Rail Vehicle and Running Gear for the Rail Vehicle

Abstract

A running gear for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, which has at least a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member and at least a first cross member and to which at least a first wheel and a second wheel are rotatably connected, and with at least a first motor and at least a first transmission coupled to the at least first motor, which are coupled to at least the first wheel for torque transmission, wherein the at least first motor is inserted into a first opening of the first longitudinal member, where an idler pair is formed from the first wheel and the second wheel, such that the available installation space budget can thus be enlarged.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a U.S. national stage of application No. PCT / EP2023 / 079255 filed 20 Oct. 2023. Priority is claimed on Austrian Application No. A50820 / 2022 filed 24 Oct. 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a running gear for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, which has at least a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member and at least a first cross member and to which at least a first wheel and a second wheel are rotatably connected, and with at least a first motor and at least a first transmission coupled to the at least first motor, which are coupled to at least the first wheel for torque transmission.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Running gears for rail vehicles often have a limited installation space for running gear components on account of restricted space conditions. Low-floor vehicles, for example, have a low-level vehicle floor between wheels of the running gear, as a result of which it can be necessary to arrange running gear components such as motors, transmissions, couplings, brakes and so on in external regions of the running gear. However, it is not permissible for these running gear components to project outward to an excessive degree when viewed from a running gear or from a rail vehicle.

[0004] WO 2017 / 093094 A1 discloses exemplary conventional running gear of a rail vehicle. The running gear disclosed here has a running gear frame and wheelsets. The running gear frame comprises two longitudinal members aligned in the running gear longitudinal direction, as well as a cross member arranged between the longitudinal members, connected to the longitudinal members, and aligned in the running gear transverse direction. Integrated into the cross member is at least one drive unit with a force transmission facility that is arranged between the longitudinal members and coupled to the wheelsets.

[0005] WO 2020 / 192860 A1 further shows a running gear for a low-floor rail vehicle with a primary spring facility, which comprises at least four torsion rods.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 3 854 655 A1 describes a running gear of a rail vehicle with four idler wheels, which are rotatably coupled to a running gear frame. Each of these four idler wheels is assigned a motor, a transmission and a brake apparatus, which are arranged outside of a region bounded by the four idler wheels. Four motors, four transmissions and four brake apparatuses are arranged in total. The approach considered has the disadvantage in its known form that a not inconsiderable installation space is taken up by the motors on the side flanks of the running gear.

[0007] EP 3 310 636 B1 further discloses a bogie for a high-floor rail vehicle with wheelsets, in which wheels are coupled to one another via wheelset shafts. Transversely aligned drive motors are mechanically integrated into longitudinal members of a bogie frame of the bogie, i.e., are supported in recesses of the longitudinal members, and coupled to the wheelsets via a spur gear transmission supported on bogie outer sides.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a running gear that has been further developed compared with the prior art and that is particularly compact in the running gear transverse direction, having an intermediate region with optimum usability between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages are achieved in accordance by a running gear in which the at least first motor is inserted into a first opening of the first longitudinal member, where an idler pair is formed from the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0010] The first opening can be structured, for example, to be continuous, i.e., penetrating the first longitudinal member, and enclosed entirely on the shell side by the first longitudinal member. The first opening can be formed, for example, as a cylindrical through-hole or as a through-hole with an oval cross-section or with a rectangular cross-section having rounded corners, and so on. The first motor in the first opening can be spaced apart from the first longitudinal member.

[0011] By being inserted into the first opening, the first motor places no or little burden on an available installation space budget in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member and in regions of outer sides of the running gear. If, for example, the running gear is deployed in a low-floor rail vehicle, then it is thus possible, for example, for a passenger gangway width in a car body of the low-floor vehicle, which can extend downward in the region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, to be dimensioned generously, as a result of which passenger comfort can be enhanced. This is particularly advantageous, for example, if a cross-section of the car body is to be formed with a limited width. It is further conceivable, in connection with a possible deployment of the running gear in a low-floor rail vehicle, that pedestals for seats in the car body, for example, which are often formed as wheel housings in which drive components of the low-floor rail vehicle can be arranged, are configured with a moderate installation height, because the running gear in accordance with the invention makes it possible to avoid an arrangement of the first motor above the supporting structure.

[0012] Instead of a wheelset with wheels connected to one another via a wheelset shaft, the running gear in accordance with the invention has the idler pair comprising individual wheels, as a result of which the running gear in accordance with the invention is particularly suitable for deployment in a low-floor rail vehicle.

[0013] It is favorable, for example, if the first opening is arranged offset in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis with respect to a contact zone in which the first longitudinal member and the at least first cross member are connected to one another. As a result of this measure, installation space is kept free in the region of the first cross member and can be deployed, for example, for the arrangement of a secondary spring. If a secondary spring is deployed, then this can have a large spring base, as a result of which it is possible, for example, to dispense with an anti-roll bar of the running gear.

[0014] Furthermore, the first opening being offset with respect to the contact zone protects the contact zone against excessive loading caused by the first motor.

[0015] A preferred solution is obtained if the at least first transmission is arranged as a spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear. This prevents the first transmission from enlarging, such as widening, the running gear to an excessive degree, as a spur gear transmission can be configured to be narrow, narrower, for example, than a bevel gear transmission.

[0016] It can also be helpful if a cardan shaft coupled to the at least first transmission is guided through a central, continuous cavity of the first wheel, where the at least first transmission is arranged in the region of a first end face of the first wheel and the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel in the region of a second end face of the first wheel. As aa result, a compact coupling of the first transmission to the first wheel is achieved and a reduction in the unsprung masses of the running gear is enabled. On the one hand, this simplifies an implementation of a running gear with an outer bearing arrangement, i.e., an arrangement of the first wheel and the second wheel in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. On the other hand, it avoids, for example, the need for a transmission shaft to be guided past the first wheel starting from the first end face of the first wheel and to be coupled to the first wheel, for example, via a further transmission in the region of the second end face of the first wheel.

