WO2012007001A1

WO2012007001A1 - Protection device for wheel axle

Info

Publication number: WO2012007001A1
Application number: PCT/DK2011/050268
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steffen Dohn; Ejler Jensen
Original assignee: DANISH TRAIN CONSULTING APS
Current assignee: DANISH TRAIN CONSULTING APS
Priority date: 2010-07-13
Filing date: 2011-07-08
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-13
Also published as: DK177192B1; DK201070328A

Abstract

This invention describes a protecting device for a wheel axle, preferably of a rail vehicle, to be arranged around the wheel axle where said protection device has a substantially tubular shaped form with a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis where said protection device comprises a shell and at least two spacers for supporting said protecting device on said wheel axle whereby at least one gap is formed between said wheel axle and said shell. This invention further describes a mounting tool for mounting said protection device.

Description

Protection device for wheel axle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protection device for a wheel axle, preferably of a rail vehicle, to be arranged around a wheel axle where said protection device has a substantially tubular shaped form.

Background of the Invention

The axles connected to at least one wheel of vehicles, particularly rail vehicles are exposed to a large amount of possible damage during driving. The damage can be caused by stones, broken stones, gravel, grit, and chunks of ice present at the track. When for example stones hit the axles, it can cause cracks to appear in the axles, and these cracks can result in axle fracture. In order to prevent cracks in vehicle axles, manual inspections are desirable and normally required by regulations to secure the safety of rail vehicles.

However, manual inspection is difficult to conduct and expensive. It can be difficult to establish whether the cracks are so severe that the vehicle axle is in danger of breaking. As a solution to these problems, protection devices can be arranged between the wheels in order to prevent the mechanical damage to the axles.

EP 1 508 455 describes a protection device to be placed on an axle on a rail vehicle. The protection device is made of a strip of a polymeric material which can be wrapped around the axle. US 6,568,333 describes a protection device for an axle between rail wheels. The protection device is made from a polymeric material which can easily be placed around the axle. The protection device is arranged around the axle either through a helical or rectilinear slot. Normally, coaches are outside and thus experiences daily temperature changes. Hence, arranging a protection device around an axle causes condensation. Since the protection device is arranged around the axle, condensation is not capable of evaporating. Thus, the condensed water is capable of reacting with the metal of the wheel axle and corro- sion is likely to occur.

Corrosion can be critical to the life span of the wheel axle especially in relation to cracks. Hereby, it is to be understood that extensive amounts of corrosion is critical for the safety of the railroad since corrosion can cause the axles to crack as well.

Object of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide a protection device which is capable of shielding a wheel axle from mechanical impacts from elements such as stones, gravel, ice and alike.

A further object is to prevent corrosion.

Description of the Invention

These problems are addressed by the following invention. A protecting device for a wheel axle, preferably of a rail vehicle, is arranged around a wheel axle where said protection device has a substantially tubular shaped form with a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis where said protection device comprises a shell and at least two spacers for supporting said protecting device on said wheel axle whereby a gap is formed between said wheel axle and said shell.

By two spacers is understood that the spacers at least provide two connection or supporting points or areas between the shell and the wheel axle. The two spacers can in one embodiment be connected by a connection mean and as such be seen as one unit. Advantageously, the protection device is arranged along the entire wheel axle for example on a rail vehicle from the wheels at one end of the axle to the wheels at the second end of the axle. However, multiple protection devices can be arranged around a single wheel axle depending upon the shape of the axle. As an example a driving shaft is differently shaped than an idling axle and the number and size of the protection devices to be arranged in order to protect the axle properly is thus to be different. The protection device can be arranged around a wheel axle of for example a rail vehicle, a car, a truck, a bus or any other vehicle comprising a wheel axle.

The protection device has a substantially tubular shaped form. Hereby, is to be understood that the protection device can be shaped with a cross-section, which comprises at least three edges such as a circle, an oval, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, a nonagon, a decagon, a hendecagon, a dodecagon, or a polygon.

The protection device comprises at least a shell which is to be arranged around the axle and physically prevents mechanical damage of the axle. The shell is supported on the wheel axle by at least two spacers, hereby creating a gap between the wheel axle and the shell.

The spacers can be shaped as small attachment points like dots between the shell and the wheel axle. The spacers can be arranged in rows or placed arbitrarily between the shell and the wheel axle.

