Chassis maintenance vehicle and method for moving along a track using the chassis maintenance vehicle

Abstract

A chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) for maintaining a train bottom and a method for moving along a track using the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) are provided. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) comprises a platform (3) having a width (w), a maintenance unit (4) connected to the platform (3) and configured to perform maintenance operations at the train bottom, and two pairs of support arms (5) positioned along a length (l) of the platform (3) and extending in the width direction. Each support arm (5) comprises a support wheel (7) freely rotatable about an axis of rotation, a driving wheel (8) rotatable about an axis of rotation, the support arm (5) being arranged to connect the support wheel (7) and the driving wheel (8) to the platform (3), wherein at least two driving wheels (8) are motorized driving wheels. The driving wheels (8) are configured to contact a bottom (9) of a rail (10) of the track (2), the support wheels (7) are configured to contact an underside of a head (11) of the rail (10) of the track (2), and each support arm (5) is provided with a retraction mechanism (12) for retracting the support arm (5) towards the platform (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chassis maintenance vehicle for maintaining and / or inspecting, for example, the underside of a train. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method of moving the chassis maintenance vehicle along a track.

[0002] A chassis maintenance vehicle is movable on a given track and includes: a platform narrower than the track gauge; a maintenance unit connected to the platform and configured to perform maintenance operations under the vehicle; at least two pairs of support arms, each pair including a support wheel configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis and a drive wheel configured to rotate about the rotation axis. The support arms may extend substantially in the width direction, i.e., perpendicular to the track when used in a track system, wherein the support arms are arranged to connect the support wheel and the drive wheel to the platform, and wherein at least two drive wheels are electrically driven wheels spaced apart from each other along the length of the platform. Background Technology

[0003] Chassis maintenance vehicles for maintaining the underside of trains have been designed in the prior art. For example, EP 3519269B1 discloses a self-propelled device for on-condition maintenance of the underside of a train moving on a track. The device includes a platform with a motion mechanism comprising an active group of at least four rolling elements constrained to the platform and configured to roll on the inner contour of a track bar, and a passive group of at least four rolling elements rigidly constrained to the platform and configured to roll on the underside of the track. The passive group is configured to avoid interference with a fixing element located on the underside of the track. Because at least one movable wheel on each side of the platform is motorized, the platform can move under the train in a section of the track including the fixing element on the underside of the track.

[0004] Train maintenance is typically carried out in specially constructed track sections or maintenance hangars with such track sections. These track sections are designed for maintenance vehicles of the prior art and therefore contain only a few accessories, such as fasteners at the bottom of the rails. However, the construction and operation of such maintenance sites are time-consuming and expensive compared to operations on conventional track sections, which include many accessories, such as fasteners and rail connecting plates at the inner contours of the rail rods. When used on conventional track sections, maintenance vehicles of the prior art are prone to collisions with the fasteners and rail connecting plates at the inner rail rods. Such collisions may damage the maintenance vehicle or impede its movement along the track section, thereby hindering the maintenance of the train located above it. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned shortcomings, the object of the present invention is to provide a chassis maintenance vehicle that can better avoid obstacles on and near the rails.

[0006] The objective is achieved by the chassis maintenance vehicle as defined in claim 1 and the method as defined in claim 13. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the drive wheel is configured to contact the foot of the track, the support wheel is configured to contact the underside of the rail head of the track, and each support arm is provided with a retraction mechanism configured to retract the support arm toward the platform.

[0007] The support arm contacts the inner contour of the rail at its bottom with the drive wheel, and then contacts the underside of the rail head with the support wheel, ensuring full contact between the wheel and the rail for safe and efficient propulsion. Furthermore, on a generally flat surface, the weight of the chassis maintenance vehicle rests on the drive wheel, further enhancing its traction. By contacting the rail at both the bottom of the track and the bottom of the rail head, interference with the wheels of trains standing or moving on the track is avoided. This allows the maintenance vehicle to move independently of trains on the track.

