WO2010034859A1

WO2010034859A1 - Improved variable-width bogie with rotating axles

Info

Publication number: WO2010034859A1
Application number: PCT/ES2009/070294
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Luis López Gómez
Original assignee: Patentes Talgo, S.L.
Priority date: 2008-09-23
Filing date: 2009-07-17
Publication date: 2010-04-01
Also published as: CN102239075A; ES2353415A1; ES2353415B1; RU2011116053A; EP2351679A1

Abstract

Improved variable-width bogie with rotating axles which comprises: a railway carriage support platform; at least one rotating axle (2) which includes in its outer zones support parts (10) for the suspension springs (11) of said platform on which two wheels (1) are mounted by means of a coupling device which allows lateral displacement thereof and which has, joined together, locking guides (18) by means of which said lateral displacement is controlled so as to be situated in positions corresponding to the two track widths; and a track-width change-over device housed in a tubular part (29) joined to the platform and mounted on the inner side of the rotating axle (2) based on the co-operation of said locking guides (18) and a lock (22) displaceable vertically upon being actuated by keying/release guides (24) provided in a switching system.

Description

IMPROVED VARIABLE WIDTH BOGIE WITH ROTATING AXLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a bogie with means for driving on tracks of different widths and more particularly to a bogie with rotating shafts provided with a width change device in cooperation with a changing facility arranged between two tracks of different width.

BACKGROUND

The applicant for this invention developed several decades ago a system of change of track width, object of the patent ES 332.453, in response to the initiative of Renfe to call a public contest of solutions to avoid the transhipment of passengers in the Spanish-French border, operation forced until then, due to the different width of the tracks of the Iberian Peninsula (1668 mm) in relation to the European (1435 mm). This system implies, on the one hand, the incorporation into the railway units of a device for transferring the wheels of its axles and, on the other hand, of a changing facility mounted between the tracks of different widths. The operation of changing the wheelbase is carried out automatically, without human intervention, when the train passes over said installation in five phases that follow each other continuously; in the first of them, the wheels of their vertical loads are released; in the second, the wheel axle assemblies are released from a lateral locking mechanism that keeps them in their rolling position; in the third, the wheels, freed from their vertical load and from their lateral blockage, enter guides that, when advancing the axle, move them laterally to their new rolling position, in accordance with the new track width; in the fourth and fifth phase, the wheel assemblies are laterally blocked again and their vertical load is applied again to the axle, which concludes the changeover operation. After this innovation, which was an important milestone in rail technology, the applicant for this invention has carried out different developments to apply the system to different rail structures: independent axes, bogies, merchandise bogies and motor bogies and, among them, the one described in the patent ES 2 130 039 "Rail axle assembly equipped with automatic track width change and adaptable to conventional merchandise bogies", which can be incorporated in conventional merchandise bogies instead of fixed-mounted axles , without requiring a substantial modification thereof. The axle integrates two independent rolling assemblies (wheel with short or semi-axle axle and two bearings), with the change in width between wheels by simultaneous transverse displacement of the two bearings similar to that used in the TALGO trains although, instead if interlocking devices are included in the two bearings of each race, they only incorporate the interlocking device in the inner bearing.

Structurally, the axle assembly comprises an axle frame on which the two rolling assemblies and their interlocking systems are mounted, a joint between wheels, two brakes of the brake shoes, an electrical continuity system between the wheels or an electric shuntaje system and a hot inner bearing detection device.

Although the technology described in the patent ES 2 130 039 has facilitated the adaptation of traditional merchandise bogies to widths of variable track, the railway industry constantly demands new solutions to face the different problems posed by the adaptation of the rail freight wagons to tracks of different width. In this regard, it should be noted that, particularly in Spain, the implementation of European width in the high-speed network has multiplied the technological needs related to the change in track width. The present invention is aimed at satisfying that demand. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise bogie capable of adapting to railways of different widths in which the non-suspended weight component is minimized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise bogie capable of adapting to railways of different widths in which the track width change device is disengaged from the supporting parts of the platform. Another object of the present invention is to provide a merchandise bogie capable of adapting to railways of different widths in which the risk of accidental unlocking of the device that allows the distance between the wheels to be varied is minimized.

These and other objects are achieved with a bogie comprising a support platform of a railroad car and at least one rotating axle, on which two wheels are mounted by means of a coupling device that allows its lateral displacement, which includes some support-pieces of said platform with inner bearings and which is provided with a track gauge change device using means that prevent / allow the iateral movement of each wheel and between them a vertically movable bolt when activated by interlocking / unlocking guides provided to the effect in a changing facility to change the track width, in which:

- Said coupling device has a locking guide together by means of which its lateral displacement is controlled to be placed in the positions corresponding to the two track widths.

- A tubular element fixed to the platform and located in the inner part of the rotating shaft supports some locking bodies with housings to receive said locking guides and said lock, as well as means to facilitate its interlocking / unlocking cooperating with those of said installation changer In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotating shaft incorporates at its ends some bushings and the support pieces also include a side frame with support skates in the changing facility and a central collar that supports the end of the shaft during the It passed through the changing facility through a semicircular bushing attached to said central collar. In this way, the shaft is properly protected during the track width change operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bogie also comprises as an additional security element a bolt attached to each bolt through a horizontal spring in order to prevent its vertical displacement in cooperation with a retaining element of said bolt attached to a piece. support.

