail(s) onto the upper turning beam,

d) closing of the next upper turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

c) loading the rail(s) onto the next upper turning beam,

f) clamping the pressing yoke located on a separate stationary or mobile yoke module.

[0030] It is important that the transported rails are not subjected to excessive frictional forces when placed in the racks used to transport the rails, so that they are not blocked by the pressure exerted by the upper load layer. What is required is a significant reduction in the friction of the transported rail in the rack and, as a result, the elimination of permanent displacement of the rails in the pressing yoke.

[0031] In order to meet the requirements, it has been proposed to make turning beams with a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, profile, with it being possible for them to be supported on supports in the form of trestles, the beams being capable of meeting the conditions for holding the loaded rails in a given layer, with a clear space between the different layers being maintained. Rack turning beams of a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, profile, irrespective of whether additional support is used in the form of trestles, in order to hold the load with a clear space maintained need to meet certain conditions as far as strength is concerned, which involves designing a massive structure with consideration given to material parameters and the economics of materials and processing. It also involves an increase in the dimensions of the individual components which results from the material and load properties required for proper strength and safety.

[0032] The problem that the turning beam with a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, profile is massive is solved by using an alternative structure with a so-called bridge design. It is implemented in such a way that the lower part of the turning beam, which does not come into contact with the heads of the transported rails, is made as an arched structure, and forms a so-called bridge, thus providing the same strength as a square or rectangular profile structure, with a significantly reduced height of the turning beam and therefore a significant reduction in weight.

[0033] The present invention relates to an innovative approach to transporting rails which, inter alia, consists in constructing racks with turning beams supporting the rails in such a way that the heads of the rails in the individual transport layers are not pressed down by the upper layer, which is made possible by creating a rack in a so-called box model using turning beams with a polygonal, square or rectangular, profile, with it being possible to use separating means in the form of supports or in the form of turning beams made as an arched structure, forming a so-called bridge. One of the components of the structure are the turning beams, which must be strong enough to hold the weight of the transported rails, with clear space maintained between each layer of the load, and yet light enough to allow safe handling by workers during loading and unloading.

[0034] It is essential to use the system for the transport of rails of various types, lengths and quantities, characterised by the fact that, via separating means, a distance is maintained between the plane defined by the lower edges of the upper turning beam and the top surface of the lower turning beam, said distance being greater than the height of the profile of the transported rails, and that the transported rails rest freely on the base and the turning beams of the rack module.

[0035] The invention makes it possible to create a system for transporting railway rails, with which any wagon can be built over, including container wagons, having container twistlocks for this purpose. The system provides a clear space between the individual turning beams, i.e. a gap in the form of a clear space between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load placed on the turning beams, in other words a distance is maintained between the plane defined by the bottom edges of the upper turning beam and the top surface of the lower turning beam, the distance being greater than the height of the profile of the transported rail, and the transported rails rest freely on the base and the turning beams of the rack module. In this way, friction of the rails being displaced between the lower and upper rail layers is minimised. Moreover, it is possible to open and close the turning beams and grease them before each loading, which can be done from a position on the ground without having to climb onto the wagons.

[0036] The advantage of the invention is that it provides a technical solution which makes it possible to transport railway rails on railway wagons in such a way that the transported rails are not displaced longitudinally in relation to each other in a permanent manner and are not exposed to mechanical damage associated with the pressure exerted on them by the upper layer of the transported rails against the lower layer. Furthermore, the new technical solution aims to eliminate the need to use chemical lubricants on the individual turning beams, as used to reduce friction on the rails. This has a positive environmental impact.

[0037] The advantage of the invention is that the designed solutions ensure greater safety for the transported load by limiting the movement of rails relative to each other. With no movement of rails, the risk of damage to them is also eliminated. The system according to the invention makes it possible to transport more rails as several bundles of rails can be loaded one behind the other, which reduces the number of necessary transits and thus also the risks associated with rail transport, while also reducing energy consumption - electricity and fuel - and thus environmental pollution. In addition, with the solutions implemented, the handling of the system during loading and unloading is significantly shorter than with previous systems. With limited movement of rails, the risk of damage to them is also eliminated.

[0038] The system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons according to the invention are built over, reduces the likelihood of rails being displaced during transport, particularly on curves, by introducing a space between the rail head and the upper turning beam (which does not apply to the stationary yoke or the mobile yoke), said space ensuring that the upper layers of rails do not exert pressure on the lower layers loaded with rails, thus significantly reducing friction and eliminating displacement of rails. As a result, a gap is created above the rail, which is placed on the rack and is not squeezed by the turning beam located above. This is achieved with the "box" system, where hinged brackets are used as supports of the upper turning beam, which reduce the load on the upper layer of rails. In the previous solutions of various systems for transporting rails, it has not been possible to ensure that there is no permanent displacement of the rails during transport, because these have focused on design changes that would increase the force of the pressing yoke, and have ignored or paid much less attention to minimising friction on the turning beams in the racks on which the rails are placed outside the pressing yoke. This is due to the current technical solutions in which each layer of rails is pressed down by the upper layer(s). The present solution, on the other hand, is based on the understanding that, when transporting rails, it is necessary not only to maximise friction on the pressing yoke, but also, or above all, to minimise friction on the turning beams outside the pressing yoke. The solution according to the invention decreases the likelihood of permanent displacement of rails during transport, especially on curves, by introducing space between the head of the rail in the lower layer and the upper turning beam (which does not apply to the pressing yoke), said space ensuring that the upper layers of rails do not exert pressure on the lower layers loaded with rails on racks. This significantly reduces friction and eliminates permanent displacement of rails in the pressing yoke. This is achieved with a so-called "box" system, which involves supporting individual turning beams independently or creating a turning beam that can withstand the pressure of the rails lying on top of it, despite its weight being suitable for manual handling. This concept is realised by means of a suitable design of the turning beams. The turning beams of the rack module according to the invention do not rest on the lower layer of the rails, so that the rails are free to move in the turning beams during transport, with this not applying to the pressing yoke realised in the mobile yoke arrangement.

