WO2009059362A1 - Système de transport rapide monorail - Google Patents

Système de transport rapide monorail Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009059362A1
WO2009059362A1 PCT/AU2008/001642 AU2008001642W WO2009059362A1 WO 2009059362 A1 WO2009059362 A1 WO 2009059362A1 AU 2008001642 W AU2008001642 W AU 2008001642W WO 2009059362 A1 WO2009059362 A1 WO 2009059362A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
track
rails
transit system
rapid transit
bogie
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2008/001642
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stanley David John Whittaker
Original Assignee
Ubeauti Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2007906101A external-priority patent/AU2007906101A0/en
Application filed by Ubeauti Pty Ltd filed Critical Ubeauti Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2008324761A priority Critical patent/AU2008324761B2/en
Priority to EP08846901.0A priority patent/EP2217482A4/fr
Publication of WO2009059362A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009059362A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B61B5/00—Elevated railway systems without suspended vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B61B13/00—Other railway systems
    • B61B13/04—Monorail systems
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01B—PERMANENT WAY; PERMANENT-WAY TOOLS; MACHINES FOR MAKING RAILWAYS OF ALL KINDS
    • E01B25/00—Tracks for special kinds of railways
    • E01B25/08—Tracks for mono-rails with centre of gravity of vehicle above the load-bearing rail
    • E01B25/12—Switches; Crossings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T30/00—Transportation of goods or passengers via railways, e.g. energy recovery or reducing air resistance