Alternatively, the spacers can be bands. The bands can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the protection device, be arranged around the wheel axle. Alternatively, they can be arranged as one or more circles or one or more helixes around the wheel axle. The distance between the bands can be of equal or different size..

In a preferred embodiment, the spacers are attached to the shell of the protection device.

In an alternative embodiment, the spacers are attached to the wheel axle. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spacers and shell have complementary connection means for connecting the shell to spacers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the spacers are pre-mounted on the shell. Thereby the embodiment allows for an easy handling and montage of the protection device as a single unit.

The gap between the wheel axle and the shell enables condensed water to be drained from the surface of the wheel axle. Hereby, condensed water is not able to react with the material of the wheel axle and cause corrosion and breakage of the wheel axle. The rotation of the wheel axle during operation causes ventilation and increases the draining and/or drying effect of the gaps.

The spacers allow for an anti-corrosion treatment of the wheel axle to be applied over parts or the whole area of the wheel axle. Hence the protection device protects the anti-corrosion applied from damages. Furthermore, the spacers prevent the shell from wearing off such anti-corrosion treatment from the wheel axle.

Hence, anti-corrosion installations, such as films or electrolysis equipment, on the axle are protected from accelerated wear.

The shell of the protection device is preferably made from stainless steel, steel or other equivalent metals. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the shell is made of plastic such as polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC or equivalent polymers.

Thereby the protection device shields the wheel axle from mechanical impacts from elements such as stones, gravel, ice or alike.

A further result of the protection device is that it protects the wheel axle from cracks from such elements. By cracks are understood deep cracks, surface scratches, dents in the wheel axle itself or in a protective layer applied to the wheel axle. A further result of the protection device is that the shell is separated from the wheel axle by the gab. Thereby mechanical impacts from before mentioned types of elements will cause a more visible impact or mark on the shield than on the solid, dense and of- ten hardened wheel axle. This more visible mark eases inspection greatly.

Further along this line, the protection can easily be used for a limited time period, wherein the protection device only naturally will deteriorate to a certain degree. This will allow for a more standardised inspection and hence a safer maintenance of the wheel axle.

In an advantageous embodiment, said protection device comprises at least one perforation of said shell. Making at least one perforation in the shell enables or increases ventilation of the gap between the wheel axle and the shell. Furthermore, condensed water or moisture is able to be drained or to evaporate through the holes. The ventilation process increases the process of drying the wheel axle, draining and evaporating condensed water and/or moisture from the gap. The ventilation is further increased by the rotation of the wheel axle during driving due to the centrifugal force.

The perforations can be either a multiplicity of circular holes or holes of different shapes like stars, rectangles etc. The size of the holes is to be balanced between allowing efficient ventilation and drainage of the gap between the shell and axle, and still preventing mechanical damage to the wheel axle. The perforations can be arranged in rows along the protecting device or be placed arbitrarily on the shell.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one perforation is formed for the insertion of an inspection device such as an endoscope.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least a pair of perforations is made preferably with one perforation at the first end and another perforation at the second end of the protection device where each perforation is formed for the insertion of an electrode to make contact with the wheel axle.

In a further embodiment, a membrane can be arranged on the inside of the shell of the protection device. The membrane is semi-permeable. The membrane is for example made of Gore-Tex^® which allows moisture to pass one way through the membrane. In this manner a membrane prevents moisture from entering into the gap between the shell and the wheel axle but moisture is allowed to pass from the gap and out the perforations of the shell.

In a preferred and advantageous embodiment, at least one of said at least two spacers is flexible. By flexible is interchangeably meant elastic or springy or any equivalent understanding of a compressible material and notably compressible radially to the wheel axle.

Hence, spacers made of an elastic or flexible material provide a natural force extending radially from the wheel axle and balanced by the inward force by the shell, thereby maintaining the gab. Furthermore, the elastic or flexible spacers enable easy montage and/or secure positioning of the protection device on the wheel axle. The spacer can be compressed to a level close to the wheel axle during mounting of the protection device to the wheel axle. When positioned, the radially directed expansion forces of the elastic or flexible spacers still provide a residual force that will keep the protection device in a fixed position on the wheel axle.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, at least one of said at least two spacers are made of an elastic material. The spacers are preferably made from an elastic material. Hereby, mechanical impact on the protection device e.g. stones thrown against the shell of the protection device is met with a surface which is able to give in. This prevents more severe damage than if the stones etc. were met by a more rigid surface. Additionally, elastic spacers lighten the mounting and demounting of the protection device onto the wheel axle especially when the mounting and demounting involve the compression of the protection device for example when a clamping device is secured.