[0039] In addition, it is important for workers who carry out loading and unloading operations that the rails to be transported need not be placed too high, and that the components of the racks (rack modules) or pressing yokes (stationary yoke modules and mobile yoke modules) to be handled during loading/unloading are as light as possible.

[0040] For example, a turning beam that would be able to provide a clear loading space between the individual layers could possibly be made with a square or rectangular profile without the use of additional support, with said turning beam also being able to meet the requirement of holding the rails loaded in the layer and at the same time maintain a clear space between the individual layers. However, with this solution without additional support, the structure of the turning beam is relatively high and its weight is too high, as adequate strength of the turning beam must be ensured. In order to reduce the height of the turning beam structure and its weight, additional supports (in the form of trestles) can be used in the loading section to support the structure, and prevent it from deforming under the weight of the loaded rails. Another solution that achieves a much lower height of the turning beam and a lighter structure without supports in the loading section is a solution to construct the turning beam with a structure that forms a bridge profile. The arched structure that forms the bridge profile has much greater load-bearing capacity, despite its lower height and weight compared to the structure of the turning beam with a square or rectangular profile.

[0041] With friction on the turning beams being significantly reduced by the introduction of the aforementioned "box" model, in alternative embodiments, the use of chemical lubricants can be dispensed with. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for using lubricants on the loading surface of the turning beams. There are also some benefits gained, the most important of which relates to environmental protection.

[0042] Previous solutions were based on the need to apply lubricants onto individual turning beams in order to reduce friction of the transported rails. Lubricants could enter the environment, which is a negative occurrence. In addition, the advantage gained by not greasing the turning beams is the time saved that would otherwise be lost in applying grease before each loading and removing the old grease after unloading. Another benefit is cost savings, as there is no need to employ manpower for greasing work and no need to purchase lubricants.

[0043] The system for transporting railway rails makes it possible to mount it on railway wagons, including intermodal wagons typically used for transporting containers, on twistlocks used for transporting containers. This solution does not interfere with the structure of the wagon or its build-over. With this solution, the build-over can be quickly and easily transferred from one wagon to another, ensuring complete flexibility with regard to the length of the transported rails and their quantity. The solution also provides the option to exclude individual wagons and replace them with other wagons, without having to exclude the entire system, i.e. line of wagons, from traffic.

[0044] The system for transporting railway rails offers the option to clamp the stationary yoke even when the load of rails is not full, i.e. if the rails are loaded only on the first layer or on the first and second layers without being loaded on the third layer, it is still possible to clamp the stationary yoke on the rails. This is achieved by special supports located on the stationary yoke which, in the event the number of rails is not full, can be moved into a position replacing the missing rails. The supports then transfer the pressure to the lower layers of the stationary yoke.

[0045] The system for transporting railway rails on railway wagons is realised in such a way that each rack module with the turning beams is adapted such that the pressing arm of the mobile yoke can be built, with a mobile yoke module thus being created, which is not present in any of the prior art solutions. Any number of mobile yoke modules can therefore be used to load any number of rail bundles of any length.

[0046] Importantly, the system for transporting railway rails on railway wagons according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the need to walk on the wagons by using a system for opening the pivotal turning beams "from the ground", that is, without it being necessary to climb onto the wagon - by means of a system of a portable puller equipped with a cable and a crank, which make it possible to open and close the turning beams by one operator of the system. The solution for greasing the turning beams "from the ground" is realised through a system of feeders and holes built into the turning beams, which makes it possible to grease them with oil or grease, and to perform the operation "from the ground" without having to climb onto the wagon, which involves an increased risk of injury to the operator. The system offers higher standards of work safety, with no direct contact with the moving elements supporting the rails and no risk of the operator falling from height.

[0047] When two stationary yoke modules of the invention, being part of the system for transporting railway rails, are built over a group of wagons - with said stationary yoke modules being far enough from each other so as to make it possible to load two bundles of shorter rails in compliance with railway regulations - it is possible to load two bundles of rails and to clamp them with stationary yokes while maintaining a distance from the ends of rails from one bundle to the ends of rails of the other bundle and from the last rack module.

