Device for measuring a wheelset

Abstract

A device (4A, 4B) for measuring a wheelset of railway vehicles, in particular for measuring geometric and / or dynamic parameters of a wheelset of passing railway vehicles, is shown and described, comprising: an inner longitudinal frame element (5i) for arrangement inside the rails (1A, 1B) approximately parallel to the rails (1A, 1B), an outer longitudinal frame element (5a) for arrangement outside the rails (1A, 1B) approximately parallel to the rails (1A, 1B), two transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) for arrangement below the rails (1A, 1B) approximately transverse to the rails (1A, 1B), and fastening elements (13a, 13i) for connecting a measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') formed by the longitudinal frame elements (5a, 5i) and the transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) to the rail (1A, 1B). It is proposed that the inner longitudinal frame element (5i), the outer longitudinal frame element (5a) and the transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) are connected to each other by connecting elements (7) to form the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') and that at least two of the connecting elements (7) are designed as detachable connecting elements (7), in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') can be disassembled into at least two parts.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for measuring a wheelset of rail vehicles, in particular for measuring geometric and / or dynamic parameters of a wheelset of passing rail vehicles, comprising: an inner longitudinal frame element for arrangement within the rails approximately parallel to the rails, an outer longitudinal frame element for arrangement outside the rails approximately parallel to the rails, two transverse frame elements for arrangement below the rails approximately transverse to the rails, and fastening elements for connecting a measuring frame formed by the longitudinal frame elements and the transverse frame elements to the rail.

[0002] The device is used to record specific parameters of the wheelsets of rail vehicles as they pass by. These parameters include, for example, the condition of the wheel geometry, in particular the wheel profile and diameter. This allows the wear condition of the wheel to be determined and compared with permissible operating limits.

[0003] Various measuring systems are known from the state of the art that can perform measurements on the wheelsets of passing rail vehicles. Many of these systems are stationary and can only be installed with considerable effort, requiring the suspension of train operations for an extended period.

[0004] Document DE 10 2016 116782 A1 discloses, for example, a device for determining the geometric properties of a passing wheelset. The device comprises two outer housings, one located on the inside of the rail and the other on the outside. Both outer housings are mounted on a large-area mounting plate that extends under the rail. The mounting plate is attached to the rail foot by means of clamping elements.

[0005] A disadvantage of the device known from DE 10 2016 116782 A1 is that it is not designed for easy assembly and disassembly. In particular, the device cannot be disassembled into several parts that can be easily slid under the rail for assembly or disassembly purposes, as all parts are mounted on a rigid, non-disassemblable mounting plate. Assembly is therefore only possible with considerable effort and extensive work on the track bed or superstructure, since a large amount of space must be created under the rail for the large mounting plate, and the two bulky outer housings must also be embedded deep enough into the superstructure (e.g., ballast) to avoid collisions with passing rail vehicles.

[0006] Another device is known from document DE 20 2012 001 326 U1. This device also has two housing units, arranged to the left and right of the rails. The two housing units are connected by a bulky, U-shaped mounting bracket that is designed to pass underneath the rail. Due to the large space required by the mounting bracket, this device also suffers from the previously described disadvantages of a very complex installation process involving extensive work on the track superstructure.

[0007] A wheelset testing device is known from CN 1 11 267 903 A. A measuring device for wheelsets is known from CN 113 120 031 A. A system for the dynamic measurement of wheel diameter is known from CN 1 02 901 457 A. A measuring device for a railway vehicle wheel is known from WO 2013 / 177 393 A1. Another device for the inspection of railway vehicles is known from US 2009 / 0 049 936 A1.

[0008] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of designing and further developing a device described above and explained in more detail in such a way that the device can be installed and removed quickly and easily even during short breaks in travel, without having to make major changes to the track or superstructure.

[0009] This problem is solved in a device according to the preamble of claim 1 by the fact that the inner longitudinal frame element, the outer longitudinal frame element and the transverse frame elements are connected to each other to form the measuring frame by means of connecting elements and that at least two of the connecting elements are designed as detachable connecting elements, in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame can be disassembled into at least two parts.