Another object of the invention is to provide a changing facility for carrying out the width change operation adapted to a bogie provided with means that minimize the risk of accidental unlocking of the device that allows the distance between the wheels to be varied.

This object is achieved with a changing facility to effect the change of track width comprising sliding and support guides, lateral displacement guides and interlocking / unlocking guides, in which the head of the interlocking / unlocking guides is configured as in such a way that it is possible to move said cerrojilio completely by beating by force of said horizontal spring.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the detailed description that follows of an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of its object in relation to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1A to 1 E are cross-sectional views of the half of a bogie axis according to the present invention in the five phases of the trackwidth change process. Figures 2A to 2E show side views of the half of a bogie axis according to the present invention in the five phases of the trackwidth change process.

Figures 3A and 3B are simplified views in lateral section and in cross-section of the bogie axis according to the present invention showing the basic elements of the track gauge change device.

Figure 3C shows plan and sectional views of the ring incorporating the locking guides.

Figure 3D shows plan and sectional views of the locking body fixed to the axis.

Figures 4A and 4B show views in plan and in cross section! of the installation of change of track width change.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The bogie according to the present invention includes:

- A platform or frame whose load is transmitted through the suspension springs 11.

- At least one rotating shaft 2 on which they are mounted at each of its ends; a) A wheel 1 by means of a coupling device that allows its lateral movement. b) A support piece 10 of said platform. c) A tubular element 29 that supports the locking body 20, attached to the bogie frame by an arm 29 'and mounted in the inner part of the rotating shaft 2 on a body with an axial radial bearing 6. d) A change device of track width using means that prevent / allow lateral movement of the wheel 1 and among them a vertically movable bolt 22 when activated by means provided for the purpose in the changing facility.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the Figures, the coupling device of the wheel 1 to the axle 2 comprises a socket 3 integral with the wheel 1 and sliding on the axle 2 which includes a ring 7 located in the inner part of the axle 2 (that is, between the wheels), with an inner axial bearing 8, to which the locking guides 18 are fixed.

During the operation of change of width that takes place, as we will see in more detail later, through the movement of the locking guides 18, in solidarity with the bushing 3, which, in cooperation with the bolt 22, determines the two positions of the wheel 1 corresponding to the two track widths, the bushing 3 moves laterally with the wheel 1 being treated, its movement being limited on one side by the bushing 8 'and on the other hand by a splined bushing 5 that transmits the wheel pair To the rotating shaft 2, the bushing 3 is inserted inside the tubular element 29 until its end body 4 reaches the stop established by the grooved bushing 5.

The locking bodies 20 include housings for receiving said locking guides 18 as well as stops provided to serve as positioning and locking means for the lock 22.

The central part of the axle 2, on which the wheels 1 are placed in the positions corresponding to the two track widths by means of the coupling device that we have described as well as a track change device, has a diameter greater than that of its parts extreme In the transition zone between the two widths, the bushing 8 'is provided, which serves as a stop for the displacement of the bushing 3. At the ends of the shaft 2 there is a bushing 13 together with a cover 15 fixed to the shaft 2 by means of screws that serve protection element thereof during the operation of change of track width as well as stop of the bearings 12. The support-pieces 10 also include a side frame with support and sliding skates 16 in the changing facility, to which effect they lead a nylon guides 17 and a central collar that supports the end of the shaft 2, covered by the bushing 13, during the passage through the changing facility through a semicircular bushing 14 attached to said central collar which, preferably, is manufactured in bronze As we will see later, during the operation of change of track width, the bogie rests and slides on those skates 16, the wheels 1 being unloaded. As you will well understand the subject matter expert, that configuration of the frame will be late! of the support pieces is determined, at least in part, by

The arrangement of the sliding and centering guide rails 19, If these had another arrangement, the configuration of the lateral frame would be logically modified so as to fulfill the indicated functions.

The bolt 22 is constituted by two vertical rods connected to each other by a hollow bridge designed so that the head of the unlocking guide 24 in the form of a double T of the track-change changer installation is introduced. To prevent accidental interlocking / unlocking, the bolt includes prestressed safety springs 28 to prevent unwanted vertical displacements of! bolt 22 when not in contact with the unlocking guide 24.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the locking device has an additional safety element formed by the bolt 25, attached to the bolt 22 and laterally movable overcoming the force of the spring 21, and a retaining element 26 attached to the tubular element 29. When the spring 21 is at rest, the bolt 25 is in contact with e! retaining element 26 preventing vertical displacement of the bolt 22. In order for this displacement to be possible it is necessary to apply a force on the spring 21 that laterally displaces the bolt 25 and prevents its retention by the retaining element 26.

The process of changing the width of the track as it passes through the aforementioned changing facility whose fundamental components are the following are described: - Ends of the lanes 31 of the widest track.

- Ends of lanes 32 of the path of smaller width.