[0048] The embodiments of the inventions are shown in the figures of the drawing, where:

Fig. 1 - shows a view of the rack module with the turning beams of polygonal, square or rectangular, profile, with supports for each turning beam in the form of so-called trestles,

Fig. 2 - shows a view of the support used to reduce the load on the rails in the lower layer by slightly raising the turning beam,

Fig. 3 - shows a top view of the rack module with the turning beams,

Fig. 4 - shows a view of the stationary yoke module,

Fig. 5 - shows a view of the rack module with the turning beams in closed position and supports deflected,

Fig. 6 - shows a view of the stationary yoke module with supporting elements used when the load of rails is not full,

Fig. 7 - shows a view of the supporting element mounted in the stationary yoke,

Fig. 8 - shows a view of the pressing arm of the mobile yoke to be built into the rack module,

Fig. 9 - shows a top view of the pressing arm of the mobile yoke to be built into the rack module,

Fig. 10 - shows a perspective view of the pressing arm of the mobile yoke to be built into the rack module,

Fig. 11 - shows a perspective view of the rack module with the turning beams with supports (trestles), and with a visible point for mounting the pressing arm of the mobile yoke,

Fig. 12 - shows a view of the portable manual puller, i.e. a crane, to be installed in the sockets located at the rack module, the puller adapted to open and close the turning beams,

Fig. 13 - shows a view of the manual puller mounted in the position to open the turning beams,

Fig. 14 - shows a view of the invention when the rack module is being mounted on an intermodal wagon with the manual puller mounted in the position to open the turning beams,

Fig. 14a - shows a top view of the invention when the rack and stationary yoke modules are being mounted on the central wagon,

Fig. 14b - shows a side view of the invention when the rack and stationary yoke modules are being mounted on the central wagon,

Fig. 14c - shows a top view of the invention when the rack modules are being mounted on the in-between wagon,

Fig. 14d - shows a side view of the invention when the rack modules are being mounted on the in-between wagon,

Fig. 14e - shows a top view of the invention when the rack modules are being mounted on the last wagon with a protective end wall,

Fig. 14f - shows a side view of the invention when the rack modules are being mounted on the last wagon with the protective end wall,

Fig. 14g - shows a perspective view of the invention when the stationary yoke and rack modules are being mounted on the central wagon,

Fig. 14h - shows top views of the invention when the modules are being mounted on the wagons,

Fig. 15 - shows a view of the mobile yoke module,

Fig. 16 - shows a view of the rack module together with the turning beams in the form of a so-called bridge,

Fig. 17 - shows how rails are loaded in the rack module when using the turning beams in the form of a so-called bridge,

Fig. 18 - shows how rails are loaded in the rack module with the turning beams of square or rectangular profile, with supports for each turning beam in the form of so-called trestles.

[0049] An embodiment of the system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons, including intermodal wagons, are built over, as shown in Figs 1 - 15, comprises the stationary yoke and rack modules, with a clear space created between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load placed on the turning beams, and also reduces the need to climb onto the wagon during loading, with it being possible to install the pressing arm of the mobile yoke for the transport of short rails.

[0050] The system for transporting railway rails is made up of several modules, which are configured on the wagons depending on the load of rails to be transported. The system for transporting railway rails is based on the fact that, depending on the number of rails, their length, the route, shipment and reception conditions, etc., the wagons will be equipped with the right modules according to demand and the regulations in force, with said modules capable of being regrouped accordingly. The system for transporting railway rails provides three types of modules, which can be seen in Figs 1 - 15 together with their accessory components.

[0051] One of the elements of the system for transporting railway rails is the rack module. The rack module is part of the system for transporting rails and is intended to hold the rails in layers. The rack module is positioned in the part of the system where the rails should move with sufficient play so that they do not become jammed, for example when going along curves and turnouts when there is work of the rails. The rack module is shown in Figs 1, 5, 11, 14-14h. At the same time, in order to increase the freedom of movement of the rails in the rack modules, special supports 8 have been designed in the form of the trestles shown in Figs 2 and 11, which are used to support the turning beams 5a,5b, i.e. the middle and upper turning beam, and are attached to the turning beam 5b and the base 4, by means of special hinges, which also enable them to be turned on hinges in the direction of the bearing surface for the rails, the turning beam 5a,5b, and to form support between the upper and middle turning beam 5a,5b and support between the middle turning beam and the base 4. The supports 8 are furthermore shaped to suit the turning beam 5a,5b and the base 4 such that they are effectively held in a predetermined opening and closing position by a loop hinge arrangement that ensures pivoting and advantageously rests on the edge of the turning beam 5a,5b and the base 4 for effective maintenance of the predetermined position. When the rack module is intended to perform its function as a rack, the supports 8 are closed on the turning beam 5b and the base 4, in a position that makes it possible to support the turning beam 5a,5b above and thus obtain a clear space for the movement of the rails between the lower and upper turning beam 5a,5b. As the invention is a system solution, the rack module is designed in such a way that it can be used for further modules of the system for transporting railway rails. Hence, the structure of the rack module makes it possible to convert the rack into another mobile yoke module, with the supports 8 being hinged into an open position, i.e. hidden behind the turning beam along its vertical plane as shown in Fig. 15, and then they do not participate in the transport.