[0008] Furthermore, the support arms of the maintenance vehicle can retract towards the platform. Therefore, as the maintenance vehicle moves along the track, each support arm can reversibly move towards the platform, so that the support arm is no longer in contact with the track. In other words, each support arm can retract and / or extend individually and independently of the others. This is particularly advantageous when the track connector is located in the path of the support arm along the track. In this case, the support arm can retract so that further movement along the track does not cause the support arm to collide with the track connector. By moving the maintenance vehicle along the track, it can then pass over the connector, and subsequently, the support arm can extend again to re-establish contact between the support arm and the track. The support arms can retract and extend independently of each other. This allows one support arm to pass over an obstacle as described above, and then another support arm to pass over an obstacle as described above. The telescopic arrangement of the support arms allows the maintenance vehicle to avoid the track connector and thus move on the track section including the track connector. Furthermore, retracting all support arms simultaneously releases the wheels of the maintenance vehicle from contact with the two rails of the track, allowing the maintenance vehicle to be easily removed from the track.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the maintenance unit may include an inspection system suitable for performing undercarriage inspections of trains. The arrangement of the inspection system enables the maintenance vehicle to collect information about the condition of the train to be inspected. The inspection system may be formed, for example, by a sensor system and / or a camera system, which records the undercarriage of the train and evaluates the recorded information. By using such information, the expected condition and the actual condition of the train undercarriage can be compared, thereby detecting potential maintenance needs. In a preferred embodiment, the inspection system may further include a moving device configured to move the inspection system. Since many components are typically arranged on the undercarriage of a train, the arrangement of the moving device allows the inspection system to move, thereby enabling the inspection of all areas of the train undercarriage. Additionally, the arrangement of the moving device allows the inspection system to move to the vicinity of a selected location for closer inspection. Such a moving device may be, for example, a linear actuator, a movable arm, etc.

[0010] The maintenance unit may also include a control system configured to mechanically interact with the underside of the train. In other words, the control system enables the maintenance vehicle to mechanically interact with components on the underside of the train. This allows maintenance operations to be performed on the train, which may involve mechanical inspections via probes, or replacement or repair work. The control system may be formed by one or more tools, which are preferably arranged in a movable manner. In this context, movable may mean rotatable, or it may mean movable in one or more spatial directions. Furthermore, combinations of these forms of motion are also possible. In a preferred embodiment, the control system may be moved by a moving device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the chassis maintenance vehicle may further include a detection unit configured to detect obstacles near the vehicle. The detection unit can detect potential obstacles, such as rail connectors. The detection unit may consist of sensors and / or cameras configured to collect information about the surrounding environment. Such sensors may be, for example, tactile sensors or non-contact sensors. Particularly in the case of non-contact sensors, obstacles within a distance of several meters can be detected. The detection unit may be particularly advantageous if obstacles are irregularly arranged on the tracks, because in this case, it is impossible to determine an approaching obstacle solely based on the distance between the previous obstacle and the distance traveled. In a particular preferred embodiment, the detection unit may be integrated into an inspection system.

[0012] Preferably, the retraction mechanism may include a telescopic section with an adjustable total length. Such a telescopic section may include at least two segments that can move relative to each other, thereby reducing the total length of the telescopic section. By incorporating the telescopic section, the retraction mechanism can be implemented in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the compactness of the telescopic section allows the wheels of the support arm to retract further, making it easier to bypass the connectors on the rail.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, each support arm may further include a vibration damping device configured to suppress vibrations transmitted from the drive wheel and the support wheel to the platform, and vice versa. During movement along the track, vibrations may occur due to the contact between the wheels (i.e., the contact between the drive wheel and the support wheel and the rail). The vibration damping device can reduce or completely absorb these vibrations. Such a device may be, for example, a shock absorber, a damping elastic material, etc. This prevents vibrations from being transmitted via the support arm to the platform, thereby preventing negative impacts on train maintenance and / or train inspection. Furthermore, it can improve the smoothness of the maintenance vehicle's operation and track stability.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vibration damping device can also be configured to press the support arm against the rail when the chassis maintenance vehicle is used in a rail system. In this way, sufficient contact can be provided between the support arm and the drive wheel and support wheel of the rail.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the chassis maintenance vehicle may include at least three pairs of support arms, wherein at least two drive wheels spaced apart along the length of the platform are motor-driven wheels. A pair of support arms may be formed by two support arms extending along the width of the platform, one support arm located on one length side of the platform and the other support arm located on the other length side of the platform. The pair of support arms may be arranged at substantially equal distances along the length of the platform. The arrangement of the other pair of support arms increases the number of contact points with the rails, thereby improving track stability. Furthermore, it prevents the platform from tilting when a pair of support arms is retracted. With a pair of support arms retracted, the maintenance vehicle can still move because at least two drive wheels on each side of the platform are driven. Therefore, at least one driven drive wheel on each side remains in contact with the rail, allowing the maintenance vehicle to simultaneously retract a pair of support arms and continue moving along the rail. The number of support arms is not limited to an even number. Therefore, as an alternative to providing two or three pairs of support arms, the chassis maintenance vehicle may include five or seven support arms arranged spaced apart from each other along the length of the platform.

