Propulsion system for integral trains

• US 4,702,291 A
• Filed: 09/16/1985
• Issued: 10/27/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Knorr Brake Holding Corporation (Knorr-Bremse GmbH)
• Original Assignee: General Signal Corporation (SPX Corporation)
• Inventors: Engle, Thomas H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Reeves, Robert B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Werny, Scott H.
• Application Number:
  US06/776,766
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 105/1 A, 105/35, 105/26, 105/133, 105/96, 105/96.1, 105/463.1, 180/294, 180/295, 180/298, 180/299, 180/179, 180/65.4, 180/65.6, 295/38
• US Class Current: 105/35
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 15/42 with a quick braking action, i.e. with accelerating valves actuated by brake-pipe pressure variation
• CPC Class Codes: B61C 15/14 controlling distribution of tractive effort between driving wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B61C 9/10 mechanical combined with hydraulic gearing B61C9/14
• CPC Class Codes: B61D 3/10 Articulated vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B61D 3/184 the heavy vehicles being of the trailer or semi-trailer type
• CPC Class Codes: B61D 45/005 by using fifth wheel locks
• CPC Class Codes: B61F 3/16 with a separate axle for each wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B61H 13/38 Suspension of transmitting mechanisms B61H13/36 takes precedence

Abstract

A rail vehicle propulsion system having an engine whose speed is a function of a selected vehicle speed, an alternator connected to the engine for generating an electrical signal to drive an electric motor connected to the axle by a variable automatic mechanical transmission. The electric motor reflects the load on the axle to the engine through the alternator. The alternator drives a plurality of electric motor-transmission combinations. For ease of servicing, the engine and alternator are mounted on a removable pallet.

Claims

1. A propulsion system for driving at least one axle of a rail vehicle comprising:

an engine;

means connected to said engine for generating a three phase alternating current electrical signal as a function of the speed of said engine;

a three phase alternating current motor directly responsive to said three phase alternating current electrical signal;

variable automatic mechanical transmission means coupled to said electrical motor for transmitting torque to said axle;

means for measuring vehicle speed; and

first control means for controlling the speed of said engine and controlling said variable transmission means as a function of a selected vehicle speed and measured vehicle speed.

2. A propulsion system according to claim 1, including second control means connected to said first means for selecting one of a plurality of preselected vehicle speeds.

3. A apropulsion system according to claim 2, wherein said first control means includes a governor for controlling the speed of said engine as a function of said selected speed.

4. A propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein said axle is bifurcated into two portions and includes a differental connecting said transmission to said axle for separately controlling each portion of said axle.

5. A propulsion system according to claim 4, wherein said vehicle includes a frame, said electric motor and transmission means are mounted unsprung to said frame and including air springs mounting said axle and differential to said frame.

6. A propulsion system according to claim 4, wherein said transmission means includes a reversing gear.

7. A propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein said first control means selects gears and shifting points of said transmission means as a function of said measured vehicle speed and selected vehicle speed.

8. A propulsion system for a train having a first plurality of rail vehicles comprising:

an engine on a first vehicle;

means on said first vehicle and connected top said engine for generating a three phase alternating current electric signal as a function of the speed of said engine;

a plurality of three phase alternating current electric motors, at least one of each on a second plurality of vehicles and each directly responsive to said three phase alternating current electric signal;

a plurality of variable automatic mechanical transmission means coupled to a respective three phase alternating current electric motor for transmitting torque to a respective axle;

means for measuring vehicle speed; and

first control means for controlling the speed of said engine and controlling said plurality of variable transmission means as a function of a selected vehicle speed and measured vehicle speed.

9. A propulsion system according to claim 8, wherein said engine and said generating means are mounted to a pallet which is removably attached to said first vehicle.

10. A propulsion system according to claim 8, wherein said first control means selects gears and shifting points of said transmission means as a function of said measured vehicle speed and selected vehicle speed.

11. A propulsion system for driving at least one axle of a rail vehicle comprising:

an engine;

an alternator connected to said engine for generating a three phase alternating current electrical signal as a function of the speed of said engine; and

a three phase alternating current electric motor connected mechanically to said axle via a variable automatic mechanicl transmission and electrically to said alternator directly for driving said axle as a function of said three phase alternating current electrical signals and state of said transmission and for reflecting a load on said axle to said engine through said alternator;

means for measuring vehicle speed; and

first control means for controlling the speed of said engine and controlling said variable transmission means as a function of a selected vehicle speed and measured vehicle speed.