Device for processing rail vehicle wheelsets

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (7, 7') for processing a rail vehicle wheelset (8), comprising: support rollers (12) for rotatably supporting the wheelset (8), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is provided with at least two of the support rollers (12), wherein at least one of the support rollers (12) has a drive mechanism for rotating the wheelset (8) and / or wherein at least one drive roller for rotating the wheelset (8) is provided; and guide rollers (13) for axially guiding the wheelset (8). Each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is equipped with at least one of the guide rollers (13); a tool for machining the wheelset (8), particularly the tread and / or brake disc of the wheelset (8), each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) being equipped with at least one tool; and at least one operating device (1) for receiving and moving the thrust bearing (10) to radially fix the wheelset (8), each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) being equipped with at least one operating device (1). To enable easy and quick repositioning and replacement of the thrust bearing (10) used to fix the wheelset (8), it is proposed that the at least one operating device (1) has at least two degrees of freedom of motion, particularly at least three degrees of freedom of motion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for machining rail vehicle wheelsets, comprising: support rollers for rotatably supporting the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is provided with at least two of the support rollers, wherein at least one of the support rollers has a drive mechanism for rotating the wheelset and / or wherein at least one drive roller for rotating the wheelset is provided; guide rollers for axially guiding the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is provided with at least one of the guide rollers; a tool for cutting and machining the wheelset, particularly the tread and / or brake disc of the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is provided with at least one tool; and at least one operating device for receiving and moving a thrust bearing to radially fix the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is provided with at least one operating device. Background Technology

[0002] Rail vehicle wheelsets are used to safely carry and guide rail vehicles, and are therefore crucial to the reliable operation of rail vehicles. The geometry of the wheelset tread interacts with the geometry of the track in this process, determining the vehicle's operation. However, due to the rolling contact between the wheelset and the track, the wheelset bears a significant load, causing wear on the tread. In rail vehicle maintenance, wheelsets and their treads are of particular importance because the high reliability requirements necessitate regular inspection of the tread geometry.

[0003] Currently, there are various known wheelset machining equipment used for correcting the geometry of wheelset treads (i.e., "reprofilierung"). Since wheelsets are rotationally symmetric components, lathe-type equipment is mainly used for their machining, and is therefore also called wheelset lathes.

[0004] Among known wheelset lathes, they can be divided into movable wheelset lathes and fixed wheelset lathes, i.e., wheelset lathes with a fixed position. The turning and finishing of wheelsets is completed through corresponding process steps, which differ between movable and fixed wheelset lathes.

[0005] In a fixed-position wheelset lathe, a rail vehicle carrying the wheelset to be machined needs to be positioned on the lathe; that is, the wheelset moves relative to the machine tool. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the wheelset lathe in a workshop pit below the workshop rails, on which the rail vehicle can be moved so that the wheelset to be machined can reach the desired machining position above the wheelset lathe. Subsequently, the wheelset to be machined is (rotatably) fixed on the wheelset lathe for precision machining. The wheelset can then be cut, and after machining is complete, the wheelset can be released from its fixed position.

[0006] Fixed-position wheelset lathes are known, for example, from DE 1 285 839 A or WO 2006 / 072584A1.

[0007] In a mobile wheelset lathe, the wheelset or the entire rail vehicle to be machined is lifted, and the wheelset lathe is positioned below the wheelset. Unlike a fixed wheelset lathe, the machine tool moves relative to the wheelset. This can be achieved, for example, by pushing the mobile wheelset lathe along a workshop track. The wheelset to be machined is then (rotatably) secured for precision machining. Cutting can then be performed on the wheelset, and after machining, the wheelset can be released from its secure position.

[0008] Mobile wheelset processing machine tools are known, for example, from European Patent EP 1 606 072 B1 and European Patent EP 1 984134 B1.

[0009] In both types of machines—fixed and mobile wheelset lathes—the essential operation involves securing, or "clamping," the wheelset and subsequently releasing it. These steps are used to set up the wheelset lathe for the machining process and are therefore considered "setup time." During setup, the wheelset lathe cannot be used for production, so this setup time must be minimized.

[0010] In both machine tool types, wheelsets are secured using mechanical thrust bearings (sometimes called "jaws"). To allow the wheelset to rotate during machining and to transmit the necessary torque to it, the wheelset is supported, for example, on driven friction rollers that press it against the thrust bearing from below. The thrust bearing acts at both ends of the wheelset (i.e., at the journals or ends) and prevents the wheelset from moving radially upward. Due to the required rigidity and strength, the thrust bearing must be a very solid structure, typically designed as a heavy-duty welded steel construction.

