GB2371788A

GB2371788A - A bogie for supporting a railway vehicle body

Info

Publication number: GB2371788A
Application number: GB0102937A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Blenkinsop; William Nicholson
Original assignee: Prorail Ltd
Current assignee: Prorail Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-06
Filing date: 2001-02-06
Publication date: 2002-08-07
Also published as: GB0102937D0

Abstract

The bogie (1), for supporting the body during manufacture or servicing, comprises a frame (3), wheels (5, 7) supporting the frame (3), and at least one hydraulic jack (13, 15) mounted on the frame (3) for supporting and raising the body. The bogie (1) includes a mechanical support (29, 31), such as at least one lockable telescopic pillar, for supporting the vehicle body independently of hydraulic fluid pressure when the jack(s) (13, 15) is/are in a raised position. A cross-beam (41) supported by the jack(s) (13, 15) carries a rotatable mount (65) for the body.

Description

Title of the Invention An Apparatus for Supporting a Railway Vehicle Body Field of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for supporting a railway vehicle body during assembly or maintenance, and, in particular, to a support for transporting a railway vehicle body between different parts of an assembly plant.

Background of the Invention During assembly of railway vehicle bodies, the body is moved successively to a number of different workstations each responsible for a different aspect of assembly and fitting. At each workstation, the body is generally supported at an elevated position above the workshop floor and at an appropriate height for the particular stage of assembly, which may vary from workstation to workstation.

In one known method, the carriage body is supported on a number of fixed height stands at each workstation and moved between workstations by an overhead crane. In another known method, a series of mobile screw jacks, arranged along each side of the vehicle body, support the vehicle body at a number of positions along its length. Each jack has wheels which run along a pair of specially designed tracks either side of the vehicle body which are mounted on the work shop floor.

A drawback of these known methods is that a relatively large amount of space is required in the work shop to accommodate the lifting crane or the jacks either side of the railway vehicle body so that it becomes difficult and expensive to use or install this equipment in existing manufacturing plant having limited space and restrictive openings between one assembly area and another. Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bogie for supporting a railway vehicle body comprising a frame and wheels for supporting the frame, a hydraulic jack mounted on the frame for supporting and raising a railway vehicle body, and support means for supporting the vehicle body independently of fluid pressure when the jack is in a raised position.

In this arrangement, a bogie is provided to support the vehicle body, a hydraulic jack is used to raise the body to a desired height and support means is provided to support the vehicle body independently of fluid pressure when the jack is in a raised position, so that fluid pressure is not relied upon to support the vehicle body in an elevated position. This prevents the hydraulic jack collapsing in the event of a hydraulic fluid leak, for example on failure of a wall or seal containing the fluid.

In one embodiment, the support means comprises a first member mounted on the frame and a second member slidably mounted to the first member and having locking means for preventing downward movement of the second member relative to the first member. In one embodiment, the first and second members provide a telescoping pillar having a locking member, for example, a pin or bolt extending through the first and/or second members to prevent retraction of the pillar.

In a preferred embodiment, the bogie further comprises mounting means for engaging a mounting point below the vehicle body and wherein the support means is substantially directly below the mounting means. In this arrangement, the weight of the vehicle body is transferred directly down through the support means so that the support means is not subjected to sheer or rotational forces by the vehicle body load.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bogie for supporting a railway vehicle body during manufacture, comprising a frame and wheels for supporting the frame, a jack mounted on the frame for supporting and raising a railway vehicle body and a rotary mounting supported by the jack for rotatably supporting a railway vehicle body such that the body can rotate relative to the bogie about an axis directed substantially in the load bearing direction.

