1. Technical Field
Embodiments of the invention may relate to a truck assembly, a vehicle having the truck assembly, and/or a method of operating the truck assembly, for example.
2. Discussion of Art
The cost of manufacturing vehicles, and the cost of maintaining an inventory of production parts, may increase in accordance with the level of customization of individual vehicle models. The part inventory may increase because of the complexity of the product mix produced in a production environment. Some vehicles may include a front truck and a rear truck with two or more axles on each truck. Each axle may have a motor. In a manufacturing instance where the power required for one vehicle is less than another, the lower powered vehicle may need to be produced with a number of motors of lesser power equal to the number of axles. Distributing the motors among all the axles may improve the wheel traction during use. Maintaining a production environment that includes relatively more component options, such as using all lower power motors in a first model in place of all higher power motors, used in a second model, may be undesirable. The inventors herein have recognized that it may be useful to have a truck assembly that differs from those truck assemblies that are currently available.
One example embodiment includes a truck, comprising a first spring system that couples a first axle carrier to a truck frame element, and a second spring system that couples a second axle carrier to the truck frame element, wherein the first spring system has a substantially non-linear effective spring rate, and the second spring system has a substantially linear effective spring rate.
Another example embodiment includes a method of operating a vehicle having a suspension, the comprising operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate. The vehicle may be a rail vehicle, such as a locomotive.
It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.
a-2b are graphs illustrating example relationships of force exerted by a spring and deflection of the spring.
a illustrates a right side sectional view, and
a is a perspective view from a first side, and
a and 8b show example spring configurations.
Embodiments of the invention may relate to a truck (or bogie) assembly, a vehicle having the truck assembly, and a method of operating the truck assembly. Vehicles, truck assemblies, systems and/or methods are provided for transferring weight among wheels and/or axles supporting the rail vehicle. As an example, the vehicle may be a locomotive or rail vehicle that can be positioned on a rail.
In one embodiment, an example method includes operating a vehicle having a suspension. The method may include operating the suspension in a first mode with a first effective suspension spring rate; and operating the suspension in a second mode with a second, different, effective suspension spring rate.
The suspension may comprise one or more springs, where the one or more springs together have an effective spring rate that varies with displacement of the suspension. In some conditions the rail vehicle selectively, and in some cases dynamically, increases normal force on the rail (and thus tractive force) by distributing a supported load from un-powered to powered axles coupled to the suspension when traction is desired, and likewise maintaining the supported load more evenly distributed among the powered and un-powered axles when less traction is desired. In this way, it may be possible to operate the suspension with a higher effective spring rate when distributing the load from un-powered to powered axles to reduce over-compression of the suspension during increased traction. Likewise, it may be possible to operate the suspension with a lower effective spring rate with more even loading of the axles to provide a smoother ride and less frame stresses at higher speeds, with reduced actuator forces and reduced actuator displacement.
In one embodiment, a truck includes a truck frame element; a first, powered, axle; a first axle carrier coupled to the first axle; a first spring system coupling the first axle carrier to the truck frame element; a second, un-powered axle; a second axle carrier coupled to the second axle; and a second spring system coupling the second axle carrier to the truck frame element. The first spring system can have a somewhat or substantially non-linear effective spring rate, and the second spring system has rather linear effective spring rate. In another alternative, an effective spring rate of a first axle of a truck may be substantially similar to an effective spring rate of a second axle of a truck for axle loads up to a threshold axle load. Then, for loads higher than the threshold, the effective spring rates of the first and second axles may differ. Further still, first and second axles of a truck may be configured to provide unequal static loads under static conditions so as to balance the load under dynamic conditions when a weight shift may occur due to tractive effort.
Again, such a configuration may enable relatively improved operation in some circumstances during increased tractive effort when dynamically distributing load from the un-powered to the powered axle. This may enable relatively improved operation in some circumstances at higher speeds when both the powered and un-powered axle operate under substantially even loads. And, in some circumstances, this may provide a relatively smoother ride.