[0011] Thrust bearings must be adapted to the specific rail vehicle type and wheelset to ensure safe and precise mounting. Furthermore, thrust bearings must be removed from the rail vehicle's clearance space after each machining operation to avoid collisions. Especially in the case of mobile wheelset machining machines, thrust bearings often need to be completely removed from the machine before the machine can be moved to the next wheelset to be machined.

[0012] Whether replacing or removing thrust bearings from vehicles, the process has so far been done manually, which is time-consuming due to their weight and extends setup time. Because this process is often repetitive and thrust bearings are heavy (approximately 20kg to 30kg), manually assembling them into machine tools is also disadvantageous in terms of work safety and ergonomics.

[0013] In a movable wheelset machining machine known from EP 1 606 072 B1, the thrust bearing is designed as a hook-shaped "clamp 5" (see EP 1 606 072 B1). Figure 1 These clamps must be moved manually along the axial direction after machining is complete, so clamp replacement is also done manually. This leads to the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0014] In the position-fixed wheelset machining machine tool disclosed in German patent DE 1 285 839 A, the thrust bearing is designed as a "jaw 11", which can fix the wheelset in the vertical (i.e. radial) direction through the bearing housing of the wheelset (see DE 1 285 839 A). Figure 1 However, in this machine tool, the replacement of the chucks must also be done manually, which brings the aforementioned disadvantages. Although these chucks can be moved by the machine in the vertical (i.e., radial) direction via a hydraulic piston, the axial movement of the chucks still needs to be done manually (via an axially movable support beam) because the device supporting the chucks can only be adjusted in the vertical direction (via the hydraulic piston). The radial and axial mobility of the chucks is not for avoiding collisions, but for the purpose of fixing and machining wheelsets with built-in journals (see DE 1 285 839 A). Figure 2 ). Summary of the Invention

[0015] Based on the above background, the purpose of this invention is to design and improve the device for processing rail vehicle wheelsets described above, so that the thrust bearing used to fix the wheelsets can be easily and quickly changed in position and replaced.

[0016] This objective is achieved in the apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 by having at least two degrees of freedom of motion, and in particular at least three degrees of freedom of motion.

[0017] This invention relates to an apparatus for machining wheelsets of rail vehicles. The machining can be, in particular, cutting operations, such as machining by turning or using a lathe. The apparatus firstly includes support rollers for rotatably supporting the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is equipped with at least two of the support rollers. The function of the support rollers is to carry and (rotatably) support the wheelset. At least one of the support rollers may have a drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the wheelset. Preferably, all support rollers are equipped with a drive mechanism. In this way, the support rollers can transmit driving force or driving torque to the wheels of the wheelset through friction. As an alternative to driving the support rollers, at least one independent drive roller can also be provided for the rotation of the wheelset. In this case, the functions of "support / support" and "drive" are separate from each other. The apparatus also includes guide rollers for axially guiding the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is equipped with at least one guide roller. Therefore, the guide rollers are also referred to as "axial guide rollers". In addition, the device includes tools for machining the wheelset, particularly for machining the tread and / or brake disc, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is equipped with at least one tool. These tools may, in particular, be turning tools. The device also includes at least one actuating device for receiving and moving the thrust bearing to radially fix the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is equipped with at least one actuating device. The thrust bearing (also called a "manipulator" or "jaw manipulator") can be moved by means of the actuating device (also called a "jaw"), thereby simplifying the replacement of the thrust bearing. It can be configured that the actuating device carries the thrust bearing only when replacing it and transfers the thrust bearing to an external support fixture for machining (see [reference]). Figure 4 , Figure 5 Alternatively, the design can be configured to not use a separate external support device, allowing the thrust bearing to remain on the operating device (which is designed to have particularly high rigidity in this case) during machining (see...). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0018] According to the present invention, the operating device of the at least one device has at least two degrees of freedom of motion, particularly at least three degrees of freedom of motion. By giving the operating device not just one degree of freedom of motion (e.g., vertical adjustability), but two or more degrees of freedom of motion (e.g., horizontal adjustability and / or pivoting or rotating capability about a vertical axis of rotation), the operating device can achieve several advantages. First, this flexible range of motion makes the replacement of the thrust bearing more convenient, as the thrust bearing can be moved to an ergonomically optimal position for replacement. Second, this flexible range of motion also facilitates the quick and easy swinging of the operating device out of the collision area and back into the wheelset orientation. Therefore, the thrust bearing can swing back and forth between the "processing position" or "transfer position" and the "parking position".

