Track wheels and mobile vehicles

Abstract

A track wheel set (2) for a mobile vehicle movable on a track (9) of a track system is described, the track wheel set having a track rolling surface shaped to match the contour of a sliding surface (91) of the track (9), and a bearing box (6) having a wheel suspension for connecting the track wheel set (2) to the mobile vehicle, wherein the track wheel set (2) has two rotating wheels (4, 5) rotatably mounted on the bearing box (6) and having respective track rolling surfaces and respective ground rolling surfaces, the two rotating wheels being able to roll independently of each other on the sliding surface (91) of the track (9) or on the ground. In addition, a mobile vehicle for transporting objects on a track system is described, the mobile vehicle having a chassis (3) and a track wheel set (2) fixed to the chassis (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rail wheel set for a moving vehicle movable on rails of a rail system according to the subject matter of claim 1. The invention also relates to a moving vehicle.

[0002] Rail wheels of the type described and mobile vehicles equipped with such rail wheels are often used for transporting heavy objects in factory halls, wherein a rail system, for example circular rails, is laid in the floor of the factory hall, on which the rail wheels can roll with low friction.

[0003] In order to be able to change the direction of movement of a moving vehicle guided on the rail system, different embodiments of rail wheels and rail systems are known.

[0004] For example, it is known to connect a cross-type movement device (Kreuzfahrwerk) to a moving vehicle, which makes it possible to change the direction of movement in the area of ​​a cross-piece laid in the rail system by raising or lowering the corresponding movement device, which is very expensive due to the two movement devices to be connected to each moving vehicle and the cross-piece in the rail system.

[0005] Also known are rotatable wheel sets in mobile vehicles which are connected to rotatable rail crosspieces (so-called switch devices), which must be laid in the workshop floor and must be precisely aligned with the wheel sets arranged thereon in terms of position and rotation axis at at least four locations.

[0006] Because the installation workload is large, particularly the installation workload of the track system of the rotatable switching device is provided is large, so this modification is also very costly. In addition, because the rotatable switching device is installed in the workshop floor of the factory workshop, it is therefore easy to become dirty.

[0007] Furthermore, it is also known to connect a rotatable wheel set to a moving vehicle and to remove the moving vehicle from the track in order to change the direction of movement.

[0008] A disadvantage of this variant is that the change in direction of movement requires a change in the height of the moving vehicle, which is also very expensive to implement, in particular when the components to be transported on the moving vehicle are heavy.

[0009] Furthermore, it is known to install a so-called rotating disk as part of a rail system in the workshop floor, onto which a moving vehicle is driven and rotated with it standing upright in order to then drive away from the rotating disk again in the other direction of movement.

[0010] Furthermore, a disadvantage of the mobile vehicles and rail wheels known from the prior art is that the one-piece rail wheels in the area of ​​contact with the rail, in particular in the case of circular rails with a concavely configured rail rolling surface, bear against the rail under load in the area of ​​the so-called pressure ellipse on both sides of the wheel center, which leads to increased friction between the rail rolling surface and the sliding surface of the rail wheel, in particular when turning.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a rail wheel set for a moving vehicle which can be moved on rails of a rail system and a moving vehicle which eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0012] This object is achieved by a rail wheel set for a moving vehicle movable on rails of a rail system having the features of claim 1 .

[0013] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a mobile vehicle having the features of claim 11 .

[0014] The rail wheel set according to the present invention has a rail rolling surface shaped to match the profile of the sliding surface of the rail, and a bearing housing having a wheel suspension for connecting the rail wheel set to a moving vehicle.

[0015] Furthermore, the rail wheel set has two running wheels rotatably mounted on a bearing housing, the two running wheels having respective rail rolling surfaces and respective ground rolling surfaces, wherein the running wheels can roll independently of one another on the sliding surfaces of the rail or on the ground.

[0016] The design of the track wheel set with two rotating wheels rotatably mounted on a bearing housing allows low-friction travel on curved sections of the track in a simple manner, since the rotating wheel on the inside of the curve can now run slower than the rotating wheel on the outside of the curve, depending on the section to be traveled.

[0017] The shaping of the rail rolling surface and the ground rolling surface enables the use of such a rail wheel set on a rail system, wherein the rail is omitted in the intersection area of ​​two rail lines, so that the rail wheel set lies on flat ground and can continue to roll over the flat ground on the ground rolling surface.

[0018] This enables the mobile vehicle or the rail wheel set integrated in the mobile vehicle to rotate about its respective vertical center axis without having to lay additional expensive rail crossing parts, such as liftable and / or rotatable switching devices, etc. on the floor of the factory workshop, or without having to integrate appropriate lifting mechanisms in the mobile vehicle.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment variant of the invention, the impellers are arranged on the bearing housing in an inclined orientation at an angle to one another.