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a rapid transit system for the carriage of people and goods and in particular a rapid transit system using a monorail.
  • the present invention also relates the vehicles or cars used in such as system.
  • Known monorail systems also suffer from other disadvantages.
  • the vehicles or cars used in such systems usually have pairs of wheels arranged in a tandem alongside each other at opposite ends of the vehicle so as to provide the vehicle with sufficient stability.
  • Monorail systems of this type are disclosed in US patent No. 5219395 which uses vehicles which are designed to move in one direction only.
  • the configuration of the vehicle wheels used in these vehicles or cars requires a relatively wide custom- made track to support the cars. Not only does this substantially increase the cost of the track, the track configuration means that the space occupied by monorail systems of this type is relatively high which limits the areas in which these systems can be located.
  • the present invention aims to provide an improved monorail rapid transit system which provides an effective means for carrying persons and/or goods at much lower capital and/or operating costs than current rapid transit systems.
  • the present invention in a particularly preferred aspect aims to provide a rapid transit system which utilises a monorail and a plurality of cars or vehicles which are supported for movement along the monorail in a straddle beam configuration.
  • the present invention further aims to provide the cars or vehicles which are used in the transit system and a track for use in such as system.
  • the present invention thus provides in one preferred aspect a monorail rapid transit system comprising a monorail track and a least one vehicle or car adapted to straddle said monorail track, said monorail track being formed of rails comprising I- sectioned beams, each having an upper flange and said vehicle or car having forward and rearward bogies by which said vehicle or car is supported on said rails of said monorail track, at least one of said bogies comprising a steerable bogie and having at least one drive wheel adapted to be supported on said upper flanges of said rails for movement therealong and a drive motor for driving said at least one drive wheel.
  • the flanges of the track rails most suitably are of a relatively narrow width, that is of a width sufficient to accommodate only the width of a single wheel.
  • each car is small light and aerodynamic and includes a chassis which is externally clad with a relatively lightweight material.
  • the cars are suitably controlled by on-board suitably programmed computers and thus they do not require a driver.
  • Cars can thus operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Cars can be of various sizes and typically may be provided in two sizes with the smaller car seating a maximum of eight passengers and the larger car sixteen passengers.
  • Cars provide sufficient space for standing passengers if required and can travel in either direction.
  • the cars can travel at typical highway speeds for intra city journeys and much higher speeds for inter city travel.
  • cars may incorporate many components from the automobile industry.
  • each wheel of the steerable bogie suitably comprise a rubber tyred automobile wheel mounted on a conventional automobile hub incorporating a brake assembly, typically a disc brake assembly.
  • the present invention provides a car or vehicle for use in a monorail rapid transit system having a monorail track, the car or vehicle being adapted to straddle the monorail track and having forward and rearward bogies by which said vehicle or car is supported on said track, at least one of said bogies comprising a steerable bogie and having at least one drive wheel adapted to be supported on said track for movement therealong and a drive motor for driving said at least one drive wheel.
  • the drive motor is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle such that it is positioned below the upper flanges of the rails of the track and towards the lower flanges.
  • both bogies are steerable bogies adapted to be driven by respective drive motors and the drive motors for the respective steerable bogies are suitably arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the rails.
  • the respective drive motors are mounted on downwardly depending sub- chasses on opposite sides of the rails.
  • the or each steerable bogie includes a pair of wheels arranged one behind the other, each mounted to a respective hub assembly.
  • the hub assemblies are mounted to opposite ends of a swing arm which is supported intermediate its ends for rotational or pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis such that the wheels can accommodate variations in track elevation.
  • the drive motor is adapted to drive the drive wheel or wheels through an automatic gearbox.
  • the on board computers suitably control the gearbox and thereby the direction of movement of the car.
  • drive is adapted to be transmitted from the drive motor through the gearbox to both hub assemblies and both wheels of the bogie simultaneously.
  • drive is adapted to be transmitted to the hub assemblies via a differential unit which receives an input from the motor and gearbox.
  • the differential unit is suitably mounted for rotational movement with the swing arm.
  • the gearbox is connected to the differential unit through a right angled gearbox, a shaft and selectively actuable clutch.
  • the shaft is similar to the drive shaft of a motor vehicle and is provided with universal joints at each end to accommodate changes in alignment between the differential unit and right angled gearbox.
  • the two outputs of the differential unit are connected to the respective hub assemblies by suitable transmissions.
  • the transmissions are belt and pulley transmissions, chain and sprocket transmissions or any other endless-type transmission means.
  • the swing arm is mounted to a steering shaft assembly so as to be rotatable with the shaft assembly about a substantially vertical axis during steering.
  • the steering shaft assembly is suitably mounted to the chassis for rotation about a substantially vertical axis.
  • the chassis is provided with a pivot support such as a trunnion which can rotatably and detachably receive the shaft assembly.
  • the shaft assembly includes an inner shaft and an outer hollow shaft which coaxially receives the inner shaft.
  • the inner shaft is complementary to and coaxially received in the outer shaft so as to be capable of rotation relative thereto and further so as to be capable of longitudinal movement relative thereto.
  • coupling means are provided between the inner and outer shafts which normally constrains the inner and outer shafts to rotate with each other about the rotational steering axis.
  • the coupling means defines a clutch-like coupling between the inner and outer shaft.
  • the coupling means comprise complementary coupling members on the inner and outer shafts respectively adapted to cooperate with each other to normally maintain the shafts in a fixed rotational position relative to each other.