An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias structure may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may be configured to pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction. The compliant linkage may be unable, or almost unable, to effectively push against the carrier in a second direction opposite the first direction. The carrier may carry a powered axle.
By enabling the compliant linkage to pull the carrier against the bias in the first direction, it is possible to selectively control increased compression of the carrier toward the truck frame element to effect a dynamic re-distribution of the load to other axles of the truck assembly. Further, because the compliant linkage may be unable to effectively or substantially push against the carrier in the second direction, a tendency for the compliant linkage to counteract natural suspension action of the bias during travel is reduced. In this way, stresses on the frame element may be reduced.
Still other example embodiments may enable use of motors of similar power ratings for both high power locomotives and for low power locomotives. Such use may enable a variable number of motors to power a corresponding number of axles. An example locomotive for riding on rails may include a truck arrangement having a driven axle and an un-driven axle. The un-driven axle may exert a normal force on the rails. The force may be selectively reduced by pulling a compliant linkage against a bias. In addition, the force may be increased by the bias upon releasing the compliant linkage. In this way, the compliant linkage may only be able to pull the un-driven axle up in a direction away from the track to reduce the force, but may be substantially unable to push the un-driven axle down into increased engagement with the track.
Also, while the example embodiment described herein include a truck having a powered and un-powered axle, where the un-powered axle can be compressed (pulled vertically) via an actuator to effect a dynamic weight shift, in an alternative embodiment the powered axle may be configured with actuators which pushes down on the powered axle against a bias relieving the load on the unpowered axle. Further still, both powered and un-powered axles may be actuated.
Although
As illustrated in the example embodiment of
Each truck 26, 28 may include a pair of spaced apart powered axles 30, 34, 36, 40 and a non-powered axle 32, 38 positioned between the pair of spaced apart powered axles. The powered axles 30, 34, 36, 40 are each respectively coupled to a traction motor 44 and a gear 46. Although
Each of the powered axles 30, 34, 36, and 40 each include a suspension 90, and each of the non-powered axles 32 and 38 include a suspension 92. The suspensions may include various elastic and/or damping members, such as compression springs, leaf springs, coil springs, etc. Additional details of the suspensions 90 and 92 are described in more detail herein with regard to
In one example embodiment, an effective spring rate of the powered axle suspensions 90 may vary depending on the deflection between the powered axle and the truck frame such that a non-linear spring rate response is achieved. In contrast, an effective spring rate of the non-powered axle suspensions 92 may be substantially constant with the deflection between the non-powered axle and the truck frame such that a substantially linear spring rate response is achieved. In this way, as described herein, it may be possible to accommodate dynamic weight shifting operation while also improving high speed performance. In particular, suspension 90 operates with a higher effective spring rate under increased dynamic weight to thereby reduce over-compression of suspensions 90. Likewise, suspension 90 operates with a lower effective spring rate under decreased dynamic weight to thereby reduce truck stresses and force transmitted to a locomotive operator during other operating conditions, such as high speed conditions. As used herein, an effective spring rate of an axle suspension refers to the ratio between the normal force applied to the axle and a displacement of the axle toward the truck. In another example, the effective spring rate curve of suspension 90 is different from that of suspension 92.
Returning to
Traction motor 44 may act as a generator providing dynamic braking to brake locomotive 18. In particular, during dynamic braking, the traction motor may provide torque in a direction that is opposite from the rolling direction thereby generating electricity that is dissipated as heat by a grid of resistors (not shown) connected to the electrical bus. In one example, the grid includes stacks of resistive elements connected in series directly to the electrical bus. Air brakes (not shown) making use of compressed air may be used by locomotive 18 as part of a vehicle braking system.