[0017] An effective equalization of alignment errors, relative movements and so on between the first transmission and the first wheel is enabled if the at least first transmission is coupled to the first wheel via at least a first coupling, preferably via a first coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel, and via a second coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the at least first transmission.

[0018] Static moments due to wheel contact forces, which can lead to significant loading of a wheel bearing apparatus, can be avoided if a wheel bearing is arranged in the cavity and connected to the first wheel, where the first wheel is coupled to the supporting structure via the wheel bearing.

[0019] A favorable solution is achieved if the at least first transmission is connected to the supporting structure via a transmission bearing arrangement, where the at least first motor is supported via the at least first transmission.

[0020] The transmission bearing arrangement can be formed, for example, as a three-point bearing arrangement. The three-point bearing arrangement can be configured, for example, to comprise three elastic bearings. A significant limitation of a deformability of the supporting structure by the first transmission is thereby avoided.

[0021] The first motor is not supported in the first opening of the first longitudinal member, i.e., is not integrated mechanically into the first longitudinal member. A significant, direct mechanical loading of the first longitudinal member by the first motor is thereby avoided in the region of the first opening.

[0022] With regard to a moderate loading of the supporting structure, it can, however, also be favorable if the at least first transmission is supported on a shaft connected to the first wheel and connected to the supporting structure via a torque bracket, where the at least first motor is supported by means of the at least first transmission. Here, the shaft connected to the first wheel is not connected to the second wheel.

[0023] An installation space advantage is achieved for a running gear with a running gear braking facility if a first brake disk is connected to a motor shaft of the at least first motor on a side of the at least first motor facing away from the at least first transmission. This results in a space-saving distribution of running gear components over an available installation space.

[0024] An advantageous solution is obtained if a motor longitudinal axis is aligned parallel or approximately parallel to a running gear transverse axis. This measure makes it possible to dispense with the need to provide a complex transmission (for example, a bevel gear transmission) between the first motor and the first wheel if, for example, a wheel axis of the first wheel is aligned parallel to the motor shaft longitudinal axis or not excessively rotated relative to the motor shaft longitudinal axis.

[0025] A torsionally flexible running gear with a safe and low-wear running behavior can be achieved if structural components of the running gear comprise at least an open first profile.

[0026] To promote barrier-free mass-transit and mainline transport, it can be helpful if a free running gear region for a low-level vehicle floor for a low-floor rail vehicle is formed between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0027] A compact running gear with an outer bearing arrangement is obtained if the first wheel and the second wheel are arranged in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.

[0028] A high level of running safety and running comfort can be achieved with the running gear if a spring facility is connected to the supporting structure, where the first wheel and the second wheel are connected to the supporting structure via an axle bridge and a primary spring arrangement of the spring facility, and a secondary spring arrangement of the spring facility is connected to the supporting structure on the outside of the running gear.

[0029] A promising area of application for the running gear in accordance with the invention with regard to an efficient utilization of an available installation space budget is exploited with a rail vehicle having at least one running gear in accordance with the invention.

[0030] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention is explained in greater detail in the following on the basis of exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, four wheels, four motors and four transmissions, where each of these four wheels is assigned a motor and a transmission, and where the motors are inserted into openings of longitudinal members of the supporting structure;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a supporting structure for a running gear according to the invention, where longitudinal members of the supporting structure have openings for motors of the running gear;

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with an exemplary second embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention with a first transmission formed as a two-stage spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear;

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention with a first transmission formed as a two-stage spur gear transmission, where a first brake disk of the running gear is connected to a motor shaft of the first motor on a side of a first motor of the running gear facing away from the first transmission, and where the first motor is inserted into a first opening of a first longitudinal member of a supporting structure of the running gear; and

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention in a sectional representation, where a first wheel of the running gear has a central and continuous cavity, in which a wheel bearing of the running gear is arranged and through which a cardan shaft of the running gear is guided, where a first transmission of the running gear and the first wheel are coupled to one another via the cardan shaft.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a low-floor rail vehicle configured as a tram. The running gear has a supporting structure 1 formed as a running gear frame, which comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5.

[0038] The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, where the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extend in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7.

[0039] The running gear further comprises a first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, from which a first idler pair is formed, as well as two further wheels, from which a second idler pair is formed.

[0040] The first wheel 8, the second wheel 9 and the two further wheels are formed as individual wheels. Connections between the first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 and between the two further wheels via wheelset shafts are not embodied. The first idler pair and the second idler pair are not wheelsets with wheelset shafts.

[0041] A free running gear region for a low-level vehicle floor of the low-floor rail vehicle is formed between the first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 and between the two further wheels.

[0042] The first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 are arranged in a region between the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3. The running gear accordingly has an outer bearing arrangement.

[0043] The first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 are supported rotatably in an axle bridge 10, which is approximately O-shaped. The axle bridge 10 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 via a primary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear, where the primary spring arrangement comprises a first primary spring 11 and further primary springs.

[0044] The second idler pair is formed identically to the first idler pair in terms of configuration, connection technology and function, and is coupled to the supporting structure 1.

[0045] The spring facility further comprises a secondary spring arrangement with a first secondary spring 12 and a second secondary spring 13, which are connected to the supporting structure 1 on the outside of the running gear, in regions of first ends of the first cross member 4 and of the second cross member 5 and second ends of the first cross member 4 and of the second cross member 5.

[0046] The running gear further comprises a damping facility. The running gear also has a first motor 14, a second motor 15 and two further motors as well as a first transmission 16 with a first transmission housing, a second transmission 17 with a second transmission housing and two further transmissions with two further transmission housings. The first motor 14 is configured as an electric motor and inserted into a first opening 18 of the first longitudinal member 2, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. A motor longitudinal axis 20 is aligned parallel to the running gear transverse axis 7. The first motor 14 in the first opening 18 is spaced slightly apart from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0047] The first transmission 16 is configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission and connected to the first longitudinal member 2 on an outer side of the running gear via the first transmission housing via a transmission bearing arrangement formed as an elastic three-point bearing arrangement. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16 and the first wheel 8. The first motor 14 has a motor housing via which it is connected to the first transmission housing of the first transmission 16, as a result of which displacements of the first motor 14 in the first opening 18 are avoided. The first motor 14 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 exclusively via the first transmission 16, i.e., it does not have its own motor bearing. The first motor 14 is thus supported via the first transmission 16 and therefore not integrated mechanically into the first longitudinal member 2, i.e., not supported in the first opening 18.