  • the coupling members suitably comprise a first coupling member having a projection thereon and a second coupling member having a complementary recess to receive the projection.
  • the projection may comprise a radially extending rib and the recess may comprise a radially extending groove complementary to the rib.
  • Both coupling members suitably have bodies of a disc-shaped configuration and are mounted coaxially on the respective shafts so as to be in opposing relationship relative to each other.
  • the coupling means suitably form part of a self-centering or self-aligning arrangement for aligning the steerable wheels of the bogies with the rails of the track in the event of failure of the steering mechanism of the bogies.
  • the self-centering or self aligning arrangement also includes means co-operable with the rails of the track and adapted to follow the track to disengage the coupling means to return or pivot if required the steerable wheels into alignment with the rails of the track.
  • Such means suitably comprise rollers adapted to be located on opposite sides of, to cooperate with the, rails of the track, the rollers being fixed for pivotal steering movement with the steerable wheels of the bogie.
  • means are provided for selectively rotating the shaft assembly.
  • the rotating means comprise means cooperable with the outer shaft of the shaft assembly for rotating the outer shaft and thus the inner shaft through the co-operable coupling means about a substantially vertical axis.
  • the outer shaft is provided with splines and the rotating means includes a rotatable steering gear co-operable with the splines.
  • other coupling means may be provided between the outer shaft and the rotation means.
  • the bogie includes sensing means adapted to cooperate with the track to sense changes in track orientation such as track curvature.
  • the sensing means comprise a first sensor arranged in alignment with the vertical rotational steering axis of the bogie.
  • the sensing means suitably also includes a second sensor spaced from the first sensor and preferably spaced forwardly of the first sensor relevant to a forward direction of movement of a car. Both sensors suitably include laterally spaced rail position sensor positioned adjacent the opposite sides of the rail of the track.
  • stabilising wheels are provided on the steering bogies for stabilising the cars in use.
  • the stabilising wheels are mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis so as to run along opposite sides of the track and preferably along the central web of the I-beam shaped rails of the track.
  • the stabilising wheels are mounted on a bogie for adjustable movement towards and away from the track on opposite sides of the track and preferably adjacent the lower flanges of the track rails.
  • the stabilising wheels are mounted on respective arms for pivotal movement towards and away from the track. Actuating means are suitably provided for effecting the pivotal movement of the arms carrying the stabilising wheels to adjust the vertical orientation of the cars on the track by causing pivotal or leaning movement in a vertical plane of the cars relative to the track.
  • power pick up means are provided on a steering bogie to pick up power from the track for power supply for the drive motor/s of the car and other electrical or electrically actuated components thereon.
  • the track carries spaced power supply rails and the power pick up means comprise spaced power pick up shoes slidable along the rails.
  • the power rails may be located on one side of the track and preferably on or adjacent the vertical web of the I-beam shaped rails of the track.
  • the present invention in a further aspect provides a track for the above described monorail system, the track including as referred to above a plurality of rails which comprise I-sectioned beams which are preferably formed of steel and which are arranged in an end-to-end relationship relative to each other.
  • the track may be fabricated from linear rails and/or curved rails.
  • the I-sectioned rails being of a relatively narrow configuration ensure that the monorail system occupies a relatively small space and is also capable of a following relatively tight curve.
  • the monorail system may include a plurality of tracks between different locations and the present invention in another aspect provides track points to enable cars to be transferred from one track to another track.
  • the points suitably comprise at least one curved rail which is mounted so as to be movable into a first track comprising a plurality of linear rails with the curved rail being moved into a position to replace a linear rail such that cars travelling along the first track will pass along a curved rail for transfer to a second track.
  • the curved rail and linear rail are mounted on a common frame which is supported for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the linear rail.
  • Pivotal or rotatable movement of the frame will rotate the linear rail away from its normal operational position in the first track and the curved rail into a position replacing the linear rail to enable the first track to be joined to the second track.
  • cars or vehicles travelling along the first track will be diverted by the curved rail to the second track.
  • selectively actuable clamping or locking means may be provided to lock or clamp the rails hi their desired positions relative to each other, the clamping or locking means being released to allow for the pivotal or rotational movement of the rails as referred to above.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 are side and plan views of a first embodiment of car for use in the rapid transit system of the invention
  • Fig. 3 is a cut away plan view of the car of Figs. 1 and 2 without internal fittings;
  • Fig. 4 illustrates in enlarged cut away view the chassis of the car and other components thereof
  • Fig. 5 is an end view of the car
  • Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view of the car
  • Fig. 7 is an enlarged partly cut-away isometric view of a steerable bogie and drive train which are provided at each end of the car;
  • Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate the steeerable bogie from opposite sides
  • Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the bogie of Figs. 8 A and B;
  • Fig. 10 illustrates in cut-away plan view, the car of Fig. 1 negotiating a curved rail
  • Fig. 11 illustrates in enlarged cut away view the chassis of the car and other components thereof negotiating a curve
  • Figs.12, 13 and 14 are views corresponding to Figs. 1 to 3 of a larger car for use with the rapid transit system;
  • Fig. 15 illustrates a typical section of a divided road with a dual track configuration
  • Fig. 16 illustrates part of a typical track section in side view
  • Fig 17 is an enlarged view of the region X of Fig. 15;
  • Fig. 18 illustrates in end view a typical four track configuration of the rapid transit system;
  • Fig. 19 illustrates a typical section where the track passes through a retail area with a single roadway
  • Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate different modes of a point system of the track of the rapid transit system
  • Figs. 22 and 23 illustrate in plan view a typical track intersection and movement of cars on the track.
  • Fig. 24 is a block diagram of the various computers and power and control circuits of the rapid transit system.
  • a car or vehicle 10 of a monorail rapid transit system in accordance with the present the invention supported on a rail 11 of the track of the system, the car 10 having a main chassis 12 which is provided with steerable bogies 13 at opposite ends, the chassis 12 including side frames 14 for support of cantilever-type seats 15 within the car 10 with seats 15 on opposite sides of the car 10 opposing each other, the side frames 14 incorporating upright frame members 16 which defined a frame for automatic doors 17 of the car 10.
  • the chassis 12 of the car is clad with lightweight sheet material which defines the external body 18 and shape of the car 10 and forms the car 10 into an aerodynamic shape.
  • the main chassis 12 additionally includes at opposite ends a mounting frame assembly 19 including generally horizontally oriented mounting plates 20 and the steerable bogies 13 are mounted to each mounting plate 20 such that the car 10 seats on the top surface of the rail 11 through the steerable bogies 13.
  • Each steerable bogie 13 as shown more clearly in Figs. 7 to 9 includes an upright bogie shaft 21 mounted via a trunnion 22 to the mounting plate 20 for rotatable steering movement about a substantially vertical axis, the shaft 21 also being capable of sliding vertically in the trunnion 22 with the vertical position of the bogie shaft 21 being controlled by an air bag 23 as described below which is adjusted automatically as required by computer control provided via a bogie computer 24 also mounted on the mounting plate 20.
  • the bogie shaft 21 additionally extends through a hollow tubular outer shaft 25 also received within the trunnion 22, the outer shaft 25 forming with the inner bogie shaft 21 part of a self-centering or self-aligning arrangement for the steerable bogie 13.
  • the shaft 25 is also slidable vertically in the trunnion 22 to accommodate varying load conditions and ride heights.
  • a clutch-like coupling is formed between the inner and outer shafts 21 and 25 and comprises a first disc-shaped part 26 fixed coaxially to and at a lower end of the shaft 21, the part 26 having a generally diametrically or radially extending "V" shaped protrusion or rib 27 on its upper face.
  • the other or upper part 28 of the coupling is also of a disc-shaped configuration and is fixed coaxially to the lower end of the shaft 25.
  • the part 28 has a "V" shaped radially extending indentation or groove 29 on its lower face to match and cooperate with the V-shaped protrusion 27 of the part 26 to provide a coupling between the shafts 21 and 25.
  • the air bag 23 as referred to above is located coaxially around the shaft 25 and located between the part 28 and mounting plate 22 such that the vertical position of the shaft 25 and thus the shaft 21 relative to the mounting plate 20 can be adjusted by the application of pressurised air to, or exhaustion of air, from the air bag 23 under the control of the bogie computer 24.
  • the mounting of the shaft 21 and shaft 25 to the mounting plate 20 via the trunnion 22 allows for fast mounting and dismounting of cars 10 from the steerable bogies 13 for repair or replacement of bogies 13.
  • Steering of the bogie 13 is effected by means of an external spline 30 on the shaft 25 which matches the internal spline of a steering gear 31.
  • the steering gear 31 is rotated in opposite directions to effect vertical steering rotation of the shaft 25 and thus the bogie shaft 21 by a steering actuator 32 which is fixed to the underside of the mounting plate 20.
  • the shaft 21 terminates at its lower end in a right angled end part 33 and a swing arm assembly 34 is journalled on the shaft part 33 for rotation in a vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis to accommodate changes in the vertical alignment of the rails 11 of the track as referred to below.
  • the swing arm assembly 34 includes a swing arm 35 and mounted on the swing arm 35 adjacent opposite ends are automotive hubs and disk brake assemblies 36 each of which carries a rubber tyred wheel 37, typically a conventional wheel of a motor vehicle, the wheels 37 being arranged in alignment one behind the other.
  • the swing arm 35 is capable of the aforesaid rotation about a substantial horizontal axis in opposite directions to accommodate variations in the elevation of the track for example where the car or vehicle 10 is climbing a hill or entering a valley.
  • Drive shafts coupled to the assemblies 36 extend through the swing arm 35 to cany respective pulleys 38 which are offset from each other.
  • Outriggers 39 extend from each end of the swing arm 34 to carry laterally spaced electronic rail position sensors 40 and laterally spaced emergency guide rollers 41 adapted to be located on opposite sides of the rail 11.
  • the guide rollers 41 also form part of the self-centering or self-aligning arrangement which by cooperation with the rails 11 will return or pivot the bogie shaft 21 relative to the shaft 35 by disengaging the coupling members 26 and 28 and thereby cause the steerable wheels 37 of the bogie 13 to pivot to a position in alignment or centered with the rails 11 in the event of failure of the steering mechanism to ensure that the wheels 37 will follow the rails 11 of the track and not run off the rails 11.
  • Additional laterally spaced rail position sensors 42 are mounted on a bracket 43 on the swing arm 35 under the rotational centre of the steerable bogie 13.
  • the sensors 42 thus provide an output which indicates the actual rotational steering position of the wheels 37 whilst the sensors 40 which are spaced from the sensors 42 provide an output indicative of an upcoming configuration in a rail 11 for example a curve to be encountered by a steering bogie 13 assuming that the sensors 40 lead the sensors 42 relative to the direction of movement of a car 10.
  • Spaced apart power pick up shoes 44 are mounted on adjustable spring loaded arms 45 fixed to a rotatable mast 46 which extends from the underside of and is attached to and moves with the swing arm 35.
  • an electrically operated brake master cylinder 47 is mounted on the mounting plate 20.
  • a differential unit 48 is mounted to a bracket 49 fixed to the swing arm 35 such that the differential unit 48 moves in unison with the vertical rotation of the swing arm 35 and the horizontal rotation of the steerable bogie 13.
  • a pair of belts or other endless transmission members 50 transmit power from pulleys 51 mounted to the output shafts on opposite sides of the differential unit 48 to the offset pulleys 38 on the swing arm 35.
  • the belts 50 may be toothed belts, V-belts or roller chains.
  • a clutch 52 is provided on the underside of the differential unit 48 being connected to the input shaft thereof and a drive shaft 53 connects the differential unit 48 through the clutch 52 to a right-angle gearbox 54 (see Fig. 7) .
