Alternator system for rail car electronics

Abstract

A drive system and mounting system for an vehicle mounted alternator is provided wherein such an alternator system may be mounted to the structure directly above the axel/bearing combination by means of a mounting plate and associated spacers that are is adaptable to a wide range of rail freight cars, associated bearing adapters, bearing sizes and types, and side frames. This alternator system employs automatic tensioning devices similar to those in automobiles and is enclosed to provide protection from the elements and vandalism.

1 . A belt driven self enclosed alternator system mounted to the bearing adapter and bearing end plate—In a rail freight car having a frame structure and truck mounted thereon; an axle extending between and fixed to an associated set of wheels for rotation therewith, said axle with associated bearing serving as a rotateable driver shaft; an electrical alternator with a stator and driven rotor within the alternator housing; and a drive apparatus for said alternator comprising a driver sheave fixed to above said rotor bearing end plate, and belt means operatively connected between said drive sheave (pulley) to a driven sheave (pulley) of the alternator; the improvement in said apparatus comprising a mounting to the bearing adapter of said rail freight car side frame structure providing a common mounting for the said alternator and a belt tension pulley to provide a constant tension on the drive belt and allowing for precise alignment of these two pulleys (drive and driven) by means of mounts and spacers of the two pulleys.  
   
   
       2 . On a rail freight car further improvement comprising a support structure to the said alternator support plate that allows for fit on the supporting bearing adapter ear/lug protruding from the face of the bearing adapter and bearing adapter face by means of slot in the alternator support plate and an adjustable support shoe, both mounted with machine screws; and a wide opening in the alternator support plate; and by use of mounts and spacers for pulley alignment. The alternator support plate slots, adjustable support shoe mounting arrangements and spacers and will allow use of the apparatus on most rail freight car types, wheel and bearing sizes, and bearing cover plates.  
   
   
       3 . A largely enclosed system providing protection from weather, track dust and debris, and some protection from casual vandalism by means of: the alternator support plate employing an elastomeric gasket to cover a large portion of the opening in the alternator support plate below the bearing which allows the alternator system to float within a limited range within normal fluctuations between the bearing adapter and the bearing itself.  
   
   
       4 . An opening in the support frame below the bearing to allow a large (abnormal) dislocation in the relationship of the bearing adapter and the with bearing without destruction of the apparatus when bearing retainers below the bearings are not properly installed.  
   
   
       5 . A lower profile design (down lower dimension from said axle/bearing center) may be provided with less margin of safety for the apparatus where Rail Road companies so specify and assume responsibility for proper installation of bearing retainers. (A future improvement)  
   
   
       6 . A lower profile design lower height from bearing center line but wider) utilizing a more serpentine belt and an additional idler pulley option (A future improvement)  
   
   
       7 . A variety of mounting hole templates for the alternator support plate to allow use of said apparatus with most wheel and bearing sizes and associated bearing adapters, allowing use over a wide range of rail road freight car types.