As noted above, to increase the traction of driven axles of the truck (by effecting a weight shift dynamically from at least one axle of the truck to at least another axle of the truck), one embodiment uses pneumatically actuated relative displacement between the un-powered axle (e.g., 32 and/or 38) and the truck frame element 60. The relative displacement of the un-powered axle causes a change (e.g., compression) of the axle suspension 92, thus causing a shift of weight to the powered axles, (and additional compression of the suspension 90) to compensate for the reduced normal force 72 at the un-powered axle. This action generates an increased normal force 70, 74 on the powered axles 30, 34, for example.
However, the additional weight carried by the powered axles 30, 34, 36, 40 may cause various issues during operation of the locomotive 18 that may be addressed.
As a first example, under high traction effort conditions where weight is dynamically shifted to the driven axles (and thus these axles operate with increased compression in the suspension), the suspension may be compressed near a condition of maximum compression. Thus, in the example where the suspensions include springs, the springs may “bottom out” due to depletion of reserve in the suspension where the adjacent spring coils come into contact with one another. Alternatively, the springs or axle may reach a hard stop designed to limit displacement of the axle. Such conditions can increase stresses in the locomotive components and reduce the useful life of the locomotive since the axle can no longer accommodate further compression during dynamic operating conditions, such as due to track irregularities, changes in load, and the like.
While it is possible to address the over-compression of the suspension (e.g., springs), for example, by increasing the spring rate of the springs, increasing the spring rate can cause still further issues with locomotive performance. For example, at high speeds, the locomotive suspension action can degrade if the spring rate of the springs is too high. Again, this can lead to increased stress in the locomotive components, and reduce their useful life. Likewise, higher spring rates can reduce ride quality as they can amplify the forces transmitted to locomotive occupants due to track irregularities and other such phenomena.
Therefore, the locomotive may operate with different modes of suspension operation. In a first mode including at least a first amount of dynamic weight transfer from un-powered to powered axles, the powered axle suspension operates with a first effective spring rate. In a second mode including at least a second amount of dynamic weight transfer from un-powered to powered axles, the second amount less than the first amount (including the case of no additional weight transfer), the powered axle suspension operates with a second effective spring rate, the second rate lower than the first rate. As such, weight is transferred from un-powered to powered axles of the rail vehicle to a greater extent in the first mode than the second mode.
In this way, it is possible to operate with increased suspension stiffness during increased dynamic weight transfer operation to thereby reduce the amount of compression force and displacement required to compress the un-powered axle and increase a reserve in the suspension as well decrease the lift force requirement on the mechanism lifting the powered axle (if present). Further, during decreased dynamic weight transfer operation (which may include both the powered and un-powered axles carrying equal weight), such as at high locomotive traveling speeds, it is possible to operate with decreased stiffness in the powered axle suspension to maintain acceptable ride quality and lower truck frame stresses.
Various approaches can be used to provide the above actions. In one example, as shown in
Referring now specifically to
b shows a graph 202 that illustrates a second example effective suspension spring rate 212 that is different from effective spring rate 210, where effective spring rate 212 is substantially non-linear. In one example, the ratio of the force to displacement has a first substantially constant rate 214 over a first range of displacements, and a second, different (more stiff), substantially constant rate 216 over a second range of displacements. As described above herein, suspension 90 may operate with an effective suspension spring rate 212. In the example of
While the nonlinear spring rate 212 of
Various approaches may be used to generate a non-linear spring rate, including using a first and second spring in parallel, where the first spring is engaged at less compression than the second spring, for example, such as described in the example of
Referring now to
Each carrier 304, 304, 306 may be configured to hold the respective axles 30, 32, 34. Specifically, the carriers may be configured as cylindrical bushings, or the like, configured to carry the axle. As mentioned the carriers 302, 304, 306, may be coupled with the truck frame element 60 for compliant movement relative to the truck frame element 60. Each spring system 308, 310, 312 may provide a bias structure 309 configured to support respective portions of the truck frame element 60, and portions of the overlying weight of the locomotive 18. Each bias structure 309 may then bias the truck frame element 60 upward, and away from the carriers 302, 304, 306.
