Radial support device for a wheel aligner

By combining the design of the base, radial support assembly, drive unit and guide mechanism, and with the addition of control devices and sensors, the problems of low positioning accuracy, insufficient rigidity and poor adaptability of the radial support device of the existing non-drop wheel lathe are solved, and efficient and accurate lathe machining is achieved.

CN224445271UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03WUHAN HEAVY MACHINE TOOL GRP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
WUHAN HEAVY MACHINE TOOL GRP
Filing Date
2025-06-19
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The radial support device of the existing non-drop wheel lathe has problems such as low positioning accuracy, insufficient rigidity, poor adaptability, complex structure and inconvenient maintenance, which affect the lathe quality and efficiency.

Method used

The system employs a combined design of a base, radial support assembly, radial drive unit, and guide mechanism, along with control devices and sensors, to achieve precise radial support and positioning. Through the cooperation of servo motors or hydraulic drives, linear guides, and sliders, it ensures stable movement and precise position control of the support actuators.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability and precision of turning, reduces the difficulty of manual operation, enhances the adaptability and maintenance convenience of the equipment, and ensures processing quality and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model provides a radial support device for a wheel lathe that does not require wheel rests. The device includes a base mounted on the machine body of the wheel lathe; and a radial support assembly disposed on the base. The radial support assembly includes: two support actuators, each having a working surface adapted to directly or indirectly contact the radial outer circumferential surface of a train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface to apply support force or achieve radial positioning; a radial drive unit; and a radial guide mechanism disposed between the base and the movable part of the radial support assembly to guide the movement trajectory of the support actuators in the radial direction and to withstand the radial force generated during lathe turning. This utility model, when applied to a wheel lathe that does not require wheel rests, can meet the requirements for radial support of the wheelset and greatly improve machining stability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical device technology, specifically to a radial support device for a non-falling wheel lathe. Background Technology

[0002] The wheel turning machine is a highly specialized large-scale machine tool. Its core feature is that it can directly repair and turn worn or damaged wheel treads and flanges online without removing the train wheelset from the vehicle bogie. The overall operating speed of modern rail vehicles is increasing year by year. According to the maintenance procedures for measuring wheelsets, EMU wheelsets need to be turned every 200,000 to 250,000 kilometers. Ordinary passenger and freight trains have shorter turning mileage due to the relatively poor rail conditions. Therefore, the production and repair volume of train wheels is increasing rapidly. As a result, existing machine tools use friction drive devices to directly support wheelsets. When the existing radial support device supports and positions the wheelset, (1) its positioning accuracy is not high, which affects the turning quality; (2) the support rigidity of the existing device is insufficient, and it is easy to deform or vibrate when subjected to large radial cutting forces; (3) the existing device has poor adaptability to wheelsets of different diameters or wear conditions, and the adjustment is difficult or limited; (4) the existing device has a complex structure, high cost, and inconvenient maintenance and adjustment. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a radial support device for a non-falling wheel lathe.

[0004] The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A radial support device for a non-dismounting wheel lathe includes:

[0006] The base, which is mounted on the machine body structure of the non-dismounting lathe; and

[0007] A radial support assembly disposed on the base, and the radial support assembly comprising:

[0008] Two support actuators, each having a working surface adapted to directly or indirectly contact the radial outer peripheral surface of the train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface to apply a support force or achieve radial positioning.

[0009] A radial drive unit, mechanically connected to the support actuator, generates a driving force and drives the support actuator to perform controlled linear reciprocating motion in a radial direction perpendicular to the train wheelset axis, thereby enabling the support actuator to approach, clamp, support, or retract and release actions on the train wheelset; and

[0010] A radial guide mechanism, disposed between the base and the movable part of the radial support assembly, guides the movement trajectory of the support actuator in the radial direction and withstands the radial force generated during the turning process.

[0011] Optionally, a control device is also included, which is signal-connected to the radial drive unit and is used to control the start and stop of the radial drive unit according to a preset program or operation command.

