Rail vehicle wheel set processing device

Abstract

As a device (7, 7') for processing a wheel set (8) for a rail vehicle, the device comprises: a support roller (12) for maintaining the wheel set (8) rotatably, wherein at least two of the support rollers (12) are assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); a guide roller (13) for guiding the wheel set (8) axially, wherein at least one guide roller (13) is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); a tool for processing the wheel set (8), particularly the driving surface and / or brake disc of the wheel set (8), wherein at least one tool is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); and at least one handling device (1) for receiving and moving a thrust bearing (10) to fix the wheel set (8) radially, wherein at least one handling device (1) is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8). A wheel set processing device is illustrated and described, comprising a device (1), wherein at least one of the support rollers (12) is provided with an actuator for rotating the wheel set (8) and / or at least one driving roller for rotating the wheel set (8), wherein at least one necessary handling device (1) must have at least two degrees of freedom of movement, particularly at least three degrees of freedom of movement.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for processing a wheel set for a rail vehicle, wherein the device comprises a support roller for rotatably holding the wheel set, a guide roller for axially guiding the wheel set, a tool for processing the wheel set in particular the running surface and / or brake disc of the wheel set, and at least one handling device for receiving and moving a thrust bearing for radially fixing the wheel set, wherein at least two support rollers are assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set, and at least one support roller has an actuator for rotating the wheel set and / or is provided with at least one operating roller for rotating the wheel set, at least one guide roller is assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set, at least one tool is assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set, and at least one handling device is assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. Background Technology

[0002] Wheel sets for rail vehicles are used to safely support and guide the rail vehicle, and thus are directly linked to the safety of reliable operation. The shape of the wheel set's running surface interacts with the rail shape to determine the vehicle's travel path. However, due to rolling contact between the wheel set and the rail, the wheel set is subjected to significant stress, and the running surface is prone to wear. Wheel sets and running surfaces are particularly relevant in rail vehicle maintenance, as high reliability requirements necessitate regular inspection of the running surface shape.

[0003] Various machine tools are known for modifying ('reprofiling') the tread shape of wheel sets. Since wheel sets are rotationally symmetrical components, they are primarily machined using lathes, which are also referred to as wheel set lathes.

[0004] Commonly used wheel set lathes can be classified into movable wheel set lathes and stationary wheel set lathes. Re-profiling of wheel sets is performed through different process steps depending on whether the lathe is movable or stationary.

[0005] In the case of a stationary wheel set lathe, a rail car equipped with the wheel set to be machined is positioned on the wheel set lathe. Consequently, the wheel set moves relative to the machine. For example, the wheel set lathe can be placed in a workshop pit beneath the workshop track to move the rail car, thereby positioning the wheel set to be machined at a desired location on the wheel set lathe. The wheel set to be machined is then secured to the wheel set lathe (rotatable) to enable precision machining. After machining the wheel set, the locking mechanism can be released.

[0006] A fixed wheel set lathe is disclosed, for example, in DE 1 285 839 A or WO 2006 / 072584 A1.

[0007] In contrast, for a movable wheel set lathe, the wheel set or the entire rail car to be machined must be lifted, and the wheel set lathe must be positioned beneath the wheel set. Unlike a fixed wheel set lathe, in this case, the machine must move relative to the wheel set. For example, the movable wheel set lathe can be moved along the workshop track. The wheel set to be machined is fixed (rotatably) to the wheel set, enabling precision machining. Then, after machining the wheel set, the wheel set locking mechanism can be released again.

[0008] Mobile wheel set processing equipment is disclosed, for example, in European Patent EP 1 606 072 B1 and European Patent EP 1 984 134 B1.

[0009] Therefore, for both stationary and movable wheel set lathes, the fixing or 'clamping' of the wheel set and the subsequent release operations are essential. Since these steps are used to set up the wheel set lathe for machining operations, they are referred to as 'setup time'. Because the wheel set lathe cannot be used efficiently during setup, the setup time must be kept as short as possible.