In some examples, portions of the weight supported by each carrier 304, 304, 306, and consequently the upward normal forces 70, 72, 74, on each of the wheels 20 may be selectively, and in some examples, dynamically, redistributed among the carriers 302, 304, 306. In some examples, the weight may be redistributed via a weight transference configured to decrease the weight on the non-powered axle 32, thereby increasing the weight on the powered axle 30, 34 and consequently the tractive effort of the locomotive 18 via a corresponding increase in the normal forces 70, 74 on the powered wheels. Truck 28 may also be similarly constructed such that the weight on the non-powered axle 38, may be decreased, increasing the weight on the powered axles 36, 40 and consequently the tractive effort of the locomotive 18.
Referring again, more specifically to
The actuators 326, 328 may be configured to share the actuating load for actuating a linkage arrangement 330, discussed below with regard to
By using at least two pneumatic actuators acting together, each pneumatic cylinder casing for the pneumatic actuators 326, 328 may have a reduced diameter to fit within limited packaging space around the truck and further enable use of off-the-shelf components. Moreover, it reduces the unwanted moment which causes the bending of the shaft (ex 602). In addition, the actuators 326, 328 may be positioned in various locations on the truck 26 to utilize empty space thereon. Other examples may employ motive forces other than, or in addition to, pneumatic actuators, such as hydraulic and/or various direct or indirect actuators, including, but not limited to using one or more servo motors, and the like. Various configurations and numbers of actuators may be employed.
a is a sectional perspective view from a first side, and
An actuatable linkage arrangement 330 is shown having a compliant linkage 404 that may be coupled with the carrier 304 to translate rotation of the lever arm 414 by the pneumatic actuator-generated couple into vertical motion of the carrier 304 relative to the truck frame element 60. The compliant linkage 404 may include a chain, a cable, a strap, or the like. A chain is illustrated in the figures. As used herein the compliant linkage 404 operates to pull the carrier 304 against the spring system 310 when the linkage arrangement 330 moves in a first direction 406 (e.g., when pulling carrier 304 toward truck frame element 60). However, the compliant linkage 404 is substantially unable to push against the carrier 304 when the linkage arrangement 330 moves in a second direction 408, opposite the first direction 406. As used herein, compliant linkages substantially unable to push include linkages such as linked chains, as noted above, in which the linkage is able to operate in tension to support a load at least an order of magnitude, and often two or more orders of magnitude, greater than that in compression. In the example of a linked chain, the links of the chain become unengaged in the second direction, and thus are virtually unable to push with any force sufficient to affect the suspension of the locomotive. In one particular, example, the chain can pull as controlled by the actuators and thus is not substantially impacted by the truck hitting a discontinuity in a track, as this will build slack in the chain. Depending on application specific parameters and requirements, other compliant linkages may also be used, such as ropes, cables, slotted rigid members, or others, if desired.
By enabling the compliant linkage to pull the carrier against the bias in the first direction, it is possible to selectively control increased compression of the carrier toward the truck frame element to effect a dynamic re-distribution of the load to other axles of the truck assembly. For example, as the suspension operates to support the locomotive, by increasing and/or decreasing tension in the compliant linkage via the pneumatic actuators, it is possible to dynamically adjust an amount of transfer of supported load from the un-powered axle 32 to the powered axles 30, 34. However, because the compliant linkage is substantially unable to push against the carrier in the second direction, disturbance forces caused by operation of the locomotive along the rails (e.g., due to track irregularities, locomotive dynamics, etc.), a tendency for the compliant linkage to counteract natural suspension action of the spring system 310 during travel is reduced. For example, even when the compliant linkage is in tension to effect dynamic weight transfer from un-powered to powered axles of the locomotive truck, the carrier is still able to be further compressed by external forces (such as due to track irregularities) so that appropriate suspension action is maintained, without requiring the external forces to overcome the actuation force of the pneumatic actuators. In this way, stresses on the frame element may be reduced while a more complaint suspension is maintained. Further, additional components may be includes, such as an accumulator coupled in the pneumatic system that can take advantage of compressibility of the gases to reduce pushing against the carrier under the influence of dynamic forces.