[0052] Another of the elements of the system for transporting railway rails is the mobile yoke module, whose mobile yoke pressing arm is shown in Figs 8, 9,10,15. The mobile yoke module is formed from the rack module by putting the mobile yoke pressing arm onto the frame of the rack module. If the function of the rack module is changed to that of a mobile yoke module, the supports 8 must be in their inactive (deflected) position and are not used in this arrangement, wherein any change to their position, from active to inactive and vice versa, is made possible by hinging. The mobile yoke module is formed in such a way that an additional mobile yoke pressing arm is mounted on top of the frame of the rack module, i.e. a pressing part in the form of a pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke, shown in Figs 8,9,10,15, is put on the columns and, in addition, the spacer crescents 24 must be removed from the first column 2 to obtain this type of mobile yoke. The mobile yoke module is used, inter alia, for blocking rails, especially those with lengths of less than 60 metres. Depending on the type of rail transport, several rack modules are mounted on a single rail transport set, which are identical in their structure, meaning that a mobile yoke can additionally be created from each rack module. To do this, the caps 25 must be removed from the top of the columns of the rack module and then the pressing part, i.e. pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke, as shown in Fig. 8, 9, 10,15, must be put. The pressing force is realised through threaded elements, such as bolts, which are screwed into threaded sleeves once the pressure has been created. In alternative embodiments, however, it is also possible to use actuators, particularly hydraulic actuators, as pressing means. The mobile yoke module does not use supporting elements to replace missing rails, as seen in Fig. 7, making it necessary to load a full bundle on the turning beams. The mobile yoke module is intended for blocking rails with lengths of less than 60 metres, hence there is no need to exert as much pressure as with the other module, being the stationary yoke which makes it possible to transport especially longer rails, such as up to 120 metres.

[0053] The other, stationary yoke module in the system for transporting railway rails is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. The stationary yoke makes it possible to transport rails especially up to 120 metres in length. The system for transporting railway rails comprises at least one stationary yoke, preferably at least two stationary yokes, whose rail pressing parameters are adjustable depending on the load to be transported. Each stationary yoke module is capable of holding rail independently, especially a rail of up to 120 metres in length, which means that only one stationary yoke is used to transport one bundle of rails. The stationary yoke, in the structure of its stationary yoke pressing arm 11, has at least one actuator, preferably a hydraulic actuator and preferably, for example, five hydraulic actuators, which exert pressure from above on the rails loaded on the lower turning beams 5a,5b and the base 4. The hydraulic actuators are preferably mounted to the lower bar 11b. Once the pressure has been achieved, it is necessary to block the pressure exerted by the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke and this is realised by means of threaded elements, especially bolts, which are screwed into sleeves to prevent any spontaneous unscrewing during transport. The stationary yoke module on the base 4 and on the middle and top turning beams 5a,5b has special supporting elements 31, pivotably mounted on hinges, attached to the middle and top turning beam. The rail-shaped supporting elements 31 are used to fill the clear space between the turning beams and the pressure by the pressing arm of the stationary yoke, with said space being created when the load of rails is not full. With this solution, if the load is not full, i.e. when all the layers are not fully loaded, it is possible to bring the supporting elements 31 into a closed position - erected on the turning beam - in order to be able to transfer the pressure force from the upper part of the pressing arm of the stationary yoke to the lower layers. If the load is full, i.e. all layers are loaded with rails, then the supporting elements 31 are hinged into the open position and do not participate in the realisation of the pressure. The supporting element 31 can have an exemplary height corresponding to the height of the rail, meaning that it is possible to have a non-full load of rails in the layer and to supplement it with supporting elements 31. If rails of a different type than usual are loaded, such as rails having a greater height, special washers are planted on the supporting elements 31, with which the height of the supporting element 31 is adjusted to the height of the loaded rail.

[0054] Any number of individual modules can be used in the system for transporting railway rails in order to be able to load the required number of rail bundles of any length.

[0055] The modules of the system for transporting railway rails are formed on a common frame 1 containing two columns 2,3 attached to the base 4, in which there are sockets 10 for seating the individual modules on the universal container twistlocks of the intermodal wagon.

[0056] The common frame 1, as shown for example in Fig. 1 and used in the rack module, has a first column 2 and a second column 3, which are attached to the base 4. In the base 4, there are sockets 10, as shown in Fig. 3, to seat the rack on the container twistlocks of the wagon. The first column 2 and the second column 3, in the form of a hollow pole, have caps 25 planted at the top for protection against adverse conditions and dirt. The removable caps 25, when taken off, can be attached to a storage area, which, for example, can be created within columns 2,3. The first column 2 and the second column 3 take the form, for example, of a cylinder, internally threaded at the apex.

