Electric locomotive bogie frame tilter

The tilter is used in the bogie shop of a locomotive depot to rotate an electric locomotive bogie frame about its longitudinal axis. After roll-out and disassembly, the frame is clamped in the tilter and turned to a position convenient for weld inspection, repair of brackets and axlebox guides, cleaning, welding and painting. The fitter works on the frame standing up, without crawling under the structure and without re-slinging by crane.

The unit consists of two columns — a drive column and an idle column — mounted on the foundation, and faceplates with grips to which the frame is attached. Rotation is driven by a gear motor through a worm gear, which is self-locking and holds the frame at any angle. A mechanical lock additionally fixes the faceplate every 90°. Commands are given from a pendant or radio remote; rotation speed is adjusted by a frequency converter.

The distance between the columns is adjustable for frames of different series, and the grips are made to suit the mounting points of the customer's frame. On request the tilter is fitted with a faceplate lifting mechanism for receiving the frame from a transfer trolley, load cells for checking weight distribution and a service platform.