[0016] In one embodiment, the distance between the drive wheel and support wheel of a continuous support arm along the platform length can be at least 0.5 meters. Large attachments may be positioned along one or both sides of a track, which could obstruct the maintenance vehicle. Such attachments are formed, for example, by rail connectors, which are typically positioned on both sides of the track and connect the various segments of the track to each other. Specific intervals of the support arms along the platform length allow a pair of support arms to be retracted to overcome the obstruction and then extended again, without subsequent pairs of support arms contacting the obstruction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the platform may be formed of a first portion including at least two pairs of support arms and a second portion including at least one pair of support arms. Dividing the platform into the first and second portions allows for a variable design of the maintenance vehicle. For example, the first portion may include a drive wheel, while the second portion may not include a drive wheel. Designing the platform in this way simplifies manufacturing and thus reduces costs.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting mechanism between the first portion and the second portion of the platform can be configured to fold the second portion of the platform onto the top of the first portion. Providing the connecting mechanism to make the first and second portions of the platform foldable allows for a reduction in the platform's space requirements. Furthermore, the platform can be folded up and stored to save space. Additionally, for example, when the second portion does not need to contact the track, a maintenance vehicle can be operated for maintenance in the folded state.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first and second portions of the platform are configured to be releasably attached to each other. Due to the detachability of the first and second portions of the platform, the number of wheels on the maintenance vehicle can be varied as needed. For example, a maintenance vehicle with four support arms can be operated and expanded to six or more support arms by connecting the second portion.

[0020] The problem defined above is further addressed by a method for moving along a track, preferably using a chassis maintenance vehicle as defined above, the track comprising two substantially parallel rails spaced apart by a track gauge, rail connectors or similar obstacles disposed on one of the rails, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] S1: The chassis maintenance vehicle approaches the rail connector and, optionally, stops moving near the rail connector;

[0022] S2: The chassis maintenance vehicle retracts the first support arm closest to the rail connector;

[0023] S3: The chassis maintenance vehicle moves forward, and optionally, the chassis maintenance vehicle stops when the subsequent support arm approaches the rail connector;

[0024] S4: The chassis maintenance vehicle extends its currently retracted support arm;

[0025] S5: The chassis maintenance vehicle retracts its subsequent support arm;

[0026] S6: The chassis maintenance vehicle moves forward, and optionally, the chassis maintenance vehicle stops when the currently retracted support arm can extend without interfering with the rail connection;

[0027] S7: The chassis maintenance vehicle repeats steps S4 to S6 for each subsequent support arm.

[0028] In other words, the maintenance vehicle can move forward by retracting a support arm located on one side of the track and continuing until the retracted support arm can be safely extended again to bypass an obstacle on the side of the track. This process is repeated for each subsequent support arm in the longitudinal direction of the platform until no other support arm must cross an obstacle. At least three support arms are in contact with the track at all times to prevent the platform from tipping over, and at least one driven drive wheel ensures the forward movement of the maintenance vehicle. Subsequent support arms refer to those moving in the opposite direction to the forward movement of the platform and following the currently retracted support arm.