[0048] It is, however, also conceivable in accordance with the invention that, for example, the first transmission 16 is supported on a shaft connected to the first wheel 8 and connected to the supporting structure 1 via a torque bracket, where the first motor 14 is supported via the first transmission 16. Here, however, the shaft connected to the first wheel 8 is not connected to the second wheel 9.

[0049] The first transmission 16 is in turn coupled to the first wheel 8, as a result of which the first motor 14 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via the first transmission 16 for torque transmission.

[0050] The second motor 15 is likewise configured as an electric motor and inserted into a second opening 19 of the second longitudinal member 3, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. The second motor 15 is coupled to the second wheel 9 via the second transmission 17 configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission for torque transmission. The second motor 15 and the second transmission 17 correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first motor 14 and the first transmission 16. The second longitudinal member 3 is arranged between the second transmission 17 and the second wheel 9.

[0051] The two further motors are inserted into two further openings of the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3. The two further motors are coupled to the two further wheels via the two further transmissions for torque transmission. The two further motors and the two further transmissions correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first motor 14 and the second motor 15 and to the first transmission 16 and the second transmission 17.

[0052] A deployment of the first idler pair and the second idler pair in the running gear in accordance with the invention, in combination with the first motor 14, the second motor 15 and the two further motors in the configuration and arrangement thereof shown in FIG. 1 and a low installation height thereby achieved, in contrast to a running gear not in accordance with the invention in which wheels are connected to one another via wheelset shafts, enables the running gear in accordance with the invention to be used in the low-floor rail vehicle.

[0053] On a side of the first motor 14 facing away from the first transmission 16, a first brake disk 21 configured as a monobloc brake disk is connected to a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16 and the first brake disk 21. The first brake disk 21 is arranged in the region between the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3.

[0054] A second brake disk 22 is connected to the second motor 15. A further brake disk is connected to each of the two further motors. Two further brake disks in total are therefore connected to the two further motors. The second brake disk 22 and the two further brake disks correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first brake disk 21.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a supporting structure 1 for a running gear in accordance with the invention, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0056] The supporting structure 1 is formed as a running gear frame and comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5. The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extending in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0057] The first longitudinal member 2 has a cylindrical first opening 18, which is configured to penetrate the first longitudinal member 2. A first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be arranged in the first opening 18, wherein an opening longitudinal axis 24 of the first opening 18 is aligned parallel to a motor longitudinal axis 20, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, of the first motor 14 and to the running gear transverse axis 7.

[0058] The second longitudinal member 3 has a cylindrical second opening 19, in which a second motor 15, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be arranged. The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 also have two further openings, in which two further motors can be arranged. The second opening 19 and the two further openings correspond in terms of configuration and geometric principles to the first opening 18.

[0059] The first opening 18, the second opening 19 and the two further openings are arranged offset in the direction of the running gear longitudinal axis 6 with respect to contact zones in which the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are connected to the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5, and are adjacent to the contact zone.

[0060] The first opening 18, the second opening 19 and the two further openings thus enclose the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5, which are arranged in a central section of the supporting structure 1.

[0061] The first longitudinal member 2 has a first bearing bushing 25, a second bearing bushing 26 and a third bearing bushing 27, to which elastic bearings for a three-point bearing arrangement of a first transmission 16, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be connected.

[0062] The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 additionally comprise nine further bearing bushings for a second transmission 17 and two further transmissions, which are described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0063] A primary spring arrangement of a spring facility, as also described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1, is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3, where the primary spring arrangement comprises a first primary spring 11 and seven further primary springs.

[0064] FIG. 3 discloses a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with an exemplary second embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the rail vehicle.

[0065] The rail vehicle is configured as a low-floor tram, in which a car body 28 is supported on the running gear via a secondary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear. The running gear further has a damping facility, via which the car body and the running gear are coupled to one another.

[0066] A first secondary spring 12 formed as a metallic helical spring between the car body 28 and the running gear is arranged in a central section of a supporting structure 1 of the running gear.

[0067] The supporting structure 1 has a first longitudinal member 2, which is coupled to an axle bridge 10 of the running gear via a first primary spring 11 and a further primary spring (not visible in FIG. 3) of a primary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear. The first primary spring 11 and the further primary springs are formed as rubber-metal springs.

[0068] A first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, from which an idler pair is formed, are rotatably connected to the axle bridge 10.

[0069] A first motor 14 of the running gear is inserted into a cylindrical first opening 18 of the first longitudinal member 2. A motor longitudinal axis 20 of the first motor 14 and an opening longitudinal axis 24 of the first opening 18 appear projecting in FIG. 3.

[0070] A first transmission 16, which is configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission, is coupled to the first motor 14. A toothed wheel 29 of the first transmission 16 is coupled to a pinion of a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14, and a toothed large gear 30 of the first transmission 16 is coupled to the toothed wheel 29. Longitudinal axes of the toothed wheel 29 and the large gear 30 are aligned parallel to the motor longitudinal axis 20. The first transmission 16 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 via a first transmission housing (not shown in FIG. 3) via an elastic three-point bearing arrangement, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0071] The first motor 14, which is connected to the first transmission housing via a motor housing which does not have its own motor bearing, is thereby arranged immovably in the first opening 18. The first motor 14 and the first transmission 16 are arranged in a side section of the supporting structure 1 that is adjacent to the central section of the supporting structure 1.

