Modularly designed axle box body with flexibly adjustable swivel arm length

Abstract

The present invention provides a modularly designed axle box body with a flexibly adjustable swivel arm length, comprising: an axle box bearing block unit and a swivel arm joint seat unit. The axle box bearing block unit is connected to the swivel arm joint seat unit by means of a flange plate connection structure; the flange plate connection structure comprises a first flange connected to the axle box bearing block unit and a second flange connected to the swivel arm joint seat unit; and the first flange is connected to the second flange by means of multiple sets of bolts and nuts. The present invention can solve the problems of excessive casting mold types, long casting production cycles, high manufacturing costs, waste of resources, environmental pollution, heavy burden on production lines, and the like caused by existing swivel arm axle box body products being constrained by the diversity of axle box bearing and swivel arm joint specifications and swivel arm lengths.

Description

Axle box with flexible adjustment of arm length based on modular design Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of axle boxes, and in particular to an axle box with a flexibly adjustable swing arm length based on a modular design. Background Art

[0002] Modular design can shorten product production cycles and improve production efficiency, making it a crucial step in the maturation of the manufacturing industry. The pivoting arm axlebox, a key component of the subway vehicle running gear, primarily secures the axle through bearings and, through its interaction with the pivot joint, provides vibration damping for the structure. With the diversification of market demand and the expansion of the rail transit product portfolio, the permutations and combinations of bearing and pivot joint interface dimensions have necessitated the development of a wide variety of axlebox models and structural types. Axleboxes must adapt to the overall structural dimensions and performance parameters of the bogie, particularly to accommodate the various specifications of axlebox bearings and rubber joints. This makes it difficult to standardize bearing seat apertures, joint seat apertures, and pivot arm lengths. However, axleboxes are typically produced using a monolithic casting process, which results in long mold production cycles and high costs, limiting their use to specific vehicle models. Changes in axlebox dimensions require re-manufacturing the casting mold, impacting vehicle delivery cycles, increasing manufacturing costs, and resulting in resource waste. Therefore, achieving a modular design for cast axleboxes with flexible adjustment of pivot arm length and joint mountings is a critical challenge urgently needed in the rail transit manufacturing industry.

[0003] At present, the axle boxes used in rail vehicle bogies at home and abroad are usually produced using an integral casting process, and the box arm length and the bearing and rubber joint mounting seat apertures are fixed. As shown in Figure 1, a common integral cast swing arm axle box has the following disadvantages: it is difficult to meet the technical requirements of different bogie structures for different specifications of axle box bearings, different swing arm rubber joints, and different swing arm lengths. Different casting molds need to be set up for different needs. The casting mold production cycle is long and the cost is high, and it can only be used for bogies with fixed structural types. When the structural dimensions of the axle box change, the casting mold needs to be remade, which affects the delivery cycle of the entire vehicle, increases manufacturing costs, causes waste of resources, and pollutes the environment. A large number of diverse axle box casting molds place a heavy burden on the management and production of the production line.

[0004] Figure 2 shows a split-cast, pivot-arm axlebox. This design primarily meets the requirement for wheel replacement when the rail vehicle body and bogie are disassembled. By splitting the axlebox bearing seat into two upper and lower parts, the lower bearing seat is tightened with high-strength bolts to achieve the desired positioning and installation of the axlebox bearing. This design differs from the present invention. Furthermore, it suffers from the following disadvantages: the pivot rubber joint seat and the length of the pivot arm are integrally cast with the upper portion of the bearing seat. This, similar to the shortcomings of the integrally cast pivot-arm axlebox, makes it difficult to meet the technical requirements of different bogie structures for different axlebox bearing specifications, different pivot rubber joints, and different pivot arm lengths. Different casting molds are required to meet these requirements. The mold production cycle is long and costly, making it suitable only for bogies with fixed structures. Changes in the axlebox dimensions require re-manufacturing of the casting mold, which impacts vehicle delivery cycles, increases manufacturing costs, wastes resources, and pollutes the environment. The large number and variety of axlebox casting molds places a significant burden on production line management and production.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the technical problems raised above, an axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design is provided.