[0010] In both machine types, the wheel set is secured via mechanical thrust bearings (sometimes called 'claws'). To rotate the wheel set during machining and transmit the necessary torque to it, the wheel set is mounted, for example, on drive friction rollers. These rollers press the wheel set against the mechanical thrust bearings from below. The thrust bearings engage with both ends of the wheel set (i.e., steering knuckles or shaft knuckles) to prevent the wheel set from moving radially upward. To ensure the required stiffness and rigidity, the thrust bearings must be designed to be very robust and are often constructed as heavy welded structures made of steel.

[0011] Thrust bearings must be adjusted to specific rail vehicle types and wheel sets to ensure safe and precise fastening. Additionally, to prevent collisions with rail vehicles, thrust bearings must be removed from the rail vehicle's clearance after each machining operation. Particularly in the case of mobile wheel set machining units, thrust bearings must often be completely detached from the machine before moving the unit to the next wheel set to be machined.

[0012] Previously, both thrust bearing replacement and removal from vehicles were performed manually, which was time-consuming due to the significant weight and resulted in a long installation time. In addition, manually mounting thrust bearings onto machines is disadvantageous in terms of work safety and ergonomics due to the frequent repetition of the process and the heavy weight of the thrust bearings (approximately 20 to 30 kg).

[0013] In the case of the movable wheel set machining device disclosed in EP 1 606 072 B1, the thrust bearing is designed with a hook-shaped 'clamp 5' (see Fig. 1 of EP 1 606 072 B1). This clamp must be moved axially manually after machining. Therefore, this clamp must be replaced manually. This results in the disadvantage described above.

[0014] In the fixed wheel set machining device disclosed in DE 1 285 839 A, the thrust bearing is designed as a 'clamp 11' to fix the wheel set vertically (i.e., radially) through the axle bearing housing (see Fig. 1 of DE 1 285 839 A). However, even in this machine, the claw must be replaced manually, which results in the disadvantage described above. Although the claw can be mechanically moved vertically (i.e., radially) via a hydraulic piston, the device supporting the claw can only be adjusted vertically (via the hydraulic piston); therefore, the axial movement of the claw must be performed manually via an axially movable support beam. The radial and axial displacement of the clamp is not intended to prevent collisions, but rather to enable the fixing and machining of wheel sets with internal steering knuckles (see Fig. 2 of DE 1 285 839 A). The problem to be solved

[0015] Against this backdrop, the present invention aims to design and further develop a device for processing a wheel set for a rail vehicle as described in the introduction, and to enable the thrust bearing used to fix the wheel set to be easily and quickly repositioned and replaced. means of solving the problem

[0016] The present objective is achieved in the case of a device according to the general concept of claim 1 having at least two degrees of freedom of movement, particularly at least three degrees of freedom of movement.

[0017] The present invention relates to an apparatus for machining a wheel set for a rail vehicle. The machining may particularly include metal cutting, such as turning or cutting using a lathe. The apparatus first comprises support rollers that rotatably hold the wheel set, at least two of which are assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. The support rollers are used to support and rotate the wheel set. At least one of the support rollers may have an actuator that rotates the wheel set. However, preferably, actuators are mounted on all support rollers. In this way, the support rollers can transmit driving force or driving torque to the wheels of the wheel set through friction. As an alternative to the driving support rollers, at least one separate operating roller that rotates the wheel set may be provided. Thus, in this case, the 'support / bearing' function and the 'drive' function are separated from each other. The apparatus further comprises guide rollers for axial guidance of the wheel set, and one or more guide rollers are assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. Therefore, the guide roller is also referred to as an 'axial guide roller'. This device further includes a tool for machining a wheel set, specifically the running surface and / or brake disc of the wheel set, with one or more tools assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. In particular, the tool may be a lathe tool. Finally, this device includes one or more handling devices for accommodating and moving thrust bearings to radially secure the wheel set, with one or more handling devices assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. This handling device (also referred to as a 'manipulator' or 'claw manipulator') can move the thrust bearing (or 'claw'), making thrust bearing replacement easy.The handling device can support only the thrust bearing when replacing the thrust bearing and move the thrust bearing to an external bearing fixture for machining (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Alternatively, a separate external bearing fixture can be omitted, and the thrust bearing can be kept in the handling device during machining (in this case, with a particularly robust design) (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0018] According to the present invention, at least one required handling device must have at least two degrees of freedom of movement, specifically at least three degrees of freedom of movement. By having not only one degree of freedom of movement (e.g., vertical adjustment) but also two or more degrees of freedom of movement (e.g., horizontal adjustment and / or pivot or rotation around a vertical axis of rotation), the handling device can realize various advantages. First, the flexible movement option facilitates easy replacement of the thrust bearing, as it can be moved to an ergonomically optimal position when replacing the thrust bearing. Second, thanks to the flexible range of movement, it becomes easier to quickly and easily remove the handling device from the collision area and return it to the wheel set direction. That is, the thrust bearing can be moved between the 'machining position' or 'transfer position' and the 'parking position'.