[0019] According to one design of this device, the operating device has at least one drive mechanism, and more particularly at least two drive mechanisms. Through these drive mechanisms, especially rotary or linear drive mechanisms, the movement of the operating device can be executed more quickly and ergonomically compared to manual operation.

[0020] Particularly advantageous are the drive mechanisms configured for the vertical adjustability of the operating device, because the thrust bearing is solid and relatively heavy, thus requiring only laborious lifting. The operating device may also have two or more drive mechanisms, for example, for horizontal adjustment and / or pivoting or rotation about the vertical axis of rotation.

[0021] The device can be further designed such that the operating device has a first rotary joint for rotatably supporting the operating device on the device, and in particular for rotating the operating device about a vertical first axis of rotation. With the aid of this rotary joint, after replacing the thrust bearing, the operating device and the thrust bearing fixed thereto can be quickly and easily swung out of the collision area, and then swung back to the wheelset orientation for replacing the next thrust bearing. In other words, this rotary joint enables easy pivoting between the "processing position" or "transfer position" and the "parking position".

[0022] According to another design of the device, the operating device has a first section with a first linear guide, specifically for linear retraction and extension of the operating device in the horizontal direction. Alternatively or supplementarily, the operating device can have a second section with a second linear guide, specifically for linear lifting and lowering of the operating device in the vertical direction. The first section with the first linear guide is used to achieve horizontal retraction and extension of the operating device, i.e., changing the horizontal distance between the wheelset and the thrust bearing. The second section with the second linear guide is used to achieve vertical lifting and lowering of the operating device, which greatly simplifies the replacement of heavy-duty thrust bearings. This combination of horizontal and vertical mobility achieves high flexibility, which can be used to solve various tasks (e.g., changing thrust bearings, switching between a "processing position" or "handover position" and a "parking position"). Preferably, the second section is bent at a 90° angle relative to the first section.

[0023] According to another design of the device, the operating mechanism has a housing for replaceably holding the thrust bearing. For this purpose, the housing of the operating mechanism can be further configured to be rotatably supported, specifically for rotating the thrust bearing about a vertical second axis of rotation. This housing is used to accommodate and replace thrust bearings of different shapes, thereby allowing for the fixing and machining of wheelsets of different shapes. Preferably, the housing also allows for linear adjustability of the thrust bearing, for example, by designing it as a slider (Nutenstein). The housing of the operating mechanism (e.g., the slider) is also rotatably supported, which, for example, makes it easier to replace the thrust bearing even in confined spaces.

[0024] Another design option for this device includes rollers for moving it along a track. With the help of these rollers, the device can move on the track; in other words, it can be a mobile wheelset machining machine, especially a wheelset lathe. Using this operating device in a mobile wheelset machining machine has particular advantages because, compared to a stationary machine, changing thrust bearings or achieving collision-free movement is more difficult in a mobile machine. The surrounding environment of a stationary machine is easier to adapt to, for example, by providing auxiliary tools for changing thrust bearings, such as a crane.

[0025] According to another design of the device, at least one external support fixing device is provided for supporting and moving the thrust bearing to achieve radial fixation of the wheelset, wherein each of the two wheels of the wheelset is equipped with at least one external support fixing device. The function of this external support fixing device is to accommodate the thrust bearing so as to fix the wheelset in the radial direction during machining. By providing a separate external support fixing device, the thrust bearing does not need to be retained on the operating device during machining, but is held by the external support fixing device specifically designed for this purpose. Although the mobility of the external support fixing device is lower than that of the operating device, it can have significantly higher rigidity. In contrast, the operating device can be designed to be lighter and more compact. This achieves a functional separation: the external support fixing device assumes the function of supporting the thrust bearing during machining; while the operating device is responsible for and simplifies the replacement of the thrust bearing.