The material of the spacers is preferably polymer such as rubber or plastic, but it can also be foam-like materials. Other usable materials such as polyurethane, PVC, Silicone or alike can be used. In an alternative embodiment, the spacers are springs preferably made of metal which advantageously can be coated or layered with one or more synthetics.

In another embodiment of the invention, the spacers are made of a rigid material whereby the radial extension form the surface of the wheel axle defines the gab rigidly.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least two spacers are arranged at each said first end and said second end, where preferably said at least two spacers has an overhang extending beyond said shell in said longitudinal direction. A spacer can advantageously be arranged at each end of the protection device. Hereby, the protection device is kept in place and may seal the gab at each ends of the shell.

The sealing can be complete or partial depending on the size and shape of the spacer i.e. if they are dot-like the ends are only partly seal but if they are ring-like the gab at each end can be completely sealed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the two spacers at the first end and/or the second end respectively comprise an overhang extending beyond the shell along the wheel axle in order to sufficiently retain the shell in the given position. In a further advantageous embodiment, the ends of the shell are bended towards the wheel axle and engage with the spacer which can be shaped to engage with the bended portion of the shell. This further retains the shell in the correct position during the rotation. In a still further advantageous embodiment, said shell comprises at least one slot extending from said first end to said second end and forming at least two edges in said shell. Introducing at least one slot into the protection device enables the protection device to be mounted to and dismounted from the wheel axle without the necessity of removing any of the wheels. The amount of work related to mounting, placing, checking, and replacing the protection device is hereby greatly decreased. The shape of the at least one slot can be for example rectilinearly along the protecting device in the longitudinal direction or it can extend helically along the pipe. If there is more than one slot, the shape of the slots can be different.

More slots can be present along the protection device in order to ease the work of placing, checking and replacing the protection device. If for example two slots are present, which extents along the entire length of the protection device, the protection device comprises two pieces which are to be combined into one protection device.

In an alternative embodiment, at least one slot can extend only partly along the longi- tudinal direction of the shell.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the shell has a flexible area along the protection device in the longitudinal direction and preferably, but not necessarily, opposite the said at least one slot. Thereby the protection device can easily be placed around the wheel axle.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the flexible area is formed by hinge type means. In a further advantageous embodiment, said protecting device further comprises at least one clamping device; said at least one clamping device prevents said at least one slot from widening when said protection device is arranged on said wheel axle. The clamping device can either be a part of the protection device and an integrated part of the shell or alternatively attached to the shell, or it can be an external device which can be placed during the mounting of the protection device. If the clamping device is and integrated part of the shell it can be formed from the edges of the slot for example by bending the edges in a manner whereby they become able to engage with one another.

In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping devices is formed by one edge of the slot bend to form an outwardly open grab and the other edge of the slot bend to form an inwardly open grab, where the two grabs are formed for interlocking with each other.

Alternatively, if the clamping device is attached to the shell, a first hinge can be at- tached to the first edge or the shell and engage with a second hinge at the second edge or at the other side of the slot. Alternatively, the first hinge can engage with the second edge if the second edge is modified for example by bending.

If the clamping device is an external device, the external device can for example engage with the perforations of the shell on either side of the slot. Alternatively, the first and second edge can be bent in order to be able to engage with the external device and secure it.

The clamping device can be arranged along the entire slot, or one or more clamping devices can be arranged along the slot.

The clamping device secures the protection device on the wheel axle in order to prevent the slot from widening during driving. If the slot is widened during driving it could cause the protection device to be demounted from the desired position and in severe cases to be demounted from the wheel axle during driving. In a further advantageous embodiment, the protecting device further comprises at least one locking element. In a still further advantageous embodiment, the locking element is arranged next to said clamping device. Providing the protection device with at least one locking element enables the clamping device to be able to stay in place and not by accident unclamp, whereby the slot may widen.

The locking element is advantageously easy to lock in a given position. Optionally, the locking device can following be unlocked in order for the protection device to be used multiple times.