[0057] The turning beams 5a, 5b are mounted to the first column 2. Each turning beam, on one of its sides, has hinge arrangements 6 attaching it to the first column 2 and providing pivoting at the first column 2. Moreover, the first column 2 has plantable spacer crescents 24, which must be taken off if the movable pressing arm of the mobile yoke is to be mounted on the rack. In order to prevent the turning beams 5a,5b from being opened, bolts 7a are installed on the second column 3 for locks 7, these locks 7 being located on the turning beams 5a,5b. They are formed on the turning beams 5a,5b on the side reaching the second column 3 and at the same time block the turning beam 5a,5b from any further pivoting. In addition, the turning beams 5a,5b have side stops 21 visible, inter alia, in Figs 1 and 11. Moreover, the turning beams 5a,5b have protective strips 22 indicated in Fig.11, which are formed in the exemplary form of a flat bar with holes 23. In the case of a non-full load, it is possible to reduce the loading area of rails laid on the turning beams 5a,5b by means of the holes 23 for the pin in the protective strip 22. The turning beams 5a,5b and the base 4 are greased around the protective strips 22. The base 4 connecting the first column 2 and the second column 3 to each other is connected to them permanently. The base 4 is integrated in its underside with a base plate 9 in which sockets 10 are formed for mounting on the universal twistlocks of the wagon. The sockets 10 are located on both sides of the base plate 9 and are further reinforced to ensure high strength.

[0058] In the spaces formed between the base 4 and the turning beam 5b and the turning beam 5a, supports 8 in the form of trestles are inserted, as can be seen in Figs 2 and 5, which serve to reduce the load on rails in the lower layer by slightly elevating the turning beams 5a,5b. The support 8 is hinged to the turning beam 5b and the base 4. Hinging makes it possible for the support 8 to be pivoted from the concealed position to the supporting position, which is also presented in the description above. With this solution, transport can be carried out with the supports raised or lowered. The support 8 is built as a metal component with buffers made of a material that does not damage the rail, e.g. plastic, wood, rubber and the like, as evident to the person skilled in the art.

[0059] Each rack module resting on the common frame 1 can also be used as a mobile yoke module. This is realised by putting a pressing part, in the form of a pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke, on top of the first column 2 and the second column 3 after removing the caps 25, as seen in Figs 8,9,10 and 15. With the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke of Figs 8,9,10, 15 having been put, the arm is secured on the first column 2 and the second column 3 by tightening through press bolts. The pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke of Figs 8,9,10,15 can be in the shape of a bar with sleeves and clamping rings at both ends, which are mounted on the first column 2 and the second column 3. By means of a sleeve arrangement 26 located on one side of the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke Fig. 8,9,10 and the clamping ring 27 located on the other side of the mobile yoke Fig. 8 it was made possible for the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke Fig. 8,9,10 to pivot at the first column 2 like the turning beams 5a,5b. Moreover, as far as the first column 2 is concerned, which in the case of the rack module had plantable spacer crescents 24, if said column is adapted to the mobile yoke module these spacer crescents 24 must be taken off. Hence, if the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke is to be mounted on the frame 1, it is necessary to take off the spacer crescents 24 between the turning beams 5a,5b from the first column 2. The pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke of Figs 8,9,10 comprises an upper bar 30a and a lower bar 30b as shown in Figs 8,10,15 which are detachably connected by means of connecting rods 39 enabling the lower bar 30b to be lowered and lifted relative to the upper bar 30a. The upper bar 30a of the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke can take an approximately H-shape, and has a number of pressing means 12 and locknuts 12a on its flat surface. The pressing means 12 are threaded rods with heads for screwing in and applying pressure through the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke of Figs 8,9,10 and clamping to the turning beams 5a,5b below. The locknuts 12a are nuts for blocking the pressing means 12 and are used to prevent self-unscrewing while the train is moving. It is possible to add additional actuators, preferably hydraulic, to the lower bar 30b, and these can be arranged in the holes of the lower bar 30b. Furthermore, when the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke is not used and still remains mounted on the frame 1, it is possible to deactivate the pressure of the pressing arm 30 of the mobile yoke by raising the lower bar 11b as much as possible and blocking it to the upper bar 11a by means of, for example, a bolted connection or other means enabling the components to be disconnected, which is obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0060] The other, stationary yoke module is formed on a common frame 1 and has a pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke, which is put on columns 2,3. The stationary yoke, when attached to the frame 1 of the clamping span 11 on the first column 2 and on the second column 3, can open, as is also the case with the turning beams 5a,5b. The opening of the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke to the side is realised via a hinge-pivoting mechanism of the sleeve 36 of the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke located on the first column 2, as in the case of turning beams 5a,5b. On the other side of the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke there is a clamping ring 37 for securing it on the second column 3, on which there is also an auxiliary closing mechanism 35. The pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke is equipped with an arrangement of actuators 32 and pressing bolts 33 with locknuts 34. With the actuators 32, the lower bar 1 1b of the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke is tensioned against the upper bar 11a of the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke in such a way that a force is exerted from the clamping of the actuators 32 spreading between the upper bar 11a and the lower bar 11b, and this force is then blocked by clamping with the pressing bolts 33. The system according to the embodiment makes it possible to clamp the stationary yoke module, and in particular the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke shown in Figs 4,6, even in the case of a non-full load of rails, i.e. if the rails are loaded only on the first layer or on the first and the second layer without being loaded on the third layer, it is still possible to clamp the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke on the rails, even in the case of a non-full load of rails, when the rails are loaded only on the first layer or on the first and the second layer without being loaded on the third layer, by putting the supporting elements 31 Fig. 7 on the turning beam 5a,5b and the base 4. The supporting element 31 of Fig. 7 serves to transfer the pressing force from the pressing arm 11 of the stationary yoke of Fig. 4,6 to the rails placed therein. The supporting elements 31 of Fig. 7 are hinged to each of the turning beams 5a,5b and the base 4 so that they can be quickly positioned. The turning beams 5a,5b, on one of their sides, have hinge arrangements 6 attaching it to the first column 2 and providing pivoting at the first column 2. The supporting element 31 can have an exemplary height corresponding to the height of the rail, meaning that it is possible to have a non-full load of rails in the layer and to supplement it with supporting elements 31. If rails of a different type are loaded, such as rails having a greater height, special washers are planted on the supporting elements 31, with which the height of the supporting element 31 is adjusted to the height of the loaded rail.