[0007] The technical means adopted in the present invention are as follows:

[0008] An axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design includes: an axle box bearing seat unit and a swing arm node seat unit, the axle box bearing seat unit and the swing arm node seat unit are connected by a flange connection structure, the flange connection structure includes a first flange connected to the axle box bearing seat unit and a second flange connected to the swing arm node seat unit, the first flange and the second flange are connected by multiple sets of bolts and nuts.

[0009] Furthermore, the first flange is integrally formed with the axle box bearing seat unit, and the second flange is integrally formed with the swing arm node seat unit.

[0010] Furthermore, a positioning structure is provided at the connection and installation surfaces of the first flange and the second flange, and the connection and installation surfaces of the first flange and the second flange are the first end surface and the second end surface respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the positioning structure is a positioning pin structure, an end face tooth structure, a spring pin structure or an integrally cast positioning umbilicus structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning pin structure includes at least one positioning pin, one end of which is arranged on the first end face or the second end face, a positioning hole is opened on the second end face or the first end face, and the other end of the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the end face tooth structure includes a first tooth and a second tooth, the first tooth is arranged on the first end face, the second tooth is arranged on the second end face, and the first tooth and the second tooth are engaged to achieve positioning.

[0014] Furthermore, the first teeth and the second teeth are bidirectional end face teeth or cross-X-shaped end face teeth; the bidirectional end face teeth include transverse teeth and vertical teeth arranged on the same end face.

[0015] Furthermore, the spring pin structure includes at least one spring pin, one end of which is mounted on the first end surface or the second end surface, a mounting hole is opened on the second end surface or the first end surface, and the other end of the spring pin is inserted into the mounting hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the integrally cast positioning umbilical structure includes a circular boss integrally cast with the first end face or the second end face, a positioning mounting hole is opened on the second end face or the first end face, and the circular boss is inserted into the positioning mounting hole.

[0017] Furthermore, a plurality of connection holes are respectively formed at both end edges and the middle of the first flange and the second flange, and connection bolts are fitted in the connection holes.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] 1. The present invention analyzes the functions and design methods of the pivoting arm axle box body and splits the axle box body into multiple units, thereby increasing the flexibility of the axle box body design process and meeting the model expansion in the process of product diversification. If the product interface size parameter requirements of the pivoting arm casting axle box body change, it is only necessary to replace the corresponding interface size unit module or modify the local unit module, which reduces the design and production cycle and economic costs. In addition, each unit can be manufactured, debugged and assembled separately, which greatly shortens the production cycle of the pivoting arm axle box body and improves its production efficiency.

[0020] 2. The present invention can solve the problems of existing swing arm axle box products being restricted by the diversity of axle box bearings and swing arm node specifications and swing arm lengths, too many types of casting molds, long casting production cycle, high manufacturing cost, waste of resources, environmental pollution and heavy burden on production lines.

[0021] Based on the above reasons, the present invention can be widely promoted in the fields of axle box design. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a common integrally cast swing arm type axle box structure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the split-cast arm-type axle box structure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a typical swing arm type casting shaft box structure.

[0026] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection method of the modular design of the swing arm type shaft box body of the present invention.

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a positioning structure of the present invention using a spring pin structure.

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a spring pin according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional end face gear structure of the present invention.

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the integrally cast positioning umbilical structure of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the modular design of the swing arm type shaft box body of the present invention, wherein (a) is a schematic diagram of a φ215mm bearing seat unit, a φ135mm swing arm node seat unit, and a center distance of 400mm, (b) is a schematic diagram of a φ220mm bearing seat unit, a φ135mm swing arm node seat unit, and a center distance of 500mm, and (c) is a schematic diagram of a φ230mm bearing seat unit, a φ185mm swing arm node seat unit, and a center distance of 450mm.