[0072] A cardan shaft 31, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, the cardan shaft longitudinal axis of which is aligned parallel to the motor longitudinal axis 20, is connected to the large gear 30. The cardan shaft 31 is guided through a cavity 32 of a first wheel 8 of the running gear, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, below the first longitudinal member 2, in a region between the first primary spring 11 and the further primary springs, and coupled to the first wheel 8 on a side of the first wheel 8 facing away from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0073] The running gear has a magnetic track brake 33, which is connected to the axle bridge 10 in the region of the central section of the supporting structure 1. A traction link to the magnetic track brake 33 is implemented via the supporting structure 1. Forces from the magnetic track brake 33 are guided into the supporting structure 1.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a running gear according to the invention. This exemplary third embodiment variant corresponds to the exemplary second embodiment variant of a running gear in accordance with the invention as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, some of the same reference characters are used in FIG. 4 as in FIG. 3.

[0075] A first motor 14 is inserted into a first opening 18 of a first longitudinal member 2 of a supporting structure 1 of the running gear, which first motor projects on both sides out of the first opening 18, as can be seen by way of example in FIG. 3.

[0076] On an outer side of the running gear, a first transmission 16 configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission is coupled to a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14. A cardan shaft 31, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, is coupled to a large gear 30 of the first transmission 16. The cardan shaft 31 is guided through a cavity 32 of a first wheel 8 of the running gear, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, below the first longitudinal member 2, and coupled to the first wheel 8 on a side of the first wheel 8 facing away from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0077] On a side of the first motor 14 facing away from the first transmission 16, a first brake disk 21 designed as a monobloc brake disk is connected to the motor shaft 23. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first brake disk 21 and the first wheel 8 on one side and the first transmission 16 on the other side.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention in a sectional representation. FIG. 5 shows a front view onto the running gear.

[0079] The running gear is configured as a running gear for a low-floor rail vehicle.

[0080] The running gear comprises a first wheel 8, which is formed as a rail vehicle wheel with a wheel flange and is connected rotatably to a hollow cone section of an axle bridge 10 of the running gear via a wheel bearing 34.

[0081] The running gear further has a first longitudinal member 2 of a supporting structure 1, to which first longitudinal member a first transmission 16 is connected. The first transmission 16 is coupled to a first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, for torque transmission onto the first wheel 8.

[0082] The first longitudinal member 2 is a structural component of the running gear and comprises an open first profile 35, which has a double T shape. The axle bridge 10 is likewise a structural component having open profiles. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16, which is arranged on an outer side of the running gear, and the first wheel 8.

[0083] A cardan shaft 31 coupled to the large gear 30 of the first transmission 16 is guided through a central, continuous cavity 32 of the first wheel 8 below the first longitudinal member 2. The first transmission 16 is arranged in the region of a first end face of the first wheel 8. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the first wheel 8 in the region of a second end face of the first wheel 8. The first transmission 16 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via a first coupling 36 and a second coupling 37. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via the first coupling 36, which is embodied as a lamellar coupling and arranged in the region of the second end face of the first wheel 8. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the large gear 30 via the second coupling 37, which is formed as a curved-tooth coupling and arranged in the region of the first end face of the first wheel 8.

[0084] The cardan shaft 31 is formed as a trumpet-shaped hollow shaft. A grounding contact 38 of the running gear is connected to the cardan shaft 31 in the region of the second end face of the first wheel 8, where the grounding contact projects into a hollow section of the cardan shaft 31.

[0085] The wheel bearing 34 is arranged in the cavity 32 of the first wheel 8 and connected to the first wheel 8. The wheel bearing 34 is arranged on the hollow cone section of the axle bridge 10, where the hollow cone section projects through the cavity 32. The cardan shaft 31 is in turn guided through the hollow cone section of the axle bridge 10. The first wheel 8 is coupled to the supporting structure 1 via the wheel bearing 34 and the axle bridge 10.

[0086] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0037]FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a low-floor rail vehicle configured as a tram. The running gear has a supporting structure 1 formed as a running gear frame, which comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5.

[0038]The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, where the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extend in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7.

[0039]The running gear further comprises a first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, from which a first idler pair is formed, as well as two further wheels, from which a second idler pair is formed.

[0040]The first wheel 8, the second wheel 9 and the two further wheels are formed as individual wheels. Connections between the first wheel 8 and the se...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a U.S. national stage of application No. PCT / EP2023 / 079255 filed 20 Oct. 2023. Priority is claimed on Austrian Application No. A50820 / 2022 filed 24 Oct. 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a running gear for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, which has at least a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member and at least a first cross member and to which at least a first wheel and a second wheel are rotatably connected, and with at least a first motor and at least a first transmission coupled to the at least first motor, which are coupled to at least the first wheel for torque transmission.2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Running gears for rail vehicles often have a limited installation space for running gear components on account of restricted space conditions. Low-floor vehicles, for example, have a low-level vehicle floor between wheels of the running gear, as a result of which it can be necessary to arrange running gear components such as motors, transmissions, couplings, brakes and so on in external regions of the running gear. However, it is not permissible for these running gear components to project outward to an excessive degree when viewed from a running gear or from a rail vehicle.

[0004] WO 2017 / 093094 A1 discloses exemplary conventional running gear of a rail vehicle. The running gear disclosed here has a running gear frame and wheelsets. The running gear frame comprises two longitudinal members aligned in the running gear longitudinal direction, as well as a cross member arranged between the longitudinal members, connected to the longitudinal members, and aligned in the running gear transverse direction. Integrated into the cross member is at least one drive unit with a force transmission facility that is arranged between the longitudinal members and coupled to the wheelsets.

[0005] WO 2020 / 192860 A1 further shows a running gear for a low-floor rail vehicle with a primary spring facility, which comprises at least four torsion rods.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 3 854 655 A1 describes a running gear of a rail vehicle with four idler wheels, which are rotatably coupled to a running gear frame. Each of these four idler wheels is assigned a motor, a transmission and a brake apparatus, which are arranged outside of a region bounded by the four idler wheels. Four motors, four transmissions and four brake apparatuses are arranged in total. The approach considered has the disadvantage in its known form that a not inconsiderable installation space is taken up by the motors on the side flanks of the running gear.