[0061] Furthermore, for easier and safer opening and closing of the turning beams 5a, 5b, an arrangement is used for opening the turning beams 5a,5b "from the ground", i.e. without having to climb onto the wagon, being an arrangement of a portable manual puller 14 shown in Fig.12, comprising steel cables 13 with a sling and a crank 15 and comprising a height adjustment 16 for guiding the cable, depending on the height of the turning beam 5a,5b to be opened or closed, with the components of the portable manual puller 14 arrangement making it also possible to open and close the turning beams 5a,5b preferably by one operator of the system. The portable manual puller 14 may take the form of a crane attached at the first column 2 of the frame 1, or on brackets 28 screwed to the frame of the railway wagon platform and located within the holding post 38, for example, inter alia, in the opening area of the turning beams 5a,5b. For the time when the load is being transported, the portable manual puller 14 is stored in transport boxes distributed along the line of the railway wagons. The portable manual puller 14 has a height adjustment 16 for guiding the cable, based on the telescopic principle with safe interlocking. It is mounted in sockets 17 located at the modules within the turning beams 5a,5b, as shown in Figs 13, 14 or 15. In addition, to increase the reach of the puller 14, it can be mounted onto a movable extension arm 19 for mounting the puller 14 (crane). The movable extension arm 19 is fixed in the bracket 28 in such a way that it can be extended from the bracket 28. The movable extension arm 19 is made up of a profile that slides into the bracket 28 and has a locking device to prevent uncontrolled extension, which also fixes the extension arm 19 in a pre-set working position. The movable extension arm 19, based on the principle of an extendable trolley and having a socket 17a at its end, makes it possible to mount a portable manual puller 14 on it. Each of the turning beams 5a,5b has handles 20 as illustrated in Fig. 11, to which the cable 13 of the manual puller 14 is fastened. By turning the crank 15 of the lift, the turning beams 5a,5b are successively opened. The closing of the turning beams 5a,5b is also carried out by means of the portable manual puller 14, but this must be installed in the socket 17a located directly at the frame 1 within the first column 2. All movable components of the system for transporting railway rails on railway wagons are greasable through lubricating points 29, which, for example, are formed on the turning beams 5a,5b and on the base 4, and which serve to distribute the grease over the entire surface of the greasable components in channels adapted for this purpose, via which the lubricant reaches the channels on the turning beam 5a,5b and on the base 4 from the grease fitting, where the lubricant can also be supplied via tubes. The modules of the rack, mobile yoke and stationary yoke, resting on the common frame 1 structure, make it possible to freely configure the build-over of the rail wagon by selecting the number of modules on the platform of the wagon, preferably an intermodal one, and to ensure proper pressure on the transported load of rails, as shown in Fig. 14-14h. Additionally, it is possible for the wagon to be built over with modules situated at different distances, as required by the loading sheets of the UIC loading guidelines, in order to be able to load a number of different bundles of shorter rails in compliance with railway regulations, which specify that a distance must be kept between the ends of the rails of one bundle and those of the next bundle and the last module of the rack. For example, it is also possible that a middle rack module on the wagon is fixed between the outer - extreme modules of the stationary yokes. Additionally, the number of racks depends on the number and length of the rails, but at the same time the UIC loading guidelines and the distances between the individual support points must be observed, and the condition regarding the required maximum rail overhang must be met. There may be one, or two, or preferably more, rack modules. In the system, for example, mobile yoke modules do not need to be used or one may be used, two may be used, or preferably more may be used. In the system, for example, stationary yoke modules do not need to be used, one may be used or two may be used, or preferably more may be used.

[0062] The system for transporting long rail on platform wagons, including preferably intermodal wagons, makes it possible to transport rails of types 49E5, 50E6, 54E4, 60E1, 60E2 or other types, for example, in the required quantities in individual layers. The system can be easily adapted to meet customer requirements and can be further expanded.

[0063] The present invention is used in the manufacture of a system for transporting long rail on intermodal platform wagons, where a standard platform, such as Rs, Rps, can also be built over with it, and is used to transport rails of varying lengths and quantities.