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the bearing seat unit of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view.

[0033] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of the boom node seat unit of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view.

[0034] FIG12 is a front view of the axle box body of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1. axle box body; 2. axle box bearing; 3. swing arm node; 4. bearing seat unit; 5. swing arm node seat unit; 6. flange connection structure; 61. nut; 62. spring pin; 63. first flange; 64. second flange; 65. bolt; 66. washer; 7. end face tooth structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be clear that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention: the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0041] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below their position devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0042] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] The present invention addresses the problems of existing swing-arm axleboxes, which are limited by the diversity of specifications of the axlebox bearings 2 and the swing-arm joints 3, as well as the length of the swing arm. These problems include a multitude of specifications and models, an excessive variety of casting molds, a long casting cycle, high manufacturing costs, waste of resources, environmental pollution, and a heavy burden on production lines. The present invention aims to achieve modular and flexible combinations of swing-arm cast axleboxes that require different specifications of bearings, different swing-arm rubber joints, and different swing-arm lengths by rationally disassembling the swing-arm cast axlebox and then splicing the independent modules.

[0044] The axlebox 1 is a key component of the running gear on rail vehicles. Its function is to connect and enable the wheelset and frame to move relative to each other, playing a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower parts. The pivoting arm-type axlebox has no inherent clearance or sliding parts between it and the frame, eliminating frictional losses. Furthermore, the stiffness in each direction can be independently set, making it easier to meet the design requirements of the bogie suspension system. Therefore, it is widely used in rail vehicles. Figure 3 shows a typical pivoting arm-type cast axlebox.

[0045] Key parameters for the flexible modular design of a pivoting arm-type cast axle housing include the axle housing bearing interface dimensions, the pivot arm rubber joint interface dimensions, and the pivot arm length. To meet diverse market demands, these parameters have necessitated the development of numerous and complex axle housing specifications. This present invention disassembles the pivoting arm-type axle housing into modular units. By integrating these modular units into a unified, reassembled design, this modular design is achieved. The structure is shown in Figures 4 and 12.

[0046] The present invention splits the swing arm axle box body into an axle box bearing seat unit 4 (as shown in FIG10 ) and a swing arm node seat unit 5 (as shown in FIG11 ), and makes a detachable connection between the axle box bearing seat unit 4 and the swing arm node seat unit 5 through a flange, bolts, and nuts (flange connection structure 6). The flange connection structure 6 includes a first flange 63 integrally formed with the axle box bearing seat unit 4 and a second flange 64 integrally formed with the swing arm node seat unit 5. The first flange 63 and the second flange 64 are connected by multiple sets of bolts 65, nuts 61, and washers 66. A plurality of connection holes are respectively opened at the edge of both ends and the middle of the first flange 63 and the second flange 64, and the connection holes are fitted with connection bolts 65.

[0047] Considering the significant vertical, lateral, and longitudinal loads it bears, a positioning structure is employed on the connecting and mounting surfaces of the first and second flanges 63, 64 to enhance their load-bearing capacity. The connecting and mounting surfaces of the first and second flanges 63, 64 are the first and second end faces, respectively. The following positioning methods can be selected based on the space dimensions and load capacity: a positioning pin structure, an end-face tooth structure, a spring pin structure, and an integrally cast positioning umbilical structure, as shown in Figure 5-8.

[0048] Specifically, the positioning pin structure includes at least one positioning pin, one end of which is arranged on the first end surface or the second end surface, a positioning hole is opened on the second end surface or the first end surface, and the other end of the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

[0049] The end face tooth structure 7 includes a first tooth and a second tooth. The first tooth is disposed on the first end face, and the second tooth is disposed on the second end face. The first and second teeth mesh to achieve positioning. The first and second teeth are bidirectional end face teeth or cross-shaped end face teeth. The bidirectional end face teeth include transverse teeth and vertical teeth disposed on the same end face. As shown in Figure 7, vertical teeth can be disposed at both ends of the first end face, and transverse teeth can be disposed in the middle. The vertical and transverse teeth together form the first tooth. Similarly, vertical teeth can be disposed at both ends of the second end face, and transverse teeth can be disposed in the middle, forming the second tooth.