[0007] EP 3 310 636 B1 further discloses a bogie for a high-floor rail vehicle with wheelsets, in which wheels are coupled to one another via wheelset shafts. Transversely aligned drive motors are mechanically integrated into longitudinal members of a bogie frame of the bogie, i.e., are supported in recesses of the longitudinal members, and coupled to the wheelsets via a spur gear transmission supported on bogie outer sides.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a running gear that has been further developed compared with the prior art and that is particularly compact in the running gear transverse direction, having an intermediate region with optimum usability between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0009] These and other objects and advantages are achieved in accordance by a running gear in which the at least first motor is inserted into a first opening of the first longitudinal member, where an idler pair is formed from the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0010] The first opening can be structured, for example, to be continuous, i.e., penetrating the first longitudinal member, and enclosed entirely on the shell side by the first longitudinal member. The first opening can be formed, for example, as a cylindrical through-hole or as a through-hole with an oval cross-section or with a rectangular cross-section having rounded corners, and so on. The first motor in the first opening can be spaced apart from the first longitudinal member.

[0011] By being inserted into the first opening, the first motor places no or little burden on an available installation space budget in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member and in regions of outer sides of the running gear. If, for example, the running gear is deployed in a low-floor rail vehicle, then it is thus possible, for example, for a passenger gangway width in a car body of the low-floor vehicle, which can extend downward in the region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member, to be dimensioned generously, as a result of which passenger comfort can be enhanced. This is particularly advantageous, for example, if a cross-section of the car body is to be formed with a limited width. It is further conceivable, in connection with a possible deployment of the running gear in a low-floor rail vehicle, that pedestals for seats in the car body, for example, which are often formed as wheel housings in which drive components of the low-floor rail vehicle can be arranged, are configured with a moderate installation height, because the running gear in accordance with the invention makes it possible to avoid an arrangement of the first motor above the supporting structure.

[0012] Instead of a wheelset with wheels connected to one another via a wheelset shaft, the running gear in accordance with the invention has the idler pair comprising individual wheels, as a result of which the running gear in accordance with the invention is particularly suitable for deployment in a low-floor rail vehicle.

[0013] It is favorable, for example, if the first opening is arranged offset in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis with respect to a contact zone in which the first longitudinal member and the at least first cross member are connected to one another. As a result of this measure, installation space is kept free in the region of the first cross member and can be deployed, for example, for the arrangement of a secondary spring. If a secondary spring is deployed, then this can have a large spring base, as a result of which it is possible, for example, to dispense with an anti-roll bar of the running gear.

[0014] Furthermore, the first opening being offset with respect to the contact zone protects the contact zone against excessive loading caused by the first motor.

[0015] A preferred solution is obtained if the at least first transmission is arranged as a spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear. This prevents the first transmission from enlarging, such as widening, the running gear to an excessive degree, as a spur gear transmission can be configured to be narrow, narrower, for example, than a bevel gear transmission.

[0016] It can also be helpful if a cardan shaft coupled to the at least first transmission is guided through a central, continuous cavity of the first wheel, where the at least first transmission is arranged in the region of a first end face of the first wheel and the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel in the region of a second end face of the first wheel. As aa result, a compact coupling of the first transmission to the first wheel is achieved and a reduction in the unsprung masses of the running gear is enabled. On the one hand, this simplifies an implementation of a running gear with an outer bearing arrangement, i.e., an arrangement of the first wheel and the second wheel in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. On the other hand, it avoids, for example, the need for a transmission shaft to be guided past the first wheel starting from the first end face of the first wheel and to be coupled to the first wheel, for example, via a further transmission in the region of the second end face of the first wheel.

[0017] An effective equalization of alignment errors, relative movements and so on between the first transmission and the first wheel is enabled if the at least first transmission is coupled to the first wheel via at least a first coupling, preferably via a first coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel, and via a second coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the at least first transmission.

[0018] Static moments due to wheel contact forces, which can lead to significant loading of a wheel bearing apparatus, can be avoided if a wheel bearing is arranged in the cavity and connected to the first wheel, where the first wheel is coupled to the supporting structure via the wheel bearing.

[0019] A favorable solution is achieved if the at least first transmission is connected to the supporting structure via a transmission bearing arrangement, where the at least first motor is supported via the at least first transmission.

[0020] The transmission bearing arrangement can be formed, for example, as a three-point bearing arrangement. The three-point bearing arrangement can be configured, for example, to comprise three elastic bearings. A significant limitation of a deformability of the supporting structure by the first transmission is thereby avoided.

[0021] The first motor is not supported in the first opening of the first longitudinal member, i.e., is not integrated mechanically into the first longitudinal member. A significant, direct mechanical loading of the first longitudinal member by the first motor is thereby avoided in the region of the first opening.

[0022] With regard to a moderate loading of the supporting structure, it can, however, also be favorable if the at least first transmission is supported on a shaft connected to the first wheel and connected to the supporting structure via a torque bracket, where the at least first motor is supported by means of the at least first transmission. Here, the shaft connected to the first wheel is not connected to the second wheel.

[0023] An installation space advantage is achieved for a running gear with a running gear braking facility if a first brake disk is connected to a motor shaft of the at least first motor on a side of the at least first motor facing away from the at least first transmission. This results in a space-saving distribution of running gear components over an available installation space.

[0024] An advantageous solution is obtained if a motor longitudinal axis is aligned parallel or approximately parallel to a running gear transverse axis. This measure makes it possible to dispense with the need to provide a complex transmission (for example, a bevel gear transmission) between the first motor and the first wheel if, for example, a wheel axis of the first wheel is aligned parallel to the motor shaft longitudinal axis or not excessively rotated relative to the motor shaft longitudinal axis.

[0025] A torsionally flexible running gear with a safe and low-wear running behavior can be achieved if structural components of the running gear comprise at least an open first profile.

[0026] To promote barrier-free mass-transit and mainline transport, it can be helpful if a free running gear region for a low-level vehicle floor for a low-floor rail vehicle is formed between the first wheel and the second wheel.