[0021] As a result, the sliding performance of the rotating wheels can be improved with respect to reducing the differential slip.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the impellers are arranged on the bearing housing so as to be oriented at an angle of 40° to 80°, in particular at an angle of 60°, to one another.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment variant, the rotors are oriented parallel to one another.

[0024] According to another embodiment variant, the track rolling surface is shaped as a circular cross section when viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel, which is an optimal shape for connection with a circular track.

[0025] According to a further embodiment variant, the wrap angle enclosed by the two track rolling surfaces of the pulley, when viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective impeller, is less than 180° or exactly 180°.

[0026] This means that the pulley can be placed on the corresponding rail and can be easily removed again perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the rail.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment variant, the wrap angle is greater than 180°, so that the rail wheel set is fixed to the rail in a manner that prevents it from falling off after being connected to the rail.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment variant, a rectilinear ground rolling surface is formed on the edge of the rail rolling surface, viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment variant of the rail wheel set, a plate is arranged on the bearing housing for connection to a moving vehicle.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the plate is rotatably fastened to the bearing housing.

[0031] The mobile vehicle according to the invention for transporting objects on a rail system, having a chassis and a rail wheel set fixed to the chassis, is characterized by a rail wheel set as described above.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below based on the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment variant of a rail wheel set placed on a rail is shown,

[0034] Figure 2 Shown through Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the track wheel set and track shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 3 a schematic perspective view showing a section of a rail system with a rotating sliding surface,

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a track wheel set positioned at an intersection of a track system,

[0037] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Different perspective views of a moving vehicle with a rail wheel set arranged thereon are shown.

[0038] In the following description of the figures, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, rear, etc. refer exclusively to the exemplary representation and positions of the track wheel set, track, moving vehicle, bearing housing, rotating wheel, etc. selected in the corresponding figures. These terms should not be understood as restrictive, i.e. these references can be changed due to different working positions or mirror-symmetrical designs, etc.

[0039] In general, Figure 1-Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the drawing, reference numeral 2 denotes an embodiment variant of a rail wheel set for a moving vehicle 1 which is movable on rails 9 of a rail system 12 .

[0040] Especially if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the track wheel set 2 has a bearing housing 6 with two shaft receptacles 61 for the swivel mounting of the two running wheels 4 , 5 .

[0041] The turning wheels 4 , 5 rotatably mounted on the bearing housing 6 each have a track rolling surface 41 , 51 and a respective ground rolling surface 42 , 52 .

[0042] The two turning wheels 4 , 5 can roll independently of one another on the sliding surface 91 of the rail 9 or on flat ground.

[0043] The track rolling surfaces 41, 51 of the rotating wheels 4, 5 are shaped to match the profile of the sliding surface 91 of the track 9. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the track 9 is constructed as a circular track embedded in a track support 11, which can be installed in the floor of a factory workshop or the like.

[0044] Therefore, the track rolling surfaces 41, 51 of the two running wheels 4, 5 are formed as circular cross-sections when viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheels 4, 5, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , which shows the rail wheel set 2 in this cross-sectional view in the state in which it is placed on the rail 9 .

[0045] In this case, the two running wheels 4 , 5 are rotatably supported on a shaft receptacle 61 of the bearing housing 6 via a bearing, preferably a rolling bearing 10 .

[0046] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be clearly seen in the drawing that the impellers 4 , 5 are arranged on the bearing housing 6 so as to be oriented at an angle to one another.

[0047] Therefore, the shaft receiving portion 61 of the bearing box 6 is not configured to be horizontal but is configured to be inclined.

[0048] The inclination angle α of the running wheels 4, 5 relative to the vertical axis of the track wheel set 2 is preferably between 20° and 40°. In particular, the running wheels 4, 5 are oriented at an inclination angle α of 30° relative to the vertical and are therefore inclined at an angle of 60° to each other.

[0049] The rotating wheels 4 , 5 are fixed in the receiving holes of the shaft receiving portion 61 by respective bolts 63 .

[0050] It is also conceivable to align the rotors 4 , 5 parallel to one another.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the wrap angle β defined by the angular spacing of the outer edges of the track rolling surfaces 41 , 51 is less than 180° or exactly 180°, preferably in the range of 90° to 130°, which enables the track wheel set 2 to be placed on the sliding surface 91 of the track 9.

[0052] In principle, it is also conceivable to shape the rail rolling surfaces 41 , 51 in such a way that they surround the rail 9 with a wrap angle β of greater than 180°, which would be relevant for securing the rail wheel set 2 against disengagement.