[0012] Optionally, the control device also communicates with a position sensor mounted on the radial support assembly for detecting the radial absolute position or relative displacement of the support actuator, and the control device implements closed-loop control of the radial support process based on the feedback signal from the position sensor.

[0013] Optionally, the control device also includes a pressure sensor mounted on the radial support assembly for detecting the support force applied to the train wheelset by the support actuator or the output force of the radial drive unit. The control device monitors the status of the radial support process based on the feedback signal from the pressure sensor.

[0014] Optionally, the support actuator includes an L-shaped support plate, and the two L-shaped support plates are arranged symmetrically in the radial direction relative to the train wheelset to form a stable radial clamping and self-centering positioning of the train wheelset.

[0015] Optionally, the radial drive unit includes:

[0016] A power drive source, such as a servo motor or a stepper motor; and

[0017] A lead screw and nut mechanism is provided, wherein the lead screw of the lead screw and nut mechanism is driven to rotate by the electric drive source through a coupling or a reduction transmission mechanism, and the nut of the lead screw and nut mechanism is fixedly connected to the support and actuation component, thereby converting the rotational motion of the electric drive source into the precise radial linear motion of the support and actuation component.

[0018] Optionally, the radial drive unit includes:

[0019] A hydraulic drive source; and

[0020] A corresponding hydraulic control system, comprising a hydraulic pump, a control valve group, and oil circuit components, is used to supply pressurized oil to the hydraulic drive source and control its operation.

[0021] Optionally, the radial guide mechanism includes a linear guide rail fixed on the base and a slider connected to the support actuator and capable of reciprocating on the linear guide rail.

[0022] Optionally, the working surface of the L-shaped support plate that contacts the train wheelset is made of a high-hardness, high-wear-resistant metal material.

[0023] Optionally, the working surface of the L-shaped support plate is coated with a wear-resistant reinforced coating.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0025] This utility model discloses a radial support device for a non-dismounting wheel lathe, which achieves precise radial support and positioning of train wheelsets through the coordinated work of its components. The base serves as the foundation of the device, upon which the radial support assembly rests. This assembly includes two support actuators, a radial drive unit, and a radial guide mechanism. The working surfaces of the support actuators contact the radial outer periphery or reference surface of the train wheelset, performing support and positioning functions. A clamping design enhances stability. The radial drive unit connects to the support actuators, driving their radial linear movement to complete approach, clamping, support, and retraction actions, achieving precise control in conjunction with the control device. The radial guide mechanism, including linear guides and a slider, guides the movement of the support actuators and bears radial force, ensuring linearity and stability. Applied to a non-dismounting wheel lathe, this device meets the requirements for radial support of the desired wheelsets, significantly improving machining stability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A top view of the radial support device for a non-falling wheel lathe provided by this utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of a radial support device for a non-dropping wheel lathe provided by this utility model.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Body structure; 2. Base; 20. Linear guide rail; 3. Slider; 4. Electric drive source; 5. Lead screw; 6. Nut; 7. Slide rail; 8. L-shaped support plate; 9. Position sensor; 10. Pressure sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] The radial support device for a non-falling wheel lathe provided in this utility model refers to... Figures 1-2 ,include:

[0033] Base 2, which is mounted on the body structure 1 of the non-dismounting lathe; and

[0034] A radial support assembly, disposed on the base 2, and comprising:

[0035] Two support actuators, each having a working surface adapted to directly or indirectly contact the radial outer peripheral surface of the train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface to apply a support force or achieve radial positioning.

[0036] A radial drive unit, mechanically connected to the support actuator, generates driving force and drives the support actuator to perform controlled linear reciprocating motion in a radial direction perpendicular to the train wheelset axis. This enables the support actuator to approach, clamp, support, or retract from the train wheelset.

[0037] The radial guide mechanism, which is located between the base 2 and the movable part of the radial support assembly, guides the movement trajectory of the support actuator in the radial direction and withstands the radial force generated during the turning process.