[0027] A compact running gear with an outer bearing arrangement is obtained if the first wheel and the second wheel are arranged in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.

[0028] A high level of running safety and running comfort can be achieved with the running gear if a spring facility is connected to the supporting structure, where the first wheel and the second wheel are connected to the supporting structure via an axle bridge and a primary spring arrangement of the spring facility, and a secondary spring arrangement of the spring facility is connected to the supporting structure on the outside of the running gear.

[0029] A promising area of application for the running gear in accordance with the invention with regard to an efficient utilization of an available installation space budget is exploited with a rail vehicle having at least one running gear in accordance with the invention.

[0030] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention is explained in greater detail in the following on the basis of exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, four wheels, four motors and four transmissions, where each of these four wheels is assigned a motor and a transmission, and where the motors are inserted into openings of longitudinal members of the supporting structure;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a supporting structure for a running gear according to the invention, where longitudinal members of the supporting structure have openings for motors of the running gear;

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with an exemplary second embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention with a first transmission formed as a two-stage spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear;

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention with a first transmission formed as a two-stage spur gear transmission, where a first brake disk of the running gear is connected to a motor shaft of the first motor on a side of a first motor of the running gear facing away from the first transmission, and where the first motor is inserted into a first opening of a first longitudinal member of a supporting structure of the running gear; and

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention in a sectional representation, where a first wheel of the running gear has a central and continuous cavity, in which a wheel bearing of the running gear is arranged and through which a cardan shaft of the running gear is guided, where a first transmission of the running gear and the first wheel are coupled to one another via the cardan shaft.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a low-floor rail vehicle configured as a tram. The running gear has a supporting structure 1 formed as a running gear frame, which comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5.

[0038] The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, where the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extend in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7.

[0039] The running gear further comprises a first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, from which a first idler pair is formed, as well as two further wheels, from which a second idler pair is formed.

[0040] The first wheel 8, the second wheel 9 and the two further wheels are formed as individual wheels. Connections between the first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 and between the two further wheels via wheelset shafts are not embodied. The first idler pair and the second idler pair are not wheelsets with wheelset shafts.

[0041] A free running gear region for a low-level vehicle floor of the low-floor rail vehicle is formed between the first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 and between the two further wheels.

[0042] The first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 are arranged in a region between the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3. The running gear accordingly has an outer bearing arrangement.

[0043] The first wheel 8 and the second wheel 9 are supported rotatably in an axle bridge 10, which is approximately O-shaped. The axle bridge 10 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 via a primary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear, where the primary spring arrangement comprises a first primary spring 11 and further primary springs.

[0044] The second idler pair is formed identically to the first idler pair in terms of configuration, connection technology and function, and is coupled to the supporting structure 1.

[0045] The spring facility further comprises a secondary spring arrangement with a first secondary spring 12 and a second secondary spring 13, which are connected to the supporting structure 1 on the outside of the running gear, in regions of first ends of the first cross member 4 and of the second cross member 5 and second ends of the first cross member 4 and of the second cross member 5.

[0046] The running gear further comprises a damping facility. The running gear also has a first motor 14, a second motor 15 and two further motors as well as a first transmission 16 with a first transmission housing, a second transmission 17 with a second transmission housing and two further transmissions with two further transmission housings. The first motor 14 is configured as an electric motor and inserted into a first opening 18 of the first longitudinal member 2, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. A motor longitudinal axis 20 is aligned parallel to the running gear transverse axis 7. The first motor 14 in the first opening 18 is spaced slightly apart from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0047] The first transmission 16 is configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission and connected to the first longitudinal member 2 on an outer side of the running gear via the first transmission housing via a transmission bearing arrangement formed as an elastic three-point bearing arrangement. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16 and the first wheel 8. The first motor 14 has a motor housing via which it is connected to the first transmission housing of the first transmission 16, as a result of which displacements of the first motor 14 in the first opening 18 are avoided. The first motor 14 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 exclusively via the first transmission 16, i.e., it does not have its own motor bearing. The first motor 14 is thus supported via the first transmission 16 and therefore not integrated mechanically into the first longitudinal member 2, i.e., not supported in the first opening 18.

[0048] It is, however, also conceivable in accordance with the invention that, for example, the first transmission 16 is supported on a shaft connected to the first wheel 8 and connected to the supporting structure 1 via a torque bracket, where the first motor 14 is supported via the first transmission 16. Here, however, the shaft connected to the first wheel 8 is not connected to the second wheel 9.

[0049] The first transmission 16 is in turn coupled to the first wheel 8, as a result of which the first motor 14 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via the first transmission 16 for torque transmission.

[0050] The second motor 15 is likewise configured as an electric motor and inserted into a second opening 19 of the second longitudinal member 3, as shown by way of example in FIG. 2. The second motor 15 is coupled to the second wheel 9 via the second transmission 17 configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission for torque transmission. The second motor 15 and the second transmission 17 correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first motor 14 and the first transmission 16. The second longitudinal member 3 is arranged between the second transmission 17 and the second wheel 9.

[0051] The two further motors are inserted into two further openings of the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3. The two further motors are coupled to the two further wheels via the two further transmissions for torque transmission. The two further motors and the two further transmissions correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first motor 14 and the second motor 15 and to the first transmission 16 and the second transmission 17.

[0052] A deployment of the first idler pair and the second idler pair in the running gear in accordance with the invention, in combination with the first motor 14, the second motor 15 and the two further motors in the configuration and arrangement thereof shown in FIG. 1 and a low installation height thereby achieved, in contrast to a running gear not in accordance with the invention in which wheels are connected to one another via wheelset shafts, enables the running gear in accordance with the invention to be used in the low-floor rail vehicle.

[0053] On a side of the first motor 14 facing away from the first transmission 16, a first brake disk 21 configured as a monobloc brake disk is connected to a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16 and the first brake disk 21. The first brake disk 21 is arranged in the region between the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3.