[0029] The movement of the maintenance vehicle over rail connectors or similar obstacles can be intermittent, gradual, including a stop of the maintenance vehicle before retracting and / or extending one or more support arms, or alternatively, it can be substantially continuous, with one or more support arms retracting and / or extending during the movement of the maintenance vehicle. In the latter case, the speed of the maintenance vehicle can be reduced as it approaches the rail connector or similar obstacle, or it can remain substantially constant.

[0030] A method for moving a chassis maintenance vehicle with at least three pairs of support arms along a track comprising two rails extending substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by one track gauge, wherein rail connectors or similar obstacles are provided on the two rails, the method may include the following steps:

[0031] S1: The chassis maintenance vehicle approaches the rail connector of the track, and optionally stops moving near the rail connector;

[0032] S2: The chassis maintenance vehicle retracts the first pair of support arms closest to the rail connector;

[0033] S3: The chassis maintenance vehicle moves forward, and optionally stops when a subsequent pair of support arms are adjacent to the rail connector;

[0034] S4: The chassis maintenance vehicle extends its currently retracted pair of support arms;

[0035] S5: The chassis maintenance vehicle retracts its pair of support arms;

[0036] S6: The chassis maintenance vehicle moves forward, and optionally, the chassis maintenance vehicle can stop when the currently retracted pair of support arms can stop without interfering with the rail connector;

[0037] S7: The chassis maintenance vehicle repeats steps S4 to S6 for each subsequent pair of support arms.

[0038] Simultaneously retracting a pair of support arms allows passage via connectors located on both sides of the track. At least four support arms, i.e., two pairs of support arms, maintain constant contact with the rails, enabling the maintenance vehicle to be driven by at least two drive wheels. Furthermore, it safely prevents the platform from tilting.

[0039] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the method may include positioning the train on the track, wherein when the chassis maintenance vehicle is located below the train, the chassis maintenance vehicle performs maintenance on the bottom of the train via a maintenance unit.

[0040] Modifications and advantages to the description of the apparatus apply accordingly to the method, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown by way of illustrative example. In this document, all features described and / or illustrated, individually or in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their references.

[0042] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a chassis maintenance vehicle according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 It shows the location in the orbital system. Figure 1 Examples of implementations.

[0044] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A detailed view of the support arm in contact with the track in an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A separate view of a portion of the support arm in an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 5 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the chassis maintenance vehicle according to the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 6 It shows the effect when passing through the rail connector. Figure 5 Examples of implementations.

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements, elements with the same function, or elements of the same kind may be given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A chassis maintenance vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The maintenance vehicle 1 is formed by a platform 3 having a generally box-shaped form. The platform 3 extends in length l along the length direction and in width w along the width direction. At one end of the platform 3 along the length direction, support arms 5 protrude from each side of the platform 3 in the width direction. These two support arms 5 form a pair of support arms 5. Another pair of support arms 5 is provided at the other end of the platform along the length direction. Each support arm 5 includes a retraction mechanism 12, a drive wheel 8, and a support wheel 7, which will be combined as follows. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A more detailed description follows. A detection unit 16 in the form of a sensor array is arranged at one end of the platform 3 in the longitudinal direction. An inspection system 4 is located at the other end of the platform 3 in the longitudinal direction. The inspection system 4 has a motorized arm 14 with multiple joints that can move relative to each other. One end of the motorized arm 14 is connected to the platform 3, and the other end is equipped with a camera system 13. Furthermore, the motorized arm 14 has a tool 15, which is arranged next to the camera system 13 at the free end of the motorized arm 14.

[0050] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The chassis maintenance vehicle 1 shown is positioned within a track system 6. The track system 6 consists of two rails 10 forming a track 2, the two rails 10 extending parallel to each other and spaced apart by a track gauge g. The track system 6 also includes sleepers 60, which are arranged perpendicular to the rails 10, and the rails are fixed to the sleepers 60 by track fasteners 61. The chassis maintenance vehicle 1 is located between the two rails 10 of the track 2. The drive wheel 8 and the support wheel 7 of the support arm 5 contact their respective rails 10, allowing the chassis maintenance vehicle 1 to move along the track 2. The platform 3 protrudes less than 80 mm from above the rail head 11. Figure 2 As shown, the inspection system also meets this requirement in the folded state.