[0050] The spring pin structure includes at least one spring pin 62, one end of which is mounted on the first end surface or the second end surface. A mounting hole is defined in the second end surface or the first end surface, and the other end of the spring pin 62 is inserted into the mounting hole. Positioning is achieved through elastic deformation of the spring, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0051] The integrally cast positioning umbilical structure includes a circular boss integrally molded and cast with the first end face or the second end face, and a positioning mounting hole is opened on the second end face or the first end face, and the circular boss is inserted into the positioning mounting hole, as shown in Figure 8.

[0052] In the actual module combination application process, it is only necessary to select the module units corresponding to the parameters according to the axle box bearing interface size, swing arm rubber joint interface size and swing arm length requirements, and then reassemble them for installation and use.

[0053] Two key points are crucial to achieving modular assembly for a pivot-arm cast axlebox. First, the design parameters for the axlebox bearing seat unit 4, the pivot arm rubber joint seat unit (pivot arm node seat unit 5), and the pivot arm length must be clearly defined based on market demand, and multiple modular units must be pre-configured for assembly. Second, the modular units must be assembled and spliced ​​together using reliable connection methods, maintaining consistency and versatility in the mechanical dimensions of the interfaces. The connection strength must meet the operational strength requirements of the axlebox. For example, the aperture of the bearing seat unit 4 can be pre-configured to include modular units with dimensions of φ215mm, φ220mm, φ230mm, φ240mm, and corresponding widths. The pivot arm length can be pre-configured to include modular units with combined lengths of 400mm, 450mm, 500mm, and 550mm. The center of the bearing seat unit 4 must be aligned with the center of the pivot arm rubber joint seat unit, and the angle α of the pivot arm rubber joint seat module must be adjusted based on the length. The inner diameter of the pivot arm rubber joint seat unit can be pre-configured to include modular units with dimensions of φ135mm, φ180mm, and φ185mm. The two modular units are connected using flanges, bolts, nuts, and high-strength dowel pins to transmit vertical, longitudinal, and lateral loads. Figure 9 shows the unit assembly and connection method for the swing-arm axle box.

[0054] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0055] The present invention analyzes the functions and design methods of the pivoting arm axle box body and splits the axle box body into multiple units, thereby increasing the flexibility of the axle box body design process and meeting the model expansion in the process of product diversification. If the product interface size parameter requirements of the pivoting arm casting axle box body change, it is only necessary to replace the corresponding interface size unit module or modify the local unit module, which reduces the design and production cycle and economic costs. In addition, each unit can be manufactured, debugged and assembled separately, which greatly shortens the production cycle of the pivoting arm axle box body and improves its production efficiency.

[0056] The present invention can solve the problems of existing swing arm axle box products being restricted by the diversity of axle box bearings and swing arm node specifications and swing arm lengths, too many types of casting molds, long casting production cycle, high manufacturing cost, waste of resources, environmental pollution and heavy burden on production lines.

[0057] In the present invention:

[0058] 1. Modular swing arm axle box body that can be connected in other ways such as circular flange or welding.

[0059] 2. A modular pivot-arm axle box that can be split in other ways or with additional split points.

[0060] 3. Based on the solution of the present invention, the bearing seat unit module can be split into two parts, upper and lower parts, so that it has the functions of a split-type shaft box body.

[0061] 4. Different specifications of positioning pins and spring pins; end face teeth of different structural sizes, integrally cast positioning umbilicus, or larger specifications and higher strength bolts and nuts can be used to enhance the bearing structure strength of the axle box.

[0062] 5. The outer dimensions of the bearing seat module unit and the swing arm rubber joint seat module unit can be changed.