[0053] Preferably, the ground rolling surface 42 , 52 of the respective turning wheel 4 , 5 is formed on the edge of the rail rolling surface 41 , 51 .

[0054] In the embodiment variant of the track wheel set 2 which slides on a circular track shown here, the ground rolling surfaces 42 , 52 are formed on the respective outer edges of the track rolling surfaces 41 , 51 .

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the ground rolling surfaces 42, 52 are straight or slightly convex in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel 4, 5 to ensure sufficient load-bearing surface on flat ground.

[0056] In order to fix the rail wheel set 2 on the mobile vehicle 1, for example, Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the bearing housing 6 has a plate bearing receptacle 62 for accommodating a plate 7 , which can be fastened, in particular screwed, to the chassis 3 of the mobile vehicle 1 .

[0057] In order to screw the plate 7 , a plurality of holes 73 are provided in the plate 7 , which are used for passing screws. The plate 7 can be screwed to the chassis 3 , for example, to the fixing plate 32 of the chassis 3 , by means of the holes.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the plate 7 is preferably rotatably fixed on the bearing housing 6 via a rotary bearing 8. Here, the plate 7 is preferably supported both around a vertical axis of rotation in the plate bearing receptacle 62 via a rolling bearing 10 and on the bearing housing 6 via a horizontally oriented rotary bearing.

[0059] exist Figure 3 , a section through a rail system 12 is shown, wherein rails 9 extend at the same angle relative to one another, the rails 9 meeting at respective intersection points 14 .

[0060] In the region of these intersections 14 , no rails are arranged, but rather flat plates 15 .

[0061] The rail 9 and the rotary guide 13 with a flat sliding surface extend from a point of intersection 14 with a centrally arranged flat plate 15 .

[0062] In this case, the spacing of the rotary guides 13 and the intersection points 14 is adapted to the positional dimensions of the rail wheel sets 2 on the moving vehicle 1 .

[0063] exist Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the rail wheel sets 2 are arranged relative to each other in a square, so that Figure 3 The turnstile shown by way of example in FIG. 1 requires only four such intersections 14 .

[0064] For example, a rectangular arrangement of the rail wheel sets 2 on the mobile vehicle 1 is also conceivable, Figure 3 In the turnstile shown, four or more intersection points 14 must be provided.

[0065] In order to be able to turn the mobile vehicle 1, the track wheel set 2 must be pushed down from the track 9 onto the flat plate 15, such as Figure 4 As shown in the example.

[0066] Now, on this flat plate 15, the ground rolling surfaces 42, 52 rest on the surface of the plate 15 and can be rotated in a simple manner about the vertical center axis of the corresponding track wheel set 2 to perform a rotary movement, so that the orientation of the track wheel set 2 points in the direction of the rotating guide 13 or the transversely extending track 9. When the corresponding track wheel set 2 rotates, the rotating wheels 4, 5 rotate in the opposite direction.

[0067] Then, the moving vehicle 1 can continue to move on the turnstile 16 in a rotational motion, so that the rail wheel set 2 moves along the rotating guide 13 from the first intersection point 14 to the adjacent second intersection point 14 .

[0068] As an alternative to the rotation of the moving vehicle, the moving vehicle can be moved further on the transversely extending track 9 by transverse displacement of the wheel sets 2 at the respective intersection points 14 .

[0069] After reaching the next intersection 14, the track wheel sets 2 are rotated again about their vertical axes until they are oriented parallel to the tracks 9 so that the moving vehicle 1 can then move along an imaginary extension of the tracks 9 extending parallel to one another in a direction different from the initial direction.

[0070] In addition to the arrangement shown as a preferred embodiment in which the plate 7 is rotatably mounted on the bearing housing 6 in a central manner relative to the impellers 4 , 5 , it is also conceivable that the rotation axis of the plate 7 is arranged eccentrically on the bearing housing 6 .

[0071] Another advantage of the rotating wheels 4, 5 oriented at an angle to one another is that the friction between the rotating wheels and the rail is reduced compared to integral rotating wheels placed on the rail. Since large forces often occur when transporting heavy objects using such a mobile vehicle 1, when a rotating wheel with a concave rail rolling surface rolls, a pressure ellipse is always formed, which is accompanied by a deviation of the rolling radius within the rail rolling surface.

[0072] Since the forces are applied in the vertical direction (direction of gravity) in the case of a one-piece running wheel, the wheel assembly is more compact compared to a track wheel assembly having two running wheels, in particular running wheels 4, 5 oriented at an angle to each other (as in Figure 2 ), a greater rolling radius offset is formed here because the force is applied here at an angle to the vertical line of the rail 9.