[0064] Embodiments of the invention relating to the transport of rails, in particular railway rails, shown in Figs 16 - 18, are related to providing that friction is minimised by creating a clear space in the form of a gap between the rail head and the turning beam of the next load level above. The solution for transporting rails is realised by means of an element in the form of a rack comprising turning beams with a clear space created between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load which is placed on top of the turning beams built into the rack module or between the base and the turning beam above it. The need to climb onto the wagon during loading is also reduced, and the weight and height of the turning beams are lowered while greater strength is achieved.

[0065] Individual Figs 16 - 17 show an example of a turning beam in the form of a so-called bridge. The top surface is flat due to the need to load the railway rails. The bottom surface of the turning beam is made in the shape of an arch and entirely forms a so-called bridge with a visible clear space between the rail heads and the turning beams. Fig. 1 and Fig. 18 show an alternative rack module with square or rectangular-profile turning beams, with additional supports for each turning beam in the form of so-called trestles, as well as the method of loading the rails for this alternative with the clear space between the rail heads and the turning beams. The clear space means there is no contact between the rail head and the upper turning beam. The clear space in the form of a gap is also created in the cases in question between the base and the turning beam above it. The "box" model describes a technical solution which creates a clear space between the individual turning beams and the base in the rack module. The purpose of the rack for transporting rails is to hold the rails in layers. Preferably, in this part, i.e. in the rack module, the rails should move with sufficient play so that they do not become jammed, for example when going along curves and turnouts when there is work of the rails, which is shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18.

[0066] An exemplary turning beam 5 for an exemplary rack module has the form of a so-called bridge or, in an alternative embodiment, it is a turning beam 5 with a polygonal, square or rectangular, cross-section with additional support by supports 8 (so-called trestles) in the loading section. Making the turning beam 5 in the form of a bridge means that the top surface on which the rails rest is flat and sits parallel to the rack, which is the support structure of the system for transporting rails and is attached to the wagon. The bottom edge of the turning beam 5 in the form of a bridge is made in the form of an arch. With this design of the turning beam 5, the turning beam is able to hold the weight of the rails resting on it, without the need for any additional support, apart from at the two extreme points. With this design, clear space is achieved. Making the turning beam 5 with an alternative polygonal, in particular square/rectangular, profile, with the use of an additional support by means of the supports 8 in the loading section (so-called trestles, supports, stands, etc.), means that the turning beams 5 have an additional support in the form of supports 8 in the form of trestles or stands, etc., which prevent the turning beams 5 from breaking under the pressure of the load. In an alternative embodiment, the special supports 8 in the form of trestles shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 18, are used to support the turning beams 5, i.e. the middle turning beam 5b and the upper turning beam 5a, and are mounted on the turning beam 5b and the base 4 by means of special hinges, which also enables them to be turned on hinges in the direction of the bearing surface for the rails, the turning beam 5a,5b, and to form support between the upper and middle turning beam 5a,5b and support between the middle turning beam and the base 4. The supports 8 are furthermore hinge-shaped to suit the turning beam 5a,5b and the base 4 such that they are effectively held in a predetermined opening and closing position by a loop hinge arrangement that ensures pivoting but other hinge means can also be used, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In the case of bridge racks of Figs 16 - 17, it is possible to make appropriate adaptations and replace the turning beams with alternative ones, which are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 18.

[0067] The elements of the racks and pressing yokes for transporting railway rails are formed on the common frame 1 comprising two columns 2, 3 attached to the base 4. The frame 1, shown in Figs 16 - 17 used in the rack, has the first column 2 and the second column 3, which are attached to the base 4. The base 4 connecting the first column 2 and the second column 3 to each other is connected to them permanently.

[0068] In an alternative example with turning beams of a polygonal, in particular square or rectangular, profile, into the spaces formed between the base 4 and the turning beam 5b and the turning beam 5a, supports 8 in the form of trestles are inserted, as can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 18, said supports used to reduce the load on the rails in the lower layer by slightly raising the turning beams 5a, 5b. The support 8 is hinged to the turning beam 5b and the base 4. Hinging makes it possible for the support 8 to be pivoted from the concealed position to the supporting position. With this solution, transport can be carried out with the supports raised or lowered. The support 8 is built as a metal component with buffers made of a material that does not damage the rail, e.g. plastic, wood, rubber and the like, as evident to the person skilled in the art.

[0069] The innovative solution for the design of the turning beams 5, the lower turning beam 5a, the upper turning beam 5b, shown in Figs 16 - 17, makes it possible to achieve greater structural strength while reducing the amount of material required to make the structure. This makes it possible to reduce both the height of the turning beams 5 and the empty weight of the turning beams 5 and thus the need for operators of the system to carry a heavy load is also reduced.

[0070] During transport, the rails are constantly moving, at least when going along curves, and it is difficult to restrict this movement. Nevertheless, the solution ensures that permanent displacement of the load is limited, meaning that when the train starts moving along a straight line, the rails return to their original position and, above all, are not displaced in the pressing yoke.

[0071] The solution also relates to the method for transporting rails, including on railway wagons, which includes the following steps:

a) loading the bottom layer of rails onto the rack,

b) closing of the upper turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

c) loading the rail(s) onto the upper turning beam,

d) closing of the next upper turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

e) loading the rail(s) onto the next upper turning beam,

f) clamping the pressing yoke located on a separate rack,

g) transporting the load with limited permanent displacement of the load.