[0051] Figure 3A detailed view of the support arm 5 in contact with the rail 10 is shown. The support arm 5 extends from the platform 3 along the width direction of the platform 3. The support arm 5 has a retraction mechanism 12 that reduces the overall length of the support arm 5. The retraction mechanism 12 has a telescopic section 17 formed by two elements that can move into the interior of another element. Figure 4 As shown, the components of the telescopic section 17 are moved by a motor 52, also housed in the support arm 5. The motor 52 is controlled and powered by a motor controller 51. A damper 18 is arranged below the retraction mechanism 12 and the motor 52. The damper 18 is preloaded by a spring, causing it to press the support arm 5 against the track 2. The damper 18 also suppresses vibrations transmitted along the support arm 5 in the direction of the platform 3, and vice versa. A drive wheel 8 is provided at the end of the support arm 5 away from the platform 3. The drive wheel 8 has a metal core 81 surrounded by a rubber coating 82 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (As shown). A gear 83 is arranged on the side of the drive wheel 8 facing the platform. The gear 83 is connected to a motor (not shown) via a shaft extending in the support arm 5 and is therefore actively driven. The support wheel 7 is positioned above the drive wheel 8. The support wheel 7 is connected to the support arm 5 via an adjustment mechanism 71. The adjustment mechanism can adjust the position of the support wheel 7 relative to the drive wheel 8 and the support arm 5.

[0052] The rail 10 includes a wide bottom 9, which extends vertically as a narrow handle and terminates in a wider head section 11, on which the bogie wheels can contact the rail 10. The bottom 9 of the rail 10 is secured to both sides of the rail 10 by the aforementioned rail fasteners 61. Figure 3 The rail shown corresponds to the standard rail of EN 13674-1. The support arm 5, with wheels 7 and 8 at its ends, is L-shaped; when the support arm 5 extends and contacts the rail 10, the L-shape does not interfere with the rail fastener 61 (see [link to rail fastener]). Figure 3 The drive wheel 8 contacts the rail 10 at the bottom 9 position, close to the rod portion of the rail 10. The support wheel 7 contacts the rail 10 on the underside of the rail head 11.

[0053] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A second embodiment of the chassis maintenance vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown. The second embodiment 100 is largely the same as the first embodiment, and therefore reference is made to the description of the first embodiment in the same parts. The differences from the first embodiment will be highlighted and described in detail below.

[0054] Figure 5 A maintenance vehicle 100 in track 2 of track system 6 is shown. The second embodiment 100 also includes a maintenance unit 4, which, for clarity, is shown in... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The maintenance unit 4 is not shown. Compared to the first embodiment 1, the second embodiment 100 includes an additional pair of support arms 5, making the second embodiment have three pairs of support arms 5. Two pairs of support arms 5 are disposed on the first portion 19 of the platform 3. One pair of support arms 5 is disposed on the second portion 20 of the platform 3. The first portion 19 of the platform 3 is similar to the platform 3 of the first embodiment of the maintenance vehicle 1. The second portion 20 of the platform 3 is designed as a frame. The second portion 20 is detachably connected to the first portion 19.

[0055] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The track 2 shown includes multiple sections of rail connectors 21, with each section of each rail 10 connected to the others via rail connectors 21. These rail connectors 21, also referred to in the art as fishplates, are, for example, 820 mm in length and are secured with screws to the transition between the section of the rail 10 and the rail rod. The rail connectors 21 protrude too far from the rail rod, such that when the maintenance vehicle 100 moves along the track 2, and the support arm 5 is not retracted toward the platform 3 of the maintenance vehicle 100, the support arm 5 will collide with the rail connectors 21.

[0056] Figure 6 A maintenance vehicle 100 in track 2 is shown, comprising a plurality of fishplates 21 located on both sides of track 10 and track 2. The fishplates 21 are arranged at substantially the same level along the direction of track 2. A first pair of support arms 5 located at the level of the fishplates 21 retracts. The support arms 5 are retracted by a retraction mechanism 12 to a degree that the support arms 5 do not collide with the fishplates 21. The other two pairs of support arms 5 extend and drive the maintenance vehicle 100.