Advantageously, in this arrangement, as the rotary mounting is located above the jack, the mounting can be located proximate the under side of the vehicle body thereby reducing the distance between the mounting and vehicle body and any moment acting on the rotary mounting in a direction perpendicular to the rotary axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the jack in a lowered position; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the bogie of Figures 1,2 and 3 with the jack in a raised position; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a front view of the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 shows an apparatus for lifting a railway vehicle body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figures 1 to 6, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, a bogie 1 for supporting a railway vehicle body during assembly comprises a frame 3 having a first pair of laterally spaced wheels 5,7 and a second pair of laterally spaced wheels 9,11 ; the first and second pair of wheels being spaced apart along the length of the bogie 1. In this embodiment, the wheels 5,7, 9,11 are flanged for travelling along a track connecting one workstation to another in an assembly plant. First and second hydraulic jacks 13,15 are mounted one on each side 17,19 of the frame 3. In this embodiment, the hydraulic jacks 13,15 each comprise a cylinder 21,23 for admitting pressurized fluid and a ram 25,27 which is slidably received in the cylinder 21,23. The cylinders 21, 23 are fixed to the frame and the rams 25,27 constitute the moving, upper parts of each jack, although in another embodiment, one or both jacks may be inverted such that the rams 25,27 are fixed to the frame and the cylinders constitute the upper movable part of each jack.

A pair of extendable supports 29,31 are mounted on a respective side 17,19 of the frame 1 and in this embodiment each comprises a telescoping pillar. Each pillar comprises a lower part 33,35 mounted on and secured to the frame, for example by bolts, and an upper part 37,39 which is slidably received in the lower part 33,35. In this embodiment, the upper and lower parts have complementary square cross-sections, although in other embodiments, the cross section may be cylindrical or any other suitable shape.

A cross-beam 41 extends between and is attached to the upper ends 43,45 of the jacks 13,15 and is positioned above the upper parts 37,39 of the supports 29,31.

Preferably, the upper parts 37,39 of the retractable support pillars 29,31 are connected to the crossbeam 41 so that the upper parts are automatically raised on raising the hydraulic jacks and provides a more rigid structure, although in another embodiment, they may be moved independently of the jacks.

Advantageously, the cross member 41 interconnecting the movable parts of the jacks helps to maintain the upper parts of the jacks at a fixed distance apart, and prevents flexing or buckling of the rams.

Each support 29,31 is provided with a locking member 49 which may be any suitable means for preventing retraction of the telescopic supports. In this embodiment, the locking members each comprise a pin or bolt which extends transversely through the upper part 37,39 and engages the rim 51,53 of the upper end of the lower part 33,35. In this way, each support in its locked position prevents the hydraulic jacks from collapsing in the event of a malfunction such as a fluid leak caused by puncture or failure of a fluid hose, failure of a hydraulic seal or valve or accidental lowering of the hydraulic jack by workshop or other personnel. A plurality locking members accommodating apertures may be provided at different heights in the upper part of the pillar to allow the support to support a vehicle body at different heights.

A pair of railway vehicle body mountings 55,57 are disposed on the crossbeam 41 and are arranged to engage and register with corresponding mounting points on the underside of the railway vehicle body. Advantageously, in this embodiment, the telescoping support pillars are positioned substantially directly below the mountings 55,57 so that the weight of the carriage body is transferred vertically and directly through the support pillars. This arrangement serves to minimize any sheer or rotational forces (e. g. applied to the cross-beam) which would otherwise be present if the support pillars and its respective mounting were laterally displaced relative to one another, and serves to provide a more rigid and secure structure.

A rotary mounting 59 is mounted between the support pillars preferably midway between opposite sides of the bogie 1 for rotatably supporting a railway vehicle body so that the bogie and body can rotate relative to one another about an axis generally in the vertical or load bearing direction.

Advantageously, this allows the carriage to move along curved tracks which are typically employed in an assembly plant. In this embodiment, the rotary mounting comprises a plate 61 mounted on a bearing 63 and a central, raised locator hub 65 which is received in a corresponding receptacle on the under side of the vehicle body.

Advantageously, in this arrangement, the rotary mounting is supported by the jacks and is positioned such that the rotary bearing is located at a position proximate the railway vehicle body when the body is supported. This arrangement minimizes any moment acting perpendicular to the rotational axis of the bearing, for example due to the inertia of the vehicle body when the bogie is being moved, thereby providing a more stable and rigid structure.