[0072] In alternative examples, it is also possible to clamp the rails in other pressing yokes installed on the wagons and set up any number of racks and pressing yokes.

[0073] The solution for transporting rails using the aforementioned clear space is used for transporting any type of rail and makes it possible to transport rails of types 49E5, 50E6, 54E4, 60E1, 60E2 or other types, for example, in the required quantities in individual layers. The solution can be easily adapted to meet customer requirements and can be further expanded. The solution makes it possible to transport both short and long rails.

[0074] The present invention is used in the transportation of rails, particularly railway rails. The solution according to the invention relating to the creation of a clear space between the individual layers of the transported rails makes it possible for the rails to move more freely, which minimises the risk of the rails blocking and, as a result, prevents their longitudinal displacement in the pressing yoke. This reduces the problem of damage to the rails during transport and eliminates the problem of permanent longitudinal displacement of the rails, which can lead to the rails falling off the turning beams. With the present solution, there is no need to make corrections to the transported rails in transit to ensure their safe transport. The result is a reduction in the cost of transportation, improved safety and a significant reduction in transit times.

[0075] The solution does not require any greasing of the turning beams. This was not possible in the previous solutions, because the high resistance of rail movement, caused by the pressure exerted on the lower layer by the rails of the upper layer, made it necessary to use chemical lubricants to reduce the friction of the rails in the individual turning beams. With no need for greasing, costs are minimised, the time required for loading the rails is reduced and the environment is not adversely affected.

[0076] The present invention is used where rails need to be transported, on wagons or intermodal platforms, but also other types of wagons, including a standard platform, for example Rs, Rps, can be built over with it, and is used to transport rails of varying lengths and quantities and heights.

[0077] It is also possible to transport other "long-load" items, such as bars, profiles, pipes, rods, logs, etc.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above. Various modifications and developments of it within the scope of the attached patent claims are possible, without departing from the essence of the invention.

Claims

1. A rack module for transporting railway rails on railway wagons, the rack module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and the rack module having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon, characterised in that it comprises separating means to create a gap in the form of a clear space between the rail head and the upper rail load layer placed on the turning beams (5a,5b).

2. The rack module according to claim 1, characterised in that the separating means are spacable supports (8) movably attached to the turning beam (5b) and the base (4) such that the supports (8) in their spaced position support the turning beams (5a,5b) to obtain a clear space above the transported rail.

3. The rack module according to claim 2, characterised in that the supports (8) are hinged to the turning beam (5b) and the base (4).

4. The rack module according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises plantable spacer crescents (24) between the turning beams (5a,5b).

5. The rack module according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it is converted into a mobile yoke module in which the spacable supports (8) are in the open position and a pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke, the arm comprising clamps (12) and locknuts (12a), is mounted on the frame (1).

6. The rack module according to claim 5 converted into the mobile yoke module, characterised in that the pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke is equipped with at least one actuator.

7. The rack module according to claim 1, characterised in that the separating means is an arched structure of the lower part of the turning beams (5a, 5b), wherein the surface on which the rail(s) rests is flat and arranged parallel to the base (4) and the lower edge of the turning beam (5) is made in the form of an arch, which mimics in its shape the structure of a bridge.

8. A system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons, preferably intermodal wagons for transporting containers, are built over, characterised in that it comprises at least one rack module according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The system for transporting railway rails according to claim 8, characterised in that it further comprises a stationary yoke module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and the stationary yoke module having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon, and the module equipped with a pressing arm (11) of the stationary yoke, the arm mounted on the frame (1) and comprising at least one actuator (32) and a pressing element (33) and supporting elements (31) movably attached at the turning beams (5a,5b) and the base (4) for transmitting the pressure of the pressing yoke when the load of rails is not full.

10. The system for transporting rails according to any one of previous claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the base (4) has sockets (10) for mounting on the container twistlocks of an intermodal railway wagon.

11. The system for transporting rails according to any one of previous claims 8-10, characterised in that it has a portable manual puller (14) arrangement attached within the frame (1) ant the turning beams (5a,5b).

12. The system for transporting rails according to any one of previous claims 8 - 11, characterised in that it has a greasing arrangement for the turning beams (5a,5b) and the base (4), operated from a position on the ground.

13. The system for transporting rails according to any one of previous claims 8-12, characterised in that the pressing arm (11) of the stationary yoke and the pressing arm (30) of the mobile yoke are openable.

14. A method for transporting rails on railway wagons having the system for transporting rails according to any one of claims 8-13 attached to it, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

a) loading the bottom layer of rails onto the base (4) of the rack module,

b) closing of the lowest turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

c) loading the rail(s) onto the upper turning beam,

d) closing of the next upper turning beam while maintaining a gap in the form of a clear space between the head of the transported rail(s) loaded below and the above turning beam being closed, thus eliminating friction between the rail head and the lower surface of the upper turning beam located above,

e) loading the rail(s) onto the next upper turning beam,

f) clamping the pressing yoke located on a separate stationary or mobile yoke module,

g) transporting the load with limited permanent displacement of the load.

Drawing