In one embodiment, the locking element is a flange arranged in the shell of the protection device. The flange is pressed towards the wheel axle after the protection device has been mounted on the wheel axle for locking the protection device. The length of the flange is adjusted according to the size of the gap in order to prevent the flange from scratching the wheel axle.

In a further embodiment, the locking element is positioned next to the clamping device. This is especially useful for integrated clamping devices for the locking element to function properly.

In a still further embodiment, the locking element is positioned on the clamping device. This is especially useful for external clamping devices.

This invention further describes a use for protecting at least one wheel axle using a protecting device as described to protect said wheel axle against cracks and/or corrosion. The protection device as described can advantageously be used for rail vehicles in order to prevent mechanical damage such as stone impact, cracks which can be caused by ice and stones, and corrosion. The protection device is evaluated at a given interval where visible damage to the protection device is evaluated such as breakage of the shell. If the shell is broken, the damage is evaluated to see if it has caused damage to the wheel axle as well. The protection device is demounted, and the wheel axle investigated.

If the protection device shell has not been damaged, it is checked if the protection device is correctly arranged to the wheel axle, and the cosmetic damage to the shell is noted. The protection device has to be thoroughly checked when the protection device is demounted and the wheel axle evaluated due to the current standards. After inspection the protection device is remounted, if the shell is not damaged and if the protection device can be mounted and arranged correctly to the wheel axle. If the shell is damaged, it can be repaired by authorised personnel before remounting.

This invention further describes a first kit for protection of a wheel axle where said first kit comprises a protection device as described and a mounting tool, said mounting tool comprises means for clamping said at least one clamping device to prevent said at least one slot from widening when said protection device is arranged on said wheel axle.

Providing a mounting tool enables one person to quickly mount and demount the protection device to the wheel axle and accordingly fix the protection device in a given position in order to provide the optimal protection to the wheel axle by the protection device.

The mounting tool is capable of grapping the protection device and clamping the clamping device in order to prevent the slot from widening during use. In one embodiment, the mounting tool holds the protection device on either side of the slot and is able to press the two edges of the slot together to be able to arrange the clamping de- vice properly. In an advantageous embodiment, said means for clamping comprises at least one mounting protrusion, said at least one mounting protrusion engages with said at least one perforation of said shell. The at least one mounting protrusion can for example be a bolt, screw, nail or an integrated part of the means for clamping. The mounting protrusions are to be arranged on the mounting tool at a distance, where they easily fits into the perforations of the shell. A mounting protrusion need not be present for each perforation. Furthermore, the length of the mounting protrusions is to be sufficient for the mounting protrusions to engage with the perforations and prevent the mounting protrusions from disengaging during use. However, the length of the mounting protrusions should be adjusted not to scratch the wheel axle.

By introducing mounting protrusions on the mounting toll, the mounting is eased since the engagement between the mounting protrusions and perforations and ensures the movement of the two edges of the slot towards each other.

As an alternative the grapping can be performed by an anti-slip mechanism, whereby sufficient tension is performed between the means for clamping and the shell of the protection device in order for the clamping device to be arranged properly.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the first kit further comprises a locking tool, said locking tool comprises means for locking said locking element. The locking tool is capable of engaging with the locking element and following locking this.

The locking tool is designed according to the locking element and easily adjusts the locking element into a locked position. The locking tool renders the use of other tools for locking the locking element superfluous. Furthermore, the locking tool prevents accidents of scratching the surface of the wheel axle when locking the locking element due to the design of the locking tool. Accidents of scratching the surface could cause unwanted corrosion of the wheel axle. The locking tool comprises means for locking, where the means are capable of engaging with the locking element. In one embodiment, the means for locking are a locking protrusion, which is able to engage with an opening in the locking element. In a further embodiment, the locking tool comprises a bent front part enabling the locking tool to be tipped. The tipping of the locking tool changes the position of the locking element with regard to the shell of the protection device.

Furthermore, a second kit for protection of a wheel axle is described, where the second kit comprises a protection device as described herein and a locking tool, said locking tool comprises means for locking said locking element.

The protection device need not be arranged around the wheel axle using a mounting tool. But the clamping device can be arranged into a clamped position without the mounting tool for example by using the hands. After installation of the protection de- vice a locking toll can be used for locking the locking element. The locking tool can be as described above.

