FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved Taper Roller Suspension Bearing
device adaptable in traction motors used for haulage of Diesel-electric
locomotives of Broad gauge Railways. More particularly, the invention relates to
an improved suspension bearing device for traction motors.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Traction Motor is fitted with at least two numbers sleeve (journal) type
suspension bearings. These are oil lubricated bearings. Oil for lubrication is filled
in a reservoir in an axle cap. This oil lubricates the bearings with the help of a
felt wick using capillary action. Normally, a spillage of excess oil takes place
through the collar end of the bearings and all of the input oil gets consumed in a
month. Accordingly, the locomotive has to be called back to the loco shed for
filling of the Axle caps. In the process, the availability of the locomotives gets
reduced. Moreover, the journal bearings also get worn out within a short
duration of time and have to be replaced.
QBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to propose an improved suspension
bearing for traction motors, which eliminates the limitations of the existing sleeve
(journal) bearing suspension system. Another object of the invention is to propose an improved suspension bearing for
traction motors, which eliminates the requirement of frequent refilling of the oil
sump.
A still another object of the invention is to propose an improved suspension
bearing for traction motors, which eliminates the requirement of frequent
replacement of the sleeve/journal bearings and wickpads of the axle lubricator.
Yet another an object of the invention is to propose an improved suspension
bearing for traction motors, which increases the reliability of the suspension
bearing device by designing a sealed bearing arrangement to eliminate the
ingress of dust and dirt into the bearings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIQN
Accordingly, there is provided an improved suspension bearing device for traction
motors, in which the sleeve (journal) type axle bearings are replaced by Taper
roller suspensiontype bearings. The stator frame, gearwheel and gearcase of the
traction motor have been correspondingly modified to accommodate the
improved suspension bearing device.
A taper roller suspension bearing device is proposed for mounting of the traction motor on the axle of a locomotive for broad gauge diesel/electric locomotive
application. In this device, grease is used as lubricant for the bearings and after
fitment of the assembly, the need of any additional lubrication or replacement of
any spare part due to wear is eliminated at least for a substantial period of time
for example, six months. In the prior art traction motor, the suspension bearing
device uses the journal bearings. Accordingly, a top up of the lubrication oil
reservoir is required after every month of service including checking up of the
felt wick (spare part) after every 20000 kms. Of trains. With the new device, the
maintenance workload of railway locomotives has reduced substantially, and the
operative life and reliability of the suspension bearing device has increased
considerably.
51 PresentART Prior ART Remarks/Advantages
NO
1. Taper roller suspension Sleeve type journal Less maintenance,
bearing bearings higher availability of
locomotive, higher
reliability .
2. Grease lubrication of Oil lubrication of Longer relubrication
axle bearing axle bearings period (six months
compared to one
month BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 - shows a motor suspension unit of the traction motor
Figure 2 - shows a suspension bearing device for traction motors
according to the invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in figures 1 and 2, the Tapered roller bearings (5) are housed in a
SuspensionTube (7) which is assembledwith the traction motor with the help of
a plurality of bolts (13). The suspensiontube (7) is a semi cylindrical component,
with two cylindrical flanges (15, 16) for a bearing housing (3) at both ends called
Gear wheel end (10) and Road wheel end (2). Following is the description and
operation:-
1. The axle suspension tube (7) is made from cast steel, as an integral part,
having cylindrical bearing housing (3, 3) formed at both ends.
2. At the opening side of the U-type section of the suspension tube (7),
there is a machined flange (15) which serves as the mounting surface to
magnet frame (not shown).
3. The upper flange (15) of the suspension tube (7) is mounted to the
magnet frame with 4 hex, head bolts (13). 4. The lower flange (16) of the suspension tube (7) is mounted in a slot
provided in the magnet frame and is securedwith 4 hex. Head bolts (13).
5. The hex. Head bolts (13) are tightened with spring washers (14), and the
heads of the bolts (13) are locked with a wire.
6. Tapered roller bearings (5, 8) are used at both sides of the tube (7).
7. The outer race of the gear side bearing (8) is fitted directly into a first
bearing housing (3) or the suspensiontube (7), whereas the outer race of
the opposite-side bearing (5) is fitted into a second cartridge bearing
housing (3) for adjusting an axial distance.
8. The inner races of both the gear side being (8) and the opposite-side
bearing (5) are fitted to an axle (18).
9. Adjustment of the axial distance is accomplished by varying the thickness
of at least one split-type adjustment washer (4).
10.The split-type adjustment washers (4) are locked between the flanges
(15, 16) of the suspensiontube (7) and the bearing housing (3).
11.The suspension bearing (5, 8) are lubricated with grease.
The grease is supplied through a grease nipple (6) fitted to the suspension tube
(7) by a grease pump (not shown).
WE CLAIM
1. An improved suspension bearing device for traction motors in Dieselelectric
locomotives, comprising:
- a tapered roller bearing assembly (5, 8) interposed in a suspension
tube (7) which being assembled with the traction motor, the
suspension tube (7) having at least one machined flange (15)
mountable to a magnet frame of the motor, a lower flange (16)
releasbaly attached to a slot provided in the magnet frame;
- the tapered roller bearing assembly (5,8) supporting the
suspension tube (7) at each end;
- a bearing housing (3,3) fitted at the both ends via the two
cylindrical flanges (15, 16), a first end (10) constituting a gearwheel
end, and a second end (2) constituting a road-wheel end;
- the tapered roller bearing assembly (5, 8) comprising a first outer
race (8) attached to a first bearing housing (3) or the suspension
tube (7), a second outer race (5) attached to a second cartridge
bearing housing (3) for adjusting an axial distance, wherein the
inner races of the tapered roller bearing assembly (5, 8) being
fitted to an axle of the locomotive; and- at least one split type adjustment washer (4) having a varying
thickness for adjustment of the axial distance which is locked
between the flanges (15, 16) of the suspension tube (7) and the
first bearing housing (3).
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper flange (4) of the
suspension tube (7) is mounted on the magnet frame by using a first
group of hex. Head bolts (13).
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower flange (16) of the
suspension tube (7) is attached. to a slot of the mounting frame by a
second group of hex head bolts (13).
4. The device as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the groups of hex. Head
bolts (13) are secured with a corresponding number of spring washers
(14).
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a grease nipple (6) fitted to
the suspension tube (7) for lubricating the suspension bearings (5, 8) with
grease.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axle suspension tube (7) is
made of cast steel integrated with the bearing housing (3).
7. An improved suspension bearing device for traction motors in an Dieselelectric
locomotives, as substantially described and illustrated herein with
reference to the accompanying drawings.