- Sliding and centering guide rails 19.

- Guide 24 for unlocking and locking the bolts 22.

- Wheel transfer guides 27 1. The changer installation is bidirectional, the change from the wide to the narrow track being made in one direction, while in the opposite direction the reverse change is carried out. The process of changing the track width of a car that arrives at the installation via the wide track is carried out as follows.

First phase

Wheels 1 are located on rails 31 of the widest track (Fig. 1 A and Fig. 2A).

Second stage

When the wheels 1 reach the descending zone of the end of the rails 31, a gradual descent of the bogie begins until the sliding skates 16 make contact with the sliding and centered guide rails 19. From this moment on, the wheels 1 are unload, thus remaining throughout the entire change process, until contacting the 32 smaller rails at the end of it (Fig. 1 B and Fig. 2B).

Third phase

Once the axis 2 is supported and centered on the sliding and centering guides 19, the heads of the end of the unlocking guides 24 are introduced into the bridge of the bolt 22 and given the descending profile of this guide the force of the springs is overcome verticals 28 and the bolts 22 are forced down, leaving the locking guides 18 unlocked, thus freeing the wheels to move laterally and with them 1. In the preferred embodiment of the invention in which the locking device includes as an additional element of safety the bolt 25, in this phase it is also necessary to act on the horizontal spring 21, to move the bolt 25 laterally, thereby preventing the retainer 26 from preventing the bolt from being lowered 22. To this end, one of the sides of the Ia is configured. head of the removal guides 24 of the double T-shaped changing facility, with a progressively variable width from the ends to the center or - lower at the ends than in the center - as can be seen by comparing figures 1B and 1C comparatively, so that the guide 24 serves as an actuator element of! horizontal spring 21 that controls the lateral movement of the bolt 25 (Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C). On the other hand, the guides 27 cause the lateral displacement of the coupling device of the wheels 1 to the axle 2 until they reach the position corresponding to the narrow gauge track 32.

Fourth phase The ascending profile of guide 24 forces bolt 22 to rise by locking guide 18 in the new position.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention that includes the bolt 25 and the guide 24 with one of the sides of the head of variable width, at the end of the phase the spring 21 remains at rest and the bolt 25 is retained by the retaining element 26 (Fig. 1 D and Fig. 2D). Fifth phase

When the wheels 1 reach the rails 32, the skates 16 cease to rest on their slide guides 19, the track width change operation being concluded (Fig, 1 E and Fig. 2E). Although the present invention has been described entirely in connection with preferred embodiments, it is evident that those modifications can be made within its scope, not considering this as limited by the previous embodiments, but by the content of the following claims.

Claims

1.- Bogie comprising a support platform of a railway car and at least one rotating axle (2), on which two wheels (1) are mounted by means of a coupling device that allows its lateral displacement, which includes support-parts (10) of said platform with bearings (12) and which is provided with a track width change device using means that prevent / allow lateral movement of each wheel (1) and between them a vertically detachable bolt (22) when activated by a guide of interlocking / unlocking (24) provided for! effect in a changer installation to effect the change of track width, characterized in that said coupling device has some locking guides (18) connected by means of which its lateral displacement is controlled to be placed in the positions corresponding to the two track widths, and because it includes in the interior part of said rotating shaft (2) a tubular element (29), attached to the platform, which supports some locking bodies (20) with housings to receive said locking guides (18) and said lock (22), as well as means to facilitate its interlocking / unlocking by cooperating with those of said changing facility.

2.- Bogie according to claim 1, characterized in that said rotating shaft (2) incorporates at its ends some droppers (13) fixed to the shaft and because said support-pieces (10) also include an iateral frame with support skates (16 ) in the changing facility and a coliar center! serving as support to the end of the shaft (2) during the passage through the changing facility through a semicircular bushing (14) attached to said central collar,

3. Bogie according to any of claims 1-2, characterized in that the central part of the axle (2) on which the wheels (1) are located in the positions corresponding to the two track widths has a diameter greater than that of their lateral parts in contact with said support pieces (10) through the bearings (12).

4. Bogie according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that said coupling device comprises a bushing (3) integral with the wheel (1) and sliding on the shaft (2) that includes a ring (7)), with an inner axial bearing (8), adjacent to the wheel (1) on the inner side of the shaft (2) to which the locking guides (18) are fixed

5. Bogie according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that it also comprises a bolt (25) attached to each bolt (22) through a horizontal spring (21) in order to prevent its vertical displacement in cooperation with a retaining element (26) of said bolt (25) attached to said tubular element (29).

6.- Changer installation to effect the change of track width when moving a bogie on it according to claim 5 comprising sliding and support guides (19), lateral movement guides (27) and interlocking / unlocking guides (24) , characterized in that the head of the interlocking / unlocking guides (24) is configured so that it can move said bolt (25) laterally by overcoming the force of said horizontal spring (21).

7. Changer installation to effect the change of track width according to claim 6, characterized in that said interlocking / unlocking guides (24) have a double T-shaped profile and one of the half-wings of its head has a width progressively variable, from least to greatest from the end to the center of the guide, in a longitudinal direction.