[0038] Specifically, the base 2 is integrally cast from high-strength cast iron with an internal reinforcing rib mesh structure. The base 2 is rigidly connected to the machine tool bed through pre-embedded bolts. The radial support assembly is set on the base 2 and is the core component for realizing radial support and positioning functions. Each support execution component is slidably connected to a slide rail 7 that is fixed on the machine body structure 1 of the wheel lathe and matches the support execution component. Each support execution component is equipped with a working surface that can directly or indirectly contact the radial outer peripheral surface of the train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface, thereby realizing the application of support force or radial positioning function to the train wheelset. When working, the support execution component provides stable radial support to the train wheelset through two relatively symmetrical sliding clamps, ensuring its positional accuracy during the lathe process. The radial drive unit is mechanically connected to the support actuator, responsible for generating the necessary driving force to drive the support actuator in a controlled linear reciprocating motion along a radial direction perpendicular to the train wheelset axis. This allows the support actuator to precisely perform a series of actions such as approaching, clamping, supporting, and retracting the train wheelset, meeting the needs of different processing stages. The radial guide mechanism is located between the base 2 and the movable part of the radial support assembly. Its main function is to guide the movement trajectory of the support actuator in the radial direction, ensuring its straightness and stability. Simultaneously, this mechanism can withstand the radial force generated during turning, ensuring the reliability of the entire support system.

[0039] This device also includes a control unit, which is signal-connected to the radial drive unit (e.g., its power source or control valve) and equipped with control logic. This control unit controls the start, stop, direction of movement, speed, stroke, or output force / torque of the radial drive unit according to a preset program or operating command, thereby achieving automated, semi-automated, or manually assisted radial support and positioning operations for train wheelsets. Specifically, the control unit can automatically control the movement of the radial drive unit without manual intervention according to a preset processing program, achieving automated radial support and positioning of train wheelsets. For example, it can automatically control the approach, clamping, supporting, or retracting release actions of the support actuators, making the entire processing process more efficient and precise. Simultaneously, it can switch to semi-automatic or manually assisted mode when needed. Operators can send commands through the control panel or operating handle to adjust the position and force of the support actuators in real time to meet special processing requirements or perform equipment debugging. This flexible and intelligent operating mode not only improves the ease of use of the equipment but also enhances its adaptability and reliability. Through this close signal connection and intelligent control logic, the radial support device of the wheel lathe can achieve precise, reliable and intelligent radial support and positioning of train wheelsets, significantly improving the efficiency and quality of lamination, reducing the difficulty and risk of manual operation, and enhancing the adaptability and maintenance convenience of the equipment.

[0040] The control device also communicates with position sensors 9 (such as optical scales, magnetic scales, encoders, and displacement sensors) mounted on the radial support assembly to detect the radial absolute position or relative displacement of the support actuators. Based on the feedback signals from the position sensors 9, the control device implements closed-loop control of the radial support process. This closed-loop control mechanism ensures that the support actuators move according to the preset trajectory and position requirements, thereby achieving high-precision support and positioning of the train wheelsets and guaranteeing the quality of the turning process. Simultaneously, through real-time monitoring of position information, the control device can promptly detect and correct deviations during the movement process, avoiding machining quality problems caused by position errors and improving the reliability and stability of the entire system.

[0041] In addition, the control device is equipped with a pressure sensor 10 (such as a pressure sensor 10, force measuring pin, strain gauge) installed on the radial support assembly to detect the support force applied to the train wheelset by the support actuator or the output force of the radial drive unit. The control device monitors the status of the radial support process based on the feedback signal of the pressure sensor 10. The data from the pressure sensor 10 helps to monitor the operating status of the support actuator and the radial drive unit in real time, promptly identify potential faults, and ensure stable operation of the equipment.