[0026] Regarding the design of the aforementioned device, it is further proposed that the external support fixing device has a receiving portion for replaceably supporting the thrust bearing, wherein the receiving portion of the external support fixing device is preferably adjustable in the vertical direction. By ensuring that not only the operating device but also the external support fixing device has a receiving portion for the thrust bearing, the thrust bearing can be moved back and forth between the two receiving portions. To achieve this, the two receiving portions are preferably arranged at the same height and adjacent to each other. In this way, the thrust bearing can be pushed from the receiving portion of the operating device to the receiving portion of the external support fixing device before processing and held there during processing; subsequently (i.e., after processing), the thrust bearing is moved back to the receiving portion of the operating device for replacement. During this period (i.e., during processing), the operating device can swing to the "stopping position". The only manual intervention required is the back-and-forth movement of the thrust bearing, which significantly simplifies the process compared to the completely manual replacement of the thrust bearing, which requires manually lifting it. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which show only one preferred embodiment. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of the operating mechanism of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows having Figure 1 The front view of the operating device according to a first design of the device of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The side view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows having Figure 1 A front view of a second design embodiment of the device according to the present invention, showing the operating apparatus;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows a side view of the device according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 The invention is illustrated in perspective view. Figure 1 Operating device 1 (not shown). Operating device 1 has multiple degrees of freedom of motion, which will be described below. The first degree of freedom of motion is that operating device 1 can rotate about a vertical first axis of rotation D1 (…). Figure 1 (Represented by double arrows). Therefore, the operating device 1 has a rotary joint 2. Adjacent to the rotary joint 2, the operating device 1 has an adapter plate 3, through which the operating device 1 can be fixed to (…). Figure 1 On the device (not shown in the image).

[0034] The operating device 1 also includes a first section A1 having a first linear guide L1. The first section A1 is arranged in a horizontal plane and its function is to enable the operating device 1 to extend and retract linearly in the horizontal direction. Figure 1 (Represented by a double arrow). Figure 1 In the illustrated, and in this preferred embodiment, the first linear guide L1 consists of two slide rails. The (horizontal) travel of the first linear guide L1 is preferably at least 400 mm, and particularly at least 500 mm. The operating device 1 also includes a second section A2 having a second linear guide L2. The second section A2 extends vertically and its function is to enable the operating device 1 to move linearly up and down in the vertical direction (in... Figure 1 (Represented by a double arrow). Figure 1 In the illustrated, and in this preferred embodiment, the second linear guide L2 consists of a multi-section, telescope-structured linear lifting column. The (vertical) travel of the second linear guide L2 is preferably at least 500 mm, and particularly at least 600 mm. The second linear guide L2 has a drive mechanism 4, which is operated by a button 5.

[0035] Operating device 1 also has a replaceable ground support (in) Figure 1 (Not shown) The receiving portion 6 of the thrust bearing. The receiving portion 6 of the operating device 1 is rotatably supported, thereby allowing the receiving portion 6 (and, if necessary, the thrust bearing 10) to rotate about a vertical second axis of rotation D2. Figure 1 (Represented by a double arrow).

[0036] Figure 2 It shows having Figure 1 The front view of the first design of the operating device 1 according to the invention 7 is shown. Figure 1 The reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings are in a corresponding manner. Figure 2 It is used in [the context of the device]. It can be seen that the device 7 carries a wheelset 8 with two wheels 9 and is equipped with two operating devices 1, with each of the two wheels 9 assigned one operating device 1. Furthermore, from [the context of the device]... Figure 2 It can also be seen that both operating devices 1 are equipped with thrust bearings 10 (also called "jaws"). The wheelset 8 has two ends 11 (also called "journals" or "shaft ends"), and the thrust bearings 10 act on these two ends during machining to prevent the wheelset 8 from moving in the radially upward direction.

[0037] Figure 2 The apparatus 7 shown is used for machining wheelsets 8 of rail vehicles and includes four support rollers 12 for rotatably supporting the wheelsets 8, wherein each of the two wheels 9 of the wheelset 8 is equipped with two of the support rollers 12. Each support roller 12 has a drive mechanism to drive the wheelset 8 supported on the support rollers 12 during machining, i.e., to rotate it. The apparatus 7 also includes guide rollers 13 for axially guiding the wheelset 8, wherein each of the two wheels 9 of the wheelset 8 is equipped with a guide roller 13. Furthermore, the apparatus 7 includes a tool for cutting the wheelset 8 (in... Figure 2 The tool is located behind and obscured by the supporting roller 12, and is specifically used for machining the tread and / or brake disc of the wheelset 8. Each of the two wheels 9 of the wheelset 8 is equipped with at least one tool. The device 7 also has rollers 14 for moving the device 7 on the track 15.

[0038] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The side view shown is of the device 7 according to the present invention. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings are in a corresponding manner. Figure 3 In this side view, the wheelset 8 is clearly visible on the (rotatable) support of the support roller 12. Furthermore, the track 15, on which the device 7 can move by means of its roller 14, is also clearly visible.