In addition, a method for installing a protection device to an item to be protected using a first kit where a protection device is arranged around said item to be protected; a mounting tool presses said at least two edges of said at least one slot towards one another; at least one clamping device clamps said at least two edges and prevents said slot between said edges from widening; and said mounting tool is removed.

During the installation process the protection device is arranged around the item to be protected such as a wheel axle. This can be performed either by removing one wheel and sliding the protection device around the axle. Alternatively, the protection device can be arranged by using a slot in the protection device. Hereby the shell can be inserted around the item to be protected such as a wheel axle connected to at least one wheel.

The mounting tool mounted on the protection device and used to press the edges of the at least one slot towards one another. Hereby, the clamping device can be arranged whereby the slot is prevented from widening during driving and the protection device is fixed in a given position. The mounting tool is removed.

In a further method a locking tool can engage with a locking element and lock said locking element in a position preventing said at least one clamping device from opening where after said locking tool is removed.

After the mounting of the protection device, the position of the clamping device can be secured by locking one or more locking elements on the protection device. This can be performed by engaging the locking device with the locking element for example by engaging the means for locking such as a locking protrusion with an opening of the locking element where after the position of the locking element is adjusted to a locked position. Hereafter the locking tool is removed.

Description of the Drawing

Figure 1 illustrates a protection device arranged on a wheel axle between two wheels,

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a protection device and a cross-sectional view of a protection device arranged on a wheel axle,

Figure 3 illustrates an integrated clamping device,

Figure 4 illustrates an external clamping device,

Figure 5 illustrates spacers (bottom) and a close-up of a spacer with an overhang (top),

Figure 6 illustrates an idling axle with three protection devices,

Figure 7 illustrates a driving shaft with four protection devices,

Figure 8 illustrates a mounting tool engaged with a protection device,

Figure 9A illustrates a side view of a locking tool,

Figure 9B illustrates a top view of a locking tool,

Figure 9C illustrates a locking tool engaged with a locking element,

Figure 9D illustrates a locking tool locking a locking element,

Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a part of a protection device with an unlocked lock- ing element. Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 illustrates a wheel axle 101 comprising a first 103 and a second wheel 105 for railroad traffic. A protection device 107 comprising a shell 109 with several perforations 111 is arranged around the wheel axle 101. Furthermore, a slot 113 is indicated. The protection device 107 is arranged along the entire wheel axle 101, and hereby protects the wheel axle 101 against mechanical damage caused by impact from stones, lumps of ice etc.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a wheel axle 201 with a protection device 207 ar- ranged between a first and a second wheel 203, 205 where a protection device 207 is arranged around the wheel axle 201. The protection device 207 comprises a first end 202, a second end 204, and a longitudinal axis 206.

In this figure, a cross-sectional drawing is illustrated in the middle of the wheel axle 201. The cross-sectional drawing illustrates the wheel axle 201, the shell 209 and the spacers 215 of the protection device 207. In this particular embodiment, the spacers 215 are shown to be small dots arranged between the shell 209 of the protection device 207 and the wheel axle 201, hereby leaving gap(s) 217 between the wheel axle 201 and the shell 209. The gaps 217 induce air circulation and thus prevent condensation.

Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of a clamping device 319 in the form of an integrated clamping device for preventing the slot 313 of the protection device 307 from widening. A wheel axle 301 and a shell 309 are illustrated at the bottom and a close-up illustrates how the shell 309 is closed by a clamping device 319 integrated in the shell 309 of the protection device 307.

The close-up of the clamping device 319 illustrates, how the edges 321, 323 of the shell 309 with regard to the slot 313 are bend in a specific manner whereby the first edge 321 is lowered and bend to form a pocket 325 while the second edge 323 is bend to engage with the pocket 325 of the first edge 321.

In addition, a locked locking element 327 is provided in the shell 309 in order to enable the integrated clamping device 319 to maintain clamped. Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a clamping device 419 i.e. an external clamping device, where the clamping device 419 is separate to the shell 409 of the protection device 407. A wheel axle 401 and a shell 409 of the protection device 407 along with the arrangement of the clamping device 419 are illustrated at the bottom with a close-up of the clamping device 419 at the top. The two edges 421, 423 of the slot 413 are illustrated to be bent. The first 429 and second 431 bends can interact with a separate clamping device 419. Preferably, the external clamping device 419 comprises a first and second bend on the edges 433, 435 which interact with the bends 429, 431 of the edges 421, 423 of the shell 409.