[0042] The support actuator includes two L-shaped support plates 8, which are arranged symmetrically in the radial direction relative to the train wheelset to provide stable radial clamping and self-centering positioning. When the radial drive unit drives the support actuator closer to the train wheelset, the working surface of the L-shaped support plate 8 contacts the radial outer circumferential surface of the train wheelset. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the two L-shaped support plates 8, radial support force can be applied to the train wheelset simultaneously, forming a stable clamping. This symmetrical clamping method not only ensures that the train wheelset maintains a precise radial position during turning, but also achieves a self-centering function, that is, automatically adjusting the center position of the train wheelset to coincide with the turning center, thereby improving machining accuracy. The structural design of the L-shaped support plate 8 provides a large contact area, which can evenly distribute the support force, reduce local stress concentration, and avoid damage to the train wheelset. During the turning process, this stable support can effectively resist the radial displacement generated by the cutting force, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the machining. Moreover, this symmetrical clamping arrangement also has good adaptability and can be applied to train wheelsets of different diameters and wear conditions.

[0043] The radial drive unit includes:

[0044] A power drive source 4, such as a servo motor or a stepper motor; and

[0045] A precision lead screw and nut mechanism, such as five sets of ball screws or five sets of high-precision trapezoidal lead screws, is used. The lead screw 5 is driven to rotate by an electric drive source 4 via a coupling or reduction gear mechanism. The nut 6 is fixedly connected to a support actuator, thus converting the rotational motion of the electric drive source 4 into precise radial linear motion of the support actuator. When the lead screw 5 rotates, the nut 6 moves along the axial direction of the lead screw 5, converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion of the support actuator along a radial guide mechanism. This conversion enables precise control of the position of the support actuator, ensuring high-precision positioning during approach, clamping, supporting, or retraction / release actions, achieving stable support and precise positioning of train wheelsets. Whether for wheelset turning or maintenance and repair, this radial drive unit provides the required precise radial support force, ensuring efficient and accurate machining processes.

[0046] In another specific embodiment, the radial drive unit includes:

[0047] A hydraulic drive source, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a mechanical transmission mechanism driven by a hydraulic motor; and

[0048] A corresponding hydraulic control system, including a hydraulic pump, control valve group (such as solenoid directional valves, proportional valves, or servo valves), and oil circuit fittings, is used to supply pressurized oil to the hydraulic drive source and control its movement. The radial drive unit adopts hydraulic drive technology, including a hydraulic drive source and a matching hydraulic control system. The hydraulic drive source can be a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor driven mechanical transmission mechanism, capable of outputting powerful and stable power, suitable for heavy-duty processing scenarios, ensuring stable drive of the supporting actuators. The hydraulic control system consists of a hydraulic pump, control valve group, and oil circuit fittings. The hydraulic pump provides a pressurized oil source, and the control valve group includes solenoid directional valves, proportional valves, or servo valves to precisely regulate the flow direction and flow rate of the hydraulic oil, thereby accurately controlling the movement of the hydraulic drive source and realizing the approach, clamping, supporting, and retraction release actions of the supporting actuators. The oil circuit fittings connect the various components, ensuring efficient transmission of hydraulic oil. During operation, the hydraulic control system precisely regulates the hydraulic drive source according to the control device's instructions, driving the radial movement of the supporting actuators to achieve stable support and positioning of the train wheelset.

[0049] The radial guiding mechanism includes a linear guide rail 20 fixed on a base 2, and a slider 3 connected to the support actuator and capable of reciprocating on the linear guide rail 20. During operation, the radial drive unit drives the support actuator to move radially along the linear guide rail 20. The slider 3 slides smoothly on the guide rail, ensuring the movement trajectory of the support actuator is straight and stable. Simultaneously, it bears and transmits the radial force generated when the support actuator contacts the train wheelset. This design ensures uniform force distribution and precise positioning of the train wheelset during turning, improving machining accuracy and surface quality, enhancing the reliability of the entire device, and extending its service life.

[0050] The working surface of the L-shaped support plate 8 that contacts the train wheelset is made of high-hardness, high-wear-resistant metal materials, such as cemented carbide or specially treated steel, capable of withstanding the enormous friction and pressure generated during turning, maintaining surface wear resistance and deformation resistance. Furthermore, the working surface is coated with a wear-resistant reinforcing coating, such as a diamond coating or ceramic coating, further enhancing surface hardness and wear resistance, effectively reducing the coefficient of friction and minimizing wear during contact with the train wheelset. This coating also provides excellent corrosion resistance, preventing rust in humid or corrosive environments, thereby extending the service life of the support plate and ensuring stable support performance and accuracy during long-term use.