One or more struts 67 may be provided between a telescoping pillar 21, 23 and the frame 3 to augment the strength of the pillar mounting and in particular to increase its resistance to forces which tend to rotate the pillar from its upright position. In this embodiment, a pair of struts are provided and extend lengthwise of the bogie from opposite sides of the pillar and an angle to the frame. One end of each pair of struts is attached to the lower part 33,35 of each pillar and the other end is attached to the frame. A cross-brace 69 is connected to and extends between the telescoping pillars and in this embodiment is connected to the upper parts of the respective lower parts 33,35 of the pillars. Again, the cross-brace 69 serves to strengthen the pillar mountings and provide a more rigid structure.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the jacks are separated by a lateral distance which is equal to or less than the maximum width of a railway vehicle body to be supported.

The cross-beam and frame may also have a width which is substantially equal to or less than the maximum width of a railway vehicle body to be supported. This arrangement advantageously enables the bogie to pass through openings which are no wider than the minimum required for the railway vehicle body itself.

Preferably, the upper ends 43,45 of the hydraulic rams are pivotally mounted to the cross-beam 41 so that the cross-beam can rotate and tilt the carriage on one jack being raised relative to the other.

Figure 7 shows an example of an apparatus employing a pair of bogies both of which may be similar to that described above and for example shown in Figures 1 to 6. In this arrangement, a single pump is connected to the hydraulic jacks of each bogie so that both ends of the carriage may be raised by a just one pump simultaneously which may be desirable for both speed and safety.

Referring to Figure 7, a pair of accommodation bogies 101,102 are positioned on a pair of tracks 103. The bogies 101,102 are spaced apart and support a railway vehicle body 105 at a position near each end 107,109. A hydraulic pumping apparatus 111 comprises a hydraulic pump 113 and a pump controller 115, preferably from which an operator can control operation of the jacks. The pump 113 is connected to the hydraulic jacks mounted on the accommodation bogies 101,102 by hydraulic fluid lines 117,119. If each bogie has a single hydraulic jack, a single fluid line to each bogie would suffice. With embodiments having more than one jack, separate fluid lines, e. g. 121,123, may be connected from the pump to each jack or the hydraulic cylinders of each jack may be connected together and a single fluid line from the pump to each bogie may be used.

Where a number of railway vehicle bodies are on an assembly line at the same time, each may be mounted on a pair of bogies, similar to those shown in Figure 7. Advantageously, the hydraulic fluid connection to each jack may be the same so that a single hydraulic pump may be shared between a plurality of pairs of bogies which would assist in minimizing the installation and operating costs.

Preferably, the hydraulic jack (s) and/or the hydraulic fluid hoses are fitted with quick release couplings that allow quick connection and disconnection of the hoses so that the pump can be easily moved to each bogie when there is a need to raise or lower a vehicle body.

Advantageously, non-return valves may be fitted to the hydraulic system, for example to the fluid inlet port of the hydraulic jack (s) to prevent fluid seepage from the jack (s) for additional safety.

In another embodiment, the hydraulic pump may be connected to the jack (s) of one bogie at a time.

Preferably, the support means is removably mounted on the frame, for example by bolts, and the bogie may include a second, different support means which can be mounted on the frame using the same mounting structure and preferably the same bolt hole (s) (if present) as were used to mount the first support means on the frame.

Preferably, the support means is arranged to provide a load bearing support at a plurality of different jack heights. For example, where the support means comprises a telescoping pillar, the pillars and locking member may be arranged such that the pillars are locked from retraction at a plurality of different positions or pillar extensions. For example, the pillar may include a number of transverse apertures at different heights each accommodating a locking pin or bolt which engages the complimentary part of the pillar to prevent retraction.

Although a pair of laterally spaced hydraulic jacks for each bogie is the preferred arrangement, in other embodiments, a single hydraulic jack may be used, for example mounted at an intermediate position between opposite sides of the bogie, or more than two hydraulic jacks may be used, for example where particularly heavy loads are involved.

In another embodiment, the support means for supporting the vehicle body independently of fluid pressure may comprise a lock on the hydraulic jack itself, for example a mechanical lock fastened to the hydraulic ram which abuts another support surface, for example the end of the cylinder or the bogie frame. In one embodiment, the hydraulic ram may have one or more transverse apertures formed therein for receiving a bolt or pin which abuts the end of the hydraulic cylinder.