[0010] The invention relates to a device for measuring a wheelset of rail vehicles, in particular for measuring geometric and / or dynamic parameters of a wheelset of passing rail vehicles. The device initially comprises an inner longitudinal frame element for arrangement within the rails approximately parallel to the rails. The device also comprises an outer longitudinal frame element for arrangement outside the rails approximately parallel to the rails. The device further comprises two transverse frame elements for arrangement below the rails approximately transverse to the rails. At least one, but preferably all, of the aforementioned frame elements can be designed as a hollow metallic profile, which allows for low weight with high stiffness. Alternatively, at least one, but preferably all, of the aforementioned frame elements can be made of fiber-reinforced composite materials (e.g., CFRP).In contrast to plate-shaped elements, a frame made of hollow profiles has the advantage that only the two cross frame elements need to be slid under the rail, requiring very little work on the superstructure. Preferably, the cross frame elements have a cross-sectional area of ​​less than 100 cm². 2 , especially of less than 50cm 2 The device also includes fastening elements for connecting a measuring frame formed by the longitudinal frame elements and the transverse frame elements to the rail.

[0011] According to the invention, the inner longitudinal frame element, the outer longitudinal frame element, and the transverse frame elements are connected to one another to form the measuring frame by connecting elements, and at least two of the connecting elements are designed as detachable connecting elements, in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame can be disassembled into at least two parts. By designing at least some of the connecting elements to be detachable, the measuring frame can be disassembled. This significantly simplifies assembly in the track, since only the two transverse frame elements connected to the first longitudinal frame element need to be pushed under the rail and only after being pushed through do they need to be connected to the second longitudinal frame element on the other side of the rail.Since the two cross-frame elements have a small cross-section, especially compared to a continuous base plate, sliding them through requires only minimal intervention in the superstructure, allowing the device to be installed even during short breaks in operation. The device can also be disassembled just as quickly, for example, to be used elsewhere. It is therefore a mobile device. After disassembly, the connecting elements allow for very precise repositioning of the measuring frame components (longitudinal and cross-frame elements) during subsequent assembly, thus preserving the sensor calibration. This has the advantage, for example, that the sensors do not need to be calibrated on-site in their installed state, but can be calibrated off-site.

[0012] In one embodiment of the device, three or four connecting elements are designed as detachable connecting elements, in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame can be disassembled into at least three or at least four parts. This embodiment further simplifies assembly and disassembly, since the measuring frame can be disassembled into all four frame elements. The two transverse frame elements can even be individually slid under the rail and then connected at both ends to the longitudinal frame elements.

[0013] Another embodiment of the device uses tool holders as detachable connecting elements. Tool holders (also called "tool mounts") are receptacles for the tools of machine tools, such as drills or milling cutters. In particular, they can be quick-release clamping systems. Tool holders have the advantage of allowing for quick tool changes, which translates to fast and easy opening and closing of the connection to the device. Furthermore, tool holders enable very precise and permanent positioning of the tools, which translates to the advantage of a particularly dimensionally stable measuring frame for the device.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the device, the cross frame elements are connected to the rail foot via two fastening elements each, one of which is preferably located inside the rails and the other preferably located outside the rails. Connecting the cross frame elements to the rail foot—directly or indirectly—ensures particularly reliable positioning of the device relative to the rail. This increases the measuring accuracy. The positioning of the device is especially precise when the cross frame elements are connected to the rail foot on both sides—directly or indirectly.

[0015] Another embodiment of the device provides that each cross-frame element has a plate connected to the rail foot via two fastening elements. One fastening element is preferably located inside the rails, and the other is preferably located outside the rails. Using two plates has the advantage that the shape of the plate can be adapted to the geometry of the rail foot, allowing the plate to be clamped directly under the rail foot using the fastening elements. This can be done particularly precisely and reliably if the plates are connected to the rail foot on both sides. Since each cross-frame element has its own plate, the width of the plate can correspond approximately to the width of the cross-frame elements, which significantly simplifies assembly compared to a single, continuous plate.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the device, the plate is arranged above the cross frame element and connected to it via at least one spring element, preferably at least two. One spring element is preferably located inside the rails, and the other is preferably located outside the rails. The use of elastic spring elements, such as rubber elements, ensures that the measuring frame is resiliently suspended from the plate (and thus from the rail foot). This elastic suspension ensures, firstly, that no static forces are transmitted from the rail to the measuring frame; secondly, it provides vibration isolation between the measuring frame (and sensors) and the rail. The measuring frame is a mechanically rigid unit that can thus be decoupled from higher-frequency rail movements.This has the advantage that the movement of the rails does not cause any movement of the optical sensors on the measuring frame.

[0017] Another embodiment of the device features fasteners for connecting the measuring frame to the rail base designed as detachable clamping elements. This also simplifies assembly and disassembly. The clamping elements can be tightened and loosened, for example, using screws or bolts.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the device, the measuring frame is provided with at least one inner sensor receptacle, preferably located within the rails, particularly on the inner longitudinal frame element, and / or with at least one outer sensor receptacle, preferably located outside the rails, particularly on the outer longitudinal frame element. The use of sensor receptacles ensures precise and reliable mounting of the sensors. Particularly comprehensive measurement of the wheelsets can be achieved if sensor receptacles are provided on both sides of the rail, enabling measurement or inspection of the wheelsets from both sides.