  • the drive shaft 53 has universale or similar each end and is coupled through a sliding spline at one or both ends to the clutch 52 and/or gearbox 54 to accommodate varying alignments and length as the steerable bogie 13 rotates.
  • an electric motor 55 is mounted on a frame 56 depending downwardly from the chassis 12, respective frames 56 being provided at laterally spaced apart positions to locate on opposite sides of the rail 11.
  • the electric motor 55 is connected to an automatic automobile gearbox 57, the output shaft of which is connected to the right angle gearbox 54.
  • the gearbox 57 has opposed movable internal gears to allow the direction of the drive to be reversed to allow the car to travel in either direction.
  • Batteries 58 (see Fig 1 and 5) are provided for emergency supply of current to the motor 55 and all other electrical components and computers on the vehicle or car 10 as well as internal lighting.
  • the batteries 58 may be charged from the system power (described further below) supplied along the rails 11 of the track.
  • the motor 55 may include technology to incorporate regenerative braking to charge the batteries 58.
  • a pair of swing arms 59 are mounted for rotation about vertical axes to the respective depending frames 56, each swing arm 59 carrying at its free end a rubber tyred stabilising wheel 60 mounted for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, the respective wheels 60 being located in use on opposite sides of the rail 11.
  • Respective hydraulic or pneumatically actuated rams 61 are connected between the frames 56 and arms 59 to enable adjustment of the position of the arms 59 about a substantially vertical axis and thus the position of the wheels 60.
  • each bogie 13 comprising the two load bearing rubber tyred wheels 37 mounted in line and two rubber tyred stability control wheels 60 which bear on each side of the rails 11 to stabilise the car 10.
  • the rails 11 as shown in Fig. 4 to 6 are in the form of steel I-beams having upper and lower horizontal flanges 62 and 63 at opposite ends of a central vertical web 64.
  • the flanges 62 have a width greater than the width of a wheel 37 but substantially less than the width of two side-by-side wheels 37 such that the rails 11 can be relatively narrow and occupy a minimum space.
  • the flange 62 may be of a width of 30cm where the wheels 37 are of a width of approximately 20cm. This provides advantages in not only occupying less space but also allows the track comprising joined rails 11 to have a smaller radius and thus the cars 10 to have a smaller turning circle. Tracks can therefore follow normal curves in roadway
  • Power supply to the car motors 55 is provided by means of spaced power supply rails 65 (see Figs. 4 and 5) fixed to the central vertical web 64 on one side of the rail 11 and extending longitudinally along the track.
  • the power supply rails 65 may be arranged with one above the other as illustrated or may be spaced apart laterally.
  • the power pick up shoes 44 are urged into contact with the rails 65 by the spring loaded arms 45 and slide along the rails 65 to capture the electricity required by the car 10. Current captured by the power pick up shoes 44 can be selectively supplied to the electric motors 55 of either or both steerable bogies 13 under computer control.
  • Opposed safety brackets 66 are fixed to the chassis 12 at each end, the brackets 66 extending beneath the upper flanges 62 of rails 11 to prevent the car 10 from leaving the rails 11 in the event of an emergency.
  • the chassis 12 can also carry an air conditioning unit 67 for passenger comfort of passengers within the car 10.
  • both pairs of tyred wheels 37 ride along the top flange 62 of the rails 11 whilst the two rubber tyred stability control wheels 60 bear on each side of the rails 11 to run along the central web 64 to stabilise the car 10.
  • the rams 61 allow adjustment of the position of the swing arms 59 and thus the stability wheels 60 to allow adjustment of the vertical alignment or tilting of the car 10 to improve the passenger comfort when traversing a curve in the track.
  • each motor 55 can drive a shaft 53 through the gearboxes 57 and 59 to supply drive to each differential 48.
  • the output from each differential 48 drives the wheels 37 through the belts 50 to cause the car 10 to be driven along the rails 11 in a direction in accordance with setting of the gearbox 57, either reverse or forward.
  • Current supply to the motor 55 and the setting of the gearbox is automatically controlled by a computer as described further below.
  • the curvature will be sensed by the rail position sensors 40 and 42 and the computer unit 24 which receives signals from the sensors 40 and 42 will cause current to be supplied to the steering actuator 32 to pivot the shaft 21 and attached swing arms assembly 34 including the wheels 37 in the appropriate direction to follow the curvature in the rail 11.
  • the emergency guide rollers 41 contact the upper flanges 62 of the rails 11 and rotate the steerable bogie 13 as required against the force of the interaction of the "V" surfaces 27 and 29 of the self-centering or self-aligning coupling thereby lifting the car 10.
  • the weight of the car 10 induces the self- centering or self-aligning action by virtue of the cooperating "V" surfaces 27 and 29 to cause the steerable bogie 13 to return the straight ahead position to prevent for example the car 10 veering off a rail 11.
  • the car 68 shown in Figs. 12 to 14 is of similar construction to the car 10 of Figs. 1 to 4 however in this case the car 68 is elongated in comparison to the smaller car 10 but has the same mechanical components in the same configuration as indicated by the common numerals used in Figs. 1 to 3 and Figs. 12 to 14.
  • the rails 11 of the track of the rapid transit system are typically arranged in the configuration shown in Figs. 15 to 17 where a pair of laterally spaced tracks formed of a plurality of rails 11 are supported on spaced support beams 69 on spaced upright columns 70 which allowing travel in both directions simultaneously.
  • the columns 70 are positioned at spaced apart positions along the route where the rapid transit system is installed. In the configuration of Figs 15 and 16, the columns 70 are positioned above the median strip in the preferred location along a divided road.
  • the support beams 69 are provided with cantilevered outriggers 71 and tensioned membranes 72 may be positioned under the rails 11 and connected on opposite sides to the outriggers 71.
  • the tensioned membranes 72 not only are provided for aesthetic reasons but also serve as a safety net in the event of an emergency.
  • the membranes 72 can collect rainwater. If used to collect rainwater, the rainwater is initially collected in the columns 70.
  • the profiles 72 A and 72B of the membrane 72 between the columns 70 vary as required by the gradient of the track to urge the rainwater collected by the membrane 72 to the columns 70.
  • a small pump (not shown) at the base of the columns 70 pump the water collected via underslung pipes 73 to a central collection point for use.
