Modernization of traction drives of freight electric locomotives to improve adherence properties

This article examines the problem of reducing the traction properties of freight electric locomotives under the influence of the dynamic component of torque when passing vertical track irregularities, which can reach 20 %. The analysis identified traction drive designs that can eliminate this phenomenon. It was established that traction drives with a frame-mounted traction motor and traction transmission, due to their design features, make sense when using high-torque traction motors with axial magnetic flux, while traction drives with a frame-mounted traction motor and axial gearbox are suitable in cases where modifications to the bogie frame design are permissible. To modernize the existing fleet of freight electric locomotives with asynchronous traction motors, it is proposed to use a frame-mounted drive with an elastic link, which does not require modifications to the bogie frame design. A search for new options for the placement of elastic elements in the frame-mounted drive is conducted. The proposed design includes a modular axle-support traction drive in which the elastic element is a single elastic-compensating coupling. The design also includes variants of an integrated axle-support traction drive using thin-layer rubber-metal components and placing the elastic elements in a hollow anchor or on the wheel centers. A variant of the traction drive design features a frame-mounted traction motor and a double toothed coupling, in which the elastic elements are located in the wheel center disc, and the axle gearbox is supported on the wheel pair via a hollow shaft and thin-layer rubber-metal components. A utility model patent has been received for the proposed designs, and three patent applications have been filed.