[0073] In the case of a pressure ellipse formed symmetrically to the force application point, the resulting deviation of the rolling radius is significantly reduced compared to a rail wheel with a rotating wheel arranged vertically on the rail.

[0074] Another advantage of the inclined rotating wheels 4, 5 is that compared with a vertical rotating wheel arrangement, the rolling diameter may be larger at the same structural height of the track wheel set, or compared with rotating wheels standing vertically on a circular track, the structural height may be flatter and more compact at the same rolling diameter of the rotating wheels.

[0075] Reference Mark List

[0076] 1 Moving Vehicle

[0077] 2 Track Wheel Set

[0078] 3 Chassis

[0079] 31 Wheel receiving part

[0080] 4 Rotating wheels

[0081] 41 Track rolling surface

[0082] 42 Ground rolling surface

[0083] 5 Rotating wheels

[0084] 51 Track rolling surface

[0085] 52 Ground rolling surface

[0086] 6 Bearing box

[0087] 61 Shaft receiving part

[0088] 62 Plate bearing housing

[0089] 63 Bolt

[0090] 7 Plate

[0091] 71 upper side

[0092] 72 Lower side

[0093] 73 holes

[0094] 8 Swivel bearing

[0095] 9 Tracks

[0096] 91 Sliding Surface

[0097] 10 Rolling bearings

[0098] 11 Track support

[0099] 12 Track System

[0100] 13 Rotating guide rail

[0101] 14 Intersection Area

[0102] 15 Plate

[0103] 16 Turnstile

[0104] α Tilt angle

[0105] β Wrap angle.

Claims

1. A track wheel set (2) for a mobile vehicle (1), the mobile vehicle (1) being movable on a track (9) of a track system (12), the track wheel set (2) having a track rolling surface (41, 51) shaped to match the profile of a sliding surface (91) of the track (9), and a bearing housing (6), the bearing housing (6) having a wheel suspension for connecting the track wheel set (2) to the mobile vehicle (1), It is characterized in that The track wheel set (2) comprises two rotating wheels (4, 5) rotatably mounted on the bearing housing (6), having respective track rolling surfaces (41, 51) and respective ground rolling surfaces (42, 52), the rotating wheels being able to roll independently of each other on the sliding surface (91) of the track (9) or on the ground, the ground rolling surfaces (42, 52) being integrally formed on the respective outer edges of the track rolling surfaces (41, 51), the ground rolling surfaces (42, 52) being straight in a cross section through the diameter of the respective rotating wheels (4, 5), A plurality of rails (9) meet at respective intersections (14), in the region of which no rails are arranged but rather a flat plate (15), When turning the mobile vehicle at the intersection of the track (9), the track wheel set is pushed down from the track onto the flat plate (15), the ground rolling surfaces (42, 52) rest together on the surface of the flat plate (15) and can be rotated in a simple manner around the vertical center axis of the corresponding track wheel set to perform a rotary movement.

2. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The impellers (4, 5) are arranged on the bearing housing (6) in an inclined orientation at an angle to one another.

3. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The impellers (4, 5) are each oriented obliquely to one another at an inclination angle (α) of 40° to 80°.

4. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The impellers (4, 5) are each oriented obliquely to one another at an inclination angle (α) of 60°.

5. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotors (4, 5) are oriented parallel to one another.

6. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The track rolling surfaces (41, 51) are shaped as circular cross-sections when viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel (4, 5).

7. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: When viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel (4, 5), the wrap angle (β) enclosed by the two track rolling surfaces (41, 51) of the running wheels (4, 5) is less than 180° or exactly 180°.

8. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: When viewed in a cross section through the diameter of the respective running wheel (4, 5), the wrap angle (β) enclosed by the two track rolling surfaces (41, 51) of the running wheels (4, 5) is greater than 180°.

9. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The rail (9) and the rotary guide (13) with a flat sliding surface extend from the intersection (14) with the centrally arranged flat plate (15).

10. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The spacing between the rotating guide rail (13) and the intersection (14) matches the position size of the track wheel set (2) on the moving vehicle (1).

11. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The four rail wheel sets (2) are arranged in a square on the moving vehicle (1).

12. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A plate (7) is arranged on the bearing housing (6) to be connected with the moving vehicle (1).

13. The rail wheel assembly (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The plate (7) is rotatably fixed on the bearing housing (6).

14. A mobile vehicle (1) for transporting objects on a rail system (12), the mobile vehicle (1) comprising a chassis (3) and a rail wheel set (2) fixed to the chassis (3), characterized in that: The rail wheel set (2) is constructed according to any one of the preceding claims 1-13.

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