In a more general embodiment than the one shown in Figures 1 to 6, the bogie may include one hydraulic jack and one telescoping pillar whose movable upper parts are connected together by any suitable means, for example by a cross member.

Modifications to the embodiments described herein as well as other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A bogie for supporting a railway vehicle body, comprising a frame and wheels for supporting said frame, a hydraulic jack mounted on said frame for supporting and raising a railway vehicle body and support means supporting the said vehicle body independently of fluid pressure when said jack is in a raised position.
2. A bogie as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support means comprises a first member mounted on said frame and a second member slidably mounted to said first member and having locking means for preventing downward movement of said second member relative to said first member.
3. A bogie as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising mounting means for engaging a mounting point below said vehicle body and wherein said support means is substantially directly below said mounting means.
4. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said support means is located on said frame at a lateral position which substantially coincides with the lateral position of a said wheel.
5. A bogie as claimed in claim 2, wherein one of said first and second members comprises a receptacle for slidably receiving the other of said first and second members and said locking means comprises a locking member arranged to engage said first and second members and which extends transversely to their direction of relative travel.
6. A bogie as claimed in claim 5, wherein said support means further comprises a third member mounted on said frame and a fourth member slidably mounted to said third member, said first and third members being spaced apart laterally with respect to said frame, and wherein said locking means further comprises means for locking the fourth member relative to said third member to prevent downward movement of said fourth member.
7. A bogie as claimed in claim 6, wherein one of said third and fourth members comprises a receptacle for a slidably receiving the other of said third and fourth members, and wherein said locking means comprises a locking member arranged to engage said third and fourth members and which extends transversely to their direction of relative travel.
8. A bogie as claimed in claim 7, further comprising laterally spaced mountings for engaging respective laterally spaced mounting points located below said vehicle body and wherein the lateral position of said first and second members substantially coincides with one said mounting and the lateral position of said third and fourth members substantially coincides with the other said mounting.
9. A bogie as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the lateral position of said first and second members substantially coincides with the lateral position of a said wheel on one side of said frame and the lateral position of said third and fourth members substantially coincides with the lateral position of a wheel on the other side of said frame.
10. A bogie as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a cross-beam extending laterally of said frame and mounted above and on said second and fourth members.
11. A bogie as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a rotary mounting mounted on said crossbeam for supporting a railway vehicle body and allowing said bogie to rotate about an axis directed substantially in a load bearing direction.
12. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a further hydraulic jack, one hydraulic jack being mounted adjacent one side of said frame and the other hydraulic jack being mounted adjacent the other side of said frame, and a said cross member extending between said jacks and mounted on the lifting part of each jack.
13. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a further jack, wherein said jacks are spaced apart laterally relative to the frame by a distance of equal to or less than the maximum width of said railway vehicle body.
14. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lateral extent of said frame is equal to or less than the maximum width of said railway vehicle body.
15. A bogie as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the length of said crossbeam is substantially equal to or less than the maximum width of said railway vehicle body.
16. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a rotary mounting for supporting a railway vehicle body and allowing said body to rotate about an axis directed substantially in the load bearing direction, and wherein said rotary mounting is supported on the lifting part of said hydraulic jack.
17. A bogie as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lifting part of said jack and said support means are connected together.
18. An apparatus for lifting a railway vehicle body comprising a first and second bogie according to any preceding claim and a pump connected to a hydraulic jack of each of said first and second bogies and arranged to raise said hydraulic jacks on each bogie simultaneously.
19. A bogie for supporting a railway vehicle body during manufacture, comprising a frame and wheels for supporting said frame, a jack mounted on said frame for supporting and raising a railway vehicle body and a rotary mounting supported by said jack for rotatably supporting a railway vehicle body such that said bogie can rotate relative to said body about an axis directed substantially in the load bearing direction.
20. A bogie as claimed in a preceding claim, wherein said support means comprises a telescopic pillar.
21. A bogie substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated by any one of the drawings.
22. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and illustrated by Figure 7 of the drawings.