[0051] Implementation Principle: When the radial support device of this non-dismounting wheel turning machine is working, the control device first sends a control signal to the radial drive unit according to the preset program or the operator's instructions. After receiving the signal, the radial drive unit starts to drive the support actuator to perform linear reciprocating motion in the radial direction. When the support actuator approaches the train wheelset, its working surface contacts the radial outer peripheral surface of the train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface, applying support force and achieving radial positioning. During the turning process, the control device receives signals from the position sensor 9 and the pressure sensor 10 in real time, and precisely adjusts the action parameters of the radial drive unit accordingly to ensure that the support actuator can be adjusted in real time according to the processing requirements, providing stable and reliable radial support for the train wheelset and ensuring the smooth progress of the turning process.

[0052] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the description and illustrations of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A radial support device for a non-dismounting lathe, characterized in that, include: The base is mounted on the machine body structure of the non-dismounting lathe; as well as A radial support assembly disposed on the base, and the radial support assembly comprising: Two support actuators, each having a working surface adapted to directly or indirectly contact the radial outer peripheral surface of the train wheelset or a specific radial reference surface to apply a support force or achieve radial positioning. A radial drive unit, mechanically connected to the support actuator, generates a driving force and drives the support actuator to perform controlled linear reciprocating motion in a radial direction perpendicular to the train wheelset axis, thereby enabling the support actuator to approach, clamp, support, or retract and release actions on the train wheelset; and A radial guide mechanism, disposed between the base and the movable part of the radial support assembly, guides the movement trajectory of the support actuator in the radial direction and withstands the radial force generated during the turning process.

2. A radial support device for a rim roller lathe as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a control device, which is signal-connected to the radial drive unit and is used to control the start and stop of the radial drive unit according to a preset program or operation command.

3. A radial support device for a rim roller lathe as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that The control device also communicates with a position sensor mounted on the radial support assembly for detecting the radial absolute position or relative displacement of the support actuator. The control device implements closed-loop control of the radial support process based on the feedback signal from the position sensor.

4. The radial support apparatus for a rim roller of claim 2, wherein, The control device also includes a pressure sensor mounted on the radial support assembly for detecting the support force applied to the train wheelset by the support actuator or the output force of the radial drive unit. The control device monitors the status of the radial support process based on the feedback signal from the pressure sensor.

5. The radial support apparatus for a wheel aligner as set forth in claim 1, wherein, The supporting actuator includes an L-shaped support plate. The two L-shaped support plates are arranged symmetrically in the radial direction relative to the train wheelset to form a stable radial clamping and self-centering positioning of the train wheelset.

6. The radial support device for a wheel aligner as set forth in claim 1, wherein The radial drive unit includes: A power drive source, such as a servo motor or a stepper motor; and A lead screw and nut mechanism is provided, wherein the lead screw of the lead screw and nut mechanism is driven to rotate by the electric drive source through a coupling or a reduction transmission mechanism, and the nut of the lead screw and nut mechanism is fixedly connected to the support and actuation component, thereby converting the rotational motion of the electric drive source into the precise radial linear motion of the support and actuation component.

7. The radial support device for a wheel aligner as set forth in claim 1, wherein The radial drive unit includes: A hydraulic drive source; and A corresponding hydraulic control system, comprising a hydraulic pump, a control valve group, and oil circuit components, is used to supply pressurized oil to the hydraulic drive source and control its operation.

8. The radial support apparatus for a rim roller of claim 1, wherein, The radial guide mechanism includes a linear guide rail fixed on the base and a slider connected to the support actuator and capable of reciprocating on the linear guide rail.

9. The radial support apparatus for a wheel aligner as set forth in claim 5, wherein, The working surface of the L-shaped support plate that contacts the train wheelset is made of a high-hardness, high-wear-resistant metal material.

10. The radial support apparatus for a wheel aligner as set forth in claim 5, wherein, The working surface of the L-shaped support plate is coated with a wear-resistant and reinforced coating.