[0057] refer to Figure 6 The following describes the sequence in which the maintenance vehicle 100 passes through the arrangement of the fishplates 21 located on both sides of the track 2. First, all support arms 5 extend, and the maintenance vehicle 100 moves forward along the track 2 in the portion of the track 2 without the fishplates 21. Then, as... Figure 6 As shown, the maintenance vehicle 100 approaches the section of the track 2 with fishplates 21 on both sides. The detection unit 16 detects proximity to the fishplates 21, and the motor control of the drive wheel 8 brakes the maintenance vehicle 100, stopping it 10cm in front of the fishplates 21. Next, the two support arms 5 closest to the fishplates 21 retract. Then, the maintenance vehicle 100 moves forward, allowing the first pair of support arms 5 to pass over the fishplates 21 (see...). Figure 6 Once the fishplate 21f has been passed and the first pair of support arms 5 can be extended without interfering with the fishplate 21, the maintenance vehicle 100 stops and extends the first pair of support arms 5. Next, the next pair of support arms 5 is retracted. This is the second pair of support arms 5 located in the middle of the longitudinal direction l of the platform 3. Once the second pair of support arms 5 is retracted, the maintenance vehicle 100 advances to a position where the second pair of support arms 5 can extend without interfering with the fishplate 21, and then extends the second pair of support arms 5. This process is performed on the third and last pairs of support arms 5, such that these support arms retract first, then the maintenance vehicle 100 moves past the fishplate 21 and then the third pair of support arms 5 extends. The maintenance vehicle 100 can then continue moving forward along the track 2.

[0058] However, maintenance vehicles 1 and 100 do not necessarily rely on the detection unit 16 to detect approaching obstacles. If the obstacles are arranged regularly along the track 2, i.e. at a constant distance, the distance traveled by maintenance vehicles 1 and 100 can be used to estimate the approach of the obstacles.

[0059] In addition to the case where fishplates 21 are provided on both sides of track 2 as described above, there may also be cases where obstacles (such as fishplates 21) are provided only on one side of track 2. The following describes the sequence in which maintenance vehicles 1 and 100 pass such obstacles. As mentioned above, the approaching obstacle can be estimated based on the travel distance combined with information about the distance between obstacles along track 2. Alternatively or additionally, the obstacle can also be detected by detection unit 16. Maintenance vehicles 1 and 100 determine that a fishplate 21 arranged on one side of track 2 is approaching based on stored information and travel distance and brake. Maintenance vehicles 1 and 100 stop 10 cm in front of fishplate 21 and retract the support arm 5 closest to fishplate 21. Subsequently, maintenance vehicles 1 and 100, having contacted the rails 10 of track 2 with at least three support arms 5, move forward and pass the fishplate 21 through the retracted support arms 5. When the retracted support arms 5 pass the fishplate 21, they stop moving forward and can extend without interfering with fishplate 21. Subsequently, this process is repeated for each of the other support arms 5 located on this side of maintenance vehicles 1 and 100.

[0060] The sequence of the above-described movement process is not limited to this exact order. In principle, multiple support arms can be retracted and / or extended simultaneously. The direction of movement can also be reversed before passing an obstacle. Furthermore, support arms 5 can be retracted and extended while moving at any speed, instead of extending and / or retracting support arms 5 by stopping maintenance vehicles 1 and 100.

[0061] Figure label:

[0062] 1: Chassis maintenance vehicle

[0063] 2: Track

[0064] 3: Platform

[0065] 4: Maintenance Unit

[0066] 5: Support arm

[0067] 6: Track System

[0068] 7: Support wheel

[0069] 8: Drive wheel

[0070] 9: Bottom

[0071] 10: Rails

[0072] 11: Rail head

[0073] 12: Retraction Mechanism

[0074] 13: Inspection System

[0075] 14: Mobile devices

[0076] 15: Operating System

[0077] 16: Detection Unit

[0078] 17: Expansion Section

[0079] 18: Dampers

[0080] 19: Part One

[0081] 20: Part Two

[0082] 21: Connector (Fishplate)