[0019] One embodiment of the device is based on the premise that the handling device must have at least one actuator, particularly at least two actuators. By using actuators, particularly rotary actuators or linear actuators, the movement of the handling device can be performed much faster and more ergonomically than manual movement. An actuator for vertical adjustment of the handling device is particularly advantageous because the thrust bearing is designed to be robust and heavy, requiring a significant force to lift. The handling device may also have two or more actuators, for example, actuators for horizontal adjustment and / or pivoting or rotating around a vertical axis.

[0020] The device may be further configured by providing a first pivot joint to the handling device for rotatably fixing the handling device, in particular for rotating the handling device around a first vertical axis of rotation. The pivot joint enables the handling device and the thrust bearing attached thereto to rotate quickly and easily out of the collision area after replacing the thrust bearing, and to rotate back toward the wheel set before replacing the next thrust bearing. Thus, the pivot joint enables easy rotation between the 'processing position' or 'movement position' and the 'parking position'.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the device, the handling device may have a first section having a first linear guide for linear contraction and expansion, particularly in the horizontal direction of the handling device. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the handling device may have a second section having a second linear guide for linear upward and downward movement, particularly in the vertical direction of the handling device. The first section having the first linear guide enables the contraction and expansion of the handling device in the horizontal direction, thereby serving to change the horizontal distance between the wheel set and the thrust bearing. On the other hand, the second section having the second linear guide serves to raise or lower the handling device in the vertical direction, thereby significantly simplifying the task of replacing heavy thrust bearings. The combination of horizontal and vertical mobility provides a high level of flexibility and can be utilized to solve various tasks (e.g., thrust bearing replacement, switching between a 'processing position' or 'movement position' and a 'parking position'). Preferably, the second section should form a 90° angle with respect to the first section.

[0022] Another embodiment of the device provides a handling device equipped with a receptacle for interchangeably holding a thrust bearing. To this end, the receptacle of the handling device may be rotatably mounted, and in particular, may rotate the thrust bearing around a vertical second axis of rotation. This fixture is used to hold and replace thrust bearings of various shapes, thereby allowing for the fixation and machining of wheel sets of various shapes. Preferably, the receptacle enables linear adjustability of the thrust bearing through a configuration such as a slot nut. The receptacle of the handling device (e.g., a slot nut) may also be rotatably mounted, making the operation easier. For example, the thrust bearing can be replaced even in a confined space.

[0023] Another embodiment of the device includes additional rollers for moving the device on rails. The device can move on the rails by rolling. That is, this device may be a movable wheel set processing device, specifically a wheel set lathe. Using the handling device described above is particularly advantageous for movable wheel set processing devices. This is because thrust bearing replacement and collision-free movement are more difficult in movable machines than in stationary machines. In movable machines, the machine can be adapted to the environment more easily, such as by providing thrust bearing replacement aids like cranes.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the device, at least one external bearing fixture is provided to accommodate and move a thrust bearing for radial fixation of the wheel set, and at least one external bearing fixture is assigned to each of the two wheels of the wheel set. The external bearing fixture is used to secure the thrust bearing to radially hold the wheel set in place during machining. Due to the separate external bearing fixture, the thrust bearing does not need to be secured to the handling device during machining and can be held in the hold of the specially designed external bearing fixture. The external bearing fixture is designed to be less mobile than the handling device but can be designed to be much more robust. On the other hand, the handling device can be designed to be lighter and more compact. Thus, they are functionally separated. The external bearing fixture is used to secure the thrust bearing during machining, and the handling device facilitates the replacement of the thrust bearing.