[0054] A second brake disk 22 is connected to the second motor 15. A further brake disk is connected to each of the two further motors. Two further brake disks in total are therefore connected to the two further motors. The second brake disk 22 and the two further brake disks correspond in terms of configuration, connection technology and function to the first brake disk 21.

[0055] FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of a supporting structure 1 for a running gear in accordance with the invention, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0056] The supporting structure 1 is formed as a running gear frame and comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5. The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extending in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1.

[0057] The first longitudinal member 2 has a cylindrical first opening 18, which is configured to penetrate the first longitudinal member 2. A first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be arranged in the first opening 18, wherein an opening longitudinal axis 24 of the first opening 18 is aligned parallel to a motor longitudinal axis 20, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, of the first motor 14 and to the running gear transverse axis 7.

[0058] The second longitudinal member 3 has a cylindrical second opening 19, in which a second motor 15, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be arranged. The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 also have two further openings, in which two further motors can be arranged. The second opening 19 and the two further openings correspond in terms of configuration and geometric principles to the first opening 18.

[0059] The first opening 18, the second opening 19 and the two further openings are arranged offset in the direction of the running gear longitudinal axis 6 with respect to contact zones in which the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are connected to the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5, and are adjacent to the contact zone.

[0060] The first opening 18, the second opening 19 and the two further openings thus enclose the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5, which are arranged in a central section of the supporting structure 1.

[0061] The first longitudinal member 2 has a first bearing bushing 25, a second bearing bushing 26 and a third bearing bushing 27, to which elastic bearings for a three-point bearing arrangement of a first transmission 16, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, can be connected.

[0062] The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 additionally comprise nine further bearing bushings for a second transmission 17 and two further transmissions, which are described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0063] A primary spring arrangement of a spring facility, as also described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1, is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3, where the primary spring arrangement comprises a first primary spring 11 and seven further primary springs.

[0064] FIG. 3 discloses a side view of a section of an exemplary embodiment of a rail vehicle in accordance with the invention with an exemplary second embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention. FIG. 3 shows a side view of the rail vehicle.

[0065] The rail vehicle is configured as a low-floor tram, in which a car body 28 is supported on the running gear via a secondary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear. The running gear further has a damping facility, via which the car body and the running gear are coupled to one another.

[0066] A first secondary spring 12 formed as a metallic helical spring between the car body 28 and the running gear is arranged in a central section of a supporting structure 1 of the running gear.

[0067] The supporting structure 1 has a first longitudinal member 2, which is coupled to an axle bridge 10 of the running gear via a first primary spring 11 and a further primary spring (not visible in FIG. 3) of a primary spring arrangement of a spring facility of the running gear. The first primary spring 11 and the further primary springs are formed as rubber-metal springs.

[0068] A first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, as shown by way of example in FIG. 1, from which an idler pair is formed, are rotatably connected to the axle bridge 10.

[0069] A first motor 14 of the running gear is inserted into a cylindrical first opening 18 of the first longitudinal member 2. A motor longitudinal axis 20 of the first motor 14 and an opening longitudinal axis 24 of the first opening 18 appear projecting in FIG. 3.

[0070] A first transmission 16, which is configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission, is coupled to the first motor 14. A toothed wheel 29 of the first transmission 16 is coupled to a pinion of a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14, and a toothed large gear 30 of the first transmission 16 is coupled to the toothed wheel 29. Longitudinal axes of the toothed wheel 29 and the large gear 30 are aligned parallel to the motor longitudinal axis 20. The first transmission 16 is connected to the first longitudinal member 2 via a first transmission housing (not shown in FIG. 3) via an elastic three-point bearing arrangement, as described by way of example in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0071] The first motor 14, which is connected to the first transmission housing via a motor housing which does not have its own motor bearing, is thereby arranged immovably in the first opening 18. The first motor 14 and the first transmission 16 are arranged in a side section of the supporting structure 1 that is adjacent to the central section of the supporting structure 1.

[0072] A cardan shaft 31, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, the cardan shaft longitudinal axis of which is aligned parallel to the motor longitudinal axis 20, is connected to the large gear 30. The cardan shaft 31 is guided through a cavity 32 of a first wheel 8 of the running gear, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, below the first longitudinal member 2, in a region between the first primary spring 11 and the further primary springs, and coupled to the first wheel 8 on a side of the first wheel 8 facing away from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0073] The running gear has a magnetic track brake 33, which is connected to the axle bridge 10 in the region of the central section of the supporting structure 1. A traction link to the magnetic track brake 33 is implemented via the supporting structure 1. Forces from the magnetic track brake 33 are guided into the supporting structure 1.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a section of an exemplary third embodiment of a running gear according to the invention. This exemplary third embodiment variant corresponds to the exemplary second embodiment variant of a running gear in accordance with the invention as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, some of the same reference characters are used in FIG. 4 as in FIG. 3.

[0075] A first motor 14 is inserted into a first opening 18 of a first longitudinal member 2 of a supporting structure 1 of the running gear, which first motor projects on both sides out of the first opening 18, as can be seen by way of example in FIG. 3.

[0076] On an outer side of the running gear, a first transmission 16 configured as a two-stage spur gear transmission is coupled to a motor shaft 23 of the first motor 14. A cardan shaft 31, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, is coupled to a large gear 30 of the first transmission 16. The cardan shaft 31 is guided through a cavity 32 of a first wheel 8 of the running gear, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5, below the first longitudinal member 2, and coupled to the first wheel 8 on a side of the first wheel 8 facing away from the first longitudinal member 2.

[0077] On a side of the first motor 14 facing away from the first transmission 16, a first brake disk 21 designed as a monobloc brake disk is connected to the motor shaft 23. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first brake disk 21 and the first wheel 8 on one side and the first transmission 16 on the other side.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a section of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention in a sectional representation. FIG. 5 shows a front view onto the running gear.

[0079] The running gear is configured as a running gear for a low-floor rail vehicle.

[0080] The running gear comprises a first wheel 8, which is formed as a rail vehicle wheel with a wheel flange and is connected rotatably to a hollow cone section of an axle bridge 10 of the running gear via a wheel bearing 34.