[0083] 51: Motor Controller

[0084] 52: Electric motor

[0085] 60: Railway sleepers

[0086] 61: Fasteners

[0087] 71: Adjustment mechanism

[0088] 81:Metal core

[0089] 82: Rubber coating

[0090] 83: Gear

[0091] 100: Chassis Maintenance Vehicle

[0092] g: Track gauge

[0093] l: Platform length

[0094] w: Platform width

Claims

1. A chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) for maintaining the bottom of a train, the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) being configured to move on a track (2) having two rails (10) extending parallel to each other and spaced apart by a gauge (g), wherein the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) comprises: Platform (3), has a width (w), Maintenance unit (4), connected to the platform (3) and configured to perform maintenance operations at the bottom of the train, and At least two pairs of support arms (5), positioned along the length (l) of the platform (3) and extending substantially in the width direction, each support arm (5) comprising, when used in a track system (6) perpendicular to the track (2): Support wheel (7), configured to rotate freely about a rotation axis, The drive wheel (8) is configured to rotate about a rotation axis. The support arm (5) is arranged to connect the support wheel (7) and the drive wheel (8) to the platform (3). At least two of the drive wheels (8) are motor-driven wheels, characterized in that, The drive wheel (8) is configured to contact the bottom (9) of the rail (10) of the track (2), and the support wheel (7) is configured to contact the underside of the rail head (11) of the rail (10). Each support arm (5) has a retraction mechanism (12) configured to retract the support arm (5) toward the platform (3).

2. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The maintenance unit (4) includes an inspection system (13) suitable for inspecting the bottom of the train.

3. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inspection system (13) also includes a moving device (14) for moving the inspection system.

4. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The maintenance unit (4) includes a control system (15) configured to mechanically interact with the bottom of the train.

5. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) also includes a detection unit (16) configured to detect rail connectors (21) or similar obstacles near the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100).

6. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The retraction mechanism (12) includes a telescopic section (17) with an adjustable total length.

7. The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each support arm (5) also includes a vibration damper (18) configured to suppress vibrations transmitted from the drive wheel (8) and the support wheel (7) to the platform (3) and vice versa.

8. The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) includes at least three pairs of support arms (5), wherein at least two drive wheels (8) spaced apart along the length (l) of the platform (3) are electrically driven wheels.

9. The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the drive wheel (8) and the support wheel (7) of the continuous support arm (5) along the length (l) of the platform (3) is at least 0.5 meters.

10. The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The platform (3) is formed by a first part (19) including at least two pairs of support arms (5) and a second part (20) including at least one pair of support arms (5).

11. The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The connection mechanism between the first part (19) and the second part (20) of the platform (3) is configured to fold the second part (20) of the platform (3) onto the top of the first part (19) of the platform (3).

12. The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first portion (19) and the second portion (20) of the platform (3) are configured to be releasably attached to each other.

13. A method for moving a chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 along a track (2), said track (2) comprising two rails (10) extending substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a gauge (g), wherein a rail connector (21) or similar obstacle is provided on one of the rails (10), characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S1: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) approaches the rail connector (21); S2: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) retracts the first support arm (5) closest to the rail connector (21); S3: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) moves forward; S4: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) extends the currently retracted support arm (5); S5: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) retracts its subsequent support arm (5); S6: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) moves forward; S7: The chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) repeats steps S4 to S6 for each of the next support arms (5).

14. A method for moving a chassis maintenance vehicle (100) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 along a track (2), said track (2) comprising two rails (10) extending substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a track gauge (g), wherein rail connectors (21) or similar obstructions are provided on the two rails (10), characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: S1: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) approaches the rail connector (21) on the rail (10) of the track (2); S2: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) retracts the first pair of support arms (5) closest to the rail connector (21); S3: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) moves forward; S4: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) extends the currently retracted pair of support arms (5); S5: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) retracts its subsequent pair of support arms (5); S6: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) moves forward; S7: The chassis maintenance vehicle (100) repeats steps S4 to S6 for each of the next pair of support arms (5).

15. The method of moving along track (2) as described in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The train is located on the track (2), wherein when the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) is located below the train, the chassis maintenance vehicle (1, 100) performs maintenance on the bottom of the train through the maintenance unit (4).

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