The linkage arrangement 330 may include a crank 410 being pivotable about a fixed pivot axis 412. The crank 410 may have a distal end (see
The linkage arrangement 330 may also include a lever arm 414 coupled with the crank 410, and configured to effect the pivoting of the crank 410. The lever arm 414 may be configured in various ways, for example as a T-bar. The lever arm 414 may be substantially balanced about the pivot axis 412, and may be respectively coupled at opposite ends 416, 418 to the two actuators 326 (
The spring system 310 may include one or more springs 450 configured to couple the axle to the truck frame element 60. While
Referring now to
It should be appreciated that the spring system 308 for powered axle 30 illustrated in
Continuing with
In this example configuration, spring system 308 includes a first spring assembly 510 and a second spring assembly 512. Each spring assembly includes a first, exterior, spring 520 and a second, interior spring, 522. In the example of
The interior spring 522 is pre-compressed and aligned by spring seat bar 530, which is threaded into base element 540 of carrier 302. In one example, the threaded shaft of the spring seat bar 530 allows for height adjustment and adjustment of the pre-compression of spring 522. This enables variation of the non-linear spring rate of the spring assembly 510 to accommodate different locomotive configurations, for example. In an alternative example, a nut on the end (e.g., top) of the spring seat bar 530 may be used to enable adjustment of the engagement deflection of the spring 522.
In the example where a truck includes three axles, such as shown in
Continuing with
While
In some examples, the shaft 602 may pass through a hole in the crank 410, and may be supported by a bearing 606. The bearing 606 may be supported within a hole 608 in a support plate 610. The support plate 610 may be configured to be attached to a second side of the truck frame element 60. In this way, the shaft 602 may be supported at opposite sides of the truck frame element 60. The support plate 610 may or may not have bearings and may or may not be retained such that rotation is prevented. Thrust bearings may be provided to reduce friction in the lateral direction while the axle translates in the lateral direction while negotiating a curve.
The crank 410 may have a proximal end 611 coupled to the truck frame element 60, and may be configured to pivot about the proximal end 611 in a first direction 406, and in a second direction 408. The crank 410 may also have a distal end 620. A chain 612 may be configured to couple the distal end 620 of the crank 410 to the axle 32, and may be configured to pull on the axle 32 (
The crank 410 may have arms 614 configured to receive a pin 616. The pin 616 may pass through a top link 618 on the chain 612 to couple the chain 612 to the distal end 620 of the crank 410. Further, the pin 616 may and the chain may be retained to an arm of the crank 410, such as arm 614. In one example, the lever and crank are sized, positioned, and shaped to increase mechanical advantage of the actuators in displacing the carrier toward the truck frame element, as shown herein. In one particular example as shown, the mechanical advantage is variable as the crank rotates.
In some examples, the cylinder 706 may have a smooth inner surface. The actuators 326 may also include an 0-ring 720 disposed at a junction 722 between the piston 704 and the inner surface 718 of the cylinder 706. In one example, the ram may be constructed with low friction seals to increase the change in force with a change in pressure over an entire stroke. A return spring also may be incorporated to pull the ram to its rest position upon deactivation of compressed air. Further still, joints allowing three degree of freedom, such as a ball and socket joint, may be used to couple the mechanism to 304 as it can travel in lateral and longitudinal direction.
The cylinder 706 may include a large orifice valve 724 for quick release of the pressurized fluid upon occurrence of, for example, a brake application and/or a wheel slide occurrence. The cylinder 706 may also include a controlled relief valve 726 configured for fine control of the ram 702, and consequently the compliant linkage 404, i.e., in some examples, the chain 612 (
a-8b show example spring systems. Specifically,
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.