[0019] Another embodiment of the device provides that the inner sensor mounts and / or the outer sensor mounts have at least one sensor, in particular at least one optical sensor. These sensors enable the measurement of geometric and / or dynamic parameters of a wheelset of passing rail vehicles. Optical sensors have proven particularly advantageous due to their high-performance image processing hardware and software.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the device, the measuring frame is partially or completely enclosed by a protective housing, preferably a housing with closable openings. The protective housing serves to protect the measuring frame from damage. The fact that parts of the protective housing can be opened (e.g., folded open) particularly facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the device and its measuring frame.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing that illustrates only a preferred embodiment. The drawing shows: Fig. 1A: two devices according to the invention for measuring a wheelset of railway vehicles in perspective view in disassembled state, Fig. 1B: two devices according to the invention for measuring a wheelset of railway vehicles in perspective view in the assembled state, and Fig. 2: A device according to the invention in a cutaway view along the Fig. 1B drawn section plane II-II, and Fig. 3: an alternative embodiment of a measuring frame of a device according to the invention in perspective view in disassembled state.

[0022] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a section of a track for rail vehicles, comprising two parallel rails 1A, 1B. The rails 1A, 1B are mounted on sleepers 2, which run transversely Q to the longitudinal direction L of the rails 1A, 1B. The profile of each rail 1A, 1B includes a rail foot 3A, a rail web 3B, and a rail head 3C. The space Ri between the two rails 1A, 1B is also referred to as "inside" or "within the rails," while the space Ra outside the two rails 1A, 1B is also referred to as "outside" or "outside the rails."

[0023] In Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows two devices 4A, 4B according to the invention for measuring a wheelset of rail vehicles in perspective. Fig. 1A shows the disassembled state, Fig. 1B the assembled state. Devices 4A and 4B are installed in the track as described below, with device 4A being assigned to rail 1A and device 4B being assigned to rail 1B. The two devices 4A and 4B are identical (mirror images), so the following description applies equally to both devices 4A and 4B.

[0024] Each of the two devices 4A, 4B has an inner longitudinal frame element 5i, which is arranged in space Ri within the rails 1A, 1B approximately parallel to the rails 1A, 1B – i.e., in the longitudinal direction L. Each of the two devices 4A, 4B also has an outer longitudinal frame element 5a, which is arranged in space Ra outside the rails 1A, 1B approximately parallel to the rails 1A, 1B – i.e., in the longitudinal direction L. Each of the two devices 4A, 4B also has two transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2, which are arranged below the rails 1A, 1B approximately transverse to the rails 1A, 1B – i.e., in the transverse direction Q. The inner longitudinal frame element 5i, the outer longitudinal frame element 5a, and the transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2 are connected to one another by four connecting elements 7 to form an approximately rectangular measuring frame 8A, 8B. Two of the four connecting elements 7 are designed as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame 8A, 8B can be disassembled into at least two parts, which in Fig. 1A shown is (a U-shaped outer part, which includes the outer longitudinal frame element 5a and the two transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2 and a straight inner part, which includes the inner longitudinal frame element 5i).