[0081] The running gear further has a first longitudinal member 2 of a supporting structure 1, to which first longitudinal member a first transmission 16 is connected. The first transmission 16 is coupled to a first motor 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4, for torque transmission onto the first wheel 8.

[0082] The first longitudinal member 2 is a structural component of the running gear and comprises an open first profile 35, which has a double T shape. The axle bridge 10 is likewise a structural component having open profiles. The first longitudinal member 2 is arranged between the first transmission 16, which is arranged on an outer side of the running gear, and the first wheel 8.

[0083] A cardan shaft 31 coupled to the large gear 30 of the first transmission 16 is guided through a central, continuous cavity 32 of the first wheel 8 below the first longitudinal member 2. The first transmission 16 is arranged in the region of a first end face of the first wheel 8. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the first wheel 8 in the region of a second end face of the first wheel 8. The first transmission 16 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via a first coupling 36 and a second coupling 37. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the first wheel 8 via the first coupling 36, which is embodied as a lamellar coupling and arranged in the region of the second end face of the first wheel 8. The cardan shaft 31 is coupled to the large gear 30 via the second coupling 37, which is formed as a curved-tooth coupling and arranged in the region of the first end face of the first wheel 8.

[0084] The cardan shaft 31 is formed as a trumpet-shaped hollow shaft. A grounding contact 38 of the running gear is connected to the cardan shaft 31 in the region of the second end face of the first wheel 8, where the grounding contact projects into a hollow section of the cardan shaft 31.

[0085] The wheel bearing 34 is arranged in the cavity 32 of the first wheel 8 and connected to the first wheel 8. The wheel bearing 34 is arranged on the hollow cone section of the axle bridge 10, where the hollow cone section projects through the cavity 32. The cardan shaft 31 is in turn guided through the hollow cone section of the axle bridge 10. The first wheel 8 is coupled to the supporting structure 1 via the wheel bearing 34 and the axle bridge 10.

[0086] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements shown and / or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0037]FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of an exemplary first embodiment of a running gear in accordance with the invention for a low-floor rail vehicle configured as a tram. The running gear has a supporting structure 1 formed as a running gear frame, which comprises a first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 3, a first cross member 4 and a second cross member 5.

[0038]The first longitudinal member 2 and the second longitudinal member 3 are arranged extending in the direction of a running gear longitudinal axis 6, where the first cross member 4 and the second cross member 5 extend in the direction of a running gear transverse axis 7.

[0039]The running gear further comprises a first wheel 8 and a second wheel 9, from which a first idler pair is formed, as well as two further wheels, from which a second idler pair is formed.

[0040]The first wheel 8, the second wheel 9 and the two further wheels are formed as individual wheels. Connections between the first wheel 8 and the se...

Claims

1-15. (canceled)16. A running gear for a rail vehicle with a supporting structure, comprising:at least a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member;at least a first cross member, at least a first wheel and a second wheel being rotatably connected to the at least a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member, respectively; andat least a first motor; andat least a first transmission coupled to the at least first motor, which are coupled to at least the first wheel for torque transmission;wherein the at least first motor is inserted into a first opening of the first longitudinal member; andwherein an idler pair is formed from the first wheel and the second wheel.

17. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first opening is arranged offset in a direction of a running gear longitudinal axis with respect to a contact zone in which the first longitudinal member and the at least first cross member are connected to one another.

18. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least first transmission is arranged as a spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear.

19. The running gear as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least first transmission is arranged as a spur gear transmission on an outer side of the running gear.

20. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:a cardan shaft coupled to the at least first transmission and guided through a central, continuous cavity of the first wheel;wherein the at least first transmission is arranged in a region of a first end face of the first wheel and the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel in a region of a second end face of the first wheel.

21. The running gear as claimed in claim 17, further comprising:a cardan shaft coupled to the at least first transmission and guided through a central, continuous cavity of the first wheel;wherein the at least first transmission is arranged in a region of a first end face of the first wheel and the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel in a region of a second end face of the first wheel.

22. The running gear as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:a cardan shaft coupled to the at least first transmission and guided through a central, continuous cavity of the first wheel;wherein the at least first transmission is arranged in a region of a first end face of the first wheel and the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel in a region of a second end face of the first wheel.

23. The running gear as claimed in claim 20, wherein the at least first transmission is coupled to the first wheel via at least a first coupling.

24. The running gear as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least first transmission is coupled to the first wheel via the first coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the first wheel, and via a second coupling via which the cardan shaft is coupled to the at least first transmission.

25. The running gear as claimed in claim 20, further comprising:a wheel bearing arranged in the central, continuous cavity and connected to the first wheel;wherein the first wheel is coupled to the supporting structure via the wheel bearing.

26. The running gear as claimed in claim 23, further comprising:a wheel bearing arranged in the central, continuous cavity and connected to the first wheel;wherein the first wheel is coupled to the supporting structure via the wheel bearing.

27. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least first transmission is connected to the supporting structure via a transmission bearing arrangement; and wherein the at least first motor is supported via the at least first transmission.

28. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least first transmission is supported on a shaft connected to the first wheel and is connected to the supporting structure via a torque bracket; and wherein the at least first motor is supported via the at least first transmission.

29. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:a first brake disk connected to a motor shaft of the at least first motor on a side of the at least first motor facing away from the at least first transmission.

30. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein a motor longitudinal axis is aligned parallel or approximately parallel to a running gear transverse axis.

31. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein structural components of the running gear comprise at least an open first profile.

32. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein a free running gear region for a low-level vehicle floor for a low-floor rail vehicle is formed between the first wheel and the second wheel.

33. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are arranged in a region between the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member.

34. The running gear as claimed in claim 16, further comprising:a spring facility connected to the supporting structure;wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are connected to the supporting structure via an axle bridge and a primary spring arrangement of the spring facility and a secondary spring arrangement of the spring facility is connected to the supporting structure on an outside of the running gear.

35. A rail vehicle with at least one running gear as claimed in claim 16.

Images