[0039] Figure 4 It shows having Figure 1 The front view of the second design of the device 7' according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Finally, it was shown that Figure 4 The diagram shows a side view of the device according to the invention. Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings are in a corresponding manner. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The second design scheme of device 7' is used in [the context of the device]. Figure 4 and Figure 5 (as shown) and the first design scheme of device 7 (such as) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The difference (shown) lies particularly in that the second design of device 7' has two external support fixing devices 16. The external support fixing devices 16 are used to accommodate thrust bearings 10 respectively, so as to fix the wheelset 8 in the radial direction during machining. Each external support fixing device 16 has a receiving portion 6' for replaceably supporting the thrust bearing 10, wherein the receiving portion 6' is preferably adjustable in the vertical direction. In this way, the thrust bearing 10 can be moved from the receiving portion 6 of the operating device 1 to the receiving portion 6' of the external support fixing device 16 before machining begins, remain there during machining, and then be moved back to the receiving portion 6 of the operating device 1 for replacement (in... Figure 4 (Schematic diagram of thrust bearing 10, indicated by double arrows and dashed lines).

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 1: Operating device

[0042] 2: First Rotational Joint

[0043] 3: Adapter board

[0044] 4: (The drive unit of the second linear guide device L2)

[0045] 5: Button

[0046] 6: (The receiving part of the operating device 1 for the thrust bearing 10)

[0047] 6': (External support fixing device 16 for the thrust bearing 10) Receiving part

[0048] 7, 7': Device

[0049] 8: Wheels

[0050] 9: Wheels

[0051] 10: Thrust bearing

[0052] 11: (End of wheel pair 8)

[0053] 12: Support rollers

[0054] 13: Guide roller

[0055] 14: Roller

[0056] 15: Track

[0057] 16: External support and fixing device

[0058] A1: First Section

[0059] A2: Second Section

[0060] D1: First axis of rotation (perpendicular)

[0061] D2: Second axis of rotation (perpendicular)

[0062] L1: First linear guiding device

[0063] L2: Second linear guide device

Claims

1. Device (7') for machining wheelsets (8) of rail vehicles, comprising: - support rollers (12) for rotatably supporting a wheelset (8), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is assigned at least two of the support rollers (12), - wherein at least one of the support rollers (12) has a drive for rotating the wheelset (8) and / or wherein at least one drive roller for rotating the wheelset (8) is provided; - tools for cutting machining of the wheelset (8), in particular of the tread and / or brake disc of the wheelset (8), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is assigned at least one tool; and - at least one external support fixture (16) for accommodating and moving a thrust bearing (10) for radially fixing a wheelset (8), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is assigned at least one external support fixture (16), characterized by - guide rollers (13) for axially guiding the wheelset (8), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is assigned at least one of the guide rollers (13); and - at least one operating device (1) for accommodating and moving a thrust bearing (10) for radially fixing the wheelset (8) independently of the external support fixture (16), wherein each of the two wheels (9) of the wheelset (8) is assigned at least one operating device (1), wherein the at least one operating device (1) has at least two degrees of freedom of movement, in particular at least three degrees of freedom of movement.

2. Device (7') according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (1) has at least one drive (4), in particular at least two drives (4).

3. Device (7') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating device (1) has a first rotary joint (2) for rotatably supporting the operating device (1) on the device (7'), in particular for rotating the operating device (1) about a vertical first rotation axis (D1).

4. Device (7') according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the operating device (1) has a first section (A1) with a first linear guide (L1), in particular for linear retraction and extension of the operating device (1) in a horizontal direction.

5. Device (7') according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the operating device (1) has a second section (A2) with a second linear guide (L2), in particular for linear lifting and lowering of the operating device (1) in a vertical direction.

6. Device (7') according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the operating device (1) has an accommodation (6) for exchangeably supporting a thrust bearing (10).

7. Device (7') according to claim 6, characterized in that The housing (6) of the operating device (1) is rotatably supported, in particular for rotating the plain bearing (10) about a vertical second rotation axis (D2).

8. The device (7') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Rollers (14) are provided for moving the device (7') on a track (15).

9. The device (7') according to claim 8, characterized in that The outer support fixture (16) has a housing (6') for the replaceably supported plain bearing (10), wherein the housing (6') of the outer support fixture (16) is preferably adjustable in a vertical direction.

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