  • a four track configuration may be used as shown in Fig.18, the rails 11 of the tracks in this configuration being supported at spaced transverse positions on extended support beams 74. Additional support to the support beams may be provided by duplicate columns 70 rather than the single columns illustrated.
  • Fig. 19 shows a typical section where the track passes through a retail area with a single roadway. Supporting columns 75 are fabricated in a dog-leg or steeped configuration to avoid the awnings 76 of the shops 77 in the retail area and a roadway 78 between the shops 77 is spanned by a truss 79 as shown or with an appropriate beam supported by the spaced columns 75. An optional tensioned membrane 72 may also be included as described above. A similar configuration may be used in a suburban street.
  • the points 80 illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21 may be used to enable cars 10 to be transferred from a first track comprising a line of linear rails 11 including movable rail 1 IA where they may move in either direction along the route A-B to a second track 82 including rail 11 which is acutely angled to the track 81 where cars 10 may be moved in either direction along a different route A-C.
  • the points 80 include a curved rail 83 mounted on a supporting structure 84 via a rotatable frame 85 rotatable via a hinge point 86 on the structure 84 for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the linear rails 11 of the track 81.
  • the rotatable frame 85 also supports the central rail 1 IA such that both the curved rail 83 and linear rail 1 IA rotate with the frame 85.
  • a suitable counterweight 87 is provided on the frame 85 to reduce the power required for pivoting the frame 85 and attached rails 83 and 1 IA.
  • the frame 85 may be pivoted by any suitable actuating means or motor to move the linear rail 1 IA and curved rail 83 from the position of Fig. 20 in which the linear rail 1 IA is aligned with the other rails 11 of the track 81 and in which the curved rail 83 is pivoted away from the track 81 and clear of cars 10 travelling along the track 81 to the position in Fig. 21 in which the curved rail 83 is pivoted into position to replace the central rail HA which is pivoted away from the track 81.
  • the curved rail 83 thus provides a curved path between the track 81 in the route A-B to the rail 11 of the track 82 providing a route connection A-C.
  • Automatic clamps 88 at the ends of the rails are operated in conjunction with the rotation of the frame 85 and provided at positions 1, 2 and 3 to ensure that the rails 11 and 83 are correctly aligned after operation of the points 80 prior to the transit of the next car 10.
  • Figs. 22 and 23 show a typical intersection of two track rails 11 with points 80 positioned along the rails 11 where required to allow transfer of cars 10 between rails and along a branch line.
  • the points 80 at B and E would operate as shown in Fig 22 to allow the car 10 to travel from position 1 to positions 2 and 3 in sequence.
  • the car 10 would then stop at position 3.
  • the points 80 at B, E and F would operate as shown in Fig. 23 to allow the car 10 to travel from position 3 to position 4 and then continue to its destination in the direction G.
  • All operations of the individual cars 10 are controlled by a master onboard computer 89 which cooperates with and coordinates the operation of the two bogie computers 24 as illustrated in the block diagram of Fig. 24.
  • the master computer 89 controls through the power circuit, power supply from the power pick up shoes 44 running along the power supply rails 65 to the electric motors 55, the clutch 52 and the gearboxes 54 or 57 for control of the motion of the car 10 as well as its direction of movement.
  • the master computer 89 additionally controls main brake master cylinders/actuators associated with the local slave brake master cylinders 47 on the steerable bogies 13.
  • Pressurised fluid supply from a fluid supply source (not shown) to the air bags 23 and rams 61 is also controlled by the master computer 89 to control via the bogie computer 24 the vertical position of the main shaft 21 and the lean of the car 10 respectively. Additional functions controlled by the computer 89 are the operation of the doors 17, air conditioning by the unit 67, internal lighting and external communications.
  • the bogie computer 24 controls the steering of the bogies by receiving signals from the rail position sensor 40 and 42 and adjusting the rotational position of the wheels 37 by operation of the steering actuator 32.
  • the computer 24 also operates under the control of the computer 88 the brake cylinders 47.
  • the bogie computer 24 additionally is connected to drive train performance sensors for monitoring operation of the drive train.
  • the steerable bogies 13 Whilst the steerable bogies 13 are described in the embodiment to have pairs of main supporting wheels 37 arranged one behind the other, the bogies 13 may have more than two supporting wheels 37 arranged in a line with each rolling along the top flange 62 of the I-sectioned beams.
  • Tracks of the monorail system described above may be provided in any configuration and any location where required either at ground level or elevated as in Figs. 15 to 19.
  • the rails of the track being I-sectioned beams may be constructed from standard off the shelf or readily available components.
  • As the bogies 13 may be simply detached from the vehicle chassis 12 for example by disconnecting the shaft 53 and lifting the chassis 12 from the bogies 13 with the shafts 21 and 25 slidably detaching from the trunnions 22. This allows for ready replacement of bogies 13 with little downtime.
  • the cars 10 can operate at a high speed for efficient transportation of goods and services and it will of course be realised that the cars 10 may be of various different designs.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Platform Screen Doors And Railroad Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de transport rapide monorail qui comprend une voie monorail composée de rails (11) sous forme de montants en sections en I et de véhicules ou voitures (10) qui enjambent les rails (11) et qui possèdent deux bogies (13) situés au niveau de chaque extrémité, au moins un bogie étant orientable, les deux bogies comprenant des roues (37) portées sur des ailes supérieures (62) des rails (11) et se déplaçant sur celles-ci. Des roues de stabilisation (60) sont disposées sur des côtés opposés des rails (11) pour stabiliser les véhicules ou voitures (10). Des moteurs d'entraînement (55) sont utilisés pour entraîner les roues (37) des bogies (13), l'alimentation pour le moteur d'entraînement (55) étant obtenue à partir des rails d'alimentation (65) s'étendant le long de la voie.
PCT/AU2008/001642 2007-11-06 2008-11-06 Système de transport rapide monorail WO2009059362A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2008324761A AU2008324761B2 (en) 2007-11-06 2008-11-06 A monorail rapid transit system
EP08846901.0A EP2217482A4 (fr) 2007-11-06 2008-11-06 Système de transport rapide monorail