The external clamping device 419 further comprises two locking elements 427, which are illustrated in a locked position, where the flanges of the locking elements 427 are bent toward the two edges 421, 423 of the slot 413. The flanges of the locking ele- ments 427 press against the two edges 421, 423 and prevent the external clamping device 419 to unclamp. It is implicitly to be understood that a locking element need not be present in the external clamping device.

Figure 5 illustrates below a wheel axle 501 with a protection device 507 where the shell 509 comprises perforations 511 in the form of circular holes, and spacers 515 are observed between the shell 509 and the wheel axle 501. The spacers 515 can be in the form of either dots or circular bands which attach to the surface of the wheel axle 501 and the shell 509 and hereby fix the shell 509 in a given position on the wheel axle 501. Between the wheel axle 501 and the shell 509 at least one gab 517 is seen.

At the top, a close-up of the end spacer 537 is illustrated. The end spacer 537 is formed with a small overhang 539 extending longitudinal from the shell 509. Furthermore, the end 541 of the shell 509 is bent and engages with the overhang 539 of the end spacer 537. Hereby, the end spacer 537 is kept in a given position.

Figure 6 illustrates part of an idling wheel axle 643. A first 645, a second 647, and a third 649 protection device are arranged around the idling axle 643. The first 645 and third 649 protection device are shorter than the second protection device 647 in order for the protection devices 645, 647, 649 to fit along each part of the idling axle 643 exposed to mechanical damage. The protection devices 645, 647, 649 each comprise a shell 609 with several perforations 611. Figure 7 illustrates part of a driving shaft 751. A first 745, a second 747, a third 749, and fourth 753 protection device are arranged around the driving shaft 751. The protection devices 745, 747, 749, 753 are arranged along the part of the driving shaft 751 exposed to mechanical damage. The protection devices 745, 747, 749, 753 each comprise a shell 709 with several perforations 711.

Figure 8 illustrates a mounting tool 855 for mounting a protection device 807 to a wheel axle which is not shown in the figure. The protection device 807 is illustrated with a shell 809, a slot 813, a clamping device 819 integrated with the perforations 811 of the shell 809 and spacers 815 in the form of bands. The mounting device 855 is ar- ranged with a first foot 857 on the first side 859 of the slot 813 and a second foot 861 on the second side 863 of the slot 813. Both the first 857 and second 861 foot comprises means for clamping 865, for example a bolt, with the perforations 811 of the shell 809. After engaging the mounting tool 855 with the protection device 807, the two edges 821, 823 of the slot 813 are pressed together using the handle 867 of the mounting tool 855. Hereby the clamping device 819 is clamped and the slot 813 is closed to prevent widening during movement of the wheel axle. Thus, during mounting, the protection device 807 is arranged around the wheel axle, a mounting tool 855 is engaged with the protection device 807 by attaching the means for clamping 865 to the perforations 811, and the two edges 821, 823 of the slot 813 are pressed together using the mounting tool 855. The clamping device 819, in this case formed by the bent edges 821, 823 of the slot 813, engages with each other, and are connected. Hereafter, the mounting tool 855 is released and detached from the protection device 819. During demounting, the mounting tool 855 is attached to the closed protection device 807 by engaging the means for clamping 865 with the perforations 811 of the shell 809. The edges 821, 823 are pressed together, and the clamping device 819 is opened, whereby the slot 813 is widened. The mounting tool 855 is removed, and the protec- tion device 807 can be removed from the wheel axle 801.

The mounting tool 855 enables an uncomplicated mounting and demounting process of the protection device 807 and can be performed by one person alone. The elastic spacers 815 present in the protection device 807 defines the gaps and enables the pressing of the edges 821, 823 together and hereby lightens the clamping or de-clamping of the clamping device 819.

Figure 9 A and figure 9B illustrates a side view and a top view of a locking tool 969. The locking tool 969 comprises a bent front part 971 and means for locking 973. In this embodiment, the means for locking 973 is a locking protrusion.