[0025] Each of the two measuring frames 8A, 8B has at least one sensor receptacle 9i, which is arranged within the rails 1A, 1B, in particular on the inner longitudinal frame element 5i. Furthermore, each of the two measuring frames 8A, 8B has at least one sensor receptacle 9a, which is arranged outside the rails 1A, 1B, in particular on the outer longitudinal frame element 5a. The sensor receptacles 9i, 9a can carry sensors 10.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a device according to the invention in a sectional view along the in Fig. Section plane II-II shown in 1B. The previously mentioned section plane II-II. Fig. 1A or Fig. The reference symbols used in 1B are also used in Fig. 2 used for the corresponding features. In Fig. Figure 2 shows in detail the connection of the device 4B, in particular the measuring frame 8B, to the rail 1B. The longitudinal frame elements 5a, 5i and the transverse frame elements 6.1 (hidden: 6.2) are hollow profiles connected to each other by the connecting elements 7. The connecting elements 7 have adjustment elements 11 with which the connection can be opened and closed / clamped. The transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2 each have a plate 12 which is connected to the rail foot 3A by two fastening elements 13a, 13i, one of which is arranged inside the rails 1A, 1B and one of which is arranged outside the rails 1A, 1B. The fastening elements 13a, 13i are preferably designed as releasable clamping elements. The plate 12 is arranged above the cross frame element 6.1 and is connected to the cross frame element 6 via two spring elements 14a, 14i.1 connected, of which preferably a spring element 14i is arranged inside the rails 1A, 1B and of which preferably a spring element 14a is arranged outside the rails 1A, 1B.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a measuring frame 8' of a device according to the invention in a perspective view in a disassembled state. The previously described [reference to] Fig. 1A to Fig. The reference symbols used in 2 are also used in Fig. 3 is used for the corresponding features. The one in Fig. The measuring frame 8' shown in Figure 3 differs from the previously described measuring frames 8A and 8B in that all four connecting elements 7 are designed as detachable clamping elements. This means that the measuring frame 8' can be disassembled into four parts, which is advantageous in Fig.Figure 3 shows (the outer longitudinal frame element 5a, the inner longitudinal frame element 5i and the two transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2). This makes assembly, especially sliding the transverse frame elements 6.1, 6.2 under a rail, even easier and more flexible. Reference symbol list: 1A, 1B rail 2 railway sleepers 3A Rail foot 3B rail bridge 3C rail head 4A, 4B Device 5i inner longitudinal frame element 5a outer longitudinal frame element 6.1, 6.2 Cross frame element 7 Connecting element 8A, 8B, 8' measuring frame 9i, 9a Sensor mount 10 Sensor 11 Adjustment element 12 plate 13a, 13i Fastening element 14a, 14i Spring element L Longitudinal direction (of rails 1A, 1B) Q transverse direction (of rails 1A, 1B) Ra space outside the rails Ri space within the rails

Claims

[1] Device (4A, 4B) for measuring a wheelset of railway vehicles, in particular for measuring geometric and / or dynamic parameters of a wheelset of passing railway vehicles, comprising: - an inner longitudinal frame element (5i) for arrangement within the rails (1A, 1B) approximately parallel to the rails (1A, 1B), - an outer longitudinal frame element (5a) for arrangement outside the rails (1A, 1B) approximately parallel to the rails (1A, 1B), - two transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) for arrangement below the rails (1A, 1B) approximately perpendicular to the rails (1A, 1B), and - Fastening elements (13a, 13i) for connecting a measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') formed by the longitudinal frame elements (5a, 5i) and the transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) to the rail (1A, 1B), characterized by, that the inner longitudinal frame element (5i), the outer longitudinal frame element (5a) and the transverse frame elements (6.1, 6.2) are connected to each other by connecting elements (7) to form the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') and that at least two of the connecting elements (7) are designed as detachable connecting elements (7), in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') can be disassembled into at least two parts. [2] Device (4A, 4B) according to claim 1, characterized by , that three or four connecting elements (7) are designed as detachable connecting elements (7), in particular as detachable clamping elements, so that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') can be disassembled into at least three or at least four parts. [3] Device (4A, 4B) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by , that tool holders are used as detachable connecting elements (7). [4] Device (4A, 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the cross frame elements (6.1, 6.2) are connected to the rail foot (3A) via two fastening elements (13a, 13i) each, one of which fastening element (13i) is preferably arranged inside the rails (1A, 1B) and one of which fastening element (13a) is preferably arranged outside the rails (1A, 1B). [5] Device (4A, 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the cross frame elements (6.1, 6.2) each have a plate (12) which is connected to the rail foot (3A) via two fastening elements (13a, 13i), one of which fastening element (13i) is preferably arranged inside the rails (1A, 1B) and one of which fastening element (13a) is preferably arranged outside the rails (1A, 1B). [6] Device (4A, 4B) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the plate (12) is arranged above the transverse frame element (6.1, 6.2) and is connected to the transverse frame element (6.1, 6.2) via at least one spring element (14a, 14i), preferably via at least two spring elements (14a, 14i), one of which spring element (14i) is preferably arranged inside the rails (1A, 1B) and one of which spring element (14a) is preferably arranged outside the rails (1A, 1B). [7] Device (4A, 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the fastening elements (13a, 13i) for connecting the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') to the rail foot (3A) are designed as detachable clamping elements. [8] Device (4A, 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') has at least one inner sensor receptacle (9i) which is preferably arranged inside the rails (1A, 1B), in particular on the inner longitudinal frame element (5i), and / or that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') has at least one outer sensor receptacle (9a) which is preferably arranged outside the rails (1A, 1B), in particular on the outer longitudinal frame element (5a). [9] Device (4A, 4B) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the inner sensor mounts (9i) and / or the outer sensor mounts (9a) have at least one sensor (10), in particular at least one optical sensor. [10] Device (4A, 4B) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the measuring frame (8A, 8B, 8') is partially or completely surrounded by a protective housing, preferably by a protective housing with lockable openings.

Images