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007906101A AU2007906101A0 (en) 2007-11-06 Rapid transit system - monorail
AU2007906101 2007-11-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009059362A1 true WO2009059362A1 (fr) 2009-05-14

Family

ID=40625285

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2008/001642 WO2009059362A1 (fr) 2007-11-06 2008-11-06 Système de transport rapide monorail

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2217482A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2008324761B2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009059362A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014078591A1 (fr) * 2012-11-14 2014-05-22 Swift Tram, Inc. Bogie moteur à voitures suspendues
WO2016150543A1 (fr) * 2015-03-21 2016-09-29 Eisenmann Se Chariot de transport et système de transport d'objets
WO2017046741A1 (fr) * 2015-09-15 2017-03-23 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Commutateur de monorail utilisant un mécanisme d'actionnement assisté par la gravité
CN110155112A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2019-08-23 中国铁建重工集团股份有限公司 单轨走行装置和单轨车辆
US11572253B2 (en) * 2019-03-15 2023-02-07 John Sund Incline elevator and modular deck system and methods for the assembly, use and shipping thereof
US11807279B2 (en) 2020-12-29 2023-11-07 Riino Inc. Track structure with hollow center rail usable as ventilation duct

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3095828A (en) * 1960-03-16 1963-07-02 Alweg Forschung Gmbh Monorail vehicles
GB1004952A (en) 1962-04-18 1965-09-22 Wegematic Corp Improvements in monorail vehicles
DE2252086A1 (de) 1971-10-26 1973-05-03 Pleasurerail Ltd Einschienenbahn-wagen und -system
US4996928A (en) * 1989-09-12 1991-03-05 Bombardier Inc. Integrated chassis and suspension systems for monorail vehicles
US5219395A (en) 1992-02-24 1993-06-15 Robert Spieldiener Monorail transport system
US5445080A (en) * 1993-10-21 1995-08-29 Austin; Robert Free ranging monotrack sortveyor with selectively lockable article carrying tilt tray
US5845581A (en) * 1996-05-07 1998-12-08 Svensson; Einar Monorail system
US6523481B2 (en) * 2000-03-17 2003-02-25 Hitachi, Ltd. Bogie for use with a monorail car

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1600767A (en) * 1926-09-21 Elevated railway
FR1262848A (fr) * 1960-07-05 1961-06-05 Bogie symétrique de voiture pour voie ferrée monorail non encastré
FR1272162A (fr) * 1960-08-12 1961-09-22 Combinaison de voie de roulement monorail surélevée et de bogie asymétrique
US6450103B2 (en) * 1996-05-07 2002-09-17 Einar Svensson Monorail system