The function of the locking tool 969 is illustrated in figure 9C and 9D. The locking element 927 comprises a flange 977, which is provided with an opening 979. In this embodiment, a minor part of the shell of the protection device 975 is illustrated as well.

To lock the locking element 927, the means for locking 973 is engaged with the opening 979 of the locking element 927. Hereafter, the locking tool 969 is moved in the direction of the arrow 981, and the bent front part 971 of the locking tool 969 presses the flange 977 of the locking element 927 away from the minor part of the shell 975. Then, the locking tool 969 can be removed from the locking element 927. The flange 977 can be arranged in any angle 983 with respect to the minor part of the shell 975.

Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a part of a protection device 1007 comprising perforations 1011 and a clamped integrated clamping device 1019. Next to the clamped in- tegrated clamping device 1019, a locking element 1027 is arranged. The locking element 1027 comprises a flange 1077 with an opening 1079. During locking, the flange 1077 of the locking element 1027 is bent down towards the inside of the protection device 1007 i.e. towards the wheel axle. Hereby, the integrated clamping device 1019 is prevented from opening.

Claims

1. A protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101), preferably of a rail vehicle, to be arranged around a wheel axle (101) where said protection device (107) has a substantially tubular shaped form with a first end (202), a second end (204) and a longitudinal axis (206) characterized in that said protection device (107) comprises a shell (109) and at least two spacers (215) for supporting said protecting device (107) on said wheel axle (101) whereby at least one gap (217) is formed between said wheel axle (101) and said shell (109).

2. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that said protection device (107) comprises at least one perforation (111) of said shell (109).

3. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to claim any of claim 1 to 2 characterized in that at least one of said at least two spacers (215) is flexible.

4. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to any of claim 1 to 3 characterized in that said at least two spacers (215) are arranged at each said first end (202) and said second end (204), where preferably said at least two spacers (202, 204) has an overhang (339) extending beyond said shell (109) in said longitudinal direction (206).

5. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to any of claim 1 to 4, characterized in that said shell (109) comprises at least one slot (113) extending from said first end (202) to said second end (204) and forming at least two edges (321, 323) in said shell (109).

6. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to claim 5 characterized in that said protecting device (107) further comprises at least one clamping de- vice (319); said at least one clamping device (319) prevents said at least one slot (113) from widening when said protection device (107) is arranged on said wheel axle (107).

7. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said protecting device (107) further comprises at least one locking element (327, 427).

8. The protecting device (107) for a wheel axle (101) according to claim 7 characterized in that said locking element (327) is arranged next to said clamping device (319).

9. A use for protecting at least one wheel axle (101) using a protecting device (107) according to any of the claims 1-8 to protect said wheel axle (101) against cracks and/or corrosion.

10. A first kit for protection of a wheel axle (101) characterized in that said first kit comprises a protection device (107) according to any of the claims 4-8 and a mounting tool (855), said mounting tool (855) comprises means for clamping (865) said at least one clamping device (319) to prevent said at least one slot (113) from widening when said protection device (107) is arranged on said wheel axle (101).

11. The first kit for protection of a wheel axle (101) according to claim 10 characterised in that said means for clamping (865) comprises at least one mounting protrusion, said at least one mounting protrusion engages with said at least one perforation (111) of said shell (109).

12. The first kit for protection of a wheel axle (101) according to any of the claims 10- 11 characterized in that said first kit further comprises a locking tool (969), said locking tool (969) comprises means for locking (973) said locking element (327).

13. A second kit for protection of a wheel axle (101) characterized in that said second kit comprises a protection device (107) according to any of the claims 7-8 and a locking tool (969), said locking tool (969) comprises means for locking (973) said locking element (327).

14. A method for installing a protection device (107) to an item to be protected (101) using a first kit according to any of the claims 8 to 12 characterized in that - a protection device (107) is arranged around said item to be protected (101);

- a mounting tool (855) presses said at least two edges (321, 323) of said at least one slot (113) towards one another;

- at least one clamping device (319) clamps said at least two edges (321, 323) and prevents said slot (113) between said edges (321, 323) from widening;

- said mounting tool (855) is removed.

15. The method for installing a protection device (107) to an item to be protected (101) according to claim 14 characterised in that a locking tool (969) engages with a locking element (327) and locks said locking element (327) in a position preventing said at least one clamping device (319) from opening, where after said locking tool (969) is removed.