Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Process for making bearing or component thereof
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-28
2002-11-26
Vidovich, Gregory M. (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Process for making bearing or component thereof
C029S898070, C029S898080, C029S898130, C029S401100, C029S402080
Reexamination Certificate
active
06484403
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a method of converting a locomotive traction motor equipped with a sleeve bearing system to a roller bearing system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the increasing use of locomotive traction motors with roller bearings in place of sleeve bearings, the ability and need to convert the traction motors originally equipped with sleeve bearings to roller bearings also increases. Rather then replacing the entire traction motor with a new motor, various methods of machining the traction motor originally equipped with sleeve bearings to receive roller bearings have been attempted. In some circumstances the components of the sleeve bearing systems were adapted and modified such that these elements may be used for the roller bearing system. However, once the traction motor is machined the overall strength of the traction motor, to adequately receive the roller bearings and axle, is compromised. Moreover, by using components of the sleeve bearing system, the roller bearings may not be adequately supported against the traction motor. Also, in some prior attempts the standard original equipment manufacturer, referred to as “OEM”, gear cases are modified and reused. This modification requires a modified or new OEM seal, which may result in higher gear or gear case failures. In addition, these modifications require jacking bolts in order to maintain a tight fit and good alignment. However, the use of jacking bolts lacks in its ability to position the bearing housings more accurately and permanently. As such, a greater need exists to provide a method of converting the traction motor equipped with sleeve bearings to roller bearings, while adequately supporting the traction motor and the roller bearings when the conversion is complete.
Consequently, there remains a continuing need for a more improved and efficient method for converting a sleeve bearing system to a roller bearing system. Such a need also exists for the conversion to maintain or replenish the diminished strength in the traction motor. Such a need also exists for the conversion to reuse the OEM gear case without any modification to the OEM gear case, permitting the use of OEM seal also without modifications. Such a need also exists to adequately support and align the position of the bearing housings. Additionally, the need exists to provide for an increased clamp load, and prevent loss of bolt torque, while maintaining strength and rigidity in the converted traction motor frame and bearing housing assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for converting a locomotive traction motor originally equipped with sleeve bearings to roller bearings. The ensuing method includes removing all parts of the original motor, leaving only the motor frame. Recesses are then machined in the motor frame at both the pinion end and commutator end. The recesses are sized accordingly, to receive the roller bearings, which have a larger diameter then the sleeve bearings. Upper and lower frame inserts, each having provision for additional mounting opening, are also attached to the machined frame to increase the strength, stiffness and clamp loads around the machined regions. A replacement axle is then equipped with the roller bearings, a pair of labyrinth seals, a gear and a pair of wheels. A pair of bearing housings are placed over the roller bearings. Each bearing housing has a reservoir, which when the traction motor is assembled, is in communication with the roller bearings. Each bearing housing further includes an aperture in communication with the reservoir, such that grease may be added through the aperture to the reservoir and the roller bearings periodically. The bearing housing further includes a bore, which is integrally cast into the bearing housing and sized to receive the outer race of the roller bearings. An axle shield is attached between the two bearing housings protecting the axle and bearings from dirt and foreign particles. The entire axle/wheel assembly is then bolted to the machined frame using a tight spline fit to insure permanent good alignment without requiring jacking bolts.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5373632 (1994-12-01), Lucier et al.
patent: 5504996 (1996-04-01), Popovits et al.
Bien Paul
Boor Roger M.
Macklin John E.
Compton Eric
Ilamman & Benn
Magnus/Farley, Inc.
Sacharoff Adam K
Vidovich Gregory M.
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