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3095828A (en) * 1960-03-16 1963-07-02 Alweg Forschung Gmbh Monorail vehicles
GB1004952A (en) 1962-04-18 1965-09-22 Wegematic Corp Improvements in monorail vehicles
DE2252086A1 (de) 1971-10-26 1973-05-03 Pleasurerail Ltd Einschienenbahn-wagen und -system
US4996928A (en) * 1989-09-12 1991-03-05 Bombardier Inc. Integrated chassis and suspension systems for monorail vehicles
US5219395A (en) 1992-02-24 1993-06-15 Robert Spieldiener Monorail transport system
US5445080A (en) * 1993-10-21 1995-08-29 Austin; Robert Free ranging monotrack sortveyor with selectively lockable article carrying tilt tray
US5845581A (en) * 1996-05-07 1998-12-08 Svensson; Einar Monorail system
US6523481B2 (en) * 2000-03-17 2003-02-25 Hitachi, Ltd. Bogie for use with a monorail car

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP2217482A4 *

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014078591A1 (fr) * 2012-11-14 2014-05-22 Swift Tram, Inc. Bogie moteur à voitures suspendues
US9637136B2 (en) 2012-11-14 2017-05-02 Swift Tram, Inc. Suspended coach transit system
WO2016150543A1 (fr) * 2015-03-21 2016-09-29 Eisenmann Se Chariot de transport et système de transport d'objets
CN107428343A (zh) * 2015-03-21 2017-12-01 艾森曼欧洲公司 用于运输物体的运输车和设备
US11279382B2 (en) 2015-03-21 2022-03-22 Pentanova Cs Gmbh Transport carriage and system for transporting objects
WO2017046741A1 (fr) * 2015-09-15 2017-03-23 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Commutateur de monorail utilisant un mécanisme d'actionnement assisté par la gravité
CN106795698A (zh) * 2015-09-15 2017-05-31 勃姆巴迪尔运输有限公司 使用重力辅助致动机构的单轨转辙器
US20180230657A1 (en) * 2015-09-15 2018-08-16 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Monorail Switch Using a Gravity-Assisted Actuating Mechanism
US10858788B2 (en) 2015-09-15 2020-12-08 Bombardier Transportation Gmbh Monorail switch using a gravity-assisted actuating mechanism
US11572253B2 (en) * 2019-03-15 2023-02-07 John Sund Incline elevator and modular deck system and methods for the assembly, use and shipping thereof
CN110155112A (zh) * 2019-05-29 2019-08-23 中国铁建重工集团股份有限公司 单轨走行装置和单轨车辆
US11807279B2 (en) 2020-12-29 2023-11-07 Riino Inc. Track structure with hollow center rail usable as ventilation duct

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2008324761B2 (en) 2013-11-14
AU2008324761A1 (en) 2009-05-14
EP2217482A1 (fr) 2010-08-18
EP2217482A4 (fr) 2013-11-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR101532641B1 (ko) 궤도차량용 주행장치
AU769394B2 (en) Monorail system
AU2008324761B2 (en) A monorail rapid transit system
US6324994B1 (en) Hybrid transit system
JP5756095B2 (ja) 懸垂式車両用の軌道及びボギー台車
US7162959B2 (en) Transportation system
EP2296954B1 (fr) Véhicule de traction de chariot
JP2004525030A (ja) さまざまな走行路を走行可能な組合せ走行車両
JP2001511092A (ja) 道路車両の車軸のための少なくとも１本の路面レールにそった誘導システム
CN1125422A (zh) 带轨道夹紧装置的车辆
CN108454651A (zh) 跨座式单轨替换梁单渡线道岔设备
US3584583A (en) Monorail train
EP0086788B1 (fr) Ameliorations relatives a des moyens de transport
CN114407033A (zh) 一种用于户外大坡度运行的挂轨巡检机器人辅助爬坡机构
KR102066513B1 (ko) 궤도차량 시스템
WO2016107338A1 (fr) Véhicule de transport ferroviaire urbain
CN116654033A (zh) 胶轮列车自导向、可融合电子导向多场景运行方法和系统
CN1200088A (zh) 半刚性的以翅板为基础的运输系统
WO2010024663A1 (fr) Système de transport
KR100660151B1 (ko) 차량수송장치
EP1726503A2 (fr) Système ferroviaire à monorail
JPH06156031A (ja) 軌道走行車
JPS6055341B2 (ja) 運搬車
CN104093579A (zh) 多用途轨道交通工具
KR102482679B1 (ko) 2선 레일 주행용 궤도차량 시스템

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08846901

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2008846901

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2008324761

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20081106

Kind code of ref document: A