[0063] The key technical points and points to be protected of the present invention are:

[0064] 1. Modular disassembly of the swing arm type casting shaft box, with independent swing arm rubber joint seat unit and bearing seat unit;

[0065] 2. The arm rubber joint seat unit and the bearing seat unit are connected by a combination of flange, bolts and nuts;

[0066] 3. The arm rubber joint seat unit and the bearing seat unit adopt a positioning reinforcement structure to improve the bearing structure strength of the complete shaft box after the module is combined;

[0067] 4. Design of the external structure of each module unit;

[0068] 5. Flange surface dimensions and installation method using 10 sets of fasteners;

[0069] 6. The center distance of the bearing seat of the bearing seat module unit connection flange mounting surface is fixed at 220mm, and the length of the rotating arm rubber joint seat can be flexibly adjusted by changing the length;

[0070] 7. If the flange connection adopts an end face tooth structure, a two-way (horizontal and vertical) end face tooth structure or an X-shaped cross end face tooth structure can be used, taking into account the vertical load and lateral load conditions of the shaft box body, and reinforcing the overall strength of the shaft box body after assembly.

[0071] 8. Spring pins are added to the outside of the flange connecting bolts to enhance the overall structural strength of the axle box.

[0072] 9. The flange connection adopts a positioning navel structure that is integrally cast or installed with the bearing seat unit module or the swing arm rubber joint unit module to enhance the overall structural strength of the shaft box.

[0073] 10. Based on the solution of the present invention, the bearing seat unit module can be designed in a split type to improve the module spectrum.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the above embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design, characterized in that: include: An axle box bearing seat unit (4) and a swing arm node seat unit (5), wherein the axle box bearing seat unit (4) and the swing arm node seat unit (5) are connected via a flange connection structure (6), wherein the flange connection structure (6) comprises a first flange (63) connected to the axle box bearing seat unit (4) and a second flange (64) connected to the swing arm node seat unit (5), wherein the first flange (63) and the second flange (64) are connected via a plurality of sets of bolts (65) and nuts (61).

2. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The first flange (63) is integrally formed with the axle box bearing seat unit (4), and the second flange (64) is integrally formed with the swing arm node seat unit (5).

3. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A positioning structure is provided at the connection and installation surfaces of the first flange (63) and the second flange (64), and the connection and installation surfaces of the first flange (63) and the second flange (64) are respectively the first end surface and the second end surface.

4. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The positioning structure is a positioning pin shaft structure, an end face tooth structure, a spring pin structure or an integrally cast positioning umbilical structure.

5. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The positioning pin structure includes at least one positioning pin, one end of which is arranged on a first end surface or a second end surface, a positioning hole is opened on the second end surface or the first end surface, and the other end of the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning hole.

6. The axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end face tooth structure (7) comprises a first tooth and a second tooth, wherein the first tooth is arranged on the first end face, and the second tooth is arranged on the second end face, and the first tooth and the second tooth are meshed to achieve positioning.

7. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first teeth and the second teeth are bidirectional end face teeth or cross-X-shaped end face teeth; the bidirectional end face teeth include transverse teeth and vertical teeth arranged on the same end face.

8. The axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spring pin structure comprises at least one spring pin (62), one end of the spring pin (62) is mounted on a first end surface or a second end surface, a mounting hole is formed on the second end surface or the first end surface, and the other end of the spring pin (62) is inserted into the mounting hole.

9. The axle box body with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 4, characterized in that: The integrally cast positioning umbilical structure comprises a circular boss integrally cast with the first end face or the second end face, a positioning mounting hole is opened on the second end face or the first end face, and the circular boss is inserted into the positioning mounting hole.

10. The axle box with flexibly adjustable arm length based on modular design according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of connection holes are respectively formed at the edges of both ends and the middle of the first flange (63) and the second flange (64), and connection bolts (65) are fitted in the connection holes.

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