[0025] In relation to an embodiment of this device, the external bearing fixture must have a receptacle for interchangeably securing the thrust bearing, and the receptacle of the external bearing fixture is preferably adjustable in a vertical direction. Since the external bearing fixture has a receptacle for the thrust bearing in addition to the handling device, the thrust bearing can be pushed back and forth between the two receptacles. To this end, it is preferable to place the two receptacles close to each other and at the same height. This allows the thrust bearing to be pushed from the receptacle of the handling device into the receptacle of the external bearing fixture before machining. During machining, the thrust bearing remains fixed, and after machining, it can be pushed back into the receptacle of the handling device for replacement. During machining, the handling device can be rotated to a 'parking position'. Thus, manual operation is limited to pushing the thrust bearing back and forth, which is significantly simplified compared to the method of manually lifting the thrust bearing and replacing it entirely manually. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to drawings illustrating only one preferred embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handling device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of a first embodiment of a device according to the present invention equipped with the handling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view of the device according to the present invention of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention equipped with the handling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of the device according to the present invention of FIG. 4. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handling device (1) which is a device according to the present invention (not shown in FIG. 1). The handling device (1) has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement, which will be described below. The first degree of freedom of movement is due to the fact that the handling device (1) can rotate around a vertical first rotation axis D1 (indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 1). To this end, the handling device (1) has a pivot joint (2). The handling device (1) has an adapter plate (3) adjacent to the pivot joint (2), through which the handling device (1) can be attached to a device (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0028] Additionally, the handling device (1) has a first section (A1) having a first linear guide (L1). The first section (A1) is positioned in a horizontal plane and serves to linearly extend and retract the handling device (1) in the horizontal direction (indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 1). In the case of a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 and associated therewith, the first linear guideway (L1) features two extractable rails. The (horizontal) stroke of the first linear guideway (L1) is preferably at least 400 mm, particularly at least 500 mm. The handling device (1) also has a second section (A2) having a second linear guide (L2). The second section (A2) extends in the vertical direction and serves to linearly raise and lower the handling device (1) in the vertical direction (indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 1). In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second linear guideway (L2) features a multi-part telescopic type linear lifting column. The (vertical) lift of the second linear guide (L2) is preferably at least 500 mm, particularly at least 600 mm. The second linear guide (L2) is equipped with an actuator (4) that can be operated via a push button (5).

[0029] The handling device (1) also has a receptacle (6) for interchangeably securing a thrust bearing (not shown in FIG. 1). The receptacle (6) of the handling device (1) is rotatably mounted so that the receptacle (6) (possibly together with the thrust bearing (10)) can rotate around a vertical second rotation axis D2 (indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 1).

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the device (7) according to the present invention, viewed from the front of the handling device (1) of FIG. 1. Reference numerals already used in relation to FIG. 1 are used in FIG. 2 as well. The device (7) supports a wheel set (8) having two wheels (9), and is equipped with two handling devices (1), with a handling device (1) assigned to each of the two wheels (9). FIG. 2 also shows that both handling devices (1) are equipped with thrust bearings (10) (also called 'claws'). The wheel set (8) has two ends (11) (also called 'steering knuckles' or 'shaft knuckles') and is designed to prevent the wheel set (8) from moving radially upward by engaging with the thrust bearings (10) during processing.

[0031] The device (7) illustrated in FIG. 2 is used to machine a wheel set (8) for a rail vehicle and includes four support rollers (12) for rotatably fixing the wheel set (8), wherein two of the support rollers (12) are assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8). Each support roller (12) has an actuator that enables the wheel set (8) mounted on the support roller (12) to be driven, i.e., rotated, during machining. The device (7) also has guide rollers (13) for axial guidance of the wheel set (8), and the guide rollers (13) are assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8). The device (7) further includes a tool for machining the wheel set (8) (hidden behind the support rollers (12) in FIG. 2), which is a tool for machining the driving surface and / or brake disc of the wheel set (8) in particular. At least one tool is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8). The device (7) also has a roller (14) for displacing the device (7) from the rail (15).

[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view of the device (7') according to the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2. Reference numerals already used in relation to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are applied in the same way to FIG. 3. In the side view, the (rotating) hold of the wheel set (8) for the support roller (12) is clearly visible. Additionally, the rail (15) on which the device (7) can move on the roller (14) can also be easily identified.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of the device (7') according to the present invention equipped with the handling device (1) shown in FIG. 1. Finally, FIG. 5 is a side view of the device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 4. Reference numerals already used in relation to FIG. 1 to 3 are used in FIG. 4 and 5 as well. The second embodiment of the device (7') (shown in FIG. 4 and 5) differs from the first embodiment of the device (7) (shown in FIG. 2 and 3) in that the second embodiment of the device (7') has two external bearing fixtures (16). Each external bearing fixture (16) accommodates a thrust bearing (10) to radially secure the wheel set (8) during processing. Each external bearing fixture (16) has a receptacle (6') for interchangeably securing the thrust bearing (10), and the receptacle (6') is preferably adjustable in the vertical direction. In this way, the thrust bearing (10) can be pushed out from the receptacle (6) of the handling device (1) to the receptacle (6') of the outer bearing fixture (16) before processing, remains in place during processing, and then is pushed back to the receptacle (6) of the handling device (1) for replacement (thrust bearing (10) indicated by double arrows and hatching in FIG. 4). Explanation of the symbols

[0034] 1: Handling device 2: First pivot joint 3: Adapter plate 4: Actuator (of the second linear guideway L2) 5: Push button 6: Receptacle (of the handling device 1 for the thrust bearing 10) 6': Receptacle (of the outer bearing fixture (16) for the thrust bearing (10)) 7, 7': device 8: Wheel set 9: Wheel 10: thrust bearing 11: End (of wheel set 8) 12: Support roller 13: Guide roller 14: Roller 15: Rail 16: Outer bearing fixture A1: First section A2: Second section D1: First axis of rotation (vertical) D2: Second axis of rotation (vertical) L1: First linear guide L2: Second linear guide

Claims

Claim 1 A device (7') for processing a wheel set (8) for a rail vehicle, wherein the device comprises: - support rollers (12) for maintaining the wheel set (8) rotatably, wherein at least two of the support rollers (12) are assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); - a tool for processing the wheel set (8), wherein at least one tool is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); and - at least one external bearing fixture (16) for receiving and moving a thrust bearing (10) to fix the wheel set (8) radially, wherein at least one external bearing fixture (16) is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8); and - at least one of the support rollers (12) is provided with an actuator for rotating the wheel set (8) or at least one drive roller for rotating the wheel set (8), wherein the wheel A wheel set processing device characterized by a guide roller (13) for axially guiding a set (8), wherein at least one guide roller (13) is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8), and at least one of the external bearing fixtures (16) is a separate handling device (1) for receiving and moving a thrust bearing (10) for fixing the wheel set (8) radially, wherein at least one handling device (1) is assigned to each of the two wheels (9) of the wheel set (8), and at least one handling device (1) required must have at least two degrees of freedom of movement. Claim 2 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the handling device (1) has one or more actuators (4). Claim 3 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handling device (1) has a first pivot joint (2) for rotating the handling device (1) around a vertical first rotation axis (D1). Claim 4 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handling device (1) comprises a first section (A1) having a first linear guide (L1) for linearly contracting and expanding the handling device (1) in a horizontal direction. Claim 5 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handling device (1) comprises a second section (A2) having a second linear guide (L2) for linearly raising and lowering the handling device (1) in a vertical direction. Claim 6 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the handling device (1) has a receptacle (6) for interchangeably holding a thrust bearing (10). Claim 7 A wheel set processing device according to claim 6, wherein the receptacle (6) of the handling device (1) is rotatably mounted and configured such that the thrust bearing (10) rotates around a vertical second rotation axis (D2). Claim 8 A wheel set processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a roller (14) for moving a device (7') on a rail (15). Claim 9 A wheel set processing device according to claim 8, wherein the outer bearing fixture (16) is provided with a receptacle (6') for interchangeably holding a thrust bearing (10), and the receptacle (6') of the outer bearing fixture (16) is adjustable in